THE POWER OF NOW

“THE POWER OF NOW can transform your thinking. The result? More joy, right now. That is what THE POWER OF NOW is about. It is about you discovering that you are not your thoughts, your feelings, or the story of your life, but instead, you are the one who is aware of them. This discovery can bring about a shift in consciousness, which can be the beginning of a journey to living a more fulfilling, peaceful, and joyful life.

You may have heard the phrase ‘living in the present moment’ before, but what does it mean? In simple terms, it means being fully present and attentive to whatever is happening right now, without being distracted by thoughts of the past or worries about the future. It means embracing the present moment as it is, without judgment or resistance. This may sound simple, but it can be quite challenging in practice, as our minds are often busy with thoughts, worries, and distractions.

In this book, I will share with you teachings and practices that can help you cultivate a deeper awareness of the present moment and experience the profound peace and joy that come from living in alignment with the present moment. I will guide you on a journey to discovering the timeless dimension of consciousness within yourself, where true happiness and fulfillment reside.

As you read this book, I encourage you to approach it with an open mind and a willingness to explore new ideas and perspectives. The journey to living in the present moment is a personal one, and each individual will find their path. I hope the insights and practices shared in this book will serve as a valuable guide on your journey to awakening to the power of now.”

CHAPTER 1: YOU ARE NOT YOUR MIND

Tolle introduces the fundamental concept of identifying with the consciousness beyond the mind. Here’s a summary of the key points from this chapter:

1. Identification with the Mind: Tolle begins by highlighting how most people have a strong identification with their thoughts, emotions, and mental narratives. This identification creates a sense of self that is heavily influenced by past experiences, future expectations, and cultural conditioning.

2. The Egoic Mind: He discusses the egoic mind, which is the false sense of self-created by identification with thought. The ego constantly seeks to reinforce its sense of identity through judgment, comparison, and attachment to stories about the past and future.

3. Observing the Mind: Tolle encourages readers to observe their thoughts without getting entangled in them. By cultivating awareness of the mind’s activity, one can begin to disidentify from it and recognize that they are not their thoughts.

4. The Observer: He introduces the concept of the “watcher” or “observer” — the aspect of consciousness that is capable of witnessing thoughts, emotions, and sensory experiences without being defined by them. This observer is the essence of who we truly are beyond the egoic mind.

5. The Power of Presence: Tolle emphasizes the importance of presence — the state of conscious awareness in the present moment. By connecting with the present moment, one can experience a sense of inner peace, clarity, and freedom from the incessant chatter of the mind.

6. Practical Exercises: Throughout the chapter, Tolle offers practical exercises for becoming more present and disidentifying from the mind. These exercises include simple practices such as observing the breath, paying attention to sensory perceptions, and bringing awareness to bodily sensations.

Overall, Chapter One of “The Power of Now” lays the foundation for the rest of the book by introducing readers to the concept of transcending the egoic mind and finding liberation in the present moment. It invites readers to explore their true nature beyond the realm of thought and experience the profound peace and joy that come from living in alignment with the present moment.

CHAPTER 2: CONSCIOUSNESS – THE WAY OUT OF PAIN

Eckhart Tolle delves deeper into the nature of consciousness and its role in transcending psychological suffering. Here’s a summary of the key points from this chapter:

1. Understanding Consciousness: Tolle emphasizes that consciousness is the essence of who we are beyond the realm of thought. It is the awareness that exists prior to and independent of any mental activity. While the mind is a tool for processing information, consciousness is the deeper dimension of awareness that underlies all experience.

2. Identification with Pain: Tolle discusses how psychological suffering arises from the mind’s tendency to identify with pain — whether it be past traumas, negative emotions, or future anxieties. By attaching to these mental patterns, individuals perpetuate their suffering and create a sense of victimhood.

3. The Egoic Mind and Pain: He explores how the egoic mind feeds on pain and negativity, as it reinforces the sense of separation and identity. The ego thrives on drama and conflict, as it gives it a sense of significance and purpose.

4. Transcending Pain through Presence: Tolle introduces the concept of using consciousness — or presence — as a way out of psychological pain. By bringing awareness to the present moment, individuals can disidentify from the mind’s stories and reactive patterns, thereby experiencing relief from suffering.

