Eckhart Tolle quotes

124 posts

compression

Thought Compression or Conscious Relaxation?

Ask this question. How do I wish to live? Let’s compare the mind to a computer. It has a program (conditioning) used for the compression of data (thoughts). However, the mind usually overloads us with too many thoughts. Why? Simply because we are not consciously aware. We could also call this living consciously or freedom from mind interference.

compression

Otherwise, the mind will attempt to compress more and more thoughts into your conscious state of being (presence). This compression can be an advantage for the storage and transfer of data on a computer. However, it can be very burdening for a life-form with a deeper level of consciousness. Why? Simply because consciousness suggests that an object has the potential to be self-aware. Self-consciousness, in turn, causes us to ask why. Continue reading

struggle

Struggle and It Becomes Worse

There are rope knots that tighten when you pull. Sailors and cowboys use such knots. A knot used on a boat or for horses on a farm are examples. This is ideal for practical purposes. But what if you are in the process of consciously awakening. Well the more you listen to the mind and struggle means less awareness to consciousness.

struggle

Unfortunately, we still struggle against almost everything. Therefore, the mind-knots just keep getting tighter. Thus, there is no space to breathe or live. We grasp fur air and cling to mind-details. But we don’t truly breathe nor do we truly live. We scuffle along always trying to get more and be more. But more of what? There is not more enlightenment. There can only be consciousness. Not more consciousness. You are you. There cannot be more of you. Not more and not less in any given moment. Continue reading

Ghosts of the Mind: Don’t Let Them Haunt You

 

There are ghosts. But they are only of the mind. But be careful. They will possess you.  This will cloud the clarity of consciousness. A mind clouded by thoughts and emotions will also concede quickly to the influence of other minds. This results from conditioned imprints. Consciousness is vulnerable to the trickery of these mind-created impressions.

ghosts

 

The unconscious behavior of another person can also cause these apparitions. Mind-conditioning summons these ghosts. And they thrive in the realm of unconsciousness. This can happen in any given situation. These phantoms of the mind seem to always be lurking in the shadows of an unaware person. Continue reading

whisper

Whisper Softly: Telling Me Secrets

Do you often hear a soft whisper? It is here. A being without definition or purpose. It is a presence. We have known of it since the dawn of consciousness. And we are always striving to become part of it. Sometimes timidly and other times frantically during our evolution. We grasp for this mysterious something because it feels like home.

whisper

Some people are oblivious to it. Still others want to label it. Therefore, space consciousness gets names and reasons for being. This has become a repetitive cycle throughout our history. Some people even call this mystery a secret among many more secrets. And yet the soft whisper of life consciousness shares everything. But we don’t truly listen. Still this presence is intense. Hence people continue to relentlessly search for it. Many individuals want this so badly that they will think and believe anything to get enlightenment. Continue reading

avoid

Avoid Thoughts: A Step Toward Enlightenment

Should you avoid your thoughts? Yes, definitely. At least 99% of these are opinions, judgements, sentiments and beliefs. In other words, you don’t need them. This is a follow-up article to Thoughts About Thinking Can Hurt You. Does it irritate you to read about shunning your thoughts? If so, please realize that the mind reacts to almost anything that represents change.

avoid

Let’s go an additional step. To avoid your thoughts does not mean to deny or reject them. You should not oppose the mind and its process of thinking. It is best to accept them. But then let them go. Observe any give thought. Especially one or more that stands out from the others. It will be possible to acknowledge most thoughts as repetitive, inconclusive and superfluous. Plainly said, you don’t need to focus on the majority of thoughts. Do you truly desire conscious awakening and to live consciously? Continue reading

muddy

Muddy Water and Cloudy Consciousness

Everyone has experienced the effect of muddy water. It distorts a clear perception of any body of water; whether flowing or passive. Unclear water is a result of interaction with the waters nature state of existence. This could be any number of things such as dirt, sand or decomposed wood. This is an excellent example in considering how object existence can influence the flow of life energy consciousness as it expands.

muddy

Imagine a clear mountain spring with a small stream flowing from it. The water is crystal clear.  The stream meanders down the mountain side. It is in the nature of things for the pure water to pick up object content as it flows. This could be leaves, wood, sand etc. We could refer to this content as details of the water. The water will assimilate any object to reduce unnecessary manipulation or restriction of its flowing. The properties of any given object become that of the water and visa-versa. Continue reading

Lucky Penny: This Is Not Enlightenment

The quest to reach enlightenment is similar to a 16th century quote. Oh! What a tangled web we weave. (Marmion: A Tale of Flodden Field, Walter Scott) And indeed there is still a lot of confusion about living in a state of conscious awareness. Mind conditioning has mostly dominated our existence. Thus, people often consider the search for enlightenment to be a quest. Still more prevalent is our behavior regarding this illumination. Many people compare conscious awakening to finding a shiny lucky penny.

lucky

So what happens when you find a penny? Mind conditioning tells you that it will bring luck. This is a fantastic discovery because the worth of a penny is nothing compared to the luck within it. At least this is what the mind thinks. Thus you hold the penny tight for fear of losing it. And you dream about the wonderful things that are going to happen. People proclaim that everything will be different (better) because of the shiny piece of metal. Continue reading

thoughts

Thoughts about Thinking Can Hurt You

You think too much. It seems that you are always thinking. Meanwhile the process of conscious awakening as begun. But you still can’t stop thinking. Friends, books, and spiritual teachers tell you to stop thinking. And still the thoughts rattle around in your head. You try to meditate. Enlightenment is your wish. However, trying to stop thinking only causes you to think more. Oh, the misery! These excessive thoughts are dreadful.

thoughts

What can you do? How do you stop thinking? The first two conscious steps correlate directly to these questions. First step. Practice “doing” less. Thus, you will automatically do more and be more. Second step. Realize deeply that you can’t stop thinking. No one can stop thoughts. They are the result of a thinking process. The brain is a biological organ. Sadhguru once said that trying to stop thinking is like telling you liver or pancreas to stop working (paraphrase). This is something we can’t and don’t wish to stop. Continue reading

look

Look Within, Without, and Beyond

Do you wish to take a closer look at yourself? This is easier than you may think. Look at everything surrounding you. What do you see? Furthermore where you are and what you are doing is of no true importance. You are actually observing yourself. You and the self are in everything. This refers to you as a person. This is the mental, emotional and physical aspects of being. And this refers to the self that is universal. Ultimately both are one and the same.

look

We usually experience mind energy resulting from mental, physical or emotional aspects. Additionally there are behavioral factors. Assumptions, beliefs, judgments, fear, and ego are the result of mind conditioning. Thus, the mind uses these as reasons for labeling and defining everything. This occurs because we only mentally see something. Continue reading

story

Story Created by the Mind and Is Not True

The mind insists that you listen to its story. But it is surly only telling you a mind-made fairy-tale. Therefore, we often remain oblivious to living consciously in the moment. The body will experience discomforts, pain, illness and eventually death. There will also be experiences of mental and emotional happiness. But, do we need to make everything into a story? And yet, the mind insists on using all experiences as a continuation of our human saga. Hence, it seems impossible to disregard what it is telling us.

story

The tale of your experiences seems so real. Alas, the now of your existence does not offer a story even if the psyche tells you otherwise. The mind will attempt to tell you a tale based on the past or future. But will gradually cease as you remain anchored in the moment. It is the constant present that manifests life and not the illusions fabricated by thoughts, beliefs or fears. Living consciously allows you to flow with life energy. Continue reading