Stop Running from Boredom: Eckhart Tolle's Guide to Finding Peace in Solitude

Are you tired of constantly seeking mental stimulation to avoid boredom? In this video, Eckhart Tolle offers a refreshing perspective on how to find peace in solitude and embrace the present moment. He explains the pervasive feeling of unease that many experience while bored and the industry dedicated to preventing boredom. Learn how to become aware of your mind's demand for constant stimulation and the benefits of sitting with boredom.
Did you find this video helpful? Do you want more peace of mind? Or to bring more Presence into your days, your work, and other areas of your life? Join Eckhart Tolle Now, Eckhart’s online community, and get access to his new in-depth teachings every month, practical Q&A sessions with Eckhart, and member-only discounts on Eckhart’s online programs.
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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.

[@tcorourke2007]

"All of humanity's problems, stem from man's inability to sit quietly in a room alone.” - Blaise Pascal

[@specilegg]

Jesus is the way 🕊️

[@PW-le6cr]

Very brilliant

[@cyberlopo2478]

Yes, exactly

[@johanvoellner1849]

i said that first

[@johanvoellner1849]

@@specilegg they dont really contradict each other calm down

[@spitfire_33]

I have been alone for 25 years, after my husband passed on. After raising kids on farm/horse stables, I found it (although I miss him, wish he was here) glorious. Peaceful. Contentment. I even moved 2000 miles away to sunshine & mountains, where I knew nobody. 🧘‍♀️ I had large brain tumor. It blocked my thinking, so I was just doing, being. Awareness was beyond words. The Light. Love silence & nature. Loved the sound of my family's happiness, but this happened at the right time. Hallelujah 🙌 ironically, they all followed me 🤣 long story!, my son being single dad, I had to step up (for the deepest love on earth) to doing "that" again. Bc of economy & best decisions for her, now we live together again. The universe ✨️ 💖 works in mysterious ways. Feel like I'm back on the farm 😂 granddaughter almost done w/college; my daughter can't wait to retire & downsize 🤭 We shall see. Right now, I'm grateful for love around me & well... everything 💞 yes, long story. The bottom line is I love being alone. Loneliness is a state of mind. Alone is a state of being. 🐦🌳🦋

[@infiniteinfinity9802]

Loneliness is a state of mind and alone is a state of being. Very well said. I will remember that! Enjoy the joy and peace!!!🌈

[@jesterday2222]

Sounds wonderful 🧡 So many people are searching for happiness but what they really want (and they don't know it) is peace of mind. Happiness is just an temporary emotion, like anger and sadness. I think you found that peace in yourself. What a great state to be in! Hope you enjoy it for many more days to come 😊💖🦚 I love and treasure my solitude as well. And I love people too, I love seeing them smile, being grateful and content, like you! 😻

[@iamthefiremanjj]

yes

[@mspattycakes1954]

Oh what a wonderful post!! I am inspired by you. Eckhart changed, is changing my life with his teachings. I’m a bit of a slow learner…but what is time, right? lol. I am going to save your post. Have you thought of writing your story? ❤

[@specilegg]

Such blessing and Joy in your life! God bless you in Jesus name 🕊️💗

[@kokolane2115]

One day I was just sitting in my car waiting for my partner to join me and I noticed something in me. There was, what I called, a low grade boredom, unhappiness, uneasiness, etc humming in the background. More like grumbling if it had a sound like you would if you were unwell. It felt akin to a low grade fever barely noticeable. I spontaneously became very present and knew that if I didn’t have this awareness, I would’ve acted on the unease by looking at my phone or thinking I needed to do something. Later I read the Power of Now and Eckhart called it Ordinary Unconscious and that it was a low level unease, unhappiness, etc. I was like WOW he really knows what he’s talking about 😂

[@jesterday2222]

Wow becoming present like that is really wonderful, such a great feeling. It was fun to read 😊

[@mspattycakes1954]

Womderful! The man’s teachings, this man….changed my life beyond words. Thank you Eckhart ❤

[@specilegg]

Jesus is the way 🕊️✝️

[@markpearce1437]

@@specilegg oh for christ sake..🙄

[@clairesmith1964]

​@@markpearce1437😅

[@sp-gw7zl]

I was sitting in the backyard with my Son a couple days ago it was so quiet and beautiful We just sat there and listened to the little songbirds We only had a little conversation then just sat quietly ❤ peaceful !!! We're making progress 😊

[@march1969]

Progress ... cue Eckhart laugh

[@ngangarobinson3963]

🎉🎉🎉

[@specilegg]

Jesus is the way 🕊️

[@user-pv2vp2ud6v]

I love how innocent and thoughtful Eckhart is. “I recently started texting and it was fascinating.”

