Eat, Play, Live: Life Lessons @ the Movies

Although it’s a very grown-up movie, Eat, Pray, Love offers parents an opportunity to talk to older teens about the power of thoughts and how techniques like self-reflection can open up reservoirs of inner strength.

The main character Liz (played by Julia Roberts) goes on a one year, three country quest to recover from a painful divorce.

During a particularly low moment, she sees herself in a mirrored elevator door and says, "Never forget that once upon a time, in an unguarded moment, you recognized yourself as a friend."

According to the true story, part of Liz’s identity issues began when “I always had a boyfriend from the age of 15 on. I would totally lose myself…never spent even a day alone to think about what I wanted.”

She learns from an extended stay at an ashram that with flexible thinking and mindfulness comes the ability to identify alternatives and ultimately forgive herself.

On her other travels, she discovers the communication skills that ultimately lead to trust. And that having a relationship with the occasional pizza isn’t a bad thing.

Give your child joy, without the drama. Thrive Research's programs teach essential techniques like mindfulness and self-reflection that can positively impact the rest of their lives.

photo courtesy of Sony Pictures