BOOK 2019: The Power of Now: Eckhart Tolle

Summary:

Another eye-opener by Eckhart Tolle. His spiritual teachings have been very impactful even through just two books. Eckhart walks us through his origins, and through concepts to help reach enlightenment. The ego is identification and the pain-body is it’s negative shadow, plus other concepts. You are not your thoughts. You are the awareness of your thoughts.

Then a few exercises to help us become more present. Thinking is useful to get us through the day-to-day, and presence can help us be the best of ourselves in all walks of life. Creativity comes from the extreme presence of being.

Sounds very new-age and a bit “woo-woo” right? I used to think so, and after reading it, I have started to shift. I think. More and more I am looking to spend time in the present. I find myself getting less agitated. Especially with my kids. That doesn’t mean I don’t yell and get pissed off, though I am finding that I catch myself more and more. This carries itself to work as well, where I find myself being able to connect with people more empatheticly during conversations and coaching sessions. When thinking of all of the work things I have put on my place, I find myself getting less overwhelmed. Slowly but surely, I am getting better in the now. 

As with “a new earth” I don’t think I grasp all of its concepts, though I am on the journey to learn about what I do understand. Take a read.

“The power of now” was read Feb 2019

Why I decided to read it

After reading “A New Earth” by Eckhart Tolle, I was compelled to read his previous book “The Power of Now”. I probably should have read this book first, and for whatever reason I ended up doing it in the other order.

For those very much into self-development, this should be one of the first books you start with. Especially if you are looking to expand your knowledge of the movement towards mindfulness. 

Who should read it

Those seeking enlightenment. Which should be everyone, though not everyone will be ready.

People who are looking to better deal with negative emotions. Anxiety, anger, sadness, fear, hurt, guilt and all of their variations.

Those looking to be better versions of themselves.

Memorable highlights for me

The path to enlightenment is either through suffering or intense presence. I would love to be enlightened, and I don’t particularly want to suffer, so figured focusing on presence and the now would be better for me.

Pain-body is the Ego’s shadow that feeds on pain and latches on.

Asking yourself what will be your next thought in order to get into the now.

Have you read it? What did you think?

Get it on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2EKwMPW