What Is The Purpose Of Mental Illness? with Eckhart Tolle

What Is The Purpose Of Mental Illness? with Eckhart Tolle
What role does mental illness play in the evolution of consciousness? In this deep discussion, Eckhart Tolle explores the interconnectedness of suffering, individual identity, and the awakening of humanity.
Mental Illness & Consciousness
🔹 Mental illness exists on a spectrum, from acute disorders to everyday neuroses, raising questions about its role in human experience.
🔹 Suffering-both personal and historical-may serve as a catalyst for deeper consciousness and transformation.
🔹 Obstacles in life, including illness, could have a hidden purpose in the unfolding of awareness.
Collective Awakening & Identity
🔹 Humans are not isolated beings but expressions of a singular consciousness.
🔹 Some mental illnesses might be misunderstood spiritual awakenings, especially in societies that fail to recognize them as such.
🔹 The process of awakening is often accompanied by challenges, both individually and collectively.
💡 Key Takeaway: The challenges of life, including suffering and mental illness, may be part of a greater awakening-shifting humanity toward deeper awareness and unity.
🌟 Stressed or anxious? Unlock peace and freedom with Eckhart Tolle’s Living Free from Stress and Anxiety collection:
▪️The Secret of Happiness - Find deep joy in the present moment.
▪️The Joy of Being - Embrace peace in life’s challenges.
▪️Freedom From the World - Connect with your inner purpose and freedom.
▪️Learn more about this special collection of teachings here: bit.ly/LivingF...
---
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.
#EckhartTolle #SpiritualAwakening #Consciousness #Mindfulness #InnerPeace #MentalHealth #Healing

[@Nasengold]

I had a serious depression over several years and when it got too hard, my ability to live was so torn apart that I couldn't receive post packages without crying by thinking about opening the door. I was so messed up that I shared my room with beasty spiders and basically lived surounded in trash. My will to do anything about it was simply non-existent. Once it got so far that it shook me to the core, my ego shattered away and I started to awake. I was feeling like a baby and cried about simple emotions in youtube videos. I was never the same since but found my true self within weeks. By now I taught so many things to so many people just by observing and being me. Once you get there, there is nothing special about understanding things. It comes naturally trough a calm mind. I was a nerve-wreck and now I'm deescalating conflicts just by being present. Don't hold on to things, just be aware of what is. If you are still in the phase of suffering, don't hide it in the back of your head! Observe it! Feel it! It doesn't matter if it is pleasant or not, it is there to be observed. Ignoring a part of your reality, will create a fake reality, which alters yourself.

[@DiegoGonzalez-hk3pl]

Nasengold I have bad anxiety, should I observe that? What about my anxiety attack’s? Those as well? I don’t quite understand what you’re saying. Please explain in better detail.

[@2012BeyondtheWorld]

Nasengold That's how it seems to be. Eckhart himself talks about his inner transformation after suffering with depression and anxiety all his life until the age of 29. Then he awakened to himself that all that suffering he imposed on himself was because he attributed himself with his sense of self and his thoughts, I think, I might have understood it wrong but you can find his experience on the cover of his book The Power of Now or even online. It's amazing how he was able to just detach himself out of his suffering by coming to such realization. To me it reminds me of someone going through hypomania or mania in bipolar or from antidepressants, I felt just like him or similar as well. Surely he must have taken some psychoactive drug or researched meditation and the benefits of not thinking and detaching yourself from you self with all these thoughts which cause suffering. I'm glad you were able to transcend and heal yourself the same way Eckhart has. It can happen if you get to your most unimaginable suffering, the worst of you depression can be a learning lesson if you know how to use it as a transcendence and healing. I always used to go very deep into depression almost taking my own life, but always resurfacing and realizing that only choosing to listen to my poisonous thoughts got me and kept getting me there in the first place. When you detach yourself from those thoughts feelings and stresses you can learn a newer peaceful way of living where you harness those thoughts into actions of improving your life situations where you feel stuck. I began to just distract myself from those similar thoughts and feelings blinding my daily life and trying to detach from that sense of self I created to understand my environment. You're not that so you don't have to allow yourself to keep going back to feeling and thinking that way. You can even forget about it all and just live in the now, in the present moment where you allow yourself to be free and innocent. You can learn with practice which thoughts you're going to attach yourself to and which ones you're going to detach and free your self from.

[@2012BeyondtheWorld]

Show me Your memes I've had anxiety attacks and even panic attacks, what you have to realize is that these attacks happen because of your constant rumination. I was always attaching myself to these constant over thinking and over analyzing thoughts, worrying over nothing, stressing over nothing and all that does take a toll on you leaving you in a state of panic and emotional distress. You need to distract yourself from giving in and thinking about everything 24/7. You need to relax and calm your mind. You don't have to question and worry about the future, or about the now, and don't even think of going into the past. Just meditate and find a way to live in the right now without attaching to any of those thoughts and worries which seem to pollute your mind. When you give into those train of thoughts or you somehow already find yourself in them try to distract yourself and calm down and do something else. I had this terrible panic attack last year where I was worried and thinking that I had diabetes and that I was going to go into a diabetic coma. The doctors just scare you is all, a year later and no diabetes whatsoever but back then it was all I could think about and was obsessing about everything I was eating and producing pseudo symptoms of diabetes for myself. Now you can see how powerful your thoughts can be if you think about something. I felt like thinking about it again weeks after it happened and possibly going into another attack but I told myself that I don't have diabetes and the attack never happened again. I also had several anxiety attacks as well in youth with school and the social phobia of it all. Here again same thing, it was the thoughts that I chose to listen to and give power to create my own pseudo symptoms and scare myself especially with all the thoughts going on in anticipatory anxiety of social situations. What you can do there is always distract yourself especially every time these anticipatory thoughts pop up. Every time you choose to give in and listen to them you're just stressing over nothing. Just detach yourself from those thoughts with distracting yourself with something else be it blasting you head with music or engaging in an activity that will take your mind off such thoughts. Pretty soon this will just be your way of being but it does take practice like any other habit and it does save you from extra stress. When the situation you have anticipated comes to pass you'll just be there in the moment, in the now and what will be will be as long as you also don't over anticipate what to say and what to do. It's horrible having to attach yourself to all these thinking patterns which can cause unwanted premature attacks something for nothing. I could be wrong but I've heard people having attacks without even thinking about anything. They could be thinking or not and the attacks have found a way to take form underneath the thinking process as a form of symptom. All I know is that I'm more at peace with myself if I don't spend any uneccessary time over thinking what if.

