The Power of Now - Why is Apathy Negative?

[Lanya]

I recently read (today, actually) most of Tolle's Power of Now, and I understand most of it from my experiences with meditation. But a small excerpt confuses me:

Originally Posted by "The Power of Now: The Meaning of Surrender (Acceptance Of the Now)

Do not confuse surrender with an attitude of "I can't be bothered anymore" or "I just don't care anymore." If you look at it closely, you will find that such an attitude is tainted with negativity in the form of hidden resentment and so is not surrender at all but masked resistance.

I'm having trouble finding the negativity/resentment/resistance in these statements.

I have an apathetic attitude often, so maybe the fact that I don't see this as resistance is a problem?

I suppose that I should just observe those thoughts like I would any other emotions/thoughts (as according to the book). But maybe getting some ideas on what Tolle means would be helpful, too?

So, thoughts on how apathy is resistive?

[Maguru]

I think apathy does not contain motivation or emotional connection, whereas, "I can't be bothered" maybe a decision born from surrendering. I think it all depends on intention and motivation.

Originally Posted by Lanya

I recently read (today, actually) most of Tolle's Power of Now, and I understand most of it from my experiences with meditation. But a small excerpt confuses me:



I'm having trouble finding the negativity/resentment/resistance in these statements.

I have an apathetic attitude often, so maybe the fact that I don't see this as resistance is a problem?

I suppose that I should just observe those thoughts like I would any other emotions/thoughts (as according to the book). But maybe getting some ideas on what Tolle means would be helpful, too?

So, thoughts on how apathy is resistive?

[fwellers]

Originally Posted by Maguru

I think apathy does not contain motivation or emotional connection, whereas, "I can't be bothered" maybe a decision born from surrendering. I think it all depends on intention and motivation.

agree. If you are saying about something "It doesn't concern me at this time" with your normal inner smile, then fine.
But if your saying about something "I don't care" as if you really do care, but have given up on the "thing", then I think there is some inner turmoil/resentment/non-acceptance in that attitude, and that's what I think Eggy is talking about.

[DayInTheLife]

Originally Posted by fwellers

agree. If you are saying about something "It doesn't concern me at this time" with your normal inner smile, then fine.
But if your saying about something "I don't care" as if you really do care, but have given up on the "thing", then I think there is some inner turmoil/resentment/non-acceptance in that attitude, and that's what I think Eggy is talking about.

Yes, I think you are right on.

Usually when people say "I don't care", it is not true. Apathy implies nonacceptance; refusing to feel anything. This determination to "not care" is a form of resistance, an attachment.

I suppose that I should just observe those thoughts like I would any other emotions/thoughts (as according to the book). But maybe getting some ideas on what Tolle means would be helpful, too?

So, thoughts on how apathy is resistive?

Everything in life is met with either resistance or acceptance.

Tolle means that an "I don't care anymore" attitude is not an attitude of acceptance; it is an attitude of resistance. "I don't care" is most often something people say when they resent something (or everything) and want to convince themselves it doesn't matter. It's wishful thinking really.

If you are genuinely unconcerned but still accepting, then it is not apathy.

[veranadine]

Hi Lanya, great question!

Apathy seems to insinuate a lack of passion, having no lust for life, not being able to see the magic in the beauty of living, hence it is a negative state.

He is speaking of surrendering the NEED for things to be a certain way and allowing yourself to feel genuine peace and joy regardless of the circumstances. This is very different than apathy, which is a state of disconnection and defeat where you say, "Oh forget it. I just don't care anymore."

One act (surrender) says, "I allow all of creation to be what it is without shame or blame and still accept joy into my heart."

The other act (apathy) says, "I am so hurt by the disappointment that I feel, I simply refuse to hope anymore."

What we all need is more of the peaceful acceptance, not the painful refusal.

Blessings,

[Buttercat Apocalypse]

It's like saying "the thing I should be doing is unacceptable, therefore I won't do it".

It's resistence to your own nature or to the nature of others.