5. Acceptance and Surrender: He discusses the importance of accepting the present moment as it is, including any pain or discomfort that may arise. Through surrendering to what is, individuals can find peace and liberation from the mind’s resistance.

6. Practical Exercises: Throughout the chapter, Tolle offers practical exercises for cultivating presence and transcending pain. These exercises may include techniques such as mindfulness meditation, body awareness, and conscious breathing.

Overall, Chapter Two of “The Power of Now” explores how consciousness can serve as a gateway to freedom from psychological suffering. By recognizing the power of presence and learning to disidentify from the egoic mind, individuals can experience profound peace and inner transformation.

CHAPTER 3: MOVING DEEPLY INTO THE NOW

This chapter builds upon the foundation laid in the previous chapters and explores the practical aspects of living in the present moment. Here’s a summary of the key points from this chapter:

1. The Essence of Surrender: Tolle emphasizes the importance of surrendering to the present moment fully. Surrender does not mean passively accepting circumstances; rather, it involves letting go of resistance and embracing whatever arises with openness and receptivity.

2. Accepting the Isness of the Present Moment: He encourages readers to accept the “isness” of the present moment — that is, to recognize and embrace the reality of what is without judgment or resistance. This acceptance opens the door to a deeper sense of peace and presence.

3. The Power of Stillness: Tolle discusses the transformative power of stillness — the state of inner quiet and alertness that arises when we are fully present. In stillness, we can connect with the deeper dimensions of consciousness and experience a profound sense of peace and clarity.

4. Transcending Time through Presence: He explores how presence allows us to transcend the limitations of time and connect with the timeless dimension of consciousness within us. By bringing awareness to the present moment, we can free ourselves from the grip of past and future and experience a deeper sense of aliveness and vitality.

5. The Inner Body as a Portal to Presence: Tolle introduces the inner body as a powerful portal to presence. By bringing attention to the inner body — the subtle energy field that underlies physical form — we can anchor ourselves in the present moment and experience a deeper sense of connection with ourselves and the world around us.

6. Practical Exercises: Throughout the chapter, Tolle offers practical exercises for deepening presence and moving more deeply into the Now. These exercises include practices such as “inner-body awareness” and “sense perceptions,” which help to bring attention out of the mind and into the present moment.

Overall, Chapter Three of “The Power of Now” guides readers on a journey to deeper presence and surrender, offering practical insights and exercises for cultivating a more conscious and fulfilling life. It invites readers to explore the transformative potential of presence in transcending the limitations of the egoic mind and finding liberation in the timeless Now.

CHAPTER 4: MIND STRATEGIES FOR AVOIDING THE NOW

Tolle explores the various ways in which the mind seeks to avoid the present moment and perpetuate a state of unconsciousness. Here’s a summary of the key points from this chapter:

1. Identification with Thought: Tolle discusses how the mind constantly seeks to perpetuate its own existence through identification with thought. By attaching itself to past memories, future projections, and mental narratives, the mind creates a sense of self that is separate from the present moment.

2. The Pain-Body: He introduces the concept of the “pain-body” — the accumulation of past emotional pain and trauma that resides within the psyche. The pain body feeds on negative emotions and thrives on conflict and drama, causing suffering in oneself and others.

3. Patterns of Unconsciousness: Tolle explores the various patterns of unconsciousness that the mind employs to avoid the present moment. These patterns include resistance, denial, blame, and projection, all of which serve to perpetuate a state of separation from oneself and others.

4. The Role of Ego: He discusses how the ego, or the false sense of self-created by identification with thought, plays a central role in perpetuating unconsciousness. The ego seeks to maintain its identity through resistance to the present moment and attachment to mental narratives.

5. Breaking Free from Mind Identification: Tolle offers insights and practical exercises for breaking free from mind identification and entering into a state of presence. These include practices such as observing thought without judgment, bringing attention to the breath, and cultivating awareness of the inner body.

6. The Power of Presence: Throughout the chapter, Tolle emphasizes the transformative power of presence in transcending the mind’s strategies for avoiding the Now. By becoming fully present and aware of the present moment, one can break free from the grip of unconsciousness and experience a deeper sense of peace and aliveness.

