Eckhart, a renowned thinker in consciousness and spirituality, delves into the balance between our everyday lives and transcendent awareness. He discusses the Horizontal and Vertical dimensions, urging us to integrate both for a richer experience of life. Eckhart challenges conventional views by suggesting consciousness is a universal essence rather than merely a brain function. He emphasizes the importance of overcoming obstacles for growth, asserting that true evolution emerges through facing challenges, not avoiding them. Embracing presence is key to leading an awakened life.
Eckhart Tolle emphasizes the importance of balancing our everyday experiences with a transcendent awareness to fully embody our existence.
He suggests that embracing life's challenges as opportunities for growth fosters a deeper understanding of consciousness and personal evolution.
Deep dives
Understanding Dual Consciousness
Consciousness consists of two dimensions: horizontal and vertical. The horizontal dimension encompasses our everyday experiences, where we navigate life through thoughts and sensory perceptions. In contrast, the vertical dimension represents a deeper, transcendent awareness that connects us to the root of our being. Achieving balance between these dimensions allows us to fully embody our existence while recognizing that we are temporary manifestations of a greater consciousness.
The Challenges of Cluttered Minds
Many individuals struggle with a cluttered mind filled with endless thoughts and distractions, particularly in today’s digital age. This 'object consciousness' overwhelms us, as we often focus on the multitude of tasks and stimuli around us without clarity. However, by cultivating 'space consciousness,' we can access a deeper awareness that transcends this clutter, allowing for more conscious responses rather than unconscious reactions. This shift in perception encourages us to engage meaningfully with our experiences and relationships.
The Evolution of Consciousness
Consciousness is evolving, not merely an outcome of our physical brains, but a flow emanating from a greater source. This continuous evolution reflects an awakening in which consciousness becomes more complex and aware over time. Traditionally associated with divinity or concepts of God, consciousness connects us to the essence of all life, hinting at a cosmic intelligence at work in the universe. Understanding this evolution invites us to recognize our own growth and the unfolding journey of consciousness throughout existence.
The Role of Challenges in Growth
Challenges in life are often perceived as obstacles, but they are essential for evolution and personal growth. Embracing difficulties not only strengthens character but also facilitates a deeper understanding of consciousness and life itself. Awakening often arises from hardships, prompting individuals to reassess their perceptions and reactions to external circumstances. By meeting challenges with conscious awareness instead of reactivity, individuals can transform their experiences and contribute positively to their own development.
In this podcast, Eckhart discusses the Horizontal and the Vertical dimensions as he has in previous talks. Eckhart explains the Horizontal is the realm of our everyday lives, where we experience the world with our senses, doing and thinking. Then there’s the Vertical or the transcendent which is where we have the root of our being. Eckhart says it’s our job to bring the two together and to have a foot in both worlds. Eckhart says as we grow in awareness, we will realize we are but temporary manifestations of this vast consciousness that is the miracle of life. He says while we are here on earth, we must learn to be in the world, but not of it.
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