Discussion Group in Camarillo - Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
The complimentary Eat, Pray, Love discussion group is open to all members of the community. In contrast to previous discussion groups, due to the popularity of this book, we will meet in the Mission House at the Camarillo United Methodist Church. 
This will be a personal discussion of what ideas from Elizabeth Gilbert's Eat, Pray, Love inspired you, what challenged you, what made you pause and think. During these evenings, you will have an opportunity to listen to others share their reactions to the book, while having the opportunity to share your own. Members of previous discussion groups have been overwhelmed by the individual honesty, genuine curiosity and infinite openness of the people who come together for these conversations. Within the course of one evening, we feel like we've known each other forever.
Members find themselves anxiously awaiting the next meeting for the opportunity to reconnect
I enjoyed this book so much that I read it three times between December 2006 and April 2007. I truly appreciated Gilbert’s wry wit and raw honesty. With all of the buzz Elizabeth Gilbert has received on Oprah and through her recent talk in Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, 2008 seemed like an excellent time to indulge myself and re-read the book, so that we can create our own buzz in Camarillo.
I found the book to be a quick read – in other words, I wasn't highlighting every sentence on every page. But it was full of depth when I wanted to sit and ponder for a while; full of facts that I never knew; and full of wonder. I found that Elizabeth Gilbert is someone with whom I can relate – professional background; deep spiritual experiences which baffle, as well as fill her; and of course, her passion for food and other cultures! Realizing that Gilbert encouraged me ask myself the question, 'Why do you hold back? Why not just jump into life?' was a vivid signal that I had to organize a discussion group on this book!
Join me in the Mission House at the Camarillo United Methodist Church for a lively, engaging discussion. As with my previous discussion groups, you'll have a chance to share laughter, wisdom, connection and a unique opportunity to reflect on those passages that moved you – whether to tears or sighs or smiles. As we all know from 'Book One: Italy', this book is meant to be savored, so we'll meet once a month for three months to discuss Gilbert's sections as follows:
- April - "Book One: Italy" or "Say It Like You Eat It" or 36 Tales About the Pursuit of Pleasure
- May - "Book Two: India" or "Congratulations to Meet You" or 36 Tales About the Pursuit of Devotion
- June - "Book Three: Indonesia" or "Even in My Underpants, I Feel Different" or 36 Tales About the Pursuit of Balance
My calendar contains directions to the Mission House and exact details on when we will meet and what to read for each meeting. Please RSVP through the calendar to each of the 3 meetings that you will attend as this will determine the difference between comfortably seated versus standing-room only. You can always contact me if you need clarification on directions or details.