The Trick is to Keep Going

Lake Superior, photo by Bruce G. Smith

Reading Eckhart Tolle

Lake Superior McClane Park

I’m currently reading Eckhart Tolle’s, A New Earth. Like most spiritual books, it is not an easy read. It may take several readings to gain an understanding of his message.

Tolle was born in postwar Germany, and grew up among bombed out buildings, despair and defeat. He did not get along well with his peers, and spent the better part of his childhood and early adulthood depressed and suicidal. At the age of 29 he went through an awakening.

He teaches the ego controls the actions of most people, but the ego is not the true self. It is a false powerful self that is difficult to overcome. It is only by overcoming the sham self through which awakening can occur, and true happiness obtained.

While some of what he says makes sense, I’m not sure I agree with everything. It makes sense that being in the now or the present, and not worrying about the next thing would reduce stress. Because the next thing never comes, it is always a new next thing.

However when you jump out of bed at 5 am, and your bare foot hits a pile of cat barf you’re definitely in the now and not worrying about the next thing. However, you aren’t happy. Tolle would say, do away with the negative thoughts associated with the event. Stepping in cat barf is just stepping in cat barf, and no need to attach negative emotion to the incident.

So I’ll keep reading, and attempt to not think negative thoughts.

            

FEAR - Zig Ziglar

He has Risen

He isn't here!

He is risen from the dead!

Remember what he told you

back in Galilee,

     Luke 24:6

Easter Thoughts

Christian Meaning of Easter

One of three sites believed to be Christ's Tomb.

It’s easy to miss the Christian meaning of Easter the Celebration. Many schools and offices are shutdown, and families go on vacation. Children receive Easter baskets filled with chocolate bunnies, jellybeans and dyed hard boiled eggs. The date generally coincides with the coming of spring, and people look forward to warmer weather and pretty flowers.

In Christianity Easter also signals a new beginning. In his 2009 Easter benediction Pope Benedict XVI said, “The resurrection of Christ is our hope!” It sends a message of new beginnings. Christ died on the cross for our sins. After three days he arose from the dead, and walked among the people. He met with the disciples and ate with them, and gave them instructions.

The resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of the Christian faith. Theologians agree this is the most important event among Christian religions. The various denominations may not agree on how or when to celebrate Easter, but they all agree Christ was crucified, died on the cross, and after three days arose from the dead. In so doing, his giving forgave man for their sins, and offered eternal life.

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