If you had a chance to read Entertainers Life’s inaugural blog post Welcome to Entertainers Life, I shared my love for Jay Shetty’s Think Like a Monk—a book filled with practical, everyday wisdom drawn from timeless teachings. His ancient yet totally relatable advice inspires us to embrace who we truly are, artists, unapologetically (you can read the full review here).

Continuing in that spirit, I’m excited to introduce his second transformative book, 8 Rules of Love. This time, Jay dives deep into the truth about love—what it is, what it isn’t, and how we can better navigate it. It’s a beautifully honest look at the messy, magical, and meaningful experience of love, rooted in ancient Vedic wisdom and shared through Jay’s modern, down-to-earth perspective.

As entertainers, our lives revolve around connection—whether we’re building chemistry on stage, in front of a canvas, or inside a booth. Relationships are at the heart of everything we do. And while not every connection is romantic, every relationship matters.

Jay breaks love down into four stages: preparing, practicing, protecting, and perfecting. Each stage offers tools to help us grow, not only in our relationships with others, but also in the one we have with ourselves. One of my favorite quotes from the book: “The time and space we spend apart enhances the time we spend together.”

Whether you’re prepping for a performance or preparing a pitch, we’ve all had those moments where we went all in trying to impress. Think about the crazy stories about actors trying to get a part in a play or film, the artist trying to get the attention of a gallery owner or the singer bursting into song at an inappropriate time. Yes, there are stories where the crazy worked, but usually not.

Jay shares his own crazy story—complete with a horse-drawn carriage—of the night he proposed to his now wife. But instead of the fairy tale moment he envisioned, she broke out in hives. He never forgets the most important Life lesson from the experience: love doesn’t need fireworks. It just needs to be real.

And isn’t that true for all our relationships? It’s not about spectacle—it’s about honesty.

Jay spent three years living and studying with monks, and it’s from that experience he shares what he calls the “four ashrams” or stages of love:

1. Solitude

Understanding the difference between being alone and being lonely.
Entertainers Life Translation: Have you ever felt isolated while chasing your passion? That’s solitude—and it can be powerful if you let it.

2. Compatibility

Candlelit dinners… and takeout arguments.
Entertainers Life Translation: Working with the right team can elevate your vision. Working with the wrong one? That’s time and energy you can’t get back.

3. Healing

Learning to bounce back from heartbreak without staying in bed for days.
Entertainers Life Translation: Delays, disappointments, and rejections are part of the process. Don’t let them pull you under. Heal. Move. Create again.

4. Connection

Love that grows beyond two people—to community, compassion, appreciation.
Entertainers Life Translation: When everything clicks and your art touches lives beyond your own—that’s connection on a deeper level.

Jay doesn’t just talk about love—he gives you ways to live it. Which, let’s face it, is important when your schedule’s packed and your heart’s on the line.

Love, like life, isn’t a one-and-done. It’s a practice. It takes time, reflection, and yes—sometimes hives and heartbreak—to get it right.

8 Rules of Love is an inspiring and empowering read that invites you to consider fresh perspectives you may not have known before. It just might become a valuable guide for navigating the unique, exciting, and often demanding relationships You, the entertainers face throughout your careers.

You can find this book in both print and audio from your public library or library app.  If you would like to purchase the book please click on the link below and support local booksellers around the world:

Entertainers Life Book Club Picks

Here’s what we’ve been reading so far…

Think Like a Monk by Jay Shetty

Our very first Book Club read—and for good reason. This book offers powerful, practical wisdom to help artists quiet the noise, stay focused, and align their mindset with their purpose. A transformative read for any creative looking to find clarity and peace in the chaos.
👉 Click here to learn more

Daily Rituals Women at Work

Recommended by our inaugural Featured Entertainer, Gioia De Cari, this book is a fascinating glimpse into the daily routines of groundbreaking women artists. It’s a celebration of process, resilience, and the many unique ways women make space for their creativity.
📖 Discover the book and Gioia’s story here