Overall, Chapter Four of “The Power of Now” sheds light on the ways in which the mind seeks to avoid the present moment and perpetuate a state of unconsciousness. It offers insights and practical guidance for breaking free from mind identification and entering into a state of presence, where true peace and liberation reside.

CHAPTER 5: THE STATE OF PRESENCE

This chapter delves deeper into the experience of presence and the transformative power it holds. Here’s a summary of the key points from this chapter:

1. Understanding Presence: Tolle begins by elucidating the concept of presence — the state of conscious awareness in the present moment. Presence is the essence of who we truly are beyond the realm of thought and emotion. It is the eternal Now, untouched by the fluctuations of the mind.

2. The Power of Now: He emphasizes the importance of aligning oneself with the power of Now — the timeless dimension of consciousness that underlies all of existence. By connecting with the Now, we can experience a profound sense of peace, aliveness, and clarity.

3. Embracing the Present Moment: Tolle encourages readers to embrace the present moment fully, without resistance or judgment. Presence is not something that needs to be attained; it is already inherent within us, waiting to be recognized and embraced.

4. Transcending Identification with Form: He discusses how identification with form — whether it be physical, mental, or emotional — perpetuates a sense of separateness and suffering. By recognizing oneself as a formless consciousness beyond form, one can transcend the limitations of the egoic mind and experience true liberation.

5. The Inner Body as a Portal to Presence: Tolle explores the inner body as a powerful portal to presence. By bringing attention to the subtle energy field within the body, one can anchor oneself in the present moment and experience a deeper sense of connection with oneself and the world around us.

6. Practical Exercises: Throughout the chapter, Tolle offers practical exercises for deepening presence and entering into the state of presence. These exercises include practices such as “inner-body awareness” and “sense perceptions,” which help to bring attention out of the mind and into the present moment.

Overall, Chapter Five of “The Power of Now” invites readers to explore the transformative potential of presence in transcending the limitations of the egoic mind and finding liberation in the timeless Now. It offers practical guidance for cultivating a deeper sense of presence and embracing the fullness of life in each moment.

CHAPTER 6: THE INNER BODY

This chapter focuses on the exploration of the inner body as a powerful gateway to presence and a deeper sense of aliveness. Here’s a summary of the key points from this chapter:

1. Awareness of the Inner Body: Tolle begins by introducing the inner body — the subtle energy field that underlies physical form. The inner body is the doorway to the present moment and a direct pathway to experiencing the timeless dimension of consciousness within oneself.

2. Anchoring Yourself in the Now: He emphasizes the importance of anchoring oneself in the present moment by bringing attention to the inner body. By focusing on the sensations and energy flows within the body, one can transcend the incessant chatter of the mind and experience a deeper sense of presence and aliveness.

3. The Inner Body Meditation: Tolle offers a guided meditation practice for connecting with the inner body. This practice involves bringing attention to different parts of the body and observing the sensations that arise without judgment or analysis. Through this practice, one can cultivate a deeper sense of presence and inner peace.

4. Transcending Identification with Form: He discusses how identification with form — whether it be physical, mental, or emotional — perpetuates a sense of separateness and suffering. By recognizing oneself as a formless consciousness beyond form, one can transcend the limitations of the egoic mind and experience true liberation.

5. Presence Through the Inner Body: Tolle explores how presence can be accessed through the inner body. By bringing attention to the subtle energy field within the body, one can anchor oneself in the present moment and experience a deeper sense of connection with oneself and the world around us.

6. Integration of Presence: Throughout the chapter, Tolle emphasizes the integration of presence into everyday life. Presence is not something that is separate from daily activities; rather, it infuses every aspect of life with a deeper sense of aliveness and vitality.

Overall, Chapter Six of “The Power of Now” offers practical guidance for cultivating presence through the exploration of the inner body. It invites readers to anchor themselves in the present moment and experience the fullness of life in each moment.

CHAPTER 7: PORTALS INTO THE UNMANIFESTED

This chapter explores various gateways or portals through which one can access the unmanifested dimension of consciousness beyond the realm of form. Here’s a summary of the key points from this chapter:

1. The Unmanifested: Tolle introduces the concept of the unmanifested — the formless dimension of consciousness that underlies all of existence. This dimension is beyond the realm of thought and perception and can only be accessed through direct experience.

