The Power Of Now by Eckhart Tolle

1. Be Present

The central message of Tolle's book is the importance of being fully present in the now. By bringing your attention to the present moment, you can free yourself from the burdens of the past and the anxieties of the future.

As Tolle says:

"Realize deeply that the present moment is all you have. Make the NOW the primary focus of your life."

Actionable Advice: Cultivate mindfulness by focusing on your breath, the sensations in your body, or the sounds around you. This practice can help anchor you in the present moment.

2. Observe Your Thoughts

Tolle emphasizes the importance of observing your thoughts without judgment or identification. By doing so, you can separate yourself from the constant chatter of your mind and find peace in the now.

In Tolle's words:

"Step out of the time dimension as much as possible in everyday life."

Actionable Advice: Practice becoming the observer of your thoughts. When a thought arises, instead of getting swept away in it, note it and let it pass.

3. Accept What Is

Acceptance of the present moment, exactly as it is, forms the basis of Tolle's teaching. By accepting what is, you can free yourself from resistance and open up to the peace of the now.

As Tolle puts it:

"Accept — then act. Whatever the present moment contains, accept it as if you had chosen it."

Actionable Advice: Whenever you resist what is, remind yourself to accept the present moment as it is. This doesn't mean you can't take action to change things, but start with acceptance.

4. Surrender to the Now

Tolle advises readers to surrender to the present moment. Surrendering is not about giving up but letting go of resistance and opening up to the flow of life.

Tolle states:

"Surrender to what is. Say 'yes' to life — and see how life suddenly starts working for you rather than against you."

Actionable Advice: When feeling stressed or overwhelmed, pause and consciously surrender to the moment. Say to yourself, "I surrender to what is."

5. Find Your Inner Body

Tolle teaches that by becoming aware of your inner body — the energy field within you —, you can anchor yourself in the present moment and transcend the limitations of the mind.

In Tolle's words:

"Feel the energy of your inner body. Immediately mental noise slows down or ceases. You are present. You have stepped out of thousands of years of collective human conditioning."

Actionable Advice: Practice becoming aware of your inner body. Feel the life energy inside you, from your feet to your hands to your heart. This can help you stay grounded in the present moment.

6. Realize Your True Self

Tolle suggests that by staying present and observing your thoughts, you can realize your true self — the consciousness witnessing the thoughts rather than the thoughts themselves.

Tolle says:

"You are not your mind."

Actionable Advice: Spend some time each day sitting in silence and observing your thoughts. Over time, you may identify more with the observer than the thoughts themselves.

In "The Power of Now," Eckhart Tolle provides a roadmap to spiritual enlightenment through the power of present-moment living. Applying these lessons to your daily life can unlock a profound sense of peace and freedom within you.