That's a great example. I think we've all had experiences with people where we're not "self"-conscious (that is, ego-centered)..... where the words and expression pours from us without second thought. When we "allow" the moment to be what it is, in perfect acceptance, we feel connected rather than divided/alone/apart. That, to me, is what life and love is all about. It's funny that we try so hard to get to a place that is all about letting go.

And I say all this because I'm just beginning to learn these things. LOL

In Chapter 6 it talks about remaining present and not buying into the drama of your own or someone else's pain-body. The pain-body feeds on drama. If a partner does something that triggers the pain-body, it is a good idea to tell the partner what they just did triggered your painbody. "In this way, the pain-body can no longer renew itself through drama in the relationship and instead of pulling you into unconsciousness will help you become truly present" (P. 180)

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If we applied that knowledge, how different our world would be! I never learned that lesson in the 14 years I was married: Be in the moment and tell your truth. If your feelings are hurt, admit it. If you're confused, share it. If you feel sad, bad, or glad, accept it and look at it without fear.

The pain-body is not who we are - it is there to bring to the light for healing and we are the ones at that moment who can do it. And that is all we have to do: bring it to the light. The light dispells the darkness. The darkness has no power unless it remains hidden.

You know, I think we spend a great deal of our lives (especially in our younger years) trying to pretend as if we have no pain inside. Why is that? Why is it so hard to bring things to the light? I don't know if this fits the subject, but I remember sharing with a close friend once, that I was intimidated by all the young mothers (I had children later in life) who were skinny and also happened to be rich (because we live in a wealthier suburb). They brought up alot of my feelings about not being good enough. What my friend said to me was very profound: "But how much more approachable we are!" And you know, at that moment I was glad I didn't have to live up to that kind of pressure. And I knew I'd rather have someone who felt they could talk to me, rather than being intimidated by me. After that I tried to accept and even celebrate some of my "imperfections" and not work so hard to hide them.

I'm sure there's not one of us that is without pain of some kind.

Another quote that has been meaningful to me:

This is a great post, because you can see the ego saying "you are not enough". But when you shared your feelings with a good friend their was no drama for the pain-body to feed on. You then were able to reconcile.

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Chapter 7 talks about knowing yourself and states that the most fundamental question you can ask yourself is "Who am I?"

We learn that we are not are ego. We are not the thiings we label ourselves, we are not our feelings and emotions or labels others give us.

What are some of the labels you have for yourself?

What answer do you receive when you sit in silence and ask "Who am I?"

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I reread Chapter 7 last night and ended up reading almost to the end of the book. I think that's because every time I read it, I learn something new.

I found myself asking the question "Who am I?" alot since then. It quiets my mind when I do, because there's no immediate answer. I find myself in a state of what I can only call "listening." It's similar to the state I'm in when I'm painting - though when I'm involved in day-to-day activities it seems to be harder to "take no thought" (as Viv would say).

The more aware I am, the more I notice my tendency towards negative self-judgement. Even though I know I'm more than my outer appearance, gender, occupation, etc, I often let other labels creep in (such as "I'm a bad housekeeper, parent, etc).... It almost seems to be a habit. Tolle's book has helped me so much, both in recognizing the ego's voice, and in seeing glimpses of the Self.

Thank you, Amy, good feedback!

In our A New Earth group one thing I hear a lot from people is they haven't stopped thinking and they think they are failing.

I don't think we are being asked to stop thinking, but rather to be "aware" of what we are thinking. Tolle says we can't force the ego into action. When we become aware and take our thoughts and feelings into Presence we notice a change.

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I am not anything I think I am. I am that observer of what my true self has created. I am I am. I am that unknowable thing that I can only experience without defining. I am not the roles I seem to portray but the creator that created those roles to experience. The closest I can get to knowing my true self is just to experience being. I am that creative god essence which is unknowable. I am the stillness that was before anything.

I have learned when I get frustrated or my ego gets in the way to remind myself who I am. This puts me in a state of peacefulness.

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