Musing on “A New Earth”
I was listening to the discussion between Oprah and Eckhart Tolle concerning Chapter 5 of “A New Earth.” Several statements were mentioned that really resonated with me.
“Nothing in the past can ever prevent you from being in the present.” How many times in our lives have we told ourselves we can’t do something because of the past. For example: I can’t get a good job because I don’t have the proper education. If we live in the present, we can take steps to get a good job. We can take a class to improve our skills. We can look in the classifieds for a better job than the one we now have. There is always something we can do – in the present.
“Negativity feeds on negativity.” How many times have we gotten into an argument with someone and couldn’t calm down for a long time afterwards? One harsh word leads to another, then another until someone consciously walks away or tries to dissolve the conflict.
“What you resist – persists.” How many times have we struggled with a problem? The more we struggle, the longer the problem exists. This is especially true for me when I come across a computer problem. If I can’t fix it, I get frustrated. The more frustrated I get, the less likely I am to solve the problem. But once I’m aware of my frustration, I walk away and come back several hours later when I’m more relaxed. Then, it’s as if a light bulb is lit and I can solve the problem easily.
If any of you are listening to “A New Earth” discussions – what messages resonate with you? If you are interested in listening, go to the archives of “A New Earth” on Oprah’s website.
Posted: April 1st, 2008 under mindfulness, present moment.
Comments: 5
Comments
Comment from Lynn Kelly
Time: April 3, 2008, 1:14 pm
I’ve been watching/listening to Oprah and Eckhart also and found Chapter 5 to be very healing and full of truths.
The portion where he said that letting those negative feelings take control and keep us out of the present, makes us function out of our own “acceptable behavior’ and is responsible for things we do that we later question HOW could I have gotten this far. He likened it to Christ saying on the cross, “Father forgive them. For they know not what they do.” I’m using this analogy to help me learn to leave those circular thoughts that keep me stirred up ‘over there’ so that I can focus on TODAY and it really is helping.
Comment from sandy
Time: April 3, 2008, 2:31 pm
Rehashing the negative past can be so self-destructing. I’m really enjoying these discussions and looking forward to next week.
Comment from Lyndi Lamont
Time: April 5, 2008, 7:44 am
Sandy,
I’ve heard a lot about the book, but I’m not an Oprah watcher, so I’m not signed up. I may buy the book, though.
The comment about “Negativity feed negativity” really resonates with me. I’ve let myself get caught up in that on more than one occasion! At least it’s easier to recognize now.
Lyndi
Comment from Amy Fitzgerald
Time: April 5, 2008, 10:44 am
What do you think of the the newest book in sort of the same genre as the secret and a new earth but yet its not because it is motivational not mystical and gives tools on how the mind works? It doesn’t tell people what religion they ought to believe and it doesnt take people away from Christianity, its titled “Free Mind Free Body” by D R Boisse it offers something A New Earth does not. And it demonstrates how we are stuck behind our own self limitations by our beliefs while the author Boisse recognizes a person’s beliefs are their choice and it just gives you insight on how your mind works. I bought paperback on Amazon and ebook is at http://www.freemindfreebody.com.
Warm regards,
Amy
Comment from sandy
Time: April 5, 2008, 1:21 pm
Thanks Amy. It sounds like Free Mind, Free Body might be a good one to read. I’ll check it out.
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