[@TheFeelingConnection]

Naseng

[@princeofpersiagirl]

Thank you for this

[@fearsveil]

I believe many conditions that we consider to be mental "illnesses," are in fact emotional "illnesses" caused by emotional trauma in early childhood.

[@SternOMD]

Is that you Zigmond?

[@michaelosullivan5831]

Thank you all for the very helpful posts !

[@kmurph2451]

"mental illness" doesn't exist. Neither do I, so don't mind me.

[@TheSpaceMan86]

Exactly. I think all mental illnesses are just different forms of PTSD.

[@myrnafigueroa1033]

Alycia B I totally agree . I am a 52 year old Hispanic woman, mother of adult children ages 21-30, grandmother of 9 children ages 1- 8, Who has been diagnosed with PTSD, Anxiety, and Mild Depression. I was affected by Sexual Trauma from the ages of 8-12 by my Adult Brother-in-Law. In the 70’s it was swept under the rug and kept as a family secret. After my Mother, who never did anything about it, passed away from Cancer, that was another Trauma. Even though I blamed her for my silent screams that made me a people pleaser as an adult, used in future relationships, it took a car accident to finally trigger all that trauma in me. I ended up with Fibromyalgia and Lupus.

[@1TrueNature]

I popped out into awareness at 18, my mum called the docter lol, bless her, she couldn't work out why her angry teen daughter was suddenley so peaceful..

[@lkhatieb]

This man's sense of humor is so underrated !

[@MariaPalmieri]

Recognizing what is insanity is part of awakening! Great words!

[@jdfrsbrg41]

Mental illness is not really just an individual problem, but is symptomatic of the context of society. A "schizophrenic person" is not actually ill, but is perfect in who they are. It is in the context of society that mental illness can have purpose. Our society is very complacent in our illusions and we think it represents reality. When someone doesn't play by those rules, we call them crazy and separate ourselves from them. That is the collective mental illness that needs healing.

[@2012BeyondtheWorld]

Jon Forsberg Yep.

[@earthsoul4206]

So very true. It's attitudes like this that are raising children and creating the illnesses also.

[@41yearoldnewdriver]

I am Schizophrenic but I had my first spiritual experience at age 31. I knew God was real because I felt a peace wash over me and I could see people with my spiritual eyesight.

[@1DaTJo]

As a child I was taught advaita; Ramana Maharshi, Ramakrishna, et al, whilst being exposed to severe domestic violence and drug abuse. I have been through so many horrible states of depersonalisation, breakdown, depression, and worse, and at times the spiritual teachings made it all worse. Now, at 54, I am able to partake of these teachings and find consolation and peace from them. I’m mostly in the Now and feel the Being, yet I have to take antidepressants too. My “troubles” are dissolving through awareness. It’s a wild ride.

[@misssamwise71]

i was diagnosed "bipolar" 3 years ago, and through this subsequent journey of hospitalisations have i embraced a new spirituality....wonderful stuff!

[@arete7884]

I would never became enlightened without ocd and intense suffering

[@sajjasharma70]

Areté how do you know you are enlightened??

[@lauraberriah]

Areté do you still have ocd though or are you completely free of it now?

[@blueshades98]

im having ocd and adhd. Advice for me pleasee

[@Waxyerify]

yeah sometimes i see it that way too, because only option for me to stay alive with this mind is destroying it without destroying the body.

[@freshguy54]

Amen. Ocd is pure torment

[@amyblaine7624]

I’m so thankful for the long depressive episode I had my junior-senior year of high school. I started the process of awakening. I learned so much about myself and the world. I learned how to stay present. I am still awakening. I’m not totally there yet, but I’m getting there

[@JonathanDavisKookaburra]

I feel that, in accordance with Tolle's perspective, there is the collective pain body of the community and culture. As the population in general avoids the discomfort within themselves, this pain and toxicity end up by getting expressed by others who are too sensitive to be able to avoid feeling this toxicity. The way to release this toxicity is to observe without judgment, accept and feel it and by doing so feel it leaving us. When we judge the experience or discomfort within us we contract around it and hold it, making it stay. As we observe and accept we release our grip. Some people can avoid the trauma and toxicity within them, the pain in their pain body for their whole life and carry it all till their grave, but this is a blockage to the evolution of consciousness. Maturing into being able to accept, observe allow and feel our pain so that we can release it is the way to deeper awareness and presence. Then there are others who either can't due to natural sensitivity, or somewhere within them, they refuse to avoid the truth of the underlying pain and toxicity that continues to build and grow in the pain body of the human species as hurt people perpetuate pain by hurting more people. Those who can't or won't allow themselves to avoid and block out the painbody of the collective end up being the ones to process the madness that exists within humanity on behalf of the community around them that refuses to face, feel and accept the pain they are carrying. Evolution wants to mvoe forwards and this pain and trauma needs to be expressed and released. Some of the trauma is so horrific that it can cause experiences of madness in those who involuntarily or voluntarily end up processing them on behalf of the community. These people are like the pressure release valve for the trauma and pain being avoided by humanity. And more and more of them are needed. The problem is that they need training in how to deal with this pain needing to be released from the collective unconscious of humanity. And the training is acceptance. observation without judgment builds immunity to all things. breathe. observe. accept allow. if a part of you judges the situation as bad 'this REALLY IS horrible' then observe that part of you labelling it as bad and accept that part of you. let it have that perspective. then continue observing the experience that your ego is labelling as bad, also without judgment. breathe and trust that if you're experiencing discomfort, you're experiencing it leaving you.

