Latest news with #EatPrayLove
Daily Mail
17-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE I begged my husband to have an affair with his COLLEAGUE. It electrified our marriage... until one email changed everything
After 27 years of marriage, Leah and Charley Fisher came to a somewhat unconventional arrangement. Having raised a family, built a successful therapy business and grieved the death of her father, Leah, 61, was ready to make her Eat, Pray, Love dreams a reality.
Los Angeles Times
11-05-2025
- General
- Los Angeles Times
Why motherhood is its own ‘Odyssey'
My first meaningful brush with the Hero's Journey took place in 11th-grade English class. Our teacher read us Henry David Thoreau on leaving home and heading out on one's own in order to find wisdom and transcendence, and to avoid being one of the mass of men leading 'lives of quiet desperation.' Her deepened voice underscored the gravity of these words. 'Yes!' I remember thinking and went on to spend a good deal of my teens and 20s searching for the rough diamonds of truth and meaning according to 'Walden's' recipe. Thoreau's belief in the necessity of leaving one's home and loved ones for what you might call a 'good' or 'interesting' life wasn't unique. Narratives from the 'Odyssey' and 'Star Wars' to 'Eat Pray Love' and 'Wild' employ a similar framework, in which lead characters set out on their own in order to pursue a life story worth retelling. Such narratives resonate; I'm a fan. But it took me becoming a mom to question the dominance of the Hero's Journey, and the many inaccurate, patriarchal and pernicious assumptions it rests on. Independence doesn't necessarily trump interdependence for self discovery; the public sphere doesn't necessarily trump the domestic sphere as the place where big things happen. Back in the 1940s literary scholar Joseph Campbell identified the Hero's Journey in a variety of cultures and time periods. First, the hero must depart from familiar circumstances — 'the world of common day,' as Campbell wrote. Next, they enter a special world — 'a region of supernatural wonder' — where they are faced with a trial. There is a crisis, they struggle, and then 'a decisive victory is won: the hero comes back from this mysterious adventure with the power to bestow boons on his fellow man.' When I first became a mom, I was frustrated by the assumption that my chance to go on a Hero's Journey was over because big adventures don't happen to those who have to stay at home and take care of the kids. But with time, a deeper grievance kicked in. I saw how Campbell's formula stops us from seeing how parents like me experience life-altering, wisdom-inducing trials and triumphs all our own, at home and alongside the loved ones who depend on us. For me, it all began within the walls of an 800-square-foot apartment. First, I left behind a deeply familiar childless existence. Goodbye, independence. Onward to a new existence, one in which my body, my mind and even my living room was rendered foreign by the presence of my first baby, Augie, barely bigger than a loaf of bread. The crisis? What wasn't a crisis? I had to make sure this vulnerable human survived, and, if all went well, thrived. I had to rediscover who I was, and what it meant to be a human, now that I had a child. There was struggle, and, eventually, a return of sorts as I made peace with being someone who someone else depends on. Along the way, I discovered the kinds of rough diamonds of truth and meaning that family life can provide: More deeply than I ever had before, I understood just how hard and just how important it is to try to truly connect with another. Unlike with traditional heroes, there is no end to a mom's journey. The dynamics of entanglement and unraveling, strife and ease, are ongoing. In fact, accepting that reality, that in real life the struggle rarely completely ends, is another rough diamond. Now I want everyone to see what I see. Caring for another can be a Hero's Journey. When we view it through this lens, raising a child is epic. It also helps free us from the lousy, simplistic binaries often applied to motherhood in particular — the still ubiquitous notion that being a mom is either a fairy tale or a nightmare, an experience of unbridled joy or merciless destruction. When we think of motherhood as a Hero's Journey, the highs and lows, and the moments of feeling lost and found, are part of a single story, one in which an encounter with a meaningful challenge leads to profound insights about ourselves, other people and life itself. To be clear, I am thrilled to live in an age when women can go on solo adventures in pursuit of self-discovery like Campbell's heroes. I am not calling for an end to women journeying outside the home. Instead, I want to raise up the many domestic and familial Hero's Journeys that have long been ignored. And not just mothers win when we think of care as a Hero's Journey. We all have something to gain in imagining a pathway to wisdom, respect and hero status that relies more on human connection than rugged individualism and brawn. In this age of increased loneliness and isolation, a cultural template that honors the difficulty and complexity of being in intimate relationships, and the potential rewards for sticking with them, might encourage people to invest more in long-term connections. Even when they are inconvenient. Even when doing so requires the slaying of a few dragons. View care as a Hero's Journey and we just might treat those caring for a resolute toddler or teen or helping a parent with dementia with the same curiosity and respect we treat someone who just climbed Mt. Everest. Doing so wouldn't lessen the demands of care, but it would give the wisdom gained from the experience the respect it deserves. Perhaps eventually this shift in understanding would lead to more practical support for parents and caregivers. Even the greatest heroes sometimes get help from a sidekick, or an otherworldly intervention, to make it through alive. My kids are 8 and 12 now. The extreme physical and emotional conditions of early motherhood have faded, but the existential struggles remain. How much should I protect them from pain? Direct them toward pleasure? How much of myself do I give to them? And how much do I protect, carving out time for those Thoreau-style solitary adventures that I still need and desire? Campbell would probably have seen my lunch-packing, carpooling life as taking place in the 'world of common day.' I don't. Wrestling with the big physical, philosophical and spiritual questions surrounding motherhood has, as I see it, clearly landed me in a 'region of supernatural wonder.' Elissa Strauss is the author of 'When You Care: The Unexpected Magic of Caring' and the newsletter 'Made With Care.'
