It's OK to feel overwhelmed. Here's what to do next | Elizabeth Gilbert

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If you’re feeling anxious or fearful during the coronavirus pandemic, you're not alone. Offering hope and understanding, author Elizabeth Gilbert reflects on how to stay present, accept grief when it comes and trust in the strength of the human spirit. “Resilience is our shared genetic inheritance,” she says. (This virtual conversation is part of the TED Connects series, hosted by head of TED Chris Anderson and head of curation Helen Walters. Recorded April 2, 2020)
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[@zeljkabanicek6686]

38:50 - "You never had control, all you have is anxiety... What is happening now is that you are not losing control, you are realizing that you never had it." Deep and inspiring.

[@QuestionEverythingButWHY]

“It seems to me that the less I fight my fear, the less it fights back. If I can relax, fear relaxes, too.” ― Elizabeth Gilbert, Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear

[@COLORLOVE]

I don’t know why people are complaining about the length of that video, every minute of it had extremely powerful words of beautiful, unique wisdom. I even took notes :) Thank you Chris, Helen, Liz and TED ❤️

[@injujuan8993]

Absolutely

[@clairesmusings]

Time is plentiful right now.

[@RosarioSummernight]

because people nowadays are used to short, very graphic video content and anything more than 10 min long makes them anxious, smh... I personally loved this video, it didn't feel like an hour and it was very helpful.

[@interphatch]

Oh, hello Professor Gilbee

[@xuanning5699]

Thank you transcriber too!

[@shjobbi]

To be honest, I'm glad it's an hour long. I needed this. The more I can hear Liz talk, the better I feel. Thank you.

[@jerrijobarkerlove3613]

This may have saved my life.

[@cabr3ra]

Please, try to reach out. Theres always hotlines with kind people willing to listen.

[@Kpop0223]

I hope you are still choosing life every day. You are important. You are loved. You will get through this. You come from a line of survivors!

[@susanadiasjohnson457]

Yes, there are loving, caring persons everywhere who would dearly delight in helping anyone in their hour of need. As a teenager I worked for two telephone help lines. People would call to have someone listen to them. It was beautiful to be part of such a moment of one human connecting to another human. Both sides win.🌈

[@tammyireland3763]

That's why I'm here looking for something to save me I feel like I've tried so hard

[@Teopolino]

I'm inlove with Elizabeth Gilbert. She is so smart and liberating. This is such a huge help during this time.

[@MeganLynnHostetler]

Everyone in the comments complaining about the length of the video, but I wanted to THANK you guys for taking this time to reassure so many of us who are not coping with this well.

[@Sasha-vs6sd]

Just when I think I can’t love her any more, she becomes even more lovable. What an exceedingly wise woman who constantly channels the perfect message. Thank you, Liz!

[@noulee734]

Sas e

[@noulee734]

Thank goodness I am at sthome

[@noulee734]

Thank goodness I am so happy

[@noulee734]

Thank goodness

[@noulee734]

Thank goodness I am not not

[@miguelespinoza9298]

Because this video was over an hour long I was able to do dishes and enjoy a great time. What an amazing wise woman

[@karenkaren3189]

I chose to mostly help a few people. I have a young coworker who was already in a lot of trouble before Covid. She was facing eviction. I am helping her find a new home, helped by the fact that all evictions are on hold for a good bit of time. I bring her food so she doesn’t have to go to the store with her five year old. I bring her laundry home so that I can sanitize it ( we are both nurses). Helping her, along with my strong practices of yoga, meditation and sobriety, along with praying for others, sharing food, gloves and masks with neighbors has kept me very calm. I only freak out for about five minutes a day, usually in conjunction with my anger at certain leaders. I don’t post angry rants on Facebook.....I PM one or two good friends and dump an obscenity laced tirade, then I ask them to delete it. Serve, love,give....purify, meditate, realize.

[@carolynmaryscott]

"the hardest person in the universe to BE with is yourself ..." so potent. Just that! and walk toward our most painful emotions without resistance - curiosity is the key. Brilliant Liz!

[@SierraGaming]

I had to listen to this for a school project. I was very stressed that this was an hour long, but I ended up loving it.

[@unplugged2842]

Profound. I watched with awe. “Control is an illusion” Thank you

[@the__void__spaghetti__girl]

it really is

[@esmakokten2848]

Suggesting you listen the last 10 minutes of her talk if you give up early. It was very intimate, thank Chris for the question and Elizabeth for sharing 💌

[@ruthdenova5984]

Mrs. Elizabeth Gilbert, I am most grateful for your knowledge and guidance.

