The shift in consciousness

One of the key messages in A New Earth is that the shift in consciousness is gaining momentum. In Eckhart's terms it needs to, to assure the survival of our planet and our species.

Do you see that happening in your community?
If so, what form does it take?
Are there any learnings that we can take out to act as catalysts in our communities?

Re: The shift in consciousness

I think the fact that sites like this are up is an example in itself.  I notice where i live, there are 2-3 conscious living type free magazine publications that go out….which amazes me, so there must be a lot of folks reading this stuff.  There are also some businesses and individuals trying to make a living of of services to help people seeking to raise their consciousness level.  To me those are markers…that show that it may indeed be happening.  I can look at myself, and how i am affected, how i am drawn to read these books.  But in my friends, i have known a long time, i don't really see a difference.  I don't know that this stuff is totally accepted as mainstream yet, and so many probably hold silent rather than risk public exposure/embarrassment.  After all, if i'm asked, what do i believe?  IT's a very hard question to answer.  On the other hand, i've meet a few like minded people on the outskirts of my social network, so who knows.

To take to our communities?  I'd say the principals on how to treat people….ideas on judgement, blame, love, compassion, presence, the way i show these things….that is the way to spread this stuff….at least that i am comfy with.  The idea that i will be the change i want to happen.  What other ways are there?

Re: The shift in consciousness

it's strange to me how many people I've turned on to Eckhart, and how FEW ever get back to me that they've checked him out. I was just listening this morning to a talk of his, and thinking that this is the coolest, heaviest, yet easiest to understand spiritual teaching I've ever heard. it amazes me that there's not  a 24 hour cable channel with all Eckhart, all the time!

yet, I've given his book and some audio to all these different people, ie monks, Ph.Ds in eastern this and that, artists, seekers, musicians, and really only one guy said he liked it. I don't get it! I keep checking the Eckhart website to see when he'll be giving retreats again, because I'M THERE. So far, nothing.

bringing presence into the community, into daily life, that's the message.

-d

Re: The shift in consciousness

I am as surprised about that as you.
He is well know, his books are worldwide, his intonation of the message is clear and he uses contemporary language, which people can understand.
(Although it took me some time to get his painbody concept ;-)
It could be that people treat his message with the 'consumer' rather than the 'engaged person' approach. That way it wears off quite fast.

I hope that the reason for Tolle's withdrawal is that he wants to avoid a personality cult, rather than healthwise, but am with you. It would be a priviledge to attend a retreat with him.

Hmm. the concept of a cable channel to touch the stillness within ourselves? So, they would have to broadcast silence for some time every day ;-)  As you see, I am of the oldfashioned school who does not believe in enlightenment/salvation/… through entertainment.
However we could develop the idea further and wonder who we would sell advertising space on that channel: WIE and Zaads come to mind ;-)

Re: The shift in consciousness

i think that the general presence in the moment, and mindfullness ideas that tolle puts forth in his writtings are also echoed in  many other authors lately.  It seems like each time i read a new book on such a topic, i think, geez, that's a lot like what eckhart tolle has to say too.  I wonder if it's a theme that is growing in our culture?  You know how they say that certain advancements in society were made on oposite corners of the world at the same times in history?  What do you think?

Re: The shift in consciousness

It's not a new topic. But it is a new presentation of the topic. And I've yet to find an experienced meditator who knows how to explain it. I'm pretty sure that what Eckhart is teaching is a method called Dzog Chen, but he's doing it without the traditional Buddhist context. See Norbu Rinpoche's books and let me know if you agree.

-d

Re: The shift in consciousness

Indeed the topic is not new…we could say it is a topic or an idea whose time has arrived. The Buddha preached according to the time, place and custom.Similarly this idea is blooming all over the world in forms that are easy for people to identify with.

I could find so many parallels with what I have already absorbed from Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism while reading the New Earth. I must say I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book and plan to do so again in a few months. The similarities I noticed during my first reading of this great work are described in a post on my blog here:

http://worldpeace.zaadz.com/blog/2006/9/cause_of_suffering_-_inside_us

I look forward to the discussions on Tolle's books and ideas at this place….

Kyo.

Re: The shift in consciousness

I just went on a meditation retreat this weekend, my first ever, and on the drive out there, we were discussing just this topic! 

For so long, I've been the butt of many jokes from my friends.  They tease me about being “new agey”, “totally granola”, and other things like that.  They do it lovingly, but they think I'm “cute but weird.” But now, those things seem to be becoming more “socially acceptable.”

In the last two months, I've had friends come up to me with various problems, looking for answers.  One is 30 years old and has hypertension, he's on blood pressure medication, he feels awful most of the time.  He asked me if I thought Holosync could help with his stress levels and if he could borrow a yoga video.  I've had several other friends ask about the meditation group I attend and also ask what kind of yoga class I would recommend for them to take.

My point is, I DO think that we're on the verge of a shift in consciousness as a planet.  People are starting to see the value in things that for years have been labeled as being “weird” and “out there”.  My INSURANCE COMPANY now pays for massage therapy, acupressure, yoga classes.  An insurance company!

And when Oprah Winfrey gets several million people across the country to read a book like A New World… something is definitely happening here.  And maybe not all of them will “get it” when they read the book.  But some of them will. 

Black Samba - in regards to introducing people to Tolle's writings and not knowing if anything ever comes of it…  Sometimes, the first time you're introduced to an idea, you're just not ready for it.  But it'll still be there in the back of your mind.  I know that happened for me.  And when you ARE ready for it, you'll now know where to start looking.  Just like my friends who teased me and teased me.  They weren't ready to make changes in their lives yet.  But now they are.  And they knew they could come to me for more information.

For me, Tolle's books have been a stepping stone into delving further into wisdom literature of other cultures.  We're VERY ethno-centric in this country, but his writings helped me to stop putting up those brick walls.  My favorite thing about Tolle is how he uses the wisdom of different religions - Buddhism, Christianity, Islam - and he makes reference to them all, yet he takes the religious vocabulary OUT so that people don't get hung up on it.  That's why I'll send people to his books first before I recommend any of the more heavy-duty Buddhist or Toltec writings.

Re: The shift in consciousness

I guess I'm a year behind this discussion….but as Tolle says, there is no past or future time…just the now….so, this is still timely!!LOL!
 Anyway,….I just finished reading A New Earth and it really is a helpful tool to assist me on my journey of change.  The resonating comfort I get from Tolle's words are very incouraging… and the truth is, we can only change the world by making a change in ourselves.  The resonating consequences of our own attitudes, will by their very impact on others, change everyone we come in contact with.  The old adage of  “lead by example” is a perfect analogy.  Imagine, if we all remained calm when confronted by hate and anger….wouldn't that diffuse the anger?  Its hard to have an argument with someone who won't argue!!
Anyway, I really enjoyed reading A New Earth and I am incorporating Tolle's philosophy into my daily life…..peace and love IS the way!!

Re: The shift in consciousness

We must be the change we wish to see in the world…..be present and a present world will soon be awakened

Re: The shift in consciousness

cool piece of Eckhart/New Earth video content:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lx526pO9UV0