Recently, I rediscovered this great book. I say "rediscovered" because I read it almost ten years ago. However, like most great books, it gave me a fresh perspective on familiar ideas and introduced a few new ones that escaped me the first time through.
Filled with notable quotes, new concepts, and pertinent examples, A New Earth showed me things relevant and helpful to my life right now. Beyond that, it reminded me of the importance of awareness and being in the present moment. Well, actually it teaches that at our inner most core we are the awareness of the present moment.
“Awareness is the power that is concealed within the present moment. … The ultimate purpose of human existence, which is to say, your purpose, is to bring that power into this world.”
To help us become more present and aware, Tolle includes an easy exercise that anyone can do and get results in just 10 seconds.
Tolle also offers an intriguing concept about the past. At times we all find ourselves tempted to relive less than desirable events - the rude store clerk or the road raging driver - playing them over and over (making it personal and making the other person wrong) instead of enjoying the aliveness of the present moment.
“Nothing ever happened in the past that can prevent you from being present now; and if the past cannot prevent you from being present now, what power does it have?”
Relishing in the majesty of a tree in the park or a bird in flight always trumps remembering the unconscious, foul-gestured driver that cut you off on the freeway. Then why is it seemingly so easy to remember the (negative) freeway instead of the (positive) park? This book helps bring clarity to this question and many others.
Interested in the subject matter but short on time? Oprah and Eckhart hosted a free ten-week online class for A New Earth a few years ago. They reviewed each chapter and took questions from online attendees. Click here to check out Chapter One.
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