How Can We Stay Present While Depressed? | Eckhart Tolle

In this video, Eckhart explains how to remain Present even in the most challenging times.
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About Eckhart:
Eckhart Tolle is widely recognized as one of the most inspiring and visionary spiritual teachers in the world today. With his international bestsellers, The Power of Now and A New Earth-translated into more than 50 languages-he has introduced millions to the joy and freedom of living life in the present moment. The New York Times has described him as “the most popular spiritual author in the United States,” and in 2011, Watkins Review (now Watkins Mind Body Spirit) named him “the most spiritually influential person in the world.”
Eckhart’s profound yet simple teachings have helped countless people around the globe experience a state of vibrantly alive inner peace in their daily lives. His teachings focus on the significance and power of Presence, the awakened state of consciousness, which transcends ego and discursive thinking. Eckhart sees this awakening as the essential next step in human evolution.

[@therealleafes]

While being heavily depressed, what instantly helped me and gave me that "awakening" moment, was when Eckhart explained the pain body and how it is not you, but in you. When I started looking at it from an observer standpoint, I was immediately healed! I remember that moment 6 years ago so vividly. It was around page 52 of "The Power of Now" where he explained that concept. Maybe that will help some of you. Love to you all!

[@a-xf5lg]

Could you please explain how did you observe your pain?

[@JohnLush-tr5dp]

@@a-xf5lg when that depressed feeling arises in you through negative thought identification, just stop thinking about the past and future. Just try to understand that all you ever had is Being... Just like when all that is external is taking from you, the only thing you have left at that moment and have always had in all moments, is the very present moment. So when negative thoughts pattern from the past and future arises, just be a third-party (PRESENCE) and observe how the forms identity of the past and future operates in your very PRESENCE, which is the true you.(Consciousness).

[@janicenakonechny3674]

Eckhart explains it in his videos, you can search on his site for how to observe your emotions. Or, how to become separate from your pain body. Those videos helped me so much to understand the concept of observing your pain.@@a-xf5lg

[@a-xf5lg]

Thank you for this....

[@soorajks2774]

Thankyou. 🙏

[@annap9441]

We are lucky we live in Eckhart’s era and we have access to his teachings 😊

[@andreabertozzi8199]

Every time i listen to eckhart's voice, the noise in my head immediately stops

[@bgrecoverycoaching2536]

I love how longgg Eckhart's answers are. He manages to explain the same thing in so many ways so that we get it. I love how generous and giving he is.

[@Lala.lola1]

I love you

[@Beekind799]

yeah yeah just more noise from noisey eckhart,he has the same noise in the head as you do,

[@shantayaBholisticsolutions]

Yes so true! I am so grateful for his teachings they truly help and resonate deeply 🦋

[@Beekind799]

@@shantayaBholisticsolutions nonsense,

[@shantayaBholisticsolutions]

@@Beekind799 ok 👌🏼

[@jlpsinde]

So true, this man is a gift from the Universe. I listen him almost everyday.

[@bgrecoverycoaching2536]

I love reading everyone's comments and how we are all loving Eckhart and learning from him. ❤

[@colleen3940]

My 'pain body' is vast. I've learned I was the scapegoat of narcissistic mother and from a VERY young age if I expressed joy or happiness even laughter or singing, dancing, or playing...or if there was any work I could be told to do.....I would be scolded and shamed. I've learned that she could not feel the joy of her childhood and she psychologically put that on me for her to exist. Messy stuff I've had to understand. To learn that feeling happy is not scary and I deserve it.

[@johnd442]

That's enlightening Colleen, thank you !

[@debabratasinha9913]

Serenity of his voice always attracts me.His statements are well punctuated with wisdom. Must have been àn enlightened soul and a gift to humanity.

