reading Tolle's "Awakening To Your Life's Purpose"

[Rockchick26]

I'm almost halfway done with this book and i just had a question,maybe he answers it later on but my question is partly directed at anyone who has read this; he talks about becoming aware of the ego as a way to dissolve it and live happier. Has anyone in here really practiced this and had it work? And if so,wouldn't you almost have to have everyone you know read it too,otherwise they're still living their old life and you're a totally different person who sees the world differently,how can you exist together anymore? It just seems like in order to fully live like this,you would have to be surrounded by others just the same. Say for instance something bad happens to someone you love,but you see it as they are just perceiving it as something bad,but theyre upset,and they get upset that youre not upset,and then they'll think you don't care. Because the idea i'm getting is that you develop this carefree attitude where nothing affects you. So how can you peacefully coexist with everyone else and their negative thinking,how can you be totally happy when nobody else is?

[The David]

Well, that isn't really unique to Tolle (but hey, what is...?). Psychology will tell you that one who is directly affected by the moods of others is bound for depression. It's a depressed world. Tolle is trying to teach emotional resilience, detachment, and perspective. Naturally, external support is of great help, but Tolle's philosophy is one of random insights, epiphanies, and sudden bursts of inner peace, rather than practical lifestyle choices. I mean, come on. The guy drinks coffee. Almost every day, I hear.

[fwellers]

Originally Posted by Rockchick26

I'm almost halfway done with this book and i just had a question,maybe he answers it later on but my question is partly directed at anyone who has read this; he talks about becoming aware of the ego as a way to dissolve it and live happier. Has anyone in here really practiced this and had it work? And if so,wouldn't you almost have to have everyone you know read it too,otherwise they're still living their old life and you're a totally different person who sees the world differently,how can you exist together anymore? It just seems like in order to fully live like this,you would have to be surrounded by others just the same. Say for instance something bad happens to someone you love,but you see it as they are just perceiving it as something bad,but theyre upset,and they get upset that youre not upset,and then they'll think you don't care. Because the idea i'm getting is that you develop this carefree attitude where nothing affects you. So how can you peacefully coexist with everyone else and their negative thinking,how can you be totally happy when nobody else is?

Well, Tolle also says that we are all connected, and at the deepest level, all one. Those other people are really you. Being around them when you have 'presence' helps to give them presence. Probably the best thing you can do for the world is to become more conscious, and let that light shine before those who are still in a stupor.

I sometimes have those thoughts when at a funeral. How should I grieve with the ones who are grieving ? But compassion for those who are hurting for whatever reason ( even if that reason is unconsciousness ), is all part of it.

I wouldn't worry about taking yourself out of the world, or only finding people who are at your level of presence or higher. Just accept all of your circumstances and go with the flow.

[Angela]

I think that being around people who are still convinced their problems are really problems is a big, wonderful, positive part of recognizing the essential unlimited joy and abundance that is you. It's much easier to see when other people are doing it than when you're doing it yourself. So you get compassion and connection and opportunity for expansion and also lots of humor!

[DayInTheLife]

Say for instance something bad happens to someone you love,but you see it as they are just perceiving it as something bad,but theyre upset,and they get upset that youre not upset,and then they'll think you don't care.

When you are genuinely present and non-judgmental with somebody who is suffering, they will know you care. This is love, and it is unmistakable.

If you ever feel like you need somebody else to change for you to be at peace, you are not present. Keep reading the book; things will become clearer.

[DayInTheLife]

Originally Posted by The David

Naturally, external support is of great help, but Tolle's philosophy is one of random insights, epiphanies, and sudden bursts of inner peace, rather than practical lifestyle choices.

I couldn't disagree more. There is nothing random about it. Presence is a choice you make in every moment, there no more practical a way to live, IMO.

[Jamie]

Having everyone else read it, is kinda like going around your garden, and seeing all the little flowers that are not quite ready to bloom; and then trying to prize open each little flower, before it is ready.

You may wish to examine your motives for wanting to do so. There's a way of nature, and a speed for people to grow and to open up; you can't rush or force it.

