Eckhart Tolle - a message for gay people? Eckhart Tolle has captured international admiration since publishing his first book "The Power of Now". His books have been translated into over 30 languages, and sold in millions of copies. Hollywood celebrities, such as Oprah, Cher and others, have all been touched by Eckhart s simple, yet important message. Maybe also Eckhart s teachings can inspire and be helpful for young gay people? Spree travels to Denmark to visit Eckhart, during a 5-day retreat he is holding in the beautiful surroundings of Mols, in the south-east part of Denmark. The background for Eckhart s message can be found in science and research, telling us that humans have around 60 000 thoughts during one day. The interesting part though is that approximately 98% of these thoughts are the same we had yesterday. In other words, we repeat ourselves continuously. Our thoughts are also primarily focused on either 1) history (what has happened) or 2) future (what will happen). We consider the present moment unimportant, and immediately exchange it with either the fear or desire towards what has happened or will happen. Hence, we are driven by to primary emotions: fear or desire. Sometimes a mixture of both. Up to the age of 29, Eckhart lived in periods of constant fear and anxiety. Suddenly one night he woke up with an almost overwhelming feeling of emotional distress. He was then drawn into a rather unique state of dream-awareness, and woke up the next morning with a feeling of complete fresh- and aliveness. What happened to Eckhart this night? The following years Eckhart lived in what can almost be defined as a constant state of bliss. In other words, Eckhart had achieved what most humans long for: "bliss & happiness". We might all have felt the feeling of being happy, though only in shorter intervals. Eckhart now
lived in this state continuously. A peace surpassing all understanding. Many might wonder, if this is even possible? Beyond understanding even for Eckhart It took several years for even Eckhart to really understand what happened. However, the inner joy shining through him, did not continue unnoticed in the world around him. Many wanted to know how Eckhart in an almost unexplainable way, had achieved happiness. Thoughts absented What appeared to be the truth was that the number of thoughts Eckhart had during a day, was considerably less than those 60 000 repetitive thoughts, most humans have. Eckhart has in later interviews told that around 80-85% of his thoughts disappeared. But what thoughts were left? Can one even live without thoughts? Or in other words, does one become.. Stupid without thoughts? The opposite seems to be true. When thoughts disappear you become even more intelligent, because other forces previously dormant in you, awaken, and are freed through the intuitive consciousness you are already connected with as a human being. Our best experiences happens without thoughts? Many ask at what time we really do experience happiness and joy in life? Again, research shows that experiencing joy is often connected with not thinking. When you have sex or other sensible experiences, this activity happens with limited or no thoughts involved. You cannot have sex and think at the same time, or it becomes a less desirable adventure. There are many other examples of no-mind experiences. Especially with athletes, whenever they perform, they move into a deeper state of awareness, and only the performance is left. The action (ex. running) happens in shorter time frames, but is deeply satisfying, and often also ground breaking, in terms of world records and similar results achieved, when physical barriers are broken. Maybe this is also why many participate in extreme sports such as parachute jumping, diving, motor racing or similar higher-risk sport ventures? Such activities in there own nature demands such intense awareness, that even a single thought puts survival at stake.
