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Elizabeth Rae Kovar

Goodreads Author

Born

in The United States

February 07, 1985

Website

http://www.elizabethkovar.com

Twitter

brainbodykovar

Genre

Travel, Memoir, Spirituality

Influences

Charles Dickens

Member Since

January 2016

URL

https://www.goodreads.com/erkovar

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Elizabeth Kovar M.A. is an award-winning vegan fitness trainer, author of Finding Om and international freelance writer and fitness presenter for BOSU and the American Council on Exercise (ACE). Elizabeth earned a title as one of 2014 Shape.com’s “Top 50 Hottest Trainers in America” and was the first recipient of the Stuart R. Givens Fellowship to study yoga in India. Kovar studied yoga in six different countries and lived abroad in Australia (twice), India and Germany. She is also a Reiki Master and has studied Buddhist meditation and vedic astrology. Elizabeth has published over one thousand print and online articles. Kovar currently lives in Seattle, WA. Elizabeth is the creator of her vegan food and travel blog at: www.mindbodysoul-food ...more

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Dear Elizabeth, Congratulations on your book. The premise sounds interesting and would love to read it. However, I couldn't help thinking it sounds similar to Gilbert's Eat, Pray, Love. Her books carries the same strain of Indian spirituality that yours does. So, how is Finding Om different?

Elizabeth Rae Kovar Thank you so much for writing. Well, besides our name being Elizabeth and both being American who searched for enlightenment in India, Eat Pray Love a…moreThank you so much for writing. Well, besides our name being Elizabeth and both being American who searched for enlightenment in India, Eat Pray Love and Finding Om are two completely different stories and journeys.

In one sentence (and I'll elaborate later) Finding Om is a story of a young girl who had to overcome many obstacles and tough times to figure what type of adult life / human she wanted to be. It's about breaking patterns, doing things that you know will make your parents and loved ones upset and gaining the confidence to live the life you've always dreamed of.

Gilbert wrote about her journeys between 30-32 leaving a husband, house and career. She already made a lot of life mistakes that she wanted to change. My story takes place when I was 20-22, which is during a time of self-discovery and I questioned everything so I wouldn't make those mistakes like Gilbert did (for example, doing something because that's what everyone in your hometown does).

I think I read once that Gilbert got a book advance to pursue a year abroad in India, Italy and Bali. My journeys were pure, raw and authentic while being young, a broke college backpacker and having an adventurous spirit. I had nothing but curiosity to explore the world. Australia piqued my curiosity and India opened the can to a life dedicated to worldly and self-discovery.

Deep down, I always wanted to study abroad in Australia, it was a goal since high school and I never realized that journey would have changed my life in such a spiritual way. Alot of that was due to starting a yoga practice at this time and when I returned to America, I lost myself. I did everything at 150% - studying, work, exercise, diet - I pushed the pedal to the medal and I was lost in reverse culture shock. I was embarrassed to be American, I hated our president (Bush) and I needed to heal myself.

When I discovered the fellowship, I began working in fitness at the time and since yoga changed my life in Australia, I wanted to explore yoga from its founding fathers. I worked through blood, sweat and tears at $5.15-6 per hour just so I could afford to backpack India. My point is that everything happened as it was supposed to in the maturity of life and love and it wasn't a planned trip like Gilbert and the editors created. I wanted to change and life gave me that chance.

I'm trying not to spoil any of the book, but I feel people who've come from nothing (or are regular people) and want to better their life (or make something of themselves) can relate to Finding Om. Jumping into a culture that is completely opposite of America, one cannot help but change the way the see the world and themselves.

And although people will see how I blossomed with yoga, you will too by reading the yoga sutras, which in someway may connect to something in your personal life to help you learn, grow and blossom - the same way I did. The journey in India is not just personal, but worldly from the perceptions of western women to how our cultures differ in priorities.

So yes there is romance, like Gilbert, and a palm-reader did predict my love life while in India, but the journey and maturity is what makes a person learn how to let go, accept and trust in themselves and the universe (and hope for the best). Regardless of whether I would marry my soul mate, I wanted to experience that level of love. And many of the questions I asked about life, India answered.

Although Gilbert and I probably traveled around the same time (mid-2000's), I actually ran across her book on my third move abroad in 2008. I did like Eat Pray Love and thought it was very well written. I chuckled a few times as I could relate to her mentality, so although similar in destination the journey and path to discovery is completely different. Thank you and if you have any other questions - please ask!

Here is Chapter One:
http://elizabethkovar.com/finding-om-...

Chapters 1-3 are free to download on noisetrade.com (less)

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How do you deal with writer’s block?

Elizabeth Rae Kovar Travel. I believe in taking breaks - it's what refreshes the mind, body and soul. While on the road, I get reenergized and inspired by all of life's g…moreTravel. I believe in taking breaks - it's what refreshes the mind, body and soul. While on the road, I get reenergized and inspired by all of life's goodness. If I can't travel, I escape to city gardens and parks to connect to nature. I have my sanctuaries in Seattle, which have been part of my inspiration. A good healthy bike ride, swim or yoga class helps too. (less)

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Average rating: 4.33 · 6 ratings · 5 reviews · 1 distinct work

Finding Om: An Indian Journey of Rickshaws, Chai, Chapattis & Gurus

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Elizabeth Rae Kovar's Blog

One Pot Dairy-Free Creamy Pumpkin Pasta

Fall is here technically, but doesn't feel like it in the Pacific Northwest. What feels like an extended summer during the day, the cooler evening nights ignite a craving for something hearty. This easy one-pot pasta is the perfect meal to make after a busy work day. Made in under 30 minutes, one pot, no mess. I will demo this recipe live on zoom October 13 at 6pm PST with Guided Fitness. Click He Read more of this blog post »

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Published on October 12, 2022 11:29

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