Skip to content

Balance Quote by Elizabeth Gilbert

“He showed me a sketch he'd drawn once during meditation. It was an androgynous human figure, standing up, hands clasped in prayer. But this figure had four legs, and no head. Where the head should have been, there was only a wild foliage of ferns and flowers. There was a small, smiling face drawn…” quote by Elizabeth Gilbert
Download Open image
““He showed me a sketch he'd drawn once during meditation. It was an androgynous human figure, standing up, hands clasped in prayer. But this figure had four legs, and no head. Where the head should have been, there was only a wild foliage of ferns and flowers. There was a small, smiling face drawn over the heart. To find the balance you want," Ketut spoke through his translator, "this is what you must become. You must keep your feet grounded so firmly on the earth that it's like you have four legs, instead of two. That way, you can stay in the world. But you must stop looking at the world through your head. You must look through your heart, instead. That way, you will know God.””

Elizabeth Gilbert

About This Quote

Source Interview: “Eat, Pray, Love” author interview, 2010

Balancing grounded practicality with heart-centered compassion leads to spiritual fulfillment.

In simple terms: Ground yourself, follow your heart.

Key Takeaway

Live with both feet on earth and heart open.

Themes

spirituality balance compassion

Mood

reflective inspirational

Type

philosophical motivational

When to use this quote

  • personal growth
  • meditation practice
  • spiritual seeking
  • leadership development

Key Concepts

embodiment heart intelligence groundedness

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you stay grounded while listening to your heart?
  • What does “four legs” symbolize for you?
A Different Perspective

May become rational analysis neglect emotional insight.

2.5 out of 5 (8 ratings)

More by Elizabeth Gilbert

Explore all 1,156 Elizabeth Gilbert quotes

More Balance quotes

Browse all 5,166 Balance quotes