Essential Teachings Special: Rising Above Thought

Eckhart says sometimes in our efforts to become present we fall below thought. It happens when we’re consumed by negativity. He explains often people reach for something to take away the pain like alcohol, drugs or food. Eckhart says we may feel relief for a short time, but eventually discomfort returns. Ekchart shares what we need to do is resist the pull toward unconsciousness. And, to awaken spiritually we must rise above thought to a reach a state of alert presence. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Eckhart talks about the importance of using our daily lives as spiritual practice which he calls presence power. Throughout the day, when we’re not challenged by difficult people or circumstances, we should invite presence into our lives. Like a muscle that gets stronger with use, it will become part of our daily routine. Then when challenges arise, we don’t fall into unconsciousness, we draw on our reserves. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Eckhart leads a live meditation on pausing our thoughts without suppressing them. Eckhart says it’s more important to be aware of oneself as presence than to get lost in the mind. With practice, gradually the spaces between thoughts increase and more spaciousness grows within. This will cause our lives to become more peaceful and move us closer to a feeling of liberation. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Eckhart answers questions on such topics as eliminating depression, dealing with a heavy pain body and why enlightenment seems to be such a rare phenomenon. Eckhart shares the story of his own pain body and how it finally pushed him into a state of presence. He says we are designed to awaken and that we are a part of the flowering of the consciousness in the universe. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Eckhart answers questions on a wide range of topics like: What’s the function of the ego? How does it feel to be enlightened? And what’s the best remedy for loneliness and the pain body? Eckhart responds with his renowned wisdom. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Eckhart says the world is not here to make us happy, it’s here to make us conscious. If we are looking for fulfillment in a particular relationship, job or life circumstances, we may find disappointment instead. Eckhart says we find peace when we let go of the demand that people and situations should fulfill us. When we accept what is, it becomes possible to find freedom in the here and now. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Eckhart says sometimes we experience a gravitational force that seems to push us back into unconsciousness. When we feel overwhelmed by watching the news or experience a painful loss, these are the moments when we need to return to the practice of presence. Eckhart says there is a higher purpose at work and awakening is deeper than our suffering. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Eckhart talks with a live audience about the paradox of suffering and awakening. He says the ego, in its attempt to strengthen itself, creates distress and eventually brings about its own destruction. For many, this cycle can be the catalyst to awaken. Eckhart says If we had not suffered, we would not find transformation. He believes this paradox is an intrinsic part of the plan. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Eckhart discusses forgiveness. He says most of us carry resentments or grievances. Eckhart calls them internal dark spots that block consciousness from emerging and strengthen the ego. True forgiveness he says, is not something we make happen. It arises naturally when we’re connected to the deeper essence of who we are. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Eckhart explains why our goal is to learn to access the transcendent part of ourselves which is beyond thinking. Most people have no connection to this state until some crisis pushes them to dig deeper. Eckhart says we must find spaces of awareness between thoughts which will eventually lead us to a state of being that is connected to the soul of the universe. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.