Forbes
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
3 Lessons From ‘Eat Pray Love' To Heal Post-Divorce, By A Psychologist
The journey of healing and growth after a marriage ends is challenging, but it's still worth ... More undertaking. Here's what "Eat Pray Love" teaches us about post-divorce healing. The dissolution of a marriage is often one of the most challenging and emotionally taxing experiences a person can endure. It's a time filled with profound loss, confusion and a sense of unmooring as you navigate the world alone once more. The consequences extend far beyond the legal paperwork; they seep into your emotional well-being, sense of identity and even your belief in love. The challenges that follow are numerous: rebuilding your life, rediscovering who you are outside of your marriage and healing from the pain that accompanies the end of such a significant chapter. Yet, as difficult as this journey may be, it's also an opportunity — a chance to push through the darkness and emerge on the other side stronger and more self-aware. More often than not, the key to this transformation lies in your own hands. You must take charge of your healing, making conscious decisions to nurture yourself, seek growth and embrace the possibilities that lie ahead. Eat Pray Love is a film that resonates with many who find themselves at this crossroads. Played by Julia Roberts in the film, Elizabeth Gilbert's real-life story teaches us that healing and growth after divorce are not only possible, but can also lead to a more fulfilling and authentic life. Here are three ways Eat Pray Love can help guide you on this journey, whether you're recovering from divorce or nursing heartbreak of any kind. In the 'Eat' phase of her journey, Liz Gilbert revels in the simple pleasures of life, especially through the rich culinary experiences of Italy. This part of her story is about more than just indulging in delicious food — it's about letting herself experience joy and pleasure without the usual constraints of chasing productivity or experiencing guilt or self-judgment. After a breakup, it's common to feel unworthy of happiness, as if you need to earn back the right to enjoy life. But this mindset only deepens the pain and prolongs the healing process. When a marriage ends, it's natural to feel lost or disconnected from who you are. Years of sharing your life with someone else can blur your sense of self. Engaging in self-discovery — whether through travel, new hobbies or simply spending time alone — can help you reconnect with your own desires and needs. Allow yourself the freedom to indulge in self-care and exploration. This might mean trying new activities, visiting new places or simply savoring life's pleasures without guilt. Reconnect with what you love, rediscover your interests and take care of both your body and soul. This journey is vital for rebuilding your sense of self and creating a healthier, more balanced life after a period of upheaval. A 2015 study published in Social Psychological and Personality Science found that improving your sense of self can greatly aid recovery after a breakup, reducing emotional distress, loneliness and the tendency to use terms like 'we' when talking about the end of the relationship — terms that often keep us stuck in the past. In the 'Pray' phase of Liz's journey, she immerses herself in meditation and spiritual practices at an ashram in India. This part of her story isn't just about religious rituals; it's about turning inward to confront her deepest emotions and find peace through self-reflection. After the end of a marriage, it's easy to get caught up in distractions or negative thoughts, which can make genuine healing more elusive. When a marriage ends, it stirs up a storm of emotions, including anger, sadness, fear and uncertainty. Taking time for mindfulness or spiritual practices, like meditation, prayer or simply quiet reflection, can help you reconnect with your inner self and release the heavy emotions that accompany the dissolution of a marriage. Of course, you don't need to be deeply spiritual to heal — you just need to be present with yourself. A 2020 study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that exploring deeper meaning through spiritual experiences can help you develop important character strengths like compassion and humility — qualities that might be overlooked during the turmoil of a breakup. By embracing these strengths, you can better understand your role in the relationship's end and find a path to forgiveness for your ex and if required, yourself. This process can create space for emotional healing and strengthen your connection with yourself, helping you recognize and fulfill your true needs as you move forward. In the final phase of her journey, Elizabeth travels to Bali and meets Felipe — played by Javier Bardem — and learns to open her heart to love once more. Despite her fears and past pain, she embraces love as an essential part of her healing and growth. This part of her story is about integrating her lessons and moving forward with renewed self-awareness. After a painful separation, it's natural to build emotional walls for self-protection. However, love — whether romantic, platonic or self-love — is crucial for healing. Love, in its various forms, can be a powerful catalyst for recovery and growth, helping you move past pain and embrace a hopeful future. Research supports the significance of love in our lives, suggesting