Apr 07 2009
Serenity Now!
This has been my battle cry the past few weeks. Eckhart Tolle writes an interesting yarn, however, he could be a little more specific in his writing. For example, I totally agree that we all identify with roles and have an ego that tells us what we should see, think, and feel. I also agree that it would be better to strip away those encumbrances to allow ourselves to Live in the Now. But how the hell are we supposed to do that unless we are in a vacuum?
I know that I cannot control how other people act, only my reaction to their action. However, what are you supposed to do in the case of bullies? Sure, the problem of cosmic retribution lies on the shoulders of the bully himself. But does that mean that in the face of aggressive behavior I am supposed to just lie down like a dog and wait to be beaten while screaming in my mind, “Serenity Now!”
Is Eckhart Tolle just this big puss that lets everyone piss all over him?
As I was saying to a friend today, I wish all these new age/new life philosophy books would have a chapter in it entitled, “How to deal with the Jackasses you will encounter on a day to day basis while keeping your inner serenity.” I need some hard core step-by-step instructions on how to achieve enlightenment.
Why oh why isn’t there an Enlightenment for Dummies series?
I suppose my wise and all knowing friends could point out that Enlightenment isn’t really a destination. And perhaps the journey is the most important part. Flippity, floppity, flublefish! Eckhart Tolle supposedly sat on a park bench for two years in a perpetual state of bliss after he achieved his enlightenment. I so want that!
I wonder what this bliss he achieved was like…
The first sip of a blended margarita which has just the right amount of salt?
My 1 year old baby giving me a kiss on the cheek for the first time in her life (and actually knowing what she was doing)?
A weekend away with good friends where the only person I have to worry about is myself?
Ha, ha, suck it Eckhart Tolle. I got your bliss right here!
Oh Goodness girl - I so love the way you write -
if you hear me saying Flippity, floppity, flublefish! you’ll know I stole that from you!
Cate, you have a gift…Funny that this chapter is entitled “Serentity Now!”…it’s been my battle cry the last few days as well. Please keep the blog going–it’s so refreshing.
xo,
M