[@tulipssssssss]

yes😂❤🥺

[@Steve197201]

This is a challenging video, but it is important. Not only do I feel a compulsion to watch KZbin videos, I also "multitask" by playing a game or browsing the internet while the video plays in the background. I'm going to try just sitting by myself while I absorb what's around me. I know it will be a challenge, but the more I do it, the more centered I'll become.

[@rogerlin9602]

8:44 The ability to be rooted in the present moment in yourself without needing any mental or external stimuli to make you feel complete or alive. Sit quietly and at ease in the room. It requires you to be quiet inside. You go through boredom to get to being. All the sudden you enjoy being. You can’t stand yourself. So you keep running into this or that. You use others to make you feel better. But you can’t stand them either. Because you aren’t connected with being. Come home to yourself. Then you can enjoy your own company. Otherwise nothing will satisfy you. You take dissatisfaction with you everywhere. Thanks Eckhart. 20 March 2024. 🌝🛍🍉⚓️💰🍑🌵🚀💫🐿🍺

[@user-dt1vz4ce2w]

So many people is turning on the internet,to, for not to feel alone,🥹in place to go in the nature,to enjoy the sunshine,enjoy your self 😂enjoy the present 👍💫❤️🌈🌹Thank you Eckhart Tolle !

[@KaraKahn]

Haha I used think listening to Eckhart was boring. Lol now I feel peaceful and understood whenever I listen to him. 😅😊

[@abhirajkumar882]

Eckhart's laughter is the laughter of Sanity ❤

[@fortissimoX]

Lol, well said! 😁

[@amyhodges5464]

“come home to yourself” ❤

[@DihelsonMendonca]

💥 When I have nothing to do, I binge on Eckhart Tolle videos. It's some weird practice, because binging 12 hours of spiritual teaching from many masters may be strange, but with KZbin, we have it. 🎉❤❤❤

[@melindaboldizsar204]

Sitting quiet in the room is the best feeling ever 🙏❤️

[@jessicamosley4431]

I love it now. I was guided by spirit to quit my job. I’m free. Took me a few weeks to adjust and let go of attachments

[@ngangarobinson3963]

❤❤

[@jahrasta4907]

I had to do the same thing. I'll miss certain co-workers but the peace and stillness is mind blowing.

[@margheritaacampora5575]

I truly love my own company. 😊

[@JohnPretty1]

Have many employees?

[@margheritaacampora5575]

@@JohnPretty1 my own company = be by myself 🤣🤣🤣

[@Slimcognito858]

The only voice of sanity. Thank you Eckhart ❤

[@willm5814]

I think there are other enlightened souls out there, but he definitely is a beacon for all 😊

[@TifaAnnTheEmpressJourney]

I was in a space where I couldn't stand myself I literally needed ppl to hold my hand through life 😅 my own mind was to toxic Nowadays I love sitting with myself I do most things by myself and I can only be around others for a longer period of time who go deep and are comfortable with quietness 😌

[@MrGlenno1000]

I totally agree with this. Solitude is pure bliss. It’s other people I struggle with.

[@beatlebarb64]

There's so much to learn about life - how could you ever be bored??!!

[@davemeneer7843]

Ever since I read your book 7 years ago my life has changed!!

[@johngreen4683]

It's impossible to listen intently and think at the same time, if you have a ticking clock, just listen to and concentrate on each tick and the mind will automatically go silent, once thoughts creep in again, as they will, just find the ticking again and repeat 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@gtageri100]

I was doing that without knowing it shuts off thinking, thanks for putting it into a sentence. Same with birds chirping outside, you can break away from the noise in your head

[@RogerioLupoArteCientifica]

If we can deeply concentrate on anything (I mean absolutely anything, from the nature of thoughts to the noise of a leaf blower, a truck, or the quality of the greens in a meadow), then we can eventually notice something way beyond our ordinary perception. Something beyond description and beyond the very mental content. It takes some practice, because it's the subtlest thing in existence. But as we learn to recognize it, we become subtle ourselves, so this subtle "no-thing" suddenly reveals obvious and undeniably real. After a deep realization of that process, we come to the conclusion that boredom has never been a waste of time, on the contrary, the actual waste of time is to try and fill these "boring" moments with futile things.

