A New Earth discussion
A Change of Heart. Keep Reading!
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Howdy KSR--Acknowledging difficulties appreciating A New Earth isn't really being a ninkumpoop. The overall structure and language of this book is simplistic enough but Tolle does deal with a cluster of concepts and theories that actually stretch beyond the notion of "self-help" into realms of philosophy and metaphysics that many might first experience as frustratingly abstract or obscure.
In fact, his very necessary allusion to the teachings of individuals like Descartes and Sartre might even make some characterize the work as elitist in some respects. That Oprah Winfrey would love this book makes a lot of sense because she is, clearly, and exceptional being who desires to share as much of her life's experience with humanity as she can.
Interestingly enough, it seemed to me--and I hope you will forgive me for saying so here--that part of your initial response was the ego kicking up a fuss because it sensed it might be under attack:-)
And yet your greater consciousness seems to have anticipated this by planting the note last fall to read the book.
Because of my own writing obligations, it took me a while to actually start reading a A New Earth, but now that I am, I've been forced to identify and relinquish some negative thought patterns in which I've taken far too much comfort for the past year or so. There's a great deal with which I can identify in this book because of a kind of awakening I experienced following a personal tragedy in England some years back. Maybe I'll share more regarding that as time allows me to contribute periodically to the ongoing discussion.
Thank you again for hosting this group.
Aberjhani
Having come back in August last year from a 21 day process in India at the Oneness University with intense experiential training on the concepts in Tolle's book, I picked up the book and began reading from the middle. I was eager to get back to it, this time front first! when Oprah announced the webinar she would host with Eckard Tolle. Another book for your aficionados of waking up to the authentic self is Awakening Into Oneness by Arjuna Ardagh. This is much about the experience, mission, and teachings at the Oneness University near Chennai, India. As I am now reading Tolle's book, I am reminded of many lessons and experiences over the last several years, but mostly of some profound experiences in India.
Thanks to everyone for their participation in this ocean of oneness discussion!
Noni
I have to agree! Even when you and I were speaking of your having some difficulty with the book, I was having the experience of "it's not extraordinary". Last night I read the story about the Zen Monk and it really hit home. I saw that I keep thinking that the world will be so much easier for me when people just get this stuff--not true. That Monk didn't wait for everyone to get their act together. He said "Oh, is that so?" Darn it! If I had only read that chapter a few days earlier, I could have said "Oh is that so?"! instead of launching a war against someone who I felt had wronged me. Urgh! That's o.k. though it was just my pain body speaking right? ;)
You are completely right, Aberjhani. I do think my ego did put up a bit of a fuss! This morning I woke up at 3:14 a.m. and couldn't get back to sleep. So I started reading more.I finished Chapter Six and the realization came to me that I would have missed exactly what I need to learn had I stopped too soon.
When the time is right, and if you feel so inclined, your story would be welcome here.
I'm glad you're enjoying the group.
Karey
Hi I am new to this group and this book is a bit hard to read, but in a good way. I have read some of Ken Wilbur's works (and Rudolf Steiner as another example) and feel the same about them. When you read books like these I think it takes repeated exposure, and even Tolle says it has to be right for you at the right time. Some of the ideas in this book are starting to sink in, but I still haven't gotten it yet. I am going to go and listen to the presentations over at Oprah on the earlier stuff and see if I can't get back into it.
Thanks for creating this group!
Welcome Kristy!I agree that the book is hard to read and I have taken to reading it only at lunch at work. There are too many "fun" books to get bogged down with this at night (IMHO)
Leslie
So, first let me broadcast this loud and clear:
My intention is to awaken to my life's purpose. Last night I realized that this book is a phenomenal tool to help me do just that! If you think I'm joking, read on...
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. Very. Last night, what to my wondering eyes did appear , 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.
I closed the book because I didn't want to re-open that chapter in my heart. It's so much easier--it seems--to keep certain parts of your heart closed.
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 where 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. I didn't even know I had heard of the book until Oprah first announced it.
My crusty heart is softening. I posted this comment somewhere else, but since I've been such a ninkumpoop about the book lately (as I said earlier :O) I thought it deserved it's own thread.
I'm interested to know if anyone else has had a change of heart.