So Eckhart s message is for us to stop thinking? No. But Eckhart inspires us to observe our thoughts, and especially then the repetitive thought patters ("98% same thoughts you had yesterday"). Then you will be able to give more energy to thoughts that are helpful, and less to those that create unbalance and discomfort in your life. The need for depending on thoughts to live, also gradually decreases, and one uses thoughts more as a tool, rather than a source for creating and maintaining our identity and self image. Therefore, to observe and do simple steps in our own lives, can lead to dramatic changes to our inside (feelings) and outside (circumstances). Eckhart s message can be summarized as follows (from Wikipedia.org): 1. You are not your thoughts. You are the awareness behind the thoughts. Thoughts are often negative and painful, yearning for or fearing something in the future, complaining about something in the present or fearing a matter from the past. However, the thoughts are not you; they are a construct of the ego. Awareness of your thoughts without being caught up in them is the first step to freedom. 2. Only the present moment exists. That is where life is (indeed it is the only place life can truly be found). Becoming aware of the 'now' has the added benefit of drawing your attention away from your (negative) thoughts. Use mindfulness techniques to fully appreciate your surroundings and everything you are experiencing. Look and listen intently. Give full attention to the smallest details. 3. Accept the present moment. It is resistance to the present moment that creates most of the difficulties in your life. However, acceptance does not mean that you cannot take action to rectify the situation you are in. What is important is to drop resistance so that you let the moment be, so that any action arises from deeper awareness rather than from resistance. The vast majority of pain in a person's life comes from resistance to what is. 4. Observe the pain-body. Years of conditioned thought patterns, individually and collectively, have resulted in habitual emotional reactions with an apparent personality of their own. During 'pain-body attacks' we become completely identified with this 'pain identity' and respond from its
agenda--which is to create more pain for ourselves and others. Observing the pain-body is awareness itself arising--as it allows humans to separate from this unconscious identification with pain. Influences Eckhart s message is not associated with any particular religions or traditions. This makes his teachings especially adoptable for almost any social groups, independent of beliefs, values or other definable traits. Naturally, this also includes gay groups and communities. Eckhart uses examples from religions, books and other writings, to point at fundamental truths, you can access yourself, in the now. Eckhart in Denmark Eckhart has visited Denmark before, but this was his first international retreat, during the last 3 years. He is originally from Germany, but has lived in both Spain and England for longer periods. Now he lives a highly private life, in Vancouver, Canada. Spree had contact with Eckhart s closest associates prior to his Denmark visit, and sent several questions we wanted to ask him. Eckhart does not traditionally give interviews during retreats, but in case an opportunity arose, we were told that Eckhart would keep this option open. Spree s representative in Denmark (Anders) was able to meet Eckhart briefly after a concert held the last night of the retreat. Later, together with his advisers, we concluded that an interview ahead in time (and if possible in Vancouver), would represent the best occasion. Then we can also gather questions from Spree s readers. What was Eckhart really doing in Denmark? Eckhart gave 2 talks each day (morning and afternoon), where he spoke directly around his teachings. What is rather unique is that Eckhart does not plan what to say, even minutes before he enters the stage. His words arise directly out of the now, and from the consciousness he at any give time is connected with.
His speeches therefore always feel alive and fresh. Even though he speaks about the same all the time ("the now"), his words are experienced as new, or as if they were not spoken before. Another dimension Eckhart brings into his speeches, is actually humour. Often all listeners (around 400) broke out in laughter, because his examples make us look at ourselves in perspective, and hereby consider our thinking and the linked circumstances in life, less serious. Eckhart s message, speeches and retreats are available as books, CDs, MP3s or DVDs. Most libraries in Western countries will also have his book "The Power of Now" available. A message for gay people? Spree considers Eckhart s message unique, because he does not try to make you "believe in what he says", or in other ways try to convince that "his path is the only right one". There are simply no such agendas. Eckhart says his message should rather work as a road sign, pointing towards a place you can visit yourself, not in the future, but right now. Eckhart Tolle s teachings may not appeal to everyone, but the people that connect with it, often experience relief and joy in life. New dimensions opens up, previously covered by the fog of the conditioned mind. The problem is of course that conditioned thoughts cannot observe themselves. Eckhart points to what it is in yourself that is able to observe thoughts, opening up a portal to freedom and joy in life. Spree wants to inform about Eckhart s teachings, because many young gay people use much energy exploring and dealing with their identity. They also experience social challenges tied to acceptance of who they are. This is of course one reason for suicidal rates being the highest among young gays. Informational and inspirational resources for young gay people, are still limited, and if not everyone is ready for it yet, Eckhart Tolle has a simple message, that can be put into life, right here and now. For more information about Eckhart Tolle, you may visit his website at: www.eckharttolle.com