[@prajnap.9932]

"I think sometimes the experiences that can transform us the most intimately are the ones that we want to run away from"

[@AnthonyL0401]

Thank you, Elizabeth, for helping ease the obsession with "being productive" and "being creative." Sometimes we just need to be.

[@SuperRose]

I feel so close to Elizabeth, even though she is way wiser than me, I feel like we could be great friends, never felt that like that for anyone else before! What a precious feeling :)

[@evelynindargo]

Didn’t intend to hear the whole thing but could not stop. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Liz Gilbert! Excellent interview, excellent interviewers👍👍👍

[@jeffreyzie]

Same. Turned it on last night at 2am, had to keep watching till the end. Too powerful. Boutta binge more of her work

[@danialteaches]

I appreciate them doing this during this time. It's on everyone's mind so why not address it.

[@idk._.random]

Thank you so much for this! I found it so needed during these times.

[@angel5006Abundance]

I love her. She is so calming.

[@ChooseCompassion]

This was literally the answer I have been waiting for far longer than this particular crisis. I too have had numerous close loved ones cross over the past decade. I have chosen to retreat into my sacred space and try to get back the inner peace of my I AM self that was broken after 911. After having empathic overload on top of my own personal suffering I finally truly surrendered. After much prayer and meditation especially during the past Holy Days I am once again back on track. Thank you so much for hosting this, for the thoughtful questions and especially to Elizabeth Gilbert in my home state who I cannot thank enough. Much love to everyone 🙏🏼❤️☮️✨🐬

[@ebbyc1817]

"I feel angry at myself that I didn't take it more seriously early on.." 44:05 I didn't realise I felt it until she said it.

[@danialteaches]

I can completely relate

[@authenticityinstitute9923]

Yes, but how could we have known? Maybe we are simply optimistic and positive people and unfortunatly sometimes the pessimists are right. Also it seemed so much like a movie from early on that I felt like " come on, this can't be true"

[@karenmininni4962]

Elizabeth Gilbert is as beautiful in person as she is as the author of her books. There is an underlying spiritual beauty in her writings that you feel as she speaks compassionately about our present experiences. Growth is speaking to us all for ourselves, for others and for our global unity. Thanks so much Elizabeth.

[@helenaonneby5527]

This was an amazingly comforting interview - I hope it reaches everyone who needs it. Thank you Liz and TED

[@lalallange5890]

A beautiful interview. " I keep my grain in the belly of my neighbor " and " I can only help a few I cannot help everyone" " Do what you can reasonably do " indeed. Thank you ..I've been so overwhelmed 😍

[@leighhuggins5030]

So timely and so beautiful Liz. Thank you for taking the time to be of service and share what you have to offer, so valuable!

[@faizulazim2906]

To me, Elizabeth Gilbert is an unbelievably extraordinary kind of person. Sometimes I wonder, how a person like her exists in these days. Her words are so enchanting & so relaxing & so powerful that I could hear her talk for hours...

[@ligiasommers]

What a beautiful TED!! The part about the lost woman , Amanda , was extremely inspirational 🙏🏻💖

[@Amberk1985]

I keep watching this! I love it! Elizabeth is so calming and centered.

[@lenelston]

This was just perfect, in tears listening to the letter from love. Thank you TED and Elizabeth.

[@great.jafaromeri7558]

I'm so proud of TED Topics. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 Appreciation

[@CDubzWhat]

Thank you so much. Lots of us experiencing so much. This helps a few of us help a whole lot more!

[@wulfhshado]

17:37 YES! Thank you; I needed to hear that. All of this!

[@kimappreciateslife]

I’m first watching this on November 19, 2021 and everything Elizabeth is saying is so relevant today. This video is resonating with me so much. It means even more to me now than had I had watched this when it first took place. 🙏🏻💖✨💫

[@audreydugan9668]

I was at one point feeling such pain in the center of my heart that I reached out to the Heavens and asked: And now what do I do with this pain? and a Mantra came: Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo. this means I acknowledge the universal creative, I bow to the Divine teacher. This mantra gave a place to my pain and transformed it

[@wildrose12.47]

This video was life-affirming, generous, and powerful. Thank you for the special insights.

[@TaraWagner]

We definitely owe ourselves mercy and compassion in times like this. Thanks for this beautiful connection and real conversation.

