Eckhart Tolle: Why Develop Consciousness?

by ronpass

Eckhart Toole argues that consciousness is the true source of creativity, joy and peace in your life. Without consciousness, you become captive to your thoughts and emotions.

In his book, The New Earth, Eckhart Tolle explains that much of your life is captured by your thoughts and emotions, fuelled by technology and television. According to Tolle, your thoughts and emotions manifest your EGO and not your consciousness (the essence of who you are). Without consciousness, you are cut off from the real source of your creativity, enjoyment and peace. Tolle's ideas and their implications resonate with many people today - in fact, 6 million copies of this book have been sold. He argues that there is a new global awakening - a New Earth - that is emerging as a result of more and more people becoming aware of their consciousness, partly through dissatisfaction with their lives.

Eckhart Tolle Invades Google Headquarters

The challenge to the bastion of technology

In the following module, I have included a video of Eckhart Tolle having a discussion with Bradley Horowitz, Google engineer responsible for Google+ and other innovations.  The 'interview' took place in front of Google staff . Tolle talked about, "Living with Meaning, Purpose and Wisdom in the Digital Age."  

Eckhart Tolle suggests to the assembled Google staff that they can overcome the tyranny of technology and their accelerated thought patterns by taking moments out to get in touch with their consciousness - by being mindful in the present moment. 

He argues that consciousness is the source of our creative spirit, as it frees us from information overload and entrenched thought patterns.

The 'interview' is 90 minutes long, with the last 30 minutes being a question and answer session.  It is enlightening to hear Google staff ask questions of Eckhart Tolle.  It conjures up the image of disciples sitting at the feet of the Enlightened One as they ask, "Master, how can I find consciousness and wisdom?"

Eckhart Tolle: Interview at Google Headquarters

How to avoid being totally captured by technology

Captured by Your Thoughts and Emotions

Your EGO at work

Eckhart Tolle suggests that you do not utilize the power of your consciousness because you are continuously living in your thoughts and emotions.  He explains that your thoughts and emotions are driven by EGO and not consciousness.  They are often about the future or the past (not the present moment) and invariably involve comparison of yourself with someone else (others are your point of reference).

The validity of his words can be tested by listening to yourself talk, either your spoken words or your inner self-talk.  Here's a sample of what could come out of your mouth (or stay in your head):

  • they are lucky, they have more of...
  • I can't do this as well as others
  • what will they think about my....?
  • that was silly, what will people think?
  • I will be happy when I get one of those
  • when I get these things done, I will be able to concentrate on the important things
  • today is hopeless, tomorrow is another day
  • if only it was Friday
  • ...and so on.

Consciousness clouded by thoughts and emotions

 

Eckhart Tolle would argue that your thoughts drive your emotions - emotions such as disappointment, envy, distress, unhappiness,impatience, disgust or fear.  Sometimes if you are captured by the emotions of the past, your emotions will drive your thoughts.

 

 

You can also watch your EGO at work when you:

  • engage in trying to outdo the other person in terms of what you witnessed or achieved
  • talk endlessly about your achievements to create a good impression
  • interrupt others mid-sentence with what you want to say
  • share the dramatic story to draw attention to yourself
  • share confidences to create a good impression
  • offer embellished accounts of a situation to show yourself in a good light.

I don't know about you, but I have certainly caught myself out at times doing these things.  It is highly instructive to just listen to yourself or to watch yourself in action.  Maybe this is why Eckhart Tolle's work resonates so strongly with so many people - we can see evidence of what he says in every hour of our everyday life.  The evidence is confronting and is intended to awaken us to the real riches that lie within - to go beyond dependence on the outer form or impression and to access the energy of consciousness.

[Image credit: Clouds - Pixabay.com]

Creating a Better Life through Consciousness

The joy of Being

When you develop your consciousness, you are opening up yourself to unfettered creative energy. You free yourself from self-sabotage, overcome information overload and tap into what Eckhart Tolle describes as the 'Power of Now'.

The Birth of ConsciousnessYou effectively free yourself from comparison with others and the entrapment of your own emotions. You are better able to experience joy and happiness because your point of reference is no longer others or specific outcomes, but your true inner self. 

Through consciousness, you can find yourself and your inner purpose - both normally lost in the hustle and bustle of daily living.

Eckhart Tolle suggests that if you can create those moments when you are essentially present to the power of now, you can find enjoyment and enthusiasm in what you are doing - your actions will be imbued with your new consciousness.

[Photo credit: The birth of consciousness by Kevin Dooley]

Updated: 04/03/2012, ronpass
 
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katiem2 on 01/31/2015

I have to agree, I believe, wait no I think no no I am consciously aware that thought is our ego getting in the way of balance which is awareness. It is by being still silent in the gap of all the noise of the world and our egos rather what the world tells us we should be and do we may sit in our true creative beings and yes indeed know a creative awareness that is effortless. I enjoy the create writings of Eckhart Tolle. Great Article thank you for sharing your awareness.

Awesome video, long and admittedly I did not view it in its entirety but I will be back.

d on 04/26/2012

Eck speaks the TRUTH

Bhavesh on 03/26/2012

I love Eckhart Tolle, who has brought "it all" down to the delicious simplicity of Now! His presence is amazingly energizing and his words carry the depth of Existence.

chefkeem on 03/20/2012

Thank you for bringing this video to our attention, Ron. First, I didn't think I could spend 90 minutes on watching it this morning. Then, I couldn't stop watching it. Then, I wished it wouldn't end. Eckhart Tolle has the remarkable ability to instill a sense of peace and understanding in his listeners, and I find it amazing that Google invited him to their HQ.

My favorite quote comes from the host's last words: "You've given us a lot to think about and the ability not to think about it at all."

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