[@wenchen8173]

Wow ! ! ! I read your comments several times, thank you for inspiring me; specifically when you said boredom is never been waste of time, the actually waste of time is trying to fill the boring moment with futile things

[@Godshonestruth]

Brilliant

[@ikitsunebi]

I absolutely LOVE when I have nothing to do and in such a busy life, if I can be for only 5min alone in silence it is already sheer bliss. Silence brings me so much joy I cannot put into words, even if many of the moments I spend alone with my thoughts are very painful and challenging.

[@donnitoth7692]

We are human BEINGS not human DOINGS.

[@stormtraders]

Maybe it’s time to prioritize things in your life. That counts for me too

[@BatwingSerpentcoils]

I struggle with this. I feel like I’m always supposed to be doing something and it’s hard to be still.

[@clinkzenn]

same me too sometimes i can get through this feeling my inner body i cant feel it completely yet just some parts of legs and hands it helps you there is boredom and there is that feeling of aliveness in your inner body notice boredom and put your attention on your inner body this works for me some times but some other times is much harder depends wish you peace and and an abundant life

[@U.J.S.]

Same here! My wife make fun of me for not being able to be bored. haha. I think that is why I came here. Getting some tips on how to be bored. I will implement what he is saying the next time I am not doing anything.

[@lynnmcquillan2338]

Dear Eckhardt - you are a blessed soul & my heart fills with love when I hear your voice, your wisdom 🙏 God Bless you 🙏❤️👍

[@James_II]

"When I am among the many I live as the many do, and I do not think as I really think .... After a time it appears as though they want to banish me from myself and rob me of my soul .... I then require the desert, so as to grow good again" - Fréderich Nietzsche

[@JamesJackson-he2fs]

Eckhart thank you for the power of now it changed my life years ago! I never experience boredom, life has way too much to do to ever get bored. It is a mind that is unruly that can experience boredom. Once you know that you are not your mind and are the watcher of it how could life be boring? Just monitoring your inner dialogue should keep you interested! 😀👍

[@Quranic]

I feel peace just listening Eckhart. Thank you for your wisdom 🕊✌✌

[@teejay8258]

I rarely feel bored these days. In fact, it seems like I hardly have enough time to do it all. I love, love quiet, alone time!

[@pinkifloyd7867]

So many distractions, so much to do, too much to just sit and do nothing for long .... It's insane 🤣

[@Gently469]

Such a great message for people who get bored. Eckart looks great at 76 years old. There is none so boring as he who is bored. Words to live by.

[@cgdombrow]

This is not a recent talk, probably from early 2000’s…..

[@Gently469]

I guess you are likely right about that, my bad.@@cgdombrow

[@loischarlton2109]

I've been on my own for months now, and I actually enjoy it. 😊

[@JohnPretty1]

In some ways you've been on your own your whole life.

[@loischarlton2109]

@@JohnPretty1 definitely

[@gloomyloser_]

very important talk.

[@jackiek4159]

Definitely needed this reminder! Thank you! Lots of love and light! 🙏💕✨

[@ReBeLRecKLesSs]

Love and gratitude 💜

[@SirFency]

my biggest obstacle to sitting quiet is the incessant songs that repeat in my head non stop unless I listen to something else. I can sit quietly and listen to you but if it just silent then the songs take over.

[@vickimurden9008]

Same for me song’s consistently in my mind why is this

[@Misslotusification]

Coz it's entertaining, & filling the unbearable void the mind is uncomfortable with@@vickimurden9008

[@kundaliniyogafromhome]

It's called self talk. I observe my self talk and ask myself how it makes me feel. Then usually an old memory comes up (often unpleasant) and I allow it too. Then it depends on how severe the emotion is if I can let it go or if I choose a meditation to support me reflecting what is real and what is a mind game. Just thought I'd share

[@manjukoshal3672]

Same here ...there is always something playing in my mind

[@michaelwynn4559]

Thank you for this talk. "The Power of Now" is very beneficial for me.

[@lindapayne5277]

When I am away camping sitting by my fire I am at peace no need to think. ❤

[@mariatheuns550]

Oh, absolutely. When I'm not well, I try not to find solutions somewhere else, but within myself. It's a struggle, but it teaches you an awful lot.