[@samenmakenwijdewereldmooier]

thinking out loud. Everytime when you get aware of the unaware, it is a moment of training, practise, re-conditioning. After 45 + years i Quit smoking, and i take the time for it. everyday i got that uncomfortable feeling (the pain body), i''l just stop doing what i am doing and take the moment as it is (be aware) and then i light up a sigaret, feel more uncomfortable feelings, as a result, i smoke less, normaly 30 to 40 sigarets a day and now 5. in one week, thank you for explaining dear Eckhart.

[@user-nu2zd5en4b]

I am a Muslim, but before that there is a life, we are all one, no matter what, this love, this understanding is thanks to him, thank you my guide.

[@narin4231]

I am a muslim too and Eckhart is my guide of this path of inner peace and oneness. We are all one, in our deepest essence. Islam is my spiritual training and the message is the same: let go of ego, surrender to the Self.

[@ashleysaunders9947]

A brilliant psychic healer, who really dissects and gives a understandable remedies for a dark and somewhat misunderstood pain.

[@mystic__ar]

I have listened to many teachers but Eckhart's teaching hands down the most practical

[@amseeistesgut]

Lieber Herr Tolle, in all den Jahren hat mich nichts gelesenes und gesprochenes so tief berührt wie ihre Weisheit. Sie sind ein wahrer Lichtbringer, ein wahrer gesandter Gottes. Vielen Dank dafür. In Verbundenheit.

[@mindsigh4]

couldn't agree more 💜yes, just because the world is full of fake gold doesn't mean that the real thing does not exist! it is rare but does show up... from time to time... 🙏💜🕯️🌱🐾👣🌿🌎🕊️

[@rogerlin9602]

4:59 The greatest spiritual practice is to accept what you experience this moment. Thanks Eckhart. 18 October 2023.😂🦋💖😇🤡🤠✔🌟🌛

[@ZoranSandorov]

Ok

[@masoud631]

you mean accepting our inside experience am i right?

[@rogerlin9602]

@@masoud631 Your reality is within. Your experiences, feelings and creation are all found within. The Kingdom of Heaven is within (Luke 17:21). 18 October 2023.🌹🌱🍮🦆🤠🌛

[@Super09]

Thank you Eckhart, you are a gift from the universe.

[@Alberts_Stuff]

When I feel depressed I feel I deserve it (as loath myself so much) and tryand make it worse in my head to punish myself, because I deserve it 😒 Fortunately I’m in a better place now and can look back with a clear perspective. Reading and practicing stoicism, journal and meditate twice a day, Eat healthy and exercise. This is what brought me back into the light.

[@chrissif.5741]

You deserve a life full of love, beauty and hapiness. I hope that in time you will realize this.

[@mindsigh4]

can't remember where i stole this quote, but think it deserves sharing: "worrying is carrying tomorrows load with todays strength carrying two days at once it is moving into tomorrow ahead of time worrying doesn't empty tomorrow of its sorrow it empties today of its strength." 🙏💜🕯️🌱🐾👣🌿🌎🕊️

[@MalissiaCreates]

Great plan! What is your successful eating and exercise plan?

[@Jhawk_2k]

Thank you, this has been my experience for what feels like as long as I remember. I am grateful to have teachers like you in my life, very rare to find in my life

[@annabellacrewe8858]

Hi Echkart ! You Are a gift to the world !❤

[@sisselhansen3915]

I love this world! I'm so sad coz my man has died, 3 years,ago, I don't know how to stop missing him.

[@farrenrohana]

Know that you are both eternal and that higher spirituality teaches that being so attached to another soul is not allowing that person to be free. The way we look at love on earth is not true divine love. It is possessive and destructive. It's the same thing as how you buy something, get tired of it, and go looking for something new, over and over again never finding satisfaction. Relationships just last longer because we lie to ourselves about loving someone when we no longer do. I'm not saying you didn't love your partner, I'm just trying to explain earthly love. It's the ego and the whole part of ascension is learning to control the ego, eventually being entirely free of it. When you become free of ego you would never feel this way towards the loss of your partner. You would be happy for that person knowing you both are eternal and that they are on the next level of their journey, just like you will be some day. If you had gone first would you want your partner to be feeling the way you are now? 3 years later? To really honor your partner let go, go out, be happy, have fun, and maybe meet someone new. But next time love them divinely where they are always free to leave at any moment for any reason. You should feel that way too. There should never be the fear of saying "I'm sorry, I have to go" and then lying and saying I love you while having an affair. Again, I'm just explaining earthly love. Even sticking together for the children is so wrong. It teaches them to lie, not to be honest about their feelings. Feel better. Now. Knowing it is the right thing to do. Namaste friend ❤❤❤

