Pico Iyer and Elizabeth Gilbert – The Future of Hope 3

In this episode of On Being, Pico Iyer interviews Elizabeth Gilbert as part of the "Future of Hope" series, exploring themes of hope, loss, and personal transformation amidst the pandemic. Gilbert reflects on her experiences with solitude, gratitude for small things, and the humbling experience of her partner's death, which taught her the importance of surrendering control. She discusses the hollowness of hope when it distracts from the present moment and emphasizes the value of dreams grounded in action. Gilbert shares her practice of writing letters to love as a means of self-compassion and finding guidance, and both she and Iyer reflect on the role of writing in connecting with a deeper intelligence and finding order in uncertainty. The conversation touches on humility, the importance of self-friendship, and finding wonder even in suffering, ultimately advocating for a gentle and compassionate approach to navigating life's challenges.