[@malabrinetica]

This is an amazing observation, thank you!

[@basfeldbrugge8577]

Wow, that last sentence is amazing! How do you know this to be true?

[@falcodarkzz]

It is true, deeper senseitvity comes with a corresponding deeper experience of life, but there is a huge cost! We anethsatise ourselves to pain and suffering, essentially delaying the wonderful realisation that much of that pain and suffering is an illusion. We'll get there.

[@theintervention1447]

Jonathan Davis *recognising* that we *are* judging (it's we do as humans) without 'judging the judging' . we often dont want to accept this because we have ideas of ourselves as 'nice'people. mental illness is about the ego mishandling emotions - such as anger which arises from upset and sense of injustice. the matter should be at least acknowledged by ourselves before it can be addressed *constructively* to resolve it. often forgiveness is required towards others and ourselves to find a sense of peace with things that can't be so easily put right. but instead we often turn the anger inward :depression - because fear guilt and shame inhibits us. 'be angry sin not' :As wrong as it is to lash out in anger its as unhealthy to repress it . Sadly peope have been poisoned with the idea that anger is bad : it is necessary energy for survival to drive people to for eg bring about justice (which is not the same as revenge ) The ego? it' s limitations and pitfalls should be acknowledged and we *manage* it *not* 'destroy eradicate it 'etc.

[@swiftedg]

You are truly in touch with the greater consciousness. When you wrote this, did it simply flow through you?

[@jacob2790]

I LOVE you Eckhart Tolle, I love everyone else as well and wish all a beautiful existence.

[@VyNguyen-cw2ni]

I was in slight depression last year, that's when I encountered the Power of Now. My life pretty much had changed drastically as I became part of this journey.

[@DavidAKZ]

for example ?

[@2012BeyondtheWorld]

Nn Vv Agree, I can feel my life changing as I'm part of Eckhart's teachings.

[@jacob2790]

To anyone out there not sure what they are feeling, if they are having issues identifying what awakening is, stop thinking about it and just keep experiencing and processing what is happening, paying attention to what is happening, but not the fine details. Don't think to much on it and the thoughts will come to you!

[@redstar2077]

Hearing those realizations through Eckhart has been such a huge shift in consciousness for me...actually I feel the need to hear those kind of words from another Consciosness State 2-3 times a day. The situations that happens at home, hearing misperceptions thoughts from my family...still drain my energy. I feel like viruses for my mind and it´s difficult to me to stay present and not being involved. In one level, I remind me Eckhart´s words: those situations are opportunities to train my mind, to stay present and practice the theory, but sincerelly, I don´t feel gratefull unless I make the effort to change my thoughts consciously. It´s very hard for me thinking about a name for describing my mother´s actions in terms of mental illness, but it´s easier to think about it in terms of Consciousness State. It brings me the capacity of empathy, compassion for her and makes me easier to look forward and not to get involved in her blockage. I know and I feel that I´m nurtured and safe, otherwise I would not ever find these satsangs. We are all in the same path, we create the path trough walking. Let´s walk together in harmony. Namaste

[@XLNC616]

It's taken a while to get my head around this but I think I've managed. My entire family has been diagnosed with bipolar, and or schizophrenia then consequently sectioned or committed suicide. Fortunately for me I was able to come across such videos such as this and also the teachings of Echart Tole at my time of "awakening" and was able to transition and transcend. I can't say it's been easy, in fact is been painful and very destructive. But finally I feel like have finally made time for all 4 rooms in my life, spiritual, physical, mental and emotional. I have become at peace with my inner madness. I have found peace in the now. I never thought 4yrs ago I'd channelling spirit or seeing evil entities consuming my friends. It's a funny old world. Peace and love to you all my fellow "mental friends" x

[@Lola-Yo]

This makes sense to me. I had some so called crazy thoughts and actions, but my GP said there’s nothing wrong with me! This was a couple of years ago, I now realise it was the beginning of awakening and this is what led me to search and find Eckhart amongst other people, also leading me to a transition towards plant based eating. The only problem is other people who try to sabotage your awakening. Thank you for your videos.

[@TJMJR1963]

This provides hope that my agony is a necessary part of my decades-long awakening process. I am sobbing with hope and relief that the tribulation of my life might not have been in vain.

[@VibesnFrequencies]

I was told that I was essentially crazy growing up and was even sent to special boarding schools, and for what? I would not change any of the past as it has led me to this perfect moment now, and yet at the same time I wish I could shake my past self and tell him not to listen to what everyone was telling him that he was. I am not ILL, but letting myself be convinced that I was DID lead to a feeling of illness. I am perfect the way I am and am just vibrating differently! YOU are perfect to! :)

[@margaretfrank1975]

I must also add that practicing breathing and meditation, staying in the present has really helped me have fewer episodes of deep disabling depression.