[@dinaragaliullina9133]

Amazing!!!!!! Thanks so much for this! Elizabeth’s words bring goosebumps to my ears. Thanks a lot for bringing her in! What a fantastic platform ☀️

[@escolanewway9919]

Hello from Brazil!! Just amazing the way she puts everything to us!!Thank you, all!!!

[@vladavram9209]

Reads title: can't say I'm quite overwhelmed, just worried Reads video length: well now, that's overwhelming

[@danialteaches]

haha that was my exact thought!

[@sempressfi]

😂 would say the same but since it is Liz, I was overjoyed

[@sheenphoto]

This is my second listen. First in mid-April, and now again in July - 5 months into the pandemic. I needed to hear it again, and I came away with different coping tools this time. Always incredibly inspiring and full of love, thank you Elizabeth, Chris and Helen!!!

[@thefilipinojoe]

I have enjoyed all of her books. She is my favorite author. Very talented and I'm always waiting eagerly for her next masterpiece.

[@MrMorrismonkey]

So grateful for this video, just what a lot of us need to hear right now. I'll be listening again for sure!

[@sarafroud806]

Finding this now, coming from the UK where we are unfortunately now in a 3rd lockdown, I wish I had found this sooner. I will definitely be sharing this with others. Thank you xx

[@kimcunningham2107]

Elizabeth Gilbert...you are brilliant. What a beautiful soul. 💜

[@jessymackay6684]

Thank you so much for this. So beautiful. This is what the world needs to hear right now. Thank you

[@Prince-B]

I love your words you move people in mind opening ways! I would love to volunteer as your servant. You have my soul. Your like a mother to me!

[@susieandrews3025]

The most memorable part for me is the last 5 minutes when Liz talks about the letters from love and actually reads one out. It blew me away! It’s changed a lot for me and a practice I have now started ❤️can’t thank you enough. Liz’s voice is enough even to make me feel comforted 😊xx

[@ronandjoleenwatson1044]

Soooo compelling. Watch til the end, really beautiful and calming. Thanks 🙏

[@kimprimatic]

Thank you for this beautiful insightful supportive talk. Love to you.

[@amandadetour4365]

I love this!! Elizabeth ❤️❤️ So much wisdom and comfort !

[@Ellenweiss1]

I think this was really fantastic. Some wonderful wisdom. I'd like to add the only thing I feel is missing, which I am discovering when fear, anger and other uncomfortable feelings come up. Which is how this circumstance brings up our own deepest traumas and issues that we have experienced in our lives. I am process at deeper levels my own fear from various traumas. Also feelings of isolation from child hood. It's amazing to see this time can help us work through them more deeply...and our experiences help us meet this and move through this in better ways. I'm looking forward to hearing more of these conversations.

[@minhazali7157]

U are amazing liz... a letter to me from ❤.for the last 20 years..u just made me cry liz.❤❤❤

[@evolvedcopper2205]

I am overwhelmed by the length of this video, however i hope by the end of it I'm better

[@lunarachan3833]

I just noticed XD Thanks for bringing it to my attention

[@thecurioustraveller7494]

Thank you Elizabeth as ever wonderful ,kind ,clarity of thought xx

[@marissahou223]

I love Elizabeth Gilbert-- so authentic and raw. I appreciate how open she is about her anxiety, allowing us all to feel more comfortable with our human-ness during this time.

[@the__void__spaghetti__girl]

tumbling down my anxiety hole :'(

[@nancyelee994]

Brilliant and enlightened guidance. Thank you so very much.

[@virginia4766]

I listened to this at the beginning of the pandemic - listening to it again. I absolutely adore Liz ❤️

[@catsbooknook4204]

Thank you for the Letters of Love part. I needed to hear that today.

[@sssstw9664]

54:15 I love the way she writes her letters. Elizabeth is so insightful.

[@kathymartin5730]

Sitting in my craft room making some things for friends. Perfect way to spend an evening. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

[@ilianaboheme]

Thank you guys!! And Elizabeth Gilbert thank you! You are always oppening my life perspective and I love you for that!

[@Hannahcarmona]

This was absolutely amazing! I love Elizabeth Gilbert and this interview was so needed!

[@eliana93fer]

Thank you so much for sharing this, I found it very soothing, also made me cry. Is the first time I hear her, I will definitely check the other interview you mentioned at the end. Thanks again!

[@mariannerognerud]

I got a little gang of teachers or "gurus". She is one of them. Smart, intuitive woman. Thank you, Liz. Love from Norway.

