Mar 12 2008
Short Book Review: A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose, by Eckhart Tolle
So, I read the book that Oprah has been gushing over and having webcast classes for. Her site even has “awakening” exercises you can do and provides tips for how to read the book. Too funny.
The main point Eckhart Tolle makes is that you have to live in the present moment. You need to tune out that voice in your head (the ego) that tries to get you to live in the past or the future, the voice that makes excuses for you not to be happy or to fulfill your destiny.
While having “presence” while living in the present moment, you have only three choices: to accept what you’re doing, have fun with what you’re doing, or have enthusiasm about what you’re doing. Focus entirely on what you’re doing in the present moment. If you can do this and ignore the little voice in your head you will be one with the universe and you will realize your destiny.
The book even tells you how to get rid of any addictions you may have. Tolle recommends that when you feel an addictive urge coming on take two or three breaths and focus on your breathing, then become aware of the urge, and then repeat the breathing exercise. Eventually, if you do this often enough, you may just kick your addiction! Wow, I didn’t know it was so easy!
The book does make some valid points about living in the present and not letting life slip by. He also makes some good points that the past is not as important as the present moment. The book is ok, but I definitely don’t think it’s the amazing book Oprah makes it out to be.