[@batmanandcarlos]

The word Buddha in Thailand language, "ตถาคต," means the master of surrender. The best in acceptance, letting it be. "ตถตา=ความเป็นเช่นนั้นเอง" Eckhart is Buddha of modern age. You are Buddha too, if you surrender. Begin surrendering and be Buddha instantly!

[@muppyawake2309]

xx

[@swiftedg]

My buddha is on vacation, best accept that

[@applepie9898]

Anything for you Batman!

[@staceystrukel1917]

carlos batman the best in acceptance. That's awesome, thanks for that. 👏

[@ADBVoiceActing]

There have been many Buddhas throughout history. We can all be Buddha. Just like we can all be Christ. These labels aren't titles. They are levels of consciousness.

[@maryanneselvey2682]

My mom had schizophrenia all of my life. I was the oldest of 7 children; all of whom we're effected in varying degrees. 3 have full blown schizophrenia and the balance have a combination of alchoholism and mood disorder. I have personally witnessed and experienced the radiant light and love emerge from the struggles!!!

[@chrishutchinson8836]

People are misinterprating what he is saying, he isn't saying that killing can be a good thing, but our own awareness of its evil is part of the awakening. I have suffered mental illness and I do not think he says mental illness is a neccesety to realisation; but ultimately once one becomes awakened, then one sees the value in the conscious blockage and understands how the end was a product of the means.

[@zaheerheendricks5982]

Chris Hutchinson i agree. Well said Chris.

[@kmurph2451]

How can you misinterpret what he's saying, you aren't even listening to what he's saying, your listening to yourself, that's all you can do is interpret, you'll never actually know what he's trying to get across.

[@Doriesep6622]

Lots of helpful comments on here. TU

[@CreatingChampionsForLife]

Children are sharing an imperative message with the adults of the world with the breakdown of mental health. Some are listening and bringing healing and hope to their families. I believe aware parents are being led to join us in empowering the next generation completely.

[@k.sm.r1998]

when you are ready the teacher will show up, I understand the insight now that im 51 than I was heard it from my older brother at 18. Thanks Eckhart for you sharing all your wisdom with the world.Lots of love and peace all the way from Toronto to Vancouver.XOX

[@5greatdayswithhim636]

The unspoken exchange between the two of them at the end was beautiful! .... There is a Native American definition of mental illness (Am I'm paraphrasing here, but you will get the point), it is when we detach our-self from our one true nature. It is when we no longer can see the collective, not as a human race but the entire universe as a whole and the divine unity of it all. Their definition of mental illness is when an individual detaches him/herself by means of greed, misplaced anger, separation, judgement, condemnation, wastefulness, allowing ego to rule the mind, separation from nature, separation from spirit and separation that we are all one, mind, body, spirit, man/woman, nature, animal, earth, moon, stars, universe, infinity/eternity. In the majority of cases, in the Western World, those who have been deemed "mentally ill" are actually revered as "enlightened" in many other cultures. Often times, those who are "awake" suffer because they can see with great clarity what state we have allowed ourselves to be in. Those who do not suffer, from the way the world is today, are those yet to be awakened. It is insanity, it is mental illness to live in a state of separation.. I believe, in my opinion that this was the point Mr. Tolle was trying to make......

[@5greatdayswithhim636]

I could not agree with you more! Very eloquently and accurately put! If you are not familiar with C. G. Jung's theory on "Death of the Ego", you might want to look it up, you will find it enlightening, to say the least. Jung, was also an INFJ personality type, less than 1% of the population, therefore able to see what most others could not....

[@2012BeyondtheWorld]

5GreatDays WithHim Yeah that's exactly it. The feeling of separation and taking our own mental suffering personally blinds us to the truth that we are all one. I guess when we realize that we begin healing personally and fitting in with the whole consciousness of all.

[@sophiedan5329]

5GreatDays WithHim I'd have to agree completely and I think you put it perfectly so thank you!

[@DrShawnaFreshwater]

Yes, as one of the modalities of psychotherapy that I practice is Jungian. Dr. Jung as you know studied the Eastern Wisdoms Tradition and incorporated these major teachings, including the archetypes, into psychodynamic therapy.

[@katewarburton8024]

Not all mental illness is consciousness-blocking. Psychosis and spiritual awakening are in many cases one and the same thing. This is a mental illness where conscious expands very rapidly, too rapidly for the person to handle usually which is why it causes such drastic dysfunction.

[@pamelaj4449]

I have felt this so strongly for a long time. I've tried to explain it to the few with whom I've had conversations on conscience, but my words couldn't be collected in a way for them to understand what I was trying to convey. My very first experience with this, I made the "mistake" of telling my boyfriend that his mother was a free-spirit, and I was envious. She was a manic depressant(spelling?), with sever bipolar disorder. She was hospitalized regularly for a period. He was instantly upset with me. He couldn't understand why I was so naive to say something so foolish. I was young, and couldn't explain myself. I could only apologize to him at that time. Sometimes, what feels right to my soul, isn't accepted in general circles, and this video spoke volumes in validating my understanding of the universal conscience. Thank you for sharing.

[@cmvamerica9011]

He made a statement that everything has its necessary place: so now he is trying to support that belief and he is struggling to do so. Everything doesn’t have a purpose, but everything has a cause.

[@user-np4fs1rm3k]

Birth pains of awakening, so profound. Nothing is wasted.

[@eekcoffeebeanz]

I'm 47 years old and recently I've come to see the stages of mental illness I've gone through. My entire life I've been detatched/emotionally quirky. Such a long road. Christ, please let me know true life and balance in this life. I like the saying, "In the end everything will be alright. And if its not alright...its not the end"

[@tweeniebee3032]

We are so very, very blessed to have you among us. Gratitude🙏

[@guytitanic]

I became more mental when I became less physical.Thinking about our past and how we came into existence can be disturbing so I say surround yourself with good nature.

