Elizabeth Gilbert talks BIG MAGIC

Barnes & Noble2 minutes read

Elizabeth Gilbert's "Big Magic" emphasizes living a creative life without torment, collaborating with inspiration, and overcoming fear to bring forth hidden treasures within, leading to amplified happiness and fulfillment. Fear, a mundane instinct rooted in survival, often hinders creative expression, but by making space for it and not letting it dictate decisions, one can embrace creativity and explore unknown outcomes effectively.

Insights

  • Creative living involves embracing vulnerability and collaborating with inspiration to lead a fulfilling, joyful life driven by curiosity rather than fear, as highlighted by Elizabeth Gilbert in "Big Magic."
  • Overcoming fear, a common obstacle to creative living, requires acknowledging its presence without letting it dictate decisions, allowing individuals to coexist with fear while pursuing ambitious and fulfilling creative endeavors.

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Recent questions

  • How does Elizabeth Gilbert define creative living?

    Creative living involves courage, curiosity, and collaboration with inspiration.

  • What is the significance of fear in creative living?

    Fear often hinders creative expression due to its aversion to uncertain outcomes.

  • How does Elizabeth Gilbert suggest overcoming fear in creative living?

    Overcoming fear involves realizing its repetitive nature and embracing courage.

  • Can fear and creativity coexist in the realm of creative living?

    Yes, by making space for fear and not letting it dictate decisions.

  • What example does Elizabeth Gilbert provide of creative living?

    Susan resumed figure skating at 40, finding joy and transcendence.

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Summary

00:00

"Big Magic" explores courage in creative living.

  • Elizabeth Gilbert's book "Big Magic" was released, focusing on the vulnerability of creating and putting work out into the world.
  • The book delves into living a creative life without torment, suffering, or angst, emphasizing collaboration with inspiration.
  • Gilbert's TED talk in 2009 led to discussions with people who either create interesting things or desire to but are held back by fear.
  • The central question of creative living is whether one has the courage to bring forth hidden treasures within.
  • Creative living is not limited to arts but encompasses a life driven by curiosity over fear.
  • An example of creative living is Susan, who resumed figure skating at 40, finding joy and transcendence in the activity.
  • Creative living leads to an amplified, happier, and more interesting life, bringing forth hidden treasures within oneself.
  • Fear is a significant obstacle to creative living, manifesting in various forms like fear of failure, rejection, or inadequacy.
  • Gilbert shares her personal experience of being a fearful child and how her mother's tough love approach helped her overcome fear.
  • Overcoming fear involves realizing its repetitive and uninteresting nature, leading to a shift towards embracing courage and creative living.

13:31

Embracing fear in creative endeavors for growth.

  • Fear is a common, mundane instinct shared by all humans and even animals, rooted in evolution for survival.
  • Creativity and fear are intertwined, with fear often hindering creative expression due to its aversion to uncertain outcomes.
  • While fear is essential for physical safety, it is not necessary for creative endeavors.
  • To coexist with fear, one must make ample space for it, acknowledging its presence without engaging in a battle against it.
  • By inviting fear along on journeys and projects, while asserting that it cannot dictate decisions, one can navigate the realms of creativity more effectively.
  • Embracing fear alongside creativity is crucial for embarking on ambitious and fulfilling endeavors, as it allows for the exploration of unknown outcomes and the realization of hidden treasures within oneself and others.
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