“Nothing has happened in the past; it happened in the Now. Nothing will ever in the future; it will happen in the Now.”

Eckhart Tolle: The Power of Now

Cited as being one of the most influential pieces of literature of the 20th century, Tolle tells us to be ready for what is already with us. The present.

The most powerful concept in this mind-shifting book is that nothing exists except this exact moment. It sounds so simple, yet Tolle states that this is the authentic path to both happiness and enlightenment, eradicating the pain that we create in our own lives.

The book reminds us that we do not need the past because it is over, and we only need to refer to it when it pertains to the present. Therefore, dwelling and living, or re-living past moments are of no value to us.

This book is a journey encouraging us to release ourselves from the obligations and self-perceptions that we have created. Particularly those that do not always work for us. It encourages us to take ownership of our own space to exist in inner peace. This is not a matter of disconnection, but rather being alert in the present and living each aspect of your life in a participatory manner. As you read this review, you are active and present.

When we are in the moment, we have no problems. Our difficulties were created in the past or may arise in the future, yet in this exact moment, we are free. This freedom creates our authentic self and relieves us from any pain that restricts us on our journey through life. Tolle speaks of the pain that underlies our anger. This is a result of our ego which is destructive to our mental and psychological health. We dwell on our misfortune and allow this to hold us back and out of the present.

Another freeing concept is the lack of competition that exists within each moment. Tolle uses the example of the sun as not being selective, it does not make anyone special, and therefore, it is not exclusive in any way. When we compete, we attach meaning to things which are outside of ourselves. When we detach, we allow a free flow of energy to ignite our true potential and sense of genuine happiness. Detachment not a form of resignation, rather release.

When you read the book, it makes perfect sense and seems logical. However, the implementation into our daily lives is not so simple. One reason is that for most of us today’s priorities result from yesterday’s actions. Another factor is when we work in a dynamic environment it is not always feasible to remain in the present. Our lives demand that we recall the past (it is very difficult to do so in an emotional less manner) and that we continually plan for the future, to build something for ourselves. 

Although there is no doubt that The Power of Now is powerful and life altering, the reality is that it still remains up to us to remove ourselves from years of habituation and unlearn those behaviours which do not aid us, and take us away from the now.

To make the present moment your priority of your work life, is to free yourself of all sense of feeling overwhelmed or out of control. All we have is what we are doing in the present. That is all we can focus on in this moment.

To take this into our life and our businesses is a gift that we would give ourselves and those around us. To give ourselves the present and release the chains that we have imposed upon us makes us realise that all our emotions are illusions created by our mind. Using this in our work environment creates inner harmony and facilitates peace within the company.

“Thinking is only a small aspect of consciousness. Thought cannot exist without consciousness, but consciousness does not need thought.”

Eckhart Tolle: The Power of Now