Power Of Now

[JJH]

I have to disagree - excessive extroversion is another way of going unconscious. You don't have to deal with anything if you're distracted (and that's very much an ego thing).

That said - I'm sure there's been just as many extroverted people as introverted who have become enlightened. They simply, "stay present."

Absolutely brilliant book, by the way. It has been a very important text on my own spiritual journey.

[dECLAN]

Originally Posted by starseed

...It's amazing what kind of things you can do when you realize your thoughts can only get you so far, when you go beyond them into the now.. An amazing stream of energy and joy flows through you, and you just "know" what to do. Some call it instinct, others, divine inspiration, whatever you call it... it's a lovely way to be...

What a wonderful way of describing the feeling!

Originally Posted by starseed

Now I just need to be in the now every moment, working on it

Me too...

[Erock]

Originally Posted by JJH

I have to disagree - excessive extroversion is another way of going unconscious. You don't have to deal with anything if you're distracted (and that's very much an ego thing).

That said - I'm sure there's been just as many extroverted people as introverted who have become enlightened. They simply, "stay present."

Absolutely brilliant book, by the way. It has been a very important text on my own spiritual journey.

Ah that makes much more sense. I was thinking about it, like when I'm watching a movie, nothing is really going through my mind. But that's not being truly conscious. That's distraction, or unconsciousness (is that the right word?).

I think being unconscious is more relaxing then the excessive mind virus, which is why people really enjoy movies/videogames/exc.

[JJH]

I'm totally with you on that one. I used to be really addicted to TV especially, along with computer games and anything else that would distract me from my "real life."

Then, once I began this amazing journey (quite by accident), of discovery and meditation, the false within my mind and ego was gradually revealed... And you can't continue to do what doesn't work for you, if you are conscious of it. Now, I'm focusing on being present in my daily life, at all times. What a difference! I must have been very "unconscious" up until about a year ago. So identified with my mind, thinking, and ego - frustration, pain.

The beautiful thing about it is, you don't have to exert any effort to make these changes for the better. You realise one day, "hey, I don't do that bad thing anymore." Simply incredible.

It has taken me quite a while to get to this point though - totally worth it.

Now instead of going unconscious watching movies - I use my consciousness to make them!

[painbodyboy]

For me the great learning in TPON is that we are not our thoughts or mind. The ego or mind simply processes whats happening now through the filter of past experince. We may not always be able to control our mind or ego, but we can step aside and observe rather than act. My insanity lies in not accepting what is. I live in Minnesota and do not like long winters. Unless Al Gore's predictions comes true real soon, I am destined to suffer through winter. If I accept and live in the now I stop suffering.

[John Wesley]

I don't really like any of these books the try to present some "System" you can follow that will lead to the ideal life. It simply isn't true, and worse, it's manipulative.

"Truth is a pathless land" -Krishnamurti

[painbodyboy]

No system-just be! If you have not read the book I would invite you to pick it up. There is no B.S., just a new way to look at the constant chatter that goes on in your head.