I have to say, I do wish more Neo-Pagan folks would check out this book. I find a lot of them stick too closely within their defined path and don’t read or explore much beyond magick, the Gods, ritual, healing, divination, etc. I wonder if there’s a fear of being saddled with that much-maligned monolith: New Age…? Or maybe people just aren’t interested; I don’t know. I do know that there is a lot to learn here and in other non-Pagan, yet metaphysical, books. In fact, if there was more emphasis on “enlightenment” or consciousness raising among covens and groves, they may not experience all the egotism and power struggles which inevitably arise. Some groups, of course, are strong and surmount these challenges, but others are not. Just think what a better shot they’d have if their members were actively trying to better themselves spiritually, not just magickally.

I myself have recognized, finally, what it is about the traditional coven with which I’m studying that repels me. (I’m wrapping up the 2nd year of class–I am a Dedicate–but have decided not to initiate.) It is the egotism, used in the way Tolle uses it, and the hypocrisy this causes. I’ve heard certain ideals espoused and proclaimed, even, as why this tradition is unique, family-like, and long-lived. I’ve just as often seen pride, ignorance, and exclusivity take over.

I’m certainly not perfect, either, but I find it hard to submit to a tradition’s hierarchy and protocol when I feel to be on a peer-level with some of the “higher-ups.” Now there may be Elders who do deserve both their status and my absolute respect. But until I find myself studying under one, why should I feign the position of student? I have as much to teach as the rest. This just struck me as sounding prideful. What I really mean is–why can’t we all share our diverse knowledge and experience, instead of having an appointed teacher (i.e. High Priest/ess), who may or may not deserve the position?  

It sounds like I’m headed for a non-traditional group. If only there were some Feri people in my area…

So now that I’ve finished A New Earth, as has my spiritual book club, we’ve decided to start again from the beginning. Although some of what Eckhart Tolle has to say about spiritual enlightenment, or Awakening, has been said many times before, for some reason, his specific words and the way he phrases them connect on a deeper level for many. I have definitely felt the “shift” in consciousness he speaks of. After absorbing the material this first time around, I am now ready to re-read the chapters and focus more on the questions in the workbook Oprah has made available. I am ready to examine my experiences and my little self more fully.

Have you read this yet? Why not?

If you’re looking for a new spiritually-focused, self-help type book, try Eckhart Tolle’s A New Earth–it’s seriously the most helpful book I think I’ve ever read. Even though I don’t usually like using this term, I feel like it’s my new ‘Bible’–there are so many useful applications to daily life and how to make it better.
 
The author’s basic premise is that the reason people feel unhappy in life is because they are trapped in a cycle of repetitive thought and emotion, and, therefore, aren’t really experiencing life, as in your creative life-force. You are not your thoughts, emotions, sensory perceptions, or even your life experiences. You are the awareness behind all of this, the space in which all of this occurs. Your true essence is consciousness–awareness–Presence. If one awakens to this and is able to recognize themselves as awareness, everything which ‘happens’ becomes much more easy to deal with.

This may sound a little conceptual or not practical at all, but believe me, read the book until at least the end of chapter 2. It really does become applicable and practical in one’s life. To me, it feels almost like a form of meditation which has instant effects on your ability to remain calm in tense or annoying situations. It also, almost more importantly, helps people deal with their own suffering, a lot of which is self-imposed by repetitive negative thoughts and emotions.
 
He uses quite a few quotes or examples from both Buddhist and Christian sources; to me, it feels more in alignment with certain Buddhist concepts. In any case, it’s not a religious book–it’s a spiritual one, and I don’t think anyone, except maybe the most fundamentalist of people, wouldn’t be able to use it to improve their lives and themselves.
 
I’ve really been transformed by this book and hope you give it a chance, too. If you’re curious but uncertain, there are free webcast discussions about each chapter between Oprah and the author, Eckhart Tolle (with people calling or skyping in with questions) here:

Webcasts  

Download Discussions as Video, Audio, or Transcripts
These will give you a good feel for if it’s something you actually want to read.