[@jdfrsbrg41]

He is saying that without some struggle in life, we can't evolve spiritually to the point we are not looking to this physical world for salvation, but to our spiritual oneness that is life eternal. I dread struggle in my life, but I am learning to have confidence in my oneness with all that is forever.

[@pamdennison906]

This is another "sign" that I'm on the "right" path. Last night I rewatched the movie, Beautiful Minds, story about John Nash and today I find you talking about mental illness. If you have not seen this movie, in short John falls in love and then is diagnosed as schizophrenic. His wife tries to help him to feel the difference between what is real and what is not. She does this by touching his heart and having him touch hers.

[@jjguigs1614]

I think one of the big problems with being confused on this is that it's not because there is no real consciousness truth, it's that our language is very limited in it's ability to describe something that to by itself doesn't need to be described to be real, or doesn't need to be described in order to experience it. But to share the ideas with each other we obviously have to communicate with one another. A lot of what we know gets lost in the translation of when we try to share it, maybe even including this very thing that i'm writing lol

[@nohanona7187]

I keep returning to this video over and over when I feel I need to listen to it

[@stevemaggers4900]

I live with depression and have done for twenty years. I would like to live without it.

[@esbensolgaardguitaretc.2372]

I know someone who got out of depression by practising Nichiren buddhism, chanting the "Nam-myoho-renge-kyo" sloka.

[@2012BeyondtheWorld]

Steve Maggers Depression is mostly attributed to your daily thoughts and feelings. You need to detach yourself from those thoughts and feelings and realize that is just your illusion of your self. If you live in the past you'll be depressed, if you live in the now you'll be at peace, and if you live in the future you'll be anxious. Detach yourself from these poisonous thoughts which bring about depression and anxiety with meditation and distractions to keep you in the now, in the present moment. I know it can be hard as you've been living the same for 20 years. It's always difficult to build a new habit or a different way of life when what you always felt is so comfortable and is the only thing that feels right. I'm sure by now that the thoughts and feelings we always listen to bring us so much suffering. I can see it now as a comparison when I was in treatment with antidepressants. Those medications really have the same mechanism as meditation. They make you live in the present moment, in the now, without any of your previous thoughts and feelings and behaviours which led to your consistent state of depression. It's all in your thoughts and which ones you let define or rip you apart. You can learn to learn which thoughts to listen to and which ones to completely detach yourself from. You are not your thoughts, let go and be free in the now. When I was taking antidepressants I was a whole other person I'd never knew I could be. The experience is also similar to the different states of mind you can experience on any other psychoactive drugs. But you have that ability to either let your thoughts control you or for you to detach yourself from that continuous stream and live in the present moment and be free. It does also feel a bit like ego death.

[@sallyforth3225]

Steve Maggers, these people do not understand chronic depression. Everyone gets depressed every now and then. I have been asked since I have this and that wonderful thing in my life, how can I be depressed? Those who live with depression know depression isn't over any one thing. I too, would like to jettison mine. But a good doc and a great therapist do wonders.

[@hoppas77]

2012BeyondtheWorld I whole heartedly agree with you... however, it's not an easy thing to do. I went through major depression for years and it took me awhile to peel the layers of the illusion away. Once we get through it, we see how simple it should have been and can explain how to do it so effortless, but "doing" it takes time and hard work for some.

[@deerheart87]

Me too and anxiety

[@rhondar4063]

At 50 almost... I will be 51 in a week. I have come to the awareness that ALL my pain has brought me to where I'm at right now and I like where I am. I have finally realized even though I didn't like it at the time that all my pain has a purpose. Including the fact that the love of my life died a year and a half ago. That event with a few others has brought me to this conclusion. For myself I could have felt mentally better a long time ago but I did not listen to the voice in my head (God). I would not be where I am if I had. It takes what it takes for each of us to get it. For me the first thing it takes is just the willingness to be the best version of myself and change when necessary. My life's motto for how I treat others is to treat them just like I'd want to be treated. That starts with me caring about people I don't even know

[@thecoloursofthemage]

So as someone with mental illness, what I got from that was: We are all the one consciousness yet individually we are all having different experiences to help the source consciousness develop. What I don't understand is the purpose of my mental illness. Like yes I figure its here to help me grow or contribute to everyone else's consciousness in some way but why does that mean I'm in a life of suffering and confusion. Seems like a waste of a life just to help everyone else as well as myself, when there are people out there living great easy lives. Why didn't I choose one of those lives lol I guess it just goes so deep into what you believe. Your mind can take you anywhere it wants to go. I keep thinking about suicide but something tells me to not go that far, at least just see what is in store, regardless of helplessness.

[@misschristagrace3870]

+Fyrian Phoenix Your comparing yourself, your life, the cards to dealt to you and seeing yourself as a hard case is causing you the suffering...as we are one mind, this suffering is worldwide spread throughout the consciousness...it effects the whole. We all feel the same feelings, we all experiences the same emotions. We have our bluprints which are amp out with our spirit guides before we come to earth. we choose which parents we will have, life lessons, etc. Every person has lessons to learn, and they are all lessons in love. No person is of any greater value then any other, we are all equal. Do not fall into victimhood of comparing yourself. Take your power back, and see that we all have our lessons, and one cannot possibly know all the struggles others face, and are challenged with each day..The list can go on an on. Focus on the live and light that is within you, that is within all of us...learn to give yourself the love you deserve.