2. Silence: He discusses how silence serves as a powerful portal into the unmanifested. By quieting the mind and entering into a state of inner stillness, one can access the deeper dimensions of consciousness and experience a sense of peace and clarity.

3. Space: Tolle explores the spaciousness that exists between thoughts, sensations, and objects. This spaciousness is not empty but filled with the presence of consciousness itself. By becoming aware of the space between phenomena, one can transcend the limitations of form and experience a deeper sense of connection with the unmanifested.

4. The Gateway of Inner Body Awareness: He revisits the inner body as a gateway into the unmanifested. By bringing attention to the subtle energy field within the body, one can access the formless dimension of consciousness and experience a deeper sense of presence and aliveness.

5. The Now: Tolle emphasizes the importance of the present moment as the ultimate portal into the unmanifested. The Now is the doorway to the timeless dimension of consciousness, where true peace and liberation reside. By fully embracing the present moment, one can transcend the limitations of the egoic mind and experience the fullness of life in each moment.

6. Practical Exercises: Throughout the chapter, Tolle offers practical exercises for accessing the unmanifested through various portals. These exercises include practices such as “silence,” “space awareness,” and “inner body awareness,” which help to bring attention out of the mind and into the present moment.

Overall, Chapter Seven of “The Power of Now” invites readers to explore the various gateways into the unmanifested dimension of consciousness and experience the profound peace and clarity that come from transcending the limitations of form. It offers practical guidance for cultivating presence and accessing the deeper dimensions of consciousness within oneself.

CHAPTER 8: ENLIGHTENED RELATIONSHIPS

This chapter explores how the state of presence can transform our relationships and lead to deeper connections with others. Here’s a summary of the key points from this chapter:

1. The Challenge of Relationships: Tolle begins by acknowledging the challenges that arise in relationships due to the egoic mind’s tendency to seek validation, control, and power. He discusses how these patterns of behavior can lead to conflict, drama, and suffering in relationships.

2. The Purpose of Relationships: He explores the deeper purpose of relationships, which is to serve as a mirror for our own consciousness and facilitate our spiritual growth. Relationships provide an opportunity to become more conscious and transcend the limitations of the egoic mind.

3. The Ego in Relationships: Tolle discusses how the ego often seeks to dominate relationships through identification with roles, labels, and expectations. This identification creates a sense of separation and conflict, preventing true intimacy and connection.

4. Transcending Egoic Patterns: He offers insights and practical guidance for transcending egoic patterns in relationships. This involves becoming aware of the ego’s mechanisms and surrendering to the present moment, allowing for authentic connection and mutual respect to emerge.

5. Presence in Relationships: Tolle emphasizes the importance of presence in relationships. By bringing attention to the present moment and cultivating awareness of oneself and others, one can foster deeper connections and communicate from a place of authenticity and empathy.

6. Acceptance and Forgiveness: He discusses the role of acceptance and forgiveness in relationships. Acceptance involves embracing oneself and others as they are, without judgment or resistance, while forgiveness involves letting go of past grievances and releasing the burden of resentment.

7. Mutual Awakening: Tolle explores the concept of mutual awakening — the idea that relationships can serve as a catalyst for spiritual awakening. Through mutual presence and authentic communication, partners can support each other in deepening their connection to the present moment and experiencing a greater sense of aliveness and fulfillment.

Overall, Chapter Eight of “The Power of Now” offers practical guidance for cultivating enlightened relationships based on presence, acceptance, and mutual respect. It invites readers to explore the transformative potential of relationships as a pathway to spiritual growth and awakening.

CHAPTER 9: BEYOND HAPPINESS AND UNHAPPINESS THERE IS PEACE

This chapter explores the nature of peace and its relationship to happiness and unhappiness. Here’s a summary of the key points from this chapter:

1. The Pursuit of Happiness: Tolle begins by discussing how many people spend their lives chasing after happiness, believing that it is the key to fulfillment and contentment. However, he argues that true happiness cannot be found in external circumstances or achievements but arises from within.

2. The Illusion of Happiness and Unhappiness: He explores how the mind creates the illusion of happiness and unhappiness through its constant seeking and attachment to pleasure and avoidance of pain. This cycle of desire and aversion perpetuates a sense of lack and dissatisfaction, preventing true peace from being experienced.