[@JaanaKaarinasCloset]

I am convinced that therapy would ease your sadness and that missing feeling.blessings

[@nabeelshahulhameed3462]

Be present…you can only miss someone if you are time driven…you can’t miss if you are essence identity driven…love ❤

[@macdoug1234]

Find someone else to give e love to. Easier said than done O know but giving love is helpful I have found

[@Der-zaehlende-Blick-dahinter]

he is and always has been within you. its the self who denies the unseen reality who suffers because it can't see behind the veil. but you can. allow yourself to believe his presence within you and experience your unconditional love within. He goes with you and is happy about every happy experience you have here in life. its independent from it. Allow yourself to be accompanied. Nothing and no one can ever be lost, no matter what you will experience in this physical world. It's all within you and its safe for all time

[@doroteahahn3806]

This video came to me "out of nowhere", but it touched me deep inside and it also brought so much awareness on how addicted I still am to "my body of pain". Thank you so much Eckhart! You made my day (and all the coming ones🤭)! 🙏🏻🥰🌌

[@mariannethames962]

Thank you for this wonderful video. It has helped me not be sooo afraid of going thru it. It is a good thing. Many rough years, as I am a happy person, that certain trauma memories keep arising and wont let go. I scares me but this is very calming. Seems like the more I push against it the harder it pushes back.

[@MarthildevandenAkker]

Thank you Eckhart for sharing your wisdom ❤

[@deepthir503]

This is very powerful. Thank you so much for sharing Presence. Thank you so much for posting this 🙏.

[@garygreen5670]

I personally find periods of depression to be the easiest times to be present: because at those times, the thoughts that usually clutter up my mind, just evaporate.

[@Merely]

I understand completely and I get it and it makes sense and I do need to work on it, of course. Unfortunately, my boyfriend lives in this pain body state addiction to negativity and he does not have the tools to change it. Not everyone does. Even those who do, like me, it is very challenging.

[@MalissiaCreates]

Love the content, wish there weren’t ads in the middle while I’m all tuned in…

[@NadeemAzeem-km2re]

Thanx ekhert I feel the shining fragrance of your soul ,through which I healed

[@ksenijavojisavljevic2034]

I believe that unhappy people are those people who did not “ step on” on the subject of creativity that resonates with their soul. They may have done many subjects in their life, but they did not discover the true passion for themselves.

[@ashleysaunders9947]

That makes perfect sense 👌

[@highervibration6255]

Not all depression is addiction to the pain body; some depression is situational and temporary.

[@stephenflood3463]

That's so true!

[@cole3053]

Thank you for the teaching, Eckhart. It's been a few years, but I'm really happy with the progress that's happened within me and my mind.

[@vincechopard6481]

Thank you for this nice, interesting and very important talk. ❤🙏

[@rochellearellano7135]

Yes! Important to be present with your thoughts.

[@mansuralimirani4186]

Thank you thank you thank you so much sir

[@dmdr11]

I realize now that I used to be addicted to negativity in my earlier adult life. All that ended when I encountered my Other Self (aka twin flame) 2 years ago, which led me to Eckhart Tolle. I fractured my shoulder 3 days ago and have been in terrible constant pain. Initially, I assumed the victim role and cried to the Universe, "Why me? What did I do to deserve this?" Then I remembered to feel my feelings and become The Observer of my feelings. For the past day, I have said the following out loud, multiple times during the day: "I am so grateful that my shoulder is fully healed. I am so grateful that I have full function back. Thank you Universe!" My pain is much less tonight and I feel happy and hopeful. I embrace the challenges in the coming weeks.