[@ax6175]

I’m grateful you did this interview. Liz is incredible and this inspired me and calmed me down ❤️

[@hollyma992]

This is fantastic. The complaining is the ego's resistance to being slain; not knowing that as it surrenders it will actually get free. Grief surrenders us to a whole new life which will unplug from ego and liberate like never before.

[@margaretmccue6370]

Thank you so much for reading the letter to yourself! Wow. It was so powerful. This whole thing was great. Love never gives unsolicited advice. I need to hear this. I try to fix everything and everyone and I just need to be there for them. Wow

[@xmartamarques]

Every minute of this is worth it! 🙏💛

[@authenticityinstitute9923]

Loved this interview, all of it was simply a delight. And they are all so sympatico! That means likeable in italian, but actually it means more, it also encompasses warm, positive, authentic . I also especially liked Chris Anderson and the way he did the Interview, the way he is so authentic and showing his feelings about the subject. There was also such a nice energy within the 3 of them...thank you for that! Was the most helpful thing I have seen about the Corona situation so far...

[@katherineb9]

thank you so very much for this important conversation. So sick of the Tyranny of Purpose- life Mission- Stuff.... especially right now....

[@authenticityinstitute9923]

Oh God me too...🤣😅🤗

[@bodhi821345]

This talk is superb. Elizabeth has wonderful perspective and I learnt so much. Thank you EG 🙏

[@JohnBeres]

Ahh.. The right person to interview for this. Her book The Signature of All Things has a beautiful story about the fever tree that has come to mind recently.

[@mcdepress0]

I don't know if it'd be wrong to say this but I love Chris's room.

[@boxerdogmum583]

This might be my favourite ever TED talk. Control is a myth! I needed to hear that. 👍🏻

[@clairesmusings]

Ms. Gilbert is a mystic. ⭐️

[@sbrandol]

Thank you Liz, for your beautifully profound words. They greatly comforted and inspired me. Off to follow my curiosity now ;)

[@helsladka]

Thanks from Spain! So inspiring and accurate.

[@westjes639]

Wow. Elizabeth Gilbert is my new hero. Thank you all so much :) xx

[@marshamiddleton5910]

So powerful. Thank you.

[@debashismitra2185]

Ms. ELIZABETH GILBERT YOU ARE AMAZING. EACH WORD YOU SPOKE APPEARED TO BE COMING OUT OF MY HEART. A. N. MAJUMDAR

[@Kpop0223]

That love letter idea is wonderful. I think I'll try that in my journal.

[@normakassim8688]

Crushing loneliness is part and parcel of modern living and what is most vital is to have a strong faith in the power of God our Creator. He brought us to Life and He takes us away from Life. Its a matter of time .No human can last forever. Faith is the passion that keep humans going by His giving mercy and compassion every minite of our Life. Leave things in the hands of God yet make things move towards comfort in a positive manner. Read Biblical Books for they give Light in darkness and makes us even stronger and calm in times of corona grief .

[@JP-ki6ni]

So adore you Liz. Wise inspiring generous. 💕

[@matti7953]

Thank you

[@SonjaBlanco]

I love Elizabeth Gilbert this was much needed :)

[@gargiguha6041]

That was so special. Just something we all needed to hear right now

[@MarionFiedlerMusic]

I appreciate this video! Thanks for sharing!

[@karinmeira]

Thank Y❤️U All for this! 🙏🏻

[@wardahmatin8940]

Thank you, ma'am.

[@SunsetSessions]

So well articulated, as our world faces one of great nightmares... and the reminders to: stay present & walk INTO this experience... and to replace our self imposed pressures of things like “passion & purpose” with “curiosity”.

[@alinaadamut]

THANK YOU 4 this!

[@Potalapalace]

Great talk ... thank you Elizebath Gilbert

[@jenniferalonzo6365]

Thank you.

[@amherst88]

What an extraordinary human being she is . . .

[@m.gilbert1176]

Had a abusive run-in with a man with narcissist personality disorder. It's a been a couple of weeks ago, and still feeling overwhelmed. I translated what she was discussing about the pandemic to my current situation and it has been very helpful! Great talk and great interviewers too.

[@aunali8868]

this is the most beautify video so far I have seen, great work from ted

[@MichaelYoder1961]

Great talk with an articulate thinker. Would be great to see an interview one year into the pandemic and what she's noticed since last April

[@MisCCY130]

Thank you. This helped me so much....