[@artoaco]

Thank you Eckhart reminding us. Sitting down in a comfortable chair, closing your eyes, feeling your respiration and let your mind leave the body and travel in the infinite universe and just flow. 🌼🌺🌸

[@satishkumarsharma1317]

Returning home on realising futility of searching happiness elsewhere and finding it at

[@NatureisKing1]

I find that putting your smartphone away from arms reach helps break the habit of constantly distracting yourself 🙂

[@firstnamelastnam3]

Can’t think of anything to say, that’s a new thing. Thanks ✨

[@mariatheuns550]

But when I'm well, I'm inspired continuously. Being absorbed in a book, a movie , listening to music, dancing, writing a poem, knitting baby socks, cooking a curry, anything at all. I don't even notice if I 'm alone in the room or not. It's like being in Paradise, really, because if anybody is there, I do enjoy explaining or showing others what I'm doing, if they 're interested.

[@davemeneer7843]

Thank you for opening my eyes Eckhart!!

[@MirenVadera]

If you knew the role Mahaprabhu Eckhart Tolle (Hermes Trimestigus in a 4th Incarnation) played in my journey and the world it will shock you... Anything is possible to God Gods biggest miracle ever On earth Miren Vadera (previously Shree Krishna, Jesus Christ and Angel Gabriel) Starring in the greatest true story ever told.... It could get better when somebody with intelligence goes to my channel and sees genuine miracles and guidances surpassing even this.

[@user-dt1vz4ce2w]

I am really enjoying my self😂admiring the beautiful of nature ✌️🌹🌈❤️🙏👍😄

[@Zenlife1132]

That's what I'm doing right now

[@janicescott-pair97]

I needed this.😊 when i arrive home from work, my mind has not turned off from my day at work, etc. I tell myself, watch Jeopardy, or look at my phone, your mind needs some form of mental stimulus .

[@kishanagarwal658]

Implications of dysfunction of the mind and diving into a meditative state. 🙏🙏🙏

[@vivianlenardon1272]

So perfect. This restlessness with no name is boredom. My mind gets it now😊 I've now have something to help to acknowledge another layer of insanity...or mind trap. Thank you🎉❤

[@LM-uq9nv]

A dear friend told me about the time he spent in a mental hospital. He recalled having a breakthrough when he glanced at the shelves in the recreation room filled with games and puzzles. There was the game "mind trap". The absurdity of it there in that setting cracked him up.

[@jacquesboutelet8643]

Amazing I just looked Blaise Pascal famous quote and it mentioned the one about the inability to stay alone in a room ,Thanks Universe for this synchronicity ❤

[@mariannethames962]

Soooooo much wisdom in this. I can really feel this message. it explains certain peoples behaviors.

[@mansuralimirani4186]

Always grateful thank you so much sir

[@lynnmcquillan2338]

I think indigenous peoples over the world had less problems with boredom - often even in old footage or movies they are or are depicted as being much more still and comfortable with ‘being’ 🙏

[@NirmalaWisdomQueen]

Teacher, thank you for the opportunity to listen to your words.

[@Earth_to_Kensho...ComeInKensho]

I like the way he gets a kick out of himself. It's like "did you see that? I just made a funny! he he!" I get what he's saying though. most of us do need to like who who we are more.

[@mslj4062]

Good Day Mr. Tolle - I have been practicing this stillness in which you speak of. At times of my practice I find it so peaceful and profound in discovering myself and who I am. It is still a "work in progress", practice but I truly understand what you speak of. Thank you for all your teachings. Blessings Mr. Tolle. Take care. 🌞☕🙏🏼♾️🕯️☯️🙂

[@oztinato4099]

Very timely discourse as I have a head cold and was feeling incredibly bored with its effects.

[@ravneetdhillon7322]

Accepting it brings resistance to rest

[@agam5186]

Best video ever 🙏❤ Im home ❤🙏 Thanks

[@beerman204]

When I became aware that everything and everyone has something to say, even "non living" things, life became fascinating in all its forms...boredom is impossible...

[@veraintuizione6497]

So true 🙏. Unfortunately 😂I'm stuck in a constant doing and I dream🤣 about the boring moments✨ but in any case the key is precisely that : " DON'T RUN AWAY". ❤ Don't run away from everything both the doing and the not doing. Including boredom. SO grateful 💓🙏✨✨✨✨✨🌺

[@andrecosta281]

he is so funny and wise, he cracks me up good! Live laugh love

[@shankarbalakrishnan2360]

Boredom true the biggest issue in our minds currently ekhart❤❤🎉🎉

[@annabellacrewe8858]

Phenomable ! My dear Echkart !, thank you from my being ❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉

[@richard29sher]

This lecture is dearly appreciated,. Thank you!