[@Larry21924]

This is an absolute delight. I had the pleasure of reading something similar, and it was an absolute delight. "Mindful Mastery: Living Intentionally in a Chaotic World" by Kyle Ash

[@ay8987]

This wisdom should be taught in schools - how to train the mind and understand awareness, the pain body and the observer

[@user-ze5dj4on6z]

Thank you Eckhart. I hope this message somehow reaches you. Thanks, Thanks, Thanks.

[@Feensang]

Heilsam ist das Licht der Erkenntnis Heiligend alles Lieben Dir Herzensdank Eckhart Joachim

[@DrLiaraTSoni]

Been having neurological issues and it's the first video that has ever made me felt so lucid. Thank you, Eckhart, from the bottom of my heart ❤❤❤❤❤

[@midnightblue2893]

Thanks Eckhart great topic ! Have a great week! 💜

[@stephenflood3463]

🙋Hi Nicole! Hope your doing well!💜

[@midnightblue2893]

​@@stephenflood3463Hi you too

[@highplainz1181]

Right on time. Thanks.

[@raphaellegedor4070]

Thank you 🌺🌈

[@JuanPMont]

Thank you Eckhart 🙌

[@MG-421]

Thank you, Eckhart! ✨ 💚 ✨

[@vangestelwijnen]

Another excellent video. Accept what you are experiencing at the moment. Step out of your mind and be the observor of thoughts. You are not the thoughts. This really helps. Always!

[@greenoism]

Thank you Eckart.

[@sirsmokealot96]

The holidays bring out a lot of harsh memories and emotions. This time of year it’s important to focus extra on meditation for me.

[@bobholyoake8577]

Depression is a symptom of underlying issues

[@johnllewlyndavies222]

Not always. Depression can be seasonal and endogenous.

[@bobholyoake8577]

@@johnllewlyndavies222 exactly, a symptom duh

[@bobholyoake8577]

@@pueraeternum im very aware, Look at Advese childhood Experiences ACEs

[@johngreen4683]

I believe unless you have suffered depression you can not possibly conceive its enormity or understand its grip.. If you have been lucky enough to have never experienced true depression then you are also fortunate enough to be able to sympathise but unable to empathise with those who suffer because of it 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@alisonf6478]

@@bobholyoake8577nothing more conscious then replying with “duh” 😂

[@JohnLush-tr5dp]

Ride on my great teacher. A teaching to last for eternity.

[@dianewallace6064]

Thank you.

[@MmMm-cz2ul]

Best answer ever❤thank you🙏

[@amyhodges5464]

this wisdom is worth it’s weight in gold ❤

[@williamcitan]

So beautiful ❤ thank you 🙏

[@carmenr.r.8112]

Gracias maestro 🙏🏼 💜 🙇🏼‍♀️ 🌈

[@pilargarcia6724]

Muchísimas gracias!!!🙏🤗❤️

[@Libre-ici-et-maintenant]

Merci ! 🙏🙏🙏

[@gaurav3290]

Beautiful video ❤

[@maireadmaguire7509]

Addiction to unhappiness- so simple so true, a familiar old old imprint of my pain body, a go to habit, when I slip from awareness I slide into this, like every time-it’s a wearisome Cycle repeat cycle repeat, that I want to beat 🙏🏼

[@kiakia6617]

So precious. Thank you. It's like fresh air, a ray of light. Listening ekart it's like this. Like seeing the sea after a long winter of fog and rain. Thank you so much.

