Monday Quote ...

If you follow me on Twitter you might've seen this quote I tweeted last Friday. I thought it would be a great thought to start our week with. It's a quote from the book I'm reading right now, The Power of Now (which I've referenced before) by Eckhart Tolle. Tolle goes on to say ...

As long as you are in conscious contact with your inner body, you are like a tree that is deeply rooted in the earth, or a building with a deep and solid foundation. The latter analogy is used by Jesus in the generally misunderstood parable of the two men who build a house. One man builds it on the sand, without a foundation, and when the storms and floods come, the house is swept away. The other man "digs deep" until he reaches the rock, then builds his house, which is not swept away by the floods.

You get the idea. Dig deep (you can do it!) and have a solid week everyone!

Now ...

"It is not uncommon for people to spend their whole life waiting to start living."

Right now I'm reading a book called The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. To some of you this might be old news since it was first published in 2004, and was one of Oprah's book club picks. The crazy thing is I've owned this book for six years and just recently felt compelled to pick it up off of our bookcase and start reading it like a mad woman. It's funny how things work because I'm not so sure I would've gotten as much out of it six years ago as I am now. 

I'm about half-way through the book, but I had to share what I've read because it has been such an amazing read. I've re-read so many sections because of many "aha!" moments (so Oprah). The gist of the book so far focuses on how we all have the ability to experience "Being" (deep states of love, joy, and peace). And how time, other than this very moment, is an illusion. Tolle also describes our conflict with the past (identifying ourselves with past experiences, guilt, regret, etc.) and future (stress, worry, wanting what we don't have, etc.). Other than this precise moment, neither past nor future exists. Isn't that fascinating to think about? It truly is an uplifting read and one that I see myself referencing for some time.

Some of you might think reaching enlightenment or a state of "Being" might be an overwhelming, or even unattainable goal. It's not, but it is a practice. Just like doctors are always practicing medicine. We are always practicing life. Aren't we?

Again, I'm only half-way through this book so I'll be back with a wrap up post once I finish. Can't wait.

Photo: Autumn De Wilde