When we examine the teachings of both Eckhart Tolle and Stoicism, we notice a striking similarity. Both philosophies emphasize the importance of focusing on the present moment and controlling what is within our power.
Eckhart Tolle's "The Power of Now" reminds us that this moment is all we truly have and can control, while Stoicism urges us to identify what is within our control and what is not.
Tolle is a spiritual teacher who rose to prominence in the 1990s with his book The Power of Now. In this book, Tolle argues that we are often trapped in our thoughts and emotions, and that this prevents us from living in the present moment. He encourages us to focus on our breath and to simply observe our thoughts and feelings without judgment.
Stoicism is a philosophy that originated in ancient Greece. Stoics believe that we should focus on what is within our control, and that we should let go of attachment to outcomes that are outside of our control. They also believe that we should live in accordance with nature, and that we should accept whatever happens to us with equanimity.
But what does it mean to be in control? Are our emotions, our mind, or something else entirely in charge? Emotions are the point where the mind and body intersect. When the mind interprets a situation, the body reacts to those interpretations, resulting in our emotional experience. By allowing our inner awareness to observe our emotions, we gain insight into our own mental processes. This, in turn, can have a calming effect on us.
So how do we "watch" our emotions? We need to learn to feel our emotions without adding mental commentary. A helpful technique is to focus on different parts of the body and observe the physical sensations associated with our emotions. For example, when feeling stressed, we can focus on how tight our gut feels. By doing this, we can recognize the amount of stress we are under while simultaneously allowing ourselves to calm down. This approach may seem paradoxical, but it can be a powerful tool for managing our emotions.
If you are new to mindfulness practices, it's important to remember that this is a skill that requires practice. Start small by taking a few moments each day to observe your emotions without judgment. Over time, you can increase the amount of time you spend in this practice and develop a more profound awareness of your inner processes. With persistence and dedication, you can learn to live in the present moment and control what is within your power.