[@iirislinnea]

Thank you 🩵

[@annat5264]

Thank you for linking this video to your Instagram story, it the perfect timing for me to click on it and to reflect ❤️🙏🏻

[@brendakrieger7000]

I appreciate you so much💜😻

[@lynnmcquillan2338]

Thankyou Eckhart 🙏 I would love to hear about ingrained habits & addictions & what part the voice in the head might have or is it deeper ? 🙏😊🙏

[@marciaceciliabadkebadke2293]

Wonderful!!!!!!!! ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@joser.guerra9267]

His experience. What is in the book is a magnificent source for balance in life. It is shocking. For me was a shocking and sometimes absolutely frightening experience. But never the less a relief

[@anna-karinmaki720]

I am So helped to undestand and change my perspectives by your videos and teachings. With Gratitude and Love ✨🙏🏻💖✨I thankyou

[@EckhartTolle]

You are so welcome.

[@pierre931]

i dont know how thank you

[@HannaR2049]

Thank you, Eckhart! I would love to know your thoughts on whether people who are taking a cocktail of Rx drugs for depression, anxiety, etc. are more likely - or if they exacerbate - these seemingly continuous negative thought processes....

[@stephenflood3463]

I believe your right.

[@daryljohnson3945]

Thank you very much, I can't find the depressed personality.

[@corneliusvonbarron4877]

Beware the stories in your head Those maligned tales of now and old For every word that's left unsaid Will be a blessing never told.

[@deedee-tc4fh]

Never avoids the question and describes what so many people experience..but..........there can be escape

[@dekogjorgjiev4893]

You are magic to humanaity

[@johnbowen4442]

What I have found helpful to do with depresion which with all things is energy . I do chanting Om , Shiva , etc which releases a higher energy that over comes the depression which is proven by science with wave dynamics . Then I look for things that can open me up to this depression energy too much negective news , movies , unhealthy foods .... and eliminate them .

[@yukio_saito]

Yes, I like unhappiness 😁 But actually it's not me. It's my unconscious ego 😊

[@user-fj6eg7ww4q]

Good evening mister

[@shivtv6639]

Just a suggestion those who are feeling what's the point or are fed up can try trading in small quantity which is a way to diminish ego and start meditation.. for those who resonate with it!

[@jacquelinelucas6033]

I have made peace with myself on every level. But the noise of the world still disturbs me

[@EmzKitten]

Chronic chronic,fatigue,flashbacks,panic attacks,depression, anxiety and cptsd how do I stay present especially as my life is a lonely boring one?

[@stephenflood3463]

Sorry to hear about your situation but I think a lot of human beings are bored and lonely in this world. Your not the only one.😔

[@aNnAkt1qw]

Connect with yourself, know who you are. You are not your ego.

[@TribeOfGaia]

Kind of difficult to grasp… I let it sink in🙃

[@413smottob]

Describe "enjoying it"? I realize that I continue to go back to depression and anxiety and I get the addictive part of it but I don't feel joy or happiness when experiencing depression or anxiety. I'm misunderstanding that part. I "logically" get that I'm enjoying it because why else would I continue to identify with it. But there's no joy when experiencing it.

[@yannicktube]

i have problems in "not caring" for lack of a better term... I live in Europa and the war in Ukraine left deep impressions on me. Mostly the vile things people do to other people to maximise the hurting and trauma. Now the war started with Hamas and they (hamas) up the notch on that to things we cannot even comprehend doing to another human. I am so dissapointed in this world and I cannot let go of thinking about the suffering. It pulls me back into my depression and I cannot get out anymore. anyone willing to say a few helpful things to me, they would be greatly appreciated. thank you.

[@remediosmendez1646]

Pray unceasingly , says Jesus ......... I t's God's word. .. ....Amen ....

[@LindaMarrom]

13:36 I can't imagine how very difficult it is to not be depressed in your situation. I'm sending you love & hope you continue with Eckhart Tolle. Bless you ❤

[@allah6658]

Muchas gracias ❤

[@user-op7ct3zx2k]

When in that space of the now and what you think is a thought entering,how do you know it is now communication coming from the source?

