Eckhart Tolle: Why Develop Consciousness?

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 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.

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]

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'.

You 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]