3. The State of Presence: Tolle introduces the concept of presence as the key to transcending the duality of happiness and unhappiness. Presence is the state of conscious awareness in the present moment, beyond the fluctuations of the mind and emotions. In presence, one can experience a deep sense of peace and contentment that is not dependent on external circumstances.

4. Embracing the Present Moment: He emphasizes the importance of embracing the present moment fully, without judgment or resistance. By accepting what is and surrendering to the Now, one can find peace even in the midst of challenging circumstances.

5. Transcending Dualistic Thinking: Tolle discusses how the mind operates in terms of dualistic thinking — categorizing experiences as either good or bad, pleasant or unpleasant. True peace can only be found by transcending this dualistic perspective and recognizing the underlying unity of all existence.

6. The Power of Acceptance: He explores the role of acceptance in finding peace. Acceptance does not mean resignation or passivity but involves embracing the reality of what is without resistance. Through acceptance, one can release the grip of the egoic mind and experience a deeper sense of peace and freedom.

7. The Eternal Now: Tolle emphasizes that true peace is found in the eternal Now — the timeless dimension of consciousness that underlies all of existence. By anchoring oneself in the present moment and aligning with the power of Now, one can transcend the limitations of egoic thinking and experience the peace that surpasses understanding.

Overall, Chapter Nine of “The Power of Now” invites readers to explore the nature of peace beyond the duality of happiness and unhappiness. It offers practical guidance for finding peace in the present moment and experiencing a deeper sense of fulfillment and contentment in life.

CHAPTER 10: THE MEANING OF SURRENDER

This chapter explores the transformative power of surrender and its role in spiritual awakening. Here’s a summary of the key points from this chapter:

1. The Nature of Surrender: Tolle begins by defining surrender as the relinquishment of resistance to the present moment and the acceptance of what is. Surrender is not an act of weakness but a profound acknowledgment of the inherent intelligence and perfection of life.

2. Resistance and Suffering: He discusses how resistance to the present moment creates suffering by perpetuating a sense of separation and conflict. When we resist what is, we create mental barriers that prevent us from experiencing the peace and aliveness of the Now.

3. The Illusion of Control: Tolle explores how the egoic mind seeks to maintain control over life through identification with thought and attachment to outcomes. This illusion of control creates stress, anxiety, and dissatisfaction, as we struggle to manipulate reality according to our desires.

4. The Practice of Surrender: He offers practical guidance for practicing surrender in everyday life. This involves letting go of the need to control outcomes and embracing the present moment with openness and receptivity. Surrender is not about giving up or resigning oneself to fate but about aligning with the natural flow of life.

5. Trust in Life: Tolle emphasizes the importance of trust in the process of surrender. Trust involves having faith in the intelligence and wisdom of life itself, even when circumstances appear challenging or uncertain. Through trust, we can surrender to the unfolding of life with grace and ease.

6. The Path to Awakening: He discusses how surrender is the gateway to spiritual awakening. By surrendering to the present moment and relinquishing resistance to what is, we can transcend the limitations of the egoic mind and experience a deeper sense of peace and fulfillment.

7. The Paradox of Surrender: Tolle explores the paradox of surrender — that true power arises from the willingness to surrender to what is. In surrendering to the present moment, we discover a profound sense of inner strength and resilience that transcends the egoic need for control.

Overall, Chapter Ten of “The Power of Now” invites readers to explore the transformative potential of surrender in experiencing peace, freedom, and spiritual awakening. It offers practical guidance for embracing surrender as a pathway to liberation and living in alignment with the natural flow of life.

CONCLUSION

The conclusion of “The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle encapsulates the essence of the transformative journey toward awakening to the present moment. Key points include embracing the present moment as the gateway to peace and fulfillment, transcending the egoic mind to recognize oneself as formless consciousness, and living in alignment with the natural flow of life through surrender and presence. Tolle extends an invitation to readers to continue their journey of awakening beyond the book, emphasizing that true freedom and fulfillment come from living in alignment with the timeless dimension of consciousness. Overall, the conclusion serves as a profound reminder of the transformative potential of presence and surrender in experiencing true liberation and awakening to the fullness of life.