The Power of Now

Ekhart Tolle's message is simple: living in the now is the truest path to happiness and enlightenment. And while this message may not seem stunningly original or fresh, Tolle's clear writing, supportive voice and enthusiasm make this an excellent manual for anyone who's ever wondered what exactly "living in the now" means. Foremost, Tolle is a world-class teacher, able to explain complicated concepts in concrete language. More importantly, within a chapter of reading this book, readers are already holding the world in a different container--more conscious of how thoughts and emotions get in the way of their ability to live in genuine peace and happiness.

Tolle packs a lot of information and inspirational ideas into The Power of Now. (Topics include the source of Chi, enlightened relationships, creative use of the mind, impermanence and the cycle of life.) Thankfully, he's added markers that symbolise "break time". This is when readers should close the book and mull over what they just read. As a result, The Power of Now reads like the highly acclaimed A Course in Miracles--a spiritual guidebook that has the potential to inspire just as many study groups and change just as many lives for the better. --Gail Hudson

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Not sure - Rated
I bought the Power of Now largely on the strength of the high ratings. There is nothing particularly new in the book, it seems to be a pick and mix of various world philosophies/religious beliefs, a dollop of psychology and what I presume are the author's own inventions. I have given what I consider a generous 3 stars because a large proportion of what he writes is common sense, some areas are quite thought provoking - unfortunately there are elements I can only describe as weird.
I wouldn't say don't buy this book - what I would say is, if it appeals to you, get it but as in all things use your own judgement, be discerning in what you take from this book.

The peace and joy of conscious presence - Rated
On one of the online forums to which I belong, whenever anyone asks for book recommendations to help them with personal development, spiritual growth, becoming more intuitive, meditation, relationships or the Law of Attraction, the first book recommended and endorsed over and over again, is Eckhart Tolle's The Power Of Now. This book has clearly had a profound and powerful effect on many people's lives, including my own.

Like Tolle himself, this is a quiet book. And it is in this quietness, in the spaces between the words, that the book's power becomes apparent. The book gently and lovingly, yet firmly, deconstructs our egoic minds and allows us to experience the pure spiritual presence that lies behind the identities created by our egos. Letting go of the incessant chatter of our analytical minds, and living in The Now, is far from being an empty and boring place to be (as many people starting out on this journey imagine). Instead it is a rich and fulfilling experience, full of intense joy and peace. It can be quite overwhelming the first few times you experience this - I dipped in and out when I started, each time increasing the length of time for which I was able to sustain such presence.

The concepts Tolle discusses are both profound, yet simple, but it can be a challenging process to implement. Our egoic minds are strong and they do not give up their hold on us easily! But, the more you practice the principles, the easier it does get. It is worth persevering - the rewards for doing so are enormous. For example:
* Going about daily life with a strong background hum of joy and peace is infinitely preferable to one of anxiety and stress. And this is noticeable to others as well - people have often said things to me like "I enjoy being around you, you have good vibes".
* You are able to focus on tasks before you with much more clarity. The full strength of your mind is brought to bear on your work (and play!) as it is no longer cluttered with unrelated issues.
* You feel alive and your health usually improves. You glow with vitality. Tolle himself is one of the best examples of practicing his own teachings - he looks about 40 years old, but is actually in his early 60s!
* Your life circumstances change to reflect the abundance of love, joy and peace to which you are connected. Life flows more smoothly, problems seemingly disappear, and new and exciting experiences and things are drawn to you.

Did anyone else find it difficult? - Rated
I bought this book almost one year ago and still haven't finished it!

This is a first, as I have read a lot of books on enlightenment, mindfulness and the like. Even the super small text put me off, as reading it at bedtime by lamplight was difficult.

I found it repetitious and extremely wordy. It is difficult to deal with a mind always racing with thoughts, so to pick up a book which you feel should help you calm your thoughts, especially after a long day, I think shouldn't be such a chore to get through.

Ok, I will say the message is a good one, but to have to filter through all the mumbo jumbo to decipher it seemed difficult to me.
Still plugging away at it here and there.

My apologies to the author, maybe I am just too thick. :)

Simplistically profound, but... - Rated
I enjoyed this book. It's simplicity in delivering the profound was excellent and I have to say I agree with 99% of its content, as I already try to live my life by its direction.

However, I do question some of Tolle's indefatigable argument against putting, future thought, to one side. Is it so wrong, on making some future arrangement to say, `I'll look forward to it,' and meaning it ? And, in the extreme... How many victims of the Holocaust or similar event, who, because they were unable to bring about change, accepted, the `Now,' perished, when those who projected their thoughts away from the indescribable inhumanity of their `Now,' to an improved future, survived ? It is called... `hope.'

life changing stuff - Rated
It sounds cheesy but this book really did change my life. I'd recommend it to anyone at any stage on the spiritual path (if you don't like the word 'spiritual' then replace it with 'self discovery'). I reread it several times in a row and each time I learned something new.

You will get the best out of the book if you try to actually EXPERIENCE Tolle's words, rather than just read or think about them. If you follow his instructions about staying in your body, you will feel immediate benefits.

I do know a few people who read it and just didn't get it. But you have to be at a stage in your life where you are ready for this book. If you are, then lucky you because life is about to get a lot better!