The Power of Now
Eckhart Tolle
I simply adore this man. I want to create a pocket sized version of him and have him with me guiding me through life. When I can feel my ego rising and internal conflict brewing I think ‘What would Eckhart say?’ If he were here with me I’d let him answer in his classically blunt but perfectly balanced way.
“All negativity is caused by an accumulation of psychological time and denial of the present. Unease, anxiety, tension, stress, worry - all forms of fear - are caused by too much future, and
not enough presence. Guilt, regret, resentment, grievances, sadness, bitterness, and all forms of non-forgiveness are caused by too much past, and not enough presence.”
The book is essentially about learning the art of BEING rather than being governed by our THINKING. The answer is in the present moment, not the last one of the next one. Our true happiness lies in our ability to connect with this very second.
It is a spiritual read, and concepts of ‘enlightenment’ are not everybody’s cup of tea. But that said, I feel like we’re getting more used to this kind of narrative and we’re increasingly accepting of the crushing part that our egos can play in our own personal destruction.
I learnt how to be patient from this book alone. I used to resent folding laundry and emotionally grump through it hoping for a better moment on the other side. This book resulted in a lasting change, I learnt that nothing is actually worth rushing around getting grumpy about. Life is not an attack, let is gently happen. Breath it in and be here.
“See if you can catch yourself complaining, in either speech or thought, about a situation you find yourself in, what other people do or say, your surroundings, your life situation, even the weather. To complain is always nonacceptance of what is. It invariably carries an unconscious negative charge. When you complain, you make yourself into a victim. When you speak out, you are in your power. So change the situation by taking action or by speaking out if necessary or possible; leave the situation or accept it. All else is madness.”
I am very much considering re-reading this one on the back of creating this little review for you! Enjoy.. let me know your thoughts.