[The David]

Originally Posted by DayInTheLife

I couldn't disagree more. There is nothing random about it. Presence is a choice you make in every moment, there no more practical a way to live, IMO.

My comment was more in reference to the way Tolle presents the philosophy, rather than the philosophy itself.

[m0vingon]

Rockchick, there will come a point when you will not be engaged in the drama of others' lives at all. You will see many behaviours for what they really are- ego based need fulfillment or habitual behaviours. It won't really matter if they are angry with you for not buying into their drama. I find that when I am present enough to not get sucked in (always a work in progress) others who are acting out their drama tend to catch a glimpse of enlightenment because I'm not feeding it with my own energy.

An example: my mother was in a fit because she just found out that my niece was having her second child (within 16 months) out of wedlock. My brother chose to withhold this news until less than a month before the due date.

As my mother railed, I sat and listened (observed, really), said nothing, with a neutral expression on my face. I just didn't buy into the drama. After a couple of minutes she stopped, had a confused look cross her face and then said "I don't know why I'm so upset about this".

If I had fed into her tizzy, she would never have had that moment of clarity. I believe that is the power of disengaging from the drama.

[DayInTheLife]

Great post m0vingon.

[wolfgang]

Originally Posted by Rockchick26

I'm almost halfway done with this book and i just had a question,maybe he answers it later on but my question is partly directed at anyone who has read this; he talks about becoming aware of the ego as a way to dissolve it and live happier. Has anyone in here really practiced this and had it work?

some what but still a practice. at least I seem to be able to recognize my habitual ways and not feed them as much - where the ego is very habitual, you know?

And if so,wouldn't you almost have to have everyone you know read it too,otherwise they're still living their old life and you're a totally different person who sees the world differently,how can you exist together anymore? It just seems like in order to fully live like this,you would have to be surrounded by others just the same.

like some of the other posters I found myself not feeding their drama. I looked at it as how I look at my own ego's tantrums. If someone is very upset I end up being a listener - just like I was doing with my own upset ego. It's actually more of the same practice. I imagine people around me feel listened to and get more peaceful, then if I feed into the drama.

Say for instance something bad happens to someone you love,but you see it as they are just perceiving it as something bad,but theyre upset,and they get upset that youre not upset,and then they'll think you don't care.

I still get upset but find it a different kind of upset. I mean something bad happening is bad. It's still something to address. The issue is to not turn it into something to be mad at. We are still supposed to feel things. but to not get hung up in feeling things, is the ticket, imho. However there are also things people get upset about that maybe they don't need to be upset about - yet they do. Now that would be my judgment on them, wouldn't it? Then I have projected part of my ego on them if I feel that way. So then I look at what they are going through, as if they were my ego.

Because the idea i'm getting is that you develop this carefree attitude where nothing affects you. So how can you peacefully coexist with everyone else and their negative thinking,how can you be totally happy when nobody else is?

I wonder if that carefree attitude exists. I mean, bad stuff happens and is happening. To be carefree would kind of imply ignoring what is bad in the world and I don't think ignoring is the point. the point is to not add to it by being only mad about what's wrong. That being upset doesn't really change anything. Maybe it's ok to feel a spike of anger at the shock of something (I think so) and then be able to let the feeling run it's coarse which would be pretty quick, without making the feeling the only thing. but to be able to see clearly what's wrong and look at what could be different - that's where change can happen for the better - not with just being upset. Maybe it would be easier to isolate one self from possible upsetting things but that would be isolation and not connection. Connection is part of this spiritual growth too. yeah?

[anamoly]

Tolle's book is a great trans formative tool once you start to practice inner-body awareness, as well as directly becoming aware of the ego - but realize that balance between the ego and awareness is critical - and this is what you should aim for. Your ego is not the problem, but the problem is your attachment to problems. Problems are ****ing great though, I love them. Mmmmm..gimme a problem right now - as long as there's a lady out here who can watch me solve it. Oh damn, I'm being too damn sure and hubristic again, oh lady please put me back in my place.

[Rockchick26]

Thanks for all your replies,everyone! I was just going to explain a problem i was having related to this but then i realized it got too off topic so i'll post it seperately.