[@BobbyLennon-jn1bn]

Well Christmas is on its way and i hope and pray that we all find our presence then........ among the presence that i get their would only be one Desire!!.........and that's a Gibson acoustic guitar, that's the only present i want this Christmas!!!!....and knowing no one is likely to win the Lottery in my family, I've got more chance of being bit by a daffodil than that happening!!!Lol

[@bobskimaxx]

Loverly ❤

[@mashalik.430]

❤

[@richardbakowski8313]

I certainly don’t love feel depressed

[@ghomrassirejeb]

"How would you advise a Palestinian living in the midst of war, occupation, and massacres, who has lost their family in a bombing, to find inner peace and continue to live in such conditions?"

[@marieb9961]

😊❤

[@KEG242]

Absolutely the peoole will reist!

[@sue6581]

Im still looking for answers regarding motherhood. When I just became a mother unexpectedly with a traumatic birth and then after that no help , the next years no help and being very sick . Also a post partum and no help. Sitting with my baby with so much pain in my body and feeling exhausted and completely out of balance with hormones. My son also had no rest and as a baby almost didnt sleep , so every hour he slept I fell imeediatly asleep. It was absolutely horrible. How do you cope with that? I really wonder what the answer is to that?

[@jacquesboutelet8643]

In 2012 was given the PON as a birthday present ,after reading the first pages I had an awakening experience .But in 2022 I was diagnosed with chronic depression which occurred following a family treason.I voluntarily accepted to be treated in a psychiatric facility and thanks to the slow increase of antidepressant Mirtazapine I came back to earthly life .Eckhart why did the Universe allow this dark night of the soul ?

[@rn588]

What if don’t love the feeling at all but you just can’t seem to shake it?

[@adaoz6334]

💜🌿💜🌿💜🌿🙏🙏🙏

[@trapper1511]

How can we stay in the present ? The question itself is in the future. Irony !😂

[@petervalentiner9035]

😮😍👏🏼

[@Kenzie5011]

At no point, do I enjoy the depression I suffer from

[@uneviplunethanalie]

Merci !❤

[@EckhartTolle]

Thank you!

[@BaronPrasilHD]

Crazy. I know Eckhart for years but in this area he is not in the picture. Clinical depression is serotonin, noradrenaline, etc. issue in your brain, serious brain chemistry disorder. I know what I am talking about. I got it during corona illness related to digestion inflammation. It has nothing with "energy" flow, nothing with this state of mind explanations...

[@alisonf6478]

What about how the mind/thoughts can affect the body? Placebo effect is a documented thing. I’m someone who has dealt with chronic depression, so please know I do not take it lightly. But I am now someone who recognizes how “I” am able to witness and then alter (sometimes) my chemistry. I’ve been on various antidepressants in the past. They helped somewhat, but eventually they did not. ❤

[@yavrum22]

Please consider this: Everything is energy. Especially our thoughts and experiences from traumatic experience- and that is different from person to person. I invite you to examine or explore the newest studies about our brain and depression

[@fauziashah1978]

Not always serotonin! Narratives will cause one to feel depressed. Eckhart has it right.

[@fauziashah1978]

@@eb9720 I am a therapist in practice for 40 years. By now I should know what depression is.

[@chiptowers1]

let me break this down as I see it. quote; " low levels of physical activity and this can affect the mind to". The mind can never be affected because the mind is not a physical thing, the mind is only a faculty of a physical thing which is the physical brain. The mind is only a relay system not even a device. The mind is only a faculty of thought and therefore the mind creates nothing but receives information from thought and therefore thought is in the hope of receiving something. The mind is therefore aware of its surroundings and to think and feel in order for the physical body and brain to receive information of its surroundings because it was initially the physical body and physical brain physical source that formed the intelligent species that sent information to its physical brain and received by what is know as thought. The physical source is presence 24/7 and does not know depression because since it formed to be the iteration function of itself and form the intelligent species, depression does not exist. Therefore depression is only an external word situation used to justify whats being said as true for attracting a gain for some reason or another.