I'm going to play the devil's advocate here for a minute. Am I the only one who is having a hard time with reading A New Earth?

I enjoy books that discuss universal, spiritually based topics, but this one feels like a chore to read. I find myself saying, "But Oprah thinks it's really good. It's the first non-fiction book she's picked. So..."

By the time I finish the book and get involved in the online class, I may feel differently. I'm curious to get some open feedback.

K.S.R.---

I can see how many people could see it as a chore to read. It is about the fundamental design of being a human being and what gets in our way of true peace and happieness--not a light and easy subject. This book is not like other self-help/spritual books that talks about being happier, better, or having more. This book, when fully comprehended, is a book about a complete transformation of the experience of being alive.

Consider it good news that you find it a challenge. Tolle is asking people to honestly look at who they have been being in life, and take responsibility for their cause in the matter. Often, when we are challenged in such a manner, our first response is exhaustion, confusion, irritation, etc. My recommendation is to stop and look at when you feel like he is being confusing and simply ask yourself, "What is it that I don't want to hear". If that doesn't work, come back here and let's talk about it! I think that is why the online class is going to be so transformative--people will be able to see themselves in what others have gotten.

Good luck! Thanks for your thoughts on the subject!

I'm sticking my fingers in my ears and saying "la, la, la, la la!" :O)

Thank you for your recommendations Karin. Your comments were thoughtful and honest. It may be true that there are some things I don't want to hear.

It is definitely worth giving the book a second look.

But to tell you the truth, there's something else that bothers me. I've been on the message boards at Oprah's site. I've been surprised by the amount of judgment I see going on, feelings of superiority, and mania. Who's to say people aren't forcing themselves to stick with it just because it's an Oprah pick, even though another approach might be clearer and more understandable?

I don't want to be a part of some cult following. I'm going to keep with it, though, Karin. I'll let you know how it goes. Kathryyn just told me there's a workbook that goes with the book. That might make the torture more bearable. ;)

Lol at the mental image of you sticking your fingers in your ears. It is what most people are doing, but they just don't know it! :)

I actually do think there is a much easier, clearer way to get what you are looking for--it is called the Landmark forum. It is a three day weekend about the design of being a human being, and what stops us from getting what we are looking for. It talks about alot of what Tolle is talking about but unlike reading it in a book, you experience it. I would equate it to the difference between reading a brochure about Disneyland and actually going to Disneyland. While some people might actually get a sense of what it is like to ride the rides, so to speak by reading a book, others may find it much too conceptual.

I like the book, I am getting a lot out of it. Mostly I am present to what I got out of the Landmark forum so my comments aren't to stray people from the book, but to let them know that if anyone is really interested in transforming their life, they should do the Landmark forum.

As far as your concerns about this book and class being a cult; I think having a discussion about what a cult is would be fascinating. It is interesting how often it comes up when people talk about peace, love, happiness and what is possible. I say if that is a cult, sign me up!

It is harder to read to me than any other book I've read. However, I am picking up things here and there out of each chapter and will do my best to finish the book.

I think part of my thing is that I read for pleasure and this isn't 100% pleasure/mindless reading.

Well, I'll be. I've had a change of heart.

Last night, after having had the absolute worst day in ages, I decided to pick up A New Earth again after taking a break from it for a couple of weeks.

Actually, these past few weeks have been very rough. What to my wondering eyes did appear last night, when I opened the book, but the realization that I had closed the book and chosen to stop reading right at the point where Tolle discusses a topic that is the most painful topic of my life.

Interestingly enough, during these last two weeks of misery and doubt, something took root, because a literal miracle has happened with regards to this area of pain in my life. A door has literally opened.

Then, this morning, I was looking for a certain paper that I needed, I found it attached to a manila envelope. I had made notes on the envelope from a visit to my doctor last fall. I wrote down that he suggested I read two books: A New Earth, and The Power of Now.

My crusty heart is softening. I think I'll post this comment on a new thread, since I've been such a ninkumpoop about the book lately.