The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle is a spiritual guide that teaches you how to live in the present moment and free yourself from the pain of the past and the anxiety of the future. Learn how to access the power of now and discover your true self in this book review.
Have you ever felt stressed, anxious, or unhappy about your life situation? Have you ever wondered if there is more to life than what you see and think? Have you ever searched for a way to find peace and joy in the midst of chaos and suffering?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you might benefit from reading The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. This book is not just another self-help book that gives you tips and tricks to improve your life. It is a profound and transformative book that reveals the essence of spirituality and enlightenment.
The Power of Now is based on the author's personal experience of awakening from a state of depression and despair to a state of bliss and awareness. He shares his insights and wisdom on how to achieve the same state of consciousness by living in the present moment, the only reality that exists.
The book is divided into ten chapters, each addressing a different aspect of the power of now. The book is written in a question-and-answer format, where the author responds to the common questions and challenges that people face when they try to practice the power of now. The book also provides practical exercises and techniques to help you apply the power of now to your daily life.
In this book review, I will summarize the main points and lessons from The Power of Now, and provide some examples and quotes from the book. I also share our opinion on the strengths and weaknesses of the book, and whether I recommend it to anyone who wants to find peace and joy in the present moment.
The Problem of Time and the Mind
The main problem that prevents us from experiencing the power of now is our identification with time and the mind. Tolle explains that time is an illusion created by the mind, and that the only time that is real is the present moment. He writes, "Nothing ever happened in the past; it happened in the Now. Nothing will ever happen in the future; it will happen in the Now."
However, most of us are not aware of the present moment, because we are constantly distracted by the past and the future. We are either regretting or resenting what happened in the past, or worrying or fantasizing about what will happen in the future. We are rarely fully present in the here and now, where life actually happens.
Tolle argues that this is because we are identified with our mind, which is constantly producing thoughts and emotions that keep us trapped in time. He writes, "The mind is a superb instrument if used rightly. Used wrongly, however, it becomes very destructive. To put it more accurately, it is not so much that you use your mind wrongly — you usually don't use it at all. It uses you."
He explains that the mind is not who we are, but a tool that we can use. However, most of us are not aware of this distinction, and we believe that we are our thoughts and emotions. We are enslaved by the mind, which creates a false sense of self, or the ego. The ego is the source of all our problems and suffering, because it is never satisfied, always wants more, and always resists what is.
Tolle says that the only way to free ourselves from the tyranny of the mind and the ego is to become aware of the present moment, and to realize that we are not our mind, but the consciousness that observes the mind. He writes, "The beginning of freedom is the realization that you are not 'the thinker.' The moment you start watching the thinker, a higher level of consciousness becomes activated. You then begin to realize that there is a vast realm of intelligence beyond thought, that thought is only a tiny aspect of that intelligence."
The Power of Now and the True Self
Tolle teaches that the present moment is not only the only reality that exists, but also the gateway to our true self, or our essence. He writes, "The present moment is the key to liberation. But you cannot find the present moment as long as you are your mind."
He explains that when we are fully present in the now, we are able to access a deeper dimension of ourselves that is beyond the mind, the ego, and the body. He calls this dimension the Being, the Self, the Unmanifested, or the Source. He says that this is our true nature, our true identity, and our true home.
Tolle says that the Being is the source of all life, all creativity, all intelligence, and all love. It is the essence of who we are, and it is also the essence of everything else. He writes, "You are not separate from it. It is your very essence. It is the 'life' that animates the physical forms that you see as your body and the world around you. You could call it 'God' — as long as you don't start thinking of God as someone or something who is watching you, judging you, or demanding that you become a better person."
He says that when we connect with the Being, we experience a state of peace, joy, and fulfillment that is independent of any external conditions. We also experience a sense of oneness with all that is, and a compassion for all living beings. He writes, "When you are fully present and people look into your eyes, your eyes will shine and radiate a still and alert presence. Through your eyes, they will get a glimpse of the source."
Tolle says that the power of now is the power of the Being, and that we can access it at any time, by simply becoming aware of the present moment, and by feeling the aliveness and the stillness within us. He writes, "The more you are able to honor and accept the Now, the more you are free of pain, of suffering — and free of the egoic mind. Why? Because the mind cannot function and remain in control without time, which is past and future, so it perceives the timeless Now as threatening. Time and mind are in fact inseparable."
The Practice of the Power of Now
Tolle provides various practical methods and techniques to help us practice the power of now in our daily lives. He emphasizes that the most important thing is to be aware of the present moment, and to observe our mind without judging or identifying with it. He also suggests some specific ways to enhance our awareness and presence, such as:
- Using our breath as an anchor to the present moment, by focusing on the sensation of breathing and feeling the energy that flows through our body.
- Using our senses to become more aware of our surroundings, by paying attention to what we see, hear, smell, taste, and touch, and by appreciating the beauty and the miracle of life.
- Using our body as a portal to the present moment, by feeling the inner body, the subtle energy field that pervades our physical form, and by noticing any sensations, emotions, or pain that arise in our body.
- Using silence and space as gateways to the present moment, by becoming aware of the silence that underlies all sounds, and the space that underlies all forms, and by recognizing that they are aspects of the Being.
- Using acceptance, enjoyment, and enthusiasm as the three modalities of the power of now, by accepting what we cannot change, enjoying what we can, and being enthusiastic about what we do.
Tolle also addresses some of the common challenges and obstacles that we may face when we try to practice the power of now, such as:
- The pain-body, which is the accumulation of negative emotions and traumas that we carry in our energy field, and that can be triggered by certain situations or people, causing us to react with anger, fear, or sadness. Tolle says that the way to heal the pain-body is to become aware of it, and to allow it to dissolve in the light of our consciousness.
- The ego, which is the false sense of self that is based on our thoughts, beliefs, opinions, and judgments, and that is constantly seeking validation, recognition, and superiority. Tolle says that the way to transcend the ego is to detach from it, and to realize that we are not our thoughts, but the awareness that observes them.
- The relationships, which are often the source of conflict, drama, and suffering, because we project our expectations, needs, and desires onto others, and we blame them for our unhappiness. Tolle says that the way to have enlightened relationships is to be present with ourselves and with others, and to recognize the Being in ourselves and in others.
In conclusion, The Power of Now is a book that can change your life, if you are willing to apply its teachings and practice its principles.
- It can help you to overcome the pain of the past and the anxiety of the future, and to find peace and joy in the present moment.
- It can help you to discover your true self, and to connect with the source of all life.
- It can help you to live a life that is more meaningful, fulfilling, and authentic.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to explore the spiritual dimension of life, and to experience the power of now. Whether you are new to spirituality or already familiar with it, this book will offer you valuable insights and guidance on how to awaken to your true nature and purpose. GROW YOUR GRIT!
If you are interested in reading The Power of Now, you can get a copy from Amazon or your local bookstore. You can also visit my website, where you can find more articles on grit, inspiration, self-efficacy, empowerment, and other topics related personal development and growth.
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(19) goodreads.com. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6708.The_Power_of_Now.
