You know the old adage: Plant an expectation, reap a disappointment.
Elizabeth GilbertRead
When I tried this morning, after an hour or so of unhappy thinking, to dip back into my meditation, I took a new idea with me: compassion. I asked my heart if it could please infuse my soul with a more generous perspective on my mind's workings. Instead of thinking that I was a failure, could I perhaps accept that I am only a human being--and a normal one, at that?
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of compassion towards oneself in moments of self-doubt and unhappiness.
In this quote, Elizabeth Gilbert reflects on her struggle with negative thoughts and how she approached meditation with a new perspective centered on compassion. Instead of labeling herself a failure, she encourages acceptance of her humanity and recognizes that everyone experiences difficulties, highlighting the power of self-compassion in transforming our mindset.
Themes
CompassionSelf-AcceptanceMindsetHumanitySelf-Love
In practice
Example use cases
During a mindfulness workshop, this quote can inspire participants to practice self-compassion.
More from Elizabeth Gilbert
All quotes →Do not apologize for crying. Without this emotion, we are only robots.
Elizabeth GilbertRead
I had always been taught that the pursuit of happiness was my natural (even national) birthright. It is the emotional trademark of my culture to seek happiness. Not just any kind of happiness, either, but profound happiness, even soaring happiness. And what could possibly bring a person more soaring happiness than romantic love.
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And when you sense a faint potentiality for happiness after such dark times you must grab onto the ankles of that happiness and not let go until it drags you face-first out of the dirt - this is not selfishness, but obligation. You were given life; it is your duty to find something beautiful within life no matter how slight.
Elizabeth GilbertRead
But never again use another person's body or emotions as a scratching post for your own unfulfilling yearnings.
Elizabeth GilbertRead
Your home is whatever in this world you love more than you love yourself.
Elizabeth GilbertRead
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