Today I finished reading the book “A New Earth” by Eckhart Tolle. He is the same author of the book I read last week called “The Power of Now”. This book goes into using the tools learned in the “Power of Now” to awaken one’s life purpose. Again, the author encourages the reader to change your state of consciousness. As discussed in the previous book, most of us are in a state of unconsciousness and just letting our mind control us instead of us controlling our mind. The biggest step one must make to initiate this process is to first realize WHEN they are in a state of unconsciousness.
The author then spends a large part of the book discussing what our ego is, what it does to us, and then giving the reader strategies to reduce one’s ego. The main reason the author does this is one’s ego creates attachments to things which creates our desire for more of whatever we want such as money of fame. This desire is what ultimately destroys us since it keeps the person from being in the NOW. In fact, the author quotes a verse in the Bible where Jesus says, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs will be the kingdom of Heaven.” The author says the “poor in spirit” are ones with no innner baggage, no identification, basically no ego.
The author wants the reader to be at peace with the present moment. At least be in acceptance of it. The moment one starts to resent the reality of the present moment is when the ego steps in and causes us to go into a state of unconsciousness. This in turn causes suffering on yourself emotionally and physically over time. I honestly still catch myself dwelling on my circumstance instead of just accepting it for what it is. Knowing that I at least catch myself moving into that state of unconsciousness is a positive step.
Once one really desires peace, they will accept the situation and choose peace…choose to be in the NOW. This present moment might be small and simple, but concealed within it lies the greatest power. This acceptance of the present will lead into joy and then from joy into enthusiasm. This is the awakening of the a new Earth the author is trying to convey which allows the reader to follow the path to a truly fulfilling existence. My friend here, Ryan, and I try to encourage one another to stay in the present as much as we can despite our circumstance.
I am VERY glad I read this book. It has helped me stay more focused on the NOW and doing everything I can do in order to truly grow and glorify the Almighty. If you find yourself more often than not daydreaming about what could have or should have occurred, I encourage you to read this book so you can truly live in the present…be in the NOW.