[@misschristagrace3870]

+Fyrian Phoenix Your comparing yourself, your life, the cards to dealt to you and seeing yourself as a hard case is causing you the suffering...as we are one mind, this suffering is worldwide spread throughout the consciousness...it effects the whole. We all feel the same feelings, we all experiences the same emotions. We have our bluprints which are amp out with our spirit guides before we come to earth. we choose which parents we will have, life lessons, etc. Every person has lessons to learn, and they are all lessons in love. No person is of any greater value then any other, we are all equal. Do not fall into victimhood of comparing yourself. Take your power back, and see that we all have our lessons, and one cannot possibly know all the struggles others face, and are challenged with each day..The list can go on an on. Focus on the live and light that is within you, that is within all of us...learn to give yourself the love you deserve.

[@misschristagrace3870]

+Fyrian Phoenix Your comparing yourself, your life, the cards to dealt to you and seeing yourself as a hard case is causing you the suffering...as we are one mind, this suffering is worldwide spread throughout the consciousness...it effects the whole. We all feel the same feelings, we all experiences the same emotions. We have our bluprints which are amp out with our spirit guides before we come to earth. we choose which parents we will have, life lessons, etc. Every person has lessons to learn, and they are all lessons in love. No person is of any greater value then any other, we are all equal. Do not fall into victimhood of comparing yourself. Take your power back, and see that we all have our lessons, and one cannot possibly know all the struggles others face, and are challenged with each day..The list can go on an on. Focus on the live and light that is within you, that is within all of us...learn to give yourself the love you deserve.

[@whackoization]

+Fyrian Phoenix Now obviously I don't know your diagnose but as someone who also "suffers" from mental illness (anxiety & depression) I try to see it as something that has grown into/inside me my whole life because of a kind of awareness of everything around me. So the mental illness in itself isn't really a random thing that was dealt to me, it's a result of a less good way of coping with the extreme amount awareness of my surroundings. So, instead of trying to fix the illness, I need to fix how I cope with it so I don't dig myself into a destructive hole. If this makes any sense. I think he said in another video that something that seems completely pointless and bad can become your greatest spiritual guide in life. So do everything in your power to try and see it as such.

[@2012BeyondtheWorld]

Fyrian Phoenix You don't have to live in suffering and confusion with your illness. It's there for you to seek out or to reach out to people going through the same thing either online or in person and together help each other transcend as ONE through the suffering and let the healing process begin. Together with people like yourself you can awaken and heal and live in the now as Eckhart teaches where you're not adding more fuel to the fire but you're detaching yourself from your illusion of self and just choosing to be. If you notice we all have thoughts and feelings which we attribute ourselves to, if we detach from those with meditation and living in the now we can transcend and heal. We are all innately ONE with all, it just seems that our own illnesses separate us until we find others like us to help us see otherwise.

[@ncf1]

What an amazing response. Gotta love the 70-odd who just don't get it - it took me a very long time to understand the deeper wisdoms presented here, many I am sure would love a simple response. But the fact is, unfortunately perhaps, we simply learn the fastest and most effectively through various means of suffering. The deep depression I suffered for example actually turned out to be a blessing in disguise; I had no idea at the time. But the answer Eckhart gave, if one understands it in totality, is excellent and comprehensive.

[@12to1654]

You seem to have gleaned the same understanding Elkhart intended to convey, as I did. Thank you for the validation. Experience IS the best teacher & the best teachers are those who teach from experience.

[@EternalNyx96]

lots of thanks to the woman who asked the question. I wanted to ask a spiritual teacher the same. Inner peace to everyone!

[@birdofafeatherami]

Listening to Eckhart Tolle makes my heart sing. What a joy and a privilege to have access to such profound wisdom simply by pushing a few buttons! Yippee! So much to appreciate! Thank you!

[@2012BeyondtheWorld]

I really like what Eckhart says about mental illness, it's not just personal illness but a whole part of the entire collective consciousness of the human world. It seems those of us awakening from suffering want to heal not only ourselves but also the whole world. So when we seek out help we're not just doing ourselves a favor but taking part in the betterment of the one collective consciousness of human life as well.

[@cherylhutchinson2206]

I have a friend who has caused a lot of suffering with complete irresponsibility, but never seems to suffer himself. Now he tells everyone how happy and blissful he is and he is "really experiencing some wonder things through meditation." I am experiencing some wonderful doubt that there is any such thing as enlightenment if a guy like him can float into it without suffering any reprocussions from his actions.

[@richarddibenedetto2203]

To add to what Eckhart is saying about mental illness being apart of the awakening I also believe mental illness here to teach the others involved around how to cope and awaken.

[@trizthe1]

I want to know what Eckhart has to say about permanent 24-7 derealisation/ depersonalization (dissociative disorders). Someone says it was the evil twin of enlightment. I have had this for 5 years now.. It truly numbs your awareness, senses and consiousness alot..

[@gtmumma]

Thank you Eckhart your books and Audio's have changed my life; I can now see my own ego and day by day it is dissolving which is the most liberating experience...

[@ASMinor]

I am an avid #MentalHealthAwareness advocate and performer, and I love this so much. I travel the country trying to bring that awareness on stages, in classrooms, hospitals, and on my KZbin channel, so I get excited when I see other advocates. 💙❤

[@forestsoceansmusic]

I just got it (just after 6:30 into this clip), Enlightenment can only be proven by overcoming all "obstacles" - by not reacting to whatever the awakening Consciousness experiences through the individual form ('person'). Eckhart summed it up with the Bhudda's saying: "If there were no Illusion, there would be no need for Enlightenment." Also, the Course Of Miracles says: "True forgiveness is when you realise nothing was really ever done to you, to your true higher self."

[@MUSICOBLISS]

Love, Life, Laughter: The Three L's of Joyful Living

[@nicolareddwooddforest4481]

The animals in laboratories and factory farms suffer much more than any human. This needs to be addressed. Until this is fully addressed humans will not move things into the right direction.

