Simple examples of enlightenment From the Power of Now

Simple examples of enlightenment From the Power of Now

“I cannot tell you any spiritual truth that deep within you don’t know already. All I can do is remind you of what you have forgotten”  The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle

I have always been intrigued by enlightenment, but it seemed so complicated; so unattainable. Then I read The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle and realized it was simple. The Power of Now gave two great examples that enlightened everything.

Simple Enlightenment: Craving Your Favorite dish.

“Pleasure is always derived from something outside you, whereas joy arises from within.”  Eckhart Tolle

I’m a carnivore who loves fillet Mignon, rack of lamb, and grease cheeseburgers. I get irresistible cravings that need satisfying. Visualize for a moment your favorite meal. Imagine the smell tantalizing your senses as all your attention shifts to the simple pleasure of tasting something wonderful. That first mouth watering bite is heaven on earth. Hummm… You say to yourself. Ahhh – Yes I deserve something this great.  And isn’t always the first bite that taste the best? Hummm… Yes. Yes it is, or at least for me, it was.

Then the second bite, third and so on, but before it’s over, something gets lost along the way. The flavors settle in as each bite becomes less and less fulfilling. By then time I finish a cheeseburger, I barely notice the last bite. So what changes? I do. My attention to the present moment shifts. My senses lose focus as life and its messy confusion of thoughts start turning my cerebral wheel of  unrest.

Eckhart Tolle challenges his readers to make every bite; a first bite.  When you give complete  attention to finding joy in one simple thing,  for that brief moment in time, you’re experiencing a moment of enlightenment. A truly simple exercise: one that taste good, feels good and is good.  My food cravings are now satisfied from start to finish.

“Enlightenment means choosing to dwell in the state of presence rather than in time. It means saying yes to what is.” The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle

Simple Enlightenment: Getting stopped at a red light.

The second example from The Power Of Now I wish to share is about red-lights. Take a moment to imagine you’re in a rush; late for a very important meeting. Time is scarce. You feel the pressure mounting, stress building, and you know that no matter what – you’re going to be late. Finally, you’re stopped at a red-light, the world’s longest red-light.  It’s taking forever; you want to scream and pound the dashboard in frustration. You’re trapped in an eternity of red going nowhere. Now, ask yourself one very important question.  Do you have the power to be happy in this moment? Can you choose to be happy? Can you let out all the frustration and let happiness prevail?

We’re the guardians of our thoughts and feelings: we choose how we feel. We can all choose to be happy at any moment.  Happiness is a choice, it may seem impossible at times, but the power is within us at any moment. So next time your rushing, or late, or find yourself stuck behind a red light or road block.  Just ask one question: Do I have the power to be happy in this moment?  I think the answer will surprise you.

“Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be.” Abraham Lincoln

Peace

E.y.D

Your thoughts and feedback are greatly appreciated.

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