Entering the Now: An Invitation to Transcend the Thinking Mind

by Eckhart Tolle

A walk in nature. A personal crisis. A moment of laughter. These can all serve as portals that lead us to the depth and wonder of the Now.

Bestselling author Eckhart Tolle has captivated nearly a million readers with his lessons on discovering the profound state of being he calls presence. On Entering the Now, an all-new title in the Power of Now teaching series, this remarkable speaker shares practices and insights to take listeners into the timeless dimension, a luminous place found only in this very moment that transcends the struggles and anxiety of our busy lives.

In two compelling sessions, Eckhart Tolle guides listeners past the obstacles that keep us trapped in longing and unhappiness, and reveals the keys to experiencing what it really means to be alive. With easy-to-follow instruction and his one-of-a-kind teaching style, he shows listeners:

The peace that unfolds when we say yes to what is
• How to use sense perceptions and the inner body to find a happiness independent of conditions
• How to step out of the constant stream of thought and open to authentic creativity, and much more
For Eckhart Tolle s growing audience, Entering the Now is a long-awaited practice program for making the awakened state of presence a consistent way of living in the world.

Note: Excerpted from the full-length audio course Realizing the Power of Now.

Course objectives:

Discuss the how a walk in nature, a personal crisis, or a moment of laughter can all serve as portals that lead us to the depth and wonder of the Now.
• Practice saying "yes" to what is and experiencing the peace that unfolds through acceptance of the present moment.
• Explain how to use sense perceptions and the inner body to find happiness independent of conditions.
• Summarize ways to step out of the constant stream of thought and open to authentic creativity, and much more.

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction, Self Help, Audiobook, New Age, Philosophy, Meditation

Audio CD

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Eckhart Tolle is a German-born spiritual teacher and internationally bestselling author whose work has profoundly influenced the contemporary spiritual landscape. Born Ulrich Leonard Tölle in 1948 in Lünen, Germany, he experienced a transformative spiritual awakening at the age of 29 after years of depression and anxiety. This profound shift in consciousness marked the beginning of his journey as a spiritual guide and thinker. Tolle abandoned his doctoral studies at the University of Cambridge to explore and embody the stillness and presence he had discovered, eventually becoming a spiritual teacher based in London and later in Vancouver, Canada.
Tolle rose to prominence with the publication of The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment in 1997. The book, which emphasizes mindfulness and present-moment awareness, resonated with a global audience and was later championed by Oprah Winfrey, catapulting it to international bestseller status. In 2005, Tolle released A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose, which expanded on his earlier teachings and explored the role of ego in personal and societal dysfunction. The book also achieved massive commercial success, further solidifying Tolle’s reputation as one of the most influential spiritual authors of his time.
His teachings draw from a variety of traditions, including Zen Buddhism, Christian mysticism, Sufism, and Hindu philosophy, though he remains unaffiliated with any formal religion. Tolle emphasizes a non-dualistic approach to spirituality, focusing on the importance of presence, inner stillness, and the disidentification from ego-based thinking. His accessible language and calm demeanor have helped millions integrate spiritual practice into daily life.
In addition to writing, Tolle has delivered talks, retreats, and webinars to audiences around the world. In 2008, he partnered with Oprah Winfrey to produce a groundbreaking webinar series based on A New Earth, attracting millions of viewers. He also co-authored the illustrated book Guardians of Being in 2009, further exploring his core themes through the lens of animals and nature.
Tolle currently lives in Vancouver with his partner, spiritual teacher Kim Eng. Together, they continue to teach and support global audiences through online content, publications, and events. Widely regarded as one of the most spiritually influential figures of the 21st century, Tolle’s message of inner peace and awakening remains as timely as ever.

Reviews

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice audiobook listen. Eckhart Tolle's voice was so calming and soothing.
How he talks about trying to be thoughtless was valuable.
It's pretty tough to do but that's what meditative bliss is, not thinking about anything, just a blank space.
I liked how he steers away from the material world of things and even your body.
I liked how he humbled us with the vastness of space and meaningless and insignificance and I was humbled.
His laugh is really strange and funny lol
This audiobook was really short, I wanted more :P

[Julianne Larsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't get enough of Eckhart Tolle material. He has a very soothing voice and quirky laugh. The power of now really is powerful.

[Stephanie’s Libby Antics · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fraught irony of me listening to this audio at 1.5x speed is not lost on me. I still experienced a calming and slowing effect that was really quite impressive.

[Heidi Misch]

2 hours long and provides more of the "how to" along with the "why to" of focusing on the present moment.

[Eugenie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here is how to be happy forever despite anything!

I learned that I can't lose the "now" and I can be in the present AKA the space consciousness. It is a moment of no thought.. Of "space out"

I can have the ability of step out of the object consciousness..

Nothing really exist..

How insignificant that humans (us) give fleeting things the power to make us unhappy..

Control control control your mind!!! 😃

What I have achieved in my life.. Are all RELATIVELY IMPORTANT not really important.. They are still important... BUT only relative...Only one thing is important... My state of consciousness

If I'm sad/disappointed/angry and I notice I'm drawn into identification with object consciousness... I can immediately step out... And let it be as it be...

(Only reason why there are negative feelings is that the the excepted does not match with reality)

Do not operate on the exclusive level of object consciousness... It will always be there.. It is good to go to help famine in Africa.. But also know that you can't help everybody.. or there will be burnout...
STEP BACK and accept.. There will be a subtle SPACE around the consciousness... Allow the deep dimension to form.. You will be free for the dimensions to form... Your happiness will now not be dependent on any life circumstances

When there is suffering it only means that is a signal that you are too caught up in object consciousness!!!

Bring awareness to your own senses..

It's not so bad.. I'm sitting here breathing etc...

There is more there if you see it..

That spaciousness ((:

[Boris Tizenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

A collection of talks that touch on both the practical and abstract aspects of presence and awareness.

Tolle tries to be as clear as possible and constantly employs analogies and examples to better illustrate his points.

[Lisa Solko · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listening to Eckhart Tolle talk in his seminars provides a basis for understanding his theories on how to release ourselves from the mind-trap of thinking about the past and future and instead entering into the now. Not as detailed as his books, but it is fun to hear him talk and laugh.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to this in audiobook format

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick listen. I enjoyed his slow, methodical presentation and his German laughter from time to time. Made me smile. Lots of good things to grow on!

[John Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

good book about entering the state of now by letting of of material emotional and intellectual thoughts

[Lynne-marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once one seeks to become an adept in a spiritual way or teaching, one naturally reads & listens to everything one can about it. Eckhart Tolle has written only so many books since he had the spiritual enlightenment about the Now, and it is in this CD that he directly addresses attaining it. If you have been a spiritual seeker, or merely someone who knew that all was not as it should be, give this CD a try. Try to embrace the silence at the core of the Now and you may never be the same. This is an illuminating experience via a prosaic piece of matter.

[Claudia · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little cheesy and simple at times but it was kind of like a gentle grandfather reminding me that this is it, this IS life, live it, enjoy it NOW. I'm kind of a compulsive planner so it's good to remind myself of these principles. I'm surprised at what a positive effect this book has had on me. I recommend it if you're caught in the, life is good but life will be perfect when ...pattern. Or if you see yourself as an existentialist but wish to get rid of the part that depresses you.

[Marion · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to this on audio. I'm glad I listened to it, but am not sure if I'm evolved enough to fully appreciate all the author/narrator has to say. I will try to keep an open mind and an awareness of his premise, though.

[Jari Latvala · Rating 4 out of 5]

We're often too worried about the thoughts of ourselves - not really about ourselves.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

He cracks me up.