[@In2MeUcU]

Denial... The greatest dis-ease of them all!

[@1971wizzard]

This wonderful gentleman is mesmerising. He is a very clever person, from whom we can all learn much about life as we acknowledge it.

[@aneyeonyou1216]

Reading the comments I realise that very few really understood. This explanation helped me because I had often asked myself this same question. If you forget yourself as being just an isolated you, and start looking at yourself as only a part of a whole thing. Detache yourself and look at the whole thing as a film with you just playing a part. The consciouseness of the whole (which could be called god) is expressed through all.

[@thomaswheeler8239]

Big hugs for Tolle weaving a conversation about mental illness.I would like to hear him comment on poverty.Sweet dreams everyone.

[@mojekino2]

Yes, we're all connected to everyone and everything. We are mentally or not mentally ill ... Our thoughts affect all lives .......Learn ............

[@MANBEARRPlG]

It could also be said that marijuana, like other certain substances is like a spiritual teacher. It allows you to temporarily expand your consciousness into new dimensions of thought, or perspectives. The point is to train yourself to bring your consciousness to the state while sober, thus not needing the substance any longer. So yes it can be a phase in growth, and once you have learned from it you can be high on life all the time! :D

[@gregoirdefaoite]

As the lady says, "what's in the way,Is the way"

[@gregoirdefaoite]

Mary O'Malley... thats the title of her book,

[@SethMacLeod95]

Greg White don't get it

[@DrShawnaFreshwater]

"What is in the Way Is the Way"

[@donnahauge3563]

My worsted mental outburts are when I realize that I'm in a prison and how unfair this is

[@dan27music]

'At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever. His dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom endures from generation to generation.' - Daniel 4:34

[@NowHealing]

Thanks for the reminder that calling it "my" consciousness is a misnomer! The local mind can be quite useful and fun - but it becomes much more so when we zoom out from local mind, into universal Mind, and use locality as needed without being stuck there.

[@corpuscallosum4677]

WOW, such insightful explanations for human's astronomic mistakes and sufferings. I always lost faith in the grace, beauty and creativity of One Consciousness after seeing the brutal 20th century! Very similar to Tom's MBT too. Only Eckhart could expand a narrow topic of mental illness into such beautiful realization of a cosmic paradox. From ashes phoenix arises!

[@janelayagan6855]

some speakers seem to say that other person's soul/life/spirit is different from mine or someone else. Eckhart says, there is only one. it took long time for me to grasp this but I would agree with him. I was told and used to believe that there are many of us, that I will recognize my father when I die. Now I know clearly, the one living in others is same with what is in here.. not knowing this in the past left me confused so much as I have always been contemplating very deeply all of what preachers told..hehe

[@IhmePaskaa]

Somehow, I always feel like they're saying things that I experience but it's as if I wasn't enough experienced in the field to be able to speak about it like that.. I don't consider myself as englightened being, whatever that means. I have only recently realized what it actually is to observe small mood swings and all this what is happening.. It's like my realization is only beginning to sink in.. And still, so much of his speech in this video resonates with me.

[@SparkleSpaceKitty]

found Eckharts teachings 2 years ago. He guided me to stop identifying with my thoughts and ego, and it turns out my “mental illness” was just me grasping at the thoughts in my head, and creating an illusory disease of my mind. my depression is gone through a practice of presence and no longer identifying with the labels of mental illness! weird

[@MarkBiemans]

To give my answer to the question "What is the purpose of mental illness?" it is (or can be) an escape from the life or situation you are in. Simply to survive. It's true that it has brought me insights, or awakening as Eckhart says, but I don't really believe its all because of being part of one consciouness. In 1985 I think I would have died under the pressure I was in. So something snapped inside, I really see it as the fuse being burned through, and instantly every when almost silent.

[@Geoffercake]

its called thinking for yourself, try it sometime rather than asking everyone else to answer your questions

[@gianfmm]

Everyone must learn this. Gods will, will always be done.

[@poltergiest11]

think of all the people who have ever existed, so many lived shortly by accidents or killed, but that makes many spirits. the one consciousness expressing itself in different forms, that clarity awareness living has been a healing awakening for me, 'adult' life is like a child trying to be and do and know everything.

[@V13-m2z]

You are just so beautiful for the human heart! I'm so thankful that you share your wisdom and love

[@milescend]

He doesn't say don't deal with negativity - he says to do the complete opposite rather than to act thoughts/feelings (The mind) out without realizing, which can lead to a cycle of emotional pain > negative thoughts > emotional pain> etc. In this way the mind takes you over. He says to either change a situation that is causing you negativity, remove yourself from the situation, or if you can't do either, then be aware of the negativity, accept it and let go of it.

[@toddwhiteford]

Well said! It could just as easily be argued that those who are "awakening" are actually going into "trance".

[@supplechap5429]

Ive been having this weird thing recently, and I'am wondering if any of you have experienced anything like this. I'am 15 and i have been following eckhart's teachings for maybe two years. And I definitely haven't lost my ego or anything like that. But Ive been having this thing where I feel like some part of me is missing, sometimes I can't fully think of things or understand a situation, its like a blanket that covers up my thoughts. I will also feel disconnected from myself at times as well. The two feelings are similar but not quite the same, and they sort of alternate. More recently I've also been noticing more egoic thoughts, and it seems like i can't control them. Also things and people I see sort of get stuck in my head, I will notice that I'll start to adopt someone else ego or "character" in the back of my head. Its like I'am losing myself. I first noticed this about 7 month ago but its been increasing in the last 2. thank you so much for taking the time to read this if you did. I just feel like this crowd is a good one to share things with.

