There Are No Problems
December 11th, 2009There are no problems. Only situations – to be dealt with now, or to be left alone and accepted as part of the present moment [...] until they change or can be dealt with.
~ Eckhart Tolle The Power of Now
Of all the frou-frou, self-dev books I’ve collected over the past 3 years, none have had such a profound impact on my perspective as Tolle’s The Power of Now. Here’s a nice little interview on the Hour that introduces his philosophy.
This idea that I quoted above has been rattling around in my head the past couple of days. I find my life has gotten a lot by readdressing problems as situations. I like to think of the story of my life. And I try to be “one of the good guys,” in my story and as many other stories I’m featured in.
Actually, The Power of Now reminds me a lot of being an actor and making honest choices grounded in the moment. I’m not talking about being dramatic, I’m talking about listening to your scene partner and reacting appropriately to carry your role in the situation.
There are no problems, only situations. This makes the bills a little less scary. It makes me less critical of others. It eases my fears for tomorrow and my frustrations with yesterday. Tomorrow and yesterday are unimportant next to what is happening right now.
Tags: Quotations
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