that it's not just an emotion but a dynamic biological process influenced by social interactions. These interactions impact our cognitive and physiological states, shaping future relationships. For instance, studies reveal that oxytocin, often known as the 'love hormone,' has positive effects on stress and well-being, such as lowering blood pressure, reducing cortisol levels and enhancing social interactions. So, take your time. As you rebuild and gain clarity about your needs in a partner, you'll naturally open up to new relationship possibilities and be better prepared to engage with them authentically. Start with small steps: reconnect with friends, strengthen family bonds and nurture self-love. Whether you choose to find joy and fulfillment in singlehood or begin to explore new relationships, knowing you deserve love and embracing vulnerability is a part of the process. As you navigate this challenging chapter, remember that the most important relationship is the one you have with yourself. Nurture it, and everything else will follow. How are you holding up after the end of your relationship? Take this research-backed test to gain insight into your emotional state: Breakup Distress Scale
Time of India
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Pluto Hits Reverse in Aquarius: The Universe's Own Existential Software Update
From May 4 to October 13, 2025, Pluto retrogrades in Aquarius like a glitchy AI realizing it might be the villain in its own origin story. This isn't just astrology—it's cosmic therapy with a sci-fi twist. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The planet of transformation, destruction, and major 'plot twist' energy decides to moonwalk through the most tech-obsessed, future-forward sign of the zodiac. The result? It's giving Black Mirror meets Eat Pray Love . Aquarius, the zodiac's resident rebel with a Wi-Fi connection, rules over innovation, community, and that one friend who thinks wearing LED sunglasses indoors is a personality trait. So when Pluto, the celestial demolition expert, takes a retrograde spin here, it's time for humanity to dig deep—into digital lives, societal systems, and those oddly aggressive group chats. Expect systems to be questioned, leaders to squirm, and algorithms to accidentally reveal people's 2 a.m. Amazon searches. On a personal level, it's like the universe is holding up a mirror and asking, 'Who gave away all the power? And was it before or after downloading that new meditation app?' This retrograde wants long-term goals reevaluated. Not in a casual, vision-board way, but in a 'delete everything and start over like it's a failed Netflix pilot' kind of way. Those clinging to outdated mindsets or ego-fueled hustle culture? Good luck. Pluto has the receipts, and it's not afraid to use them. Aquarius doesn't cry over spilled tea—it blogs about it and starts a movement. Which means this retrograde isn't subtle. It's the kind of introspection that leads to quitting jobs, dumping toxic friendships, and possibly deciding to live in a converted van with a composting toilet and solar panels. For the collective, it's a reboot. For the individual, it's a rebrand. Either way, resistance is futile. Unless it's fashion-related. Then yes, resist—because Pluto retrograde does not excuse Crocs at brunch.
Khaleej Times
07-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
L'Antica Pizzeria Da Michele brings 150 years of Italian tradition to Dubai
L'Antica Pizzeria Da Michele, renowned for its 150 years of Italian heritage and tradition, is expanding its presence in the UAE and Europe. Established in Naples, the pizzeria has built an unparalleled reputation as one of the world's finest, offering an authentic taste of Italian culture and cuisine. Globally recognised for its appearance in Julia Roberts' Eat Pray Love, L'Antica Pizzeria Da Michele has become synonymous with the classic Neapolitan pizza. Its commitment to traditional Italian pizza-making techniques has earned the pizzeria a distinguished place in culinary history, with recipes passed down through generations that preserve the authentic flavors of Naples. In Dubai, L'Antica Pizzeria Da Michele has quickly become a favorite destination for both locals and visitors. The pizzeria initially opened in Dubai Hills Mall, followed by a second location at the iconic JBR. In 2023, it expanded further with a third location in City Walk, solidifying its position as a top choice for those seeking a genuine Italian dining experience. The success of L'Antica Pizzeria Da Michele in Dubai marks a significant milestone in its global growth strategy. The brand is set to broaden its footprint further, with plans for expansion throughout the UAE and additional locations across Europe. This strategic growth reflects the increasing demand for authentic Neapolitan cuisine and the desire to share the pizzeria's storied legacy with a wider audience. At every location, L'Antica Pizzeria Da Michele remains dedicated to offering an exceptional dining experience, from its wood-fired pizzas to its classic pasta dishes. Every meal is crafted with the finest ingredients, honoring the culinary traditions of Italy that have stood the test of time. L'Antica Pizzeria Da Michele continues to provide an immersive, authentic Italian dining experience, combining impeccable service with a warm ambiance. Whether enjoyed casually or in celebration, the pizzeria offers a unique journey to the heart of Naples.