[@edwardglenn9310]

His voice is a tonic.

[@garywei1945]

Thanks for teaching and sharing how to deal with a busy and nervous mind on my own

[@VasacceSky]

Excellent! 🙏🏼

[@Reign_Of_Is_REAL]

Bored RIGHT NOW stalking you on YT 🤧 “What’s Eckhart talking about? ME? Oh Good!” 😂

[@ethanredd3342]

Eckhart drops another banger🤩

[@WallopingWeb-Snapper]

I don't have the ability to imagine and string these words together but I do have the clarity to recognize them and agree, just like water is wet and the sky is blue, when they are spoken. The whole things makes me giddy like a little kid. Thank you

[@andrewslight101]

Eckhart makes me laugh more than any comedian does he has such a brilliant outlook

[@graemeess]

I love it when Eckhart does a live question, always makes me so happy!!❤

[@rogathesarwatt]

As I'm writing I'm alone nlin my room listening Elkhart a strong mood came to my mind and I got relax

[@fredphipps9452]

So true but we need this as a continual reminder; old habits die hard

[@mounaaliawdah4023]

Thank you 🙏

[@garywei1945]

That’s good point all the problems human beings face those incapable things when they sat in quiet rooms

[@brooke3724]

Ive allowed a sensation of lifetimes of boredom ❤go deep dude ❤😂

[@sergarellano]

It's the first time you're addressing the issue of boredom and the search for stimuli, and how to manage it. Thank you.

[@heartsource]

Listening to Eckhart as a way to escape boredom 🤫

[@DebesteKeuze]

The more I watch these types of videos, and I'm not going to name names, you all know them, these spiritual gurus, the more I find myself in a situation that they are talking about at that moment and for which they claim to have the solution. Buying books and videos.

[@anthonyangelis1094]

this is a brilliant answer- -stillness speaks- true knowledge and wisdom arise from thoughtless awareness. -alert presence - pure consciousness -essence identity stillness is wonderful

[@hamdankhan852]

Thank u Master

[@yaseminisk247]

He is so true. Soooo true

[@sandrawhishwilson7624]

Beautiful

[@TheLUCIANA63]

Amazing ❤

[@herrigancalvera453]

there is only one way - Be good, Do good, Live good

[@ajaypoudel810]

I hear you brother

[@JohnPretty1]

Mmm, very good.

[@awakenotwoke7949]

This is why solitary confinement is considered such a devastating punishment. I’m sure some could go mad.

[@3817bm19]

Thank you ❤

[@samartman3395]

It's soooooo understandable if we are bored...all our lives we are constantly doing doing doing something or other... after we have tried everything to make us happy and see we have failed to get the full contentment we seek....we are bored with ALL worldly desires...then we can start to seek deep inside and find the truth.....we can actually experience and be infinite Divine peace and love and bliss.... the greatest wisdom is in advaita Vedanta non duality 🙏🕉️☯️☸️☮️

[@Himalayas2086]

Thank you Echart it means so mich to me Love from Bharat 🇮🇳 (English word India) 🙏🏾🙇🏾‍♂️❤️

[@jaredjones8490]

I think in addition to being in the present moment we have to also change our negative thoughts into positive thoughts. Just my opinion. Affirming present tense positive thoughts are greatly helpful.

[@brucewalters8635]

"Most men lead lives of quiet desperation." Henry David Thoreau

[@rawr333r]

This video is so necessary right now. I am SO BORED all the time. So i get on my phone, smoke a bowl, get a snack, anything else but be bored

[@JohnPretty1]

You've never meditated have you?

[@rawr333r]

@@JohnPretty1 yes I have

[@rogathesarwatt]

Switchoff the thinking part of brain strust me it work for me just try

[@C_gar]

gracias🙏

[@mariannethames962]

Thank you sooooo Much! This rings with truth. I love it!

[@summersunriseyoga]

Wow, this video is so timely as I just lost my mobile 😅 I am noticing how much people use their phones now that I don't have one... I also wonder how it shifts our sense of identity.

[@josefabisquert3935]

Thanks for your books . Helps me ++++

[@brooke3724]

Yeah i got told ignore those so called negative thoughts

[@blacksheep6683]

"...just endure the discomfort of the mind not getting enough stimulus."

[@gergoszabo7465]

Its all about luve ur self and then others too to make peace not war and anger.