[@hoppas77]

Hi, The shadow figure. Are you still feeling this way and Do you experience anxiety?

[@1DaTJo]

I feel for you. I was meditating and reading advaitic materials at 15 too. Some would say that you need to build up a healthy ego before you “transcend” it, and Nisargadatta says not to teach advaita to children. I went through some very strange headspaces too, as I had no life perspective on what I was learning. I’m not sure how to help you, except to say to trust your own inner promptings. Love yourself 💕

[@Foxie635]

Individuals with mental illness, when you look in to their eyes, you see yourselves. Therefore, you have a choice to understand and help them or abuse them. Either way, it's the world you create which you have to live in. In your life time, like the Buddha says, you yourself will have been a child, an adult, older adult, rich, poor, stupid, smart, mentally ill, mentally sane. How human beings treat one another is the ultimate world we create. As a Taoist, I understand that if there is a clear, even, state of mind, there is also the opposite, called mental illness. Therefore, if you understand there are always opposites in this world, you will accept life better. You will also understand that we are all one and therefore, we need to empathize and help others with mental illness. It's how we would want others to treat us if we were mentally ill.

[@2012BeyondtheWorld]

Luv1234 Yes.

[@robbybobby6277]

Robbie, just be who you are. Says the voice in my head. Just be. I am you. I know her well. She is like an old friend now. Other times she says things like, Robbie you know. Just be yourself. She is an extension of my consciousness (my soul). Me and yet not me also. You're right my friend. Our lives are not our own. We experience what we do for a good reason. It is neither good or bad. Just necessary for the awakening. As you rightly say.

[@simoncarlsson598]

"Today a young man on acid realized that all matter is merely energy condensed to a slow vibration. That we are all one consciousness experiencing itself subjectively. There is no such thing as death, life is only a dream and we are the imagination of ourselves."

[@hichclover4046]

Simon Carlsson bill hicks.

[@simoncarlsson598]

Cool

[@simoncarlsson598]

What word would you use?

[@simoncarlsson598]

I hear you.

[@simoncarlsson598]

Because I kinda feel like that word is being used alot ingenuinly but when you think of it's true meaning it means something has stunned you a bit. I believe I have also experienced this state and tried to formulate it articulately but always realize the best describing ONE word ultimaltly is "cool".

[@joysfulljourney]

I don’t know if there is a higher purpose to mental illness. I just think it’s a different way of perceiving things - sure, one that can bring much suffering, for it distorts perspectives, but still, a different way of perceiving. We know of the neurobiological and socio historical causes of them, but we don’t know the meaning of their existence. That being said, all mental illnesses serve a purpose to the person who experiences it individually. For instance, anxiety can serve the purpose of a defense mechanism to someone who’s been abused. That doesn’t mean it’s a good thing or that the person couldn’t have handled their difficulties without the anxiety, but it was the way their brains found to cope. I believe enlightenment comes from understanding why the mental illness was a “resource” your brain “choose” to YOU, as an individual. And I say this because, on a higher level, I think it’s pretty hard to find a meaning to it (ex: why the universe or god “designed” that illness to you). I don’t know if this makes sense, but that’s my two cents on it.

[@2012BeyondtheWorld]

bluemermaiid Yes it makes sense. I deal with anxiety and I think if we try to understand it on a deeper level that it is a coping mechanism that our brain uses for us but also try to use it in different ways as to not fully disable us from connecting with others and living our lives. We can continue to suffer with our illness or we can find ways to understand its message to awakening spiritually on the conscious level of all human consciousness. It is no longer an illness when you can transcend and heal not only yourself but other people going through the same. It makes me think of why there's a number of people being affected by the same illness, these people can help each other rise above their illness and transcend their purpose in life to the healing process. In a way, whatever our personal illness and suffering, when we come together and share we find similarities and find we do connect on a deeper level both emotionally and physically. We might have different lives or experiences but each one is similar to our own which on a broader scope can make us realize we're all in it together no matter the difference in our illnesses. This can go very wrong with continuous stigma, stigma doesn't help with any healing but adds suffocating negativity and shame to others wishing to speak out and join in the healing process.

[@2012BeyondtheWorld]

bluemermaiid I find it useful when I can connect with another human living/suffering/experiencing with the same illness I'm living/suffering/experiencing with. Just to have extensive knowledge and understanding beforehand is really helpful when living among others and really adds more spice to life when you can connect so deeply with people like yourself. Then we offer hope and wellbeing to everyone and it really brings out a sense of deep belonging and acceptance when we're in it together as that's what life is innately all about. We all have the gift of transcending through our own illnesses and reaching out to others going through the same. When you reach out and say "I understand you" it makes a whole world of difference to the person you're connecting with. That's how psychologists try to help people, they're trying to reach out and tell you that it's going to be okay and they understand you, but I think you'll feel even better when you meet people who speak out your own life and you can connect so deeply almost on the same exact level.

[@metapatriot]

There really is only two problems either lack of understanding or lack of respect for nature, nature is the only true matrix and the key to it is patterns repeating patterns; once you understand that and start to recognize these patterns things start to become a lot less fragmented and the design reveals its nature for evolution and stages of balance and equilibrium.

[@alloneword154]

The life in you, the life in me, is the one life.

[@ciaran6309]

I wish this man spoke in everyday language.

[@squidge125]

Thats the fear from the nihistic voice inside talking. Remember experiences where you 'lost yourself' in activity- whether looking at nature, going for it in a mosh pit, solving equations, anything. Did that feel like being alone? Or did it feel like becoming more than you thought you were? Didn't it feel like freedom?

[@2012BeyondtheWorld]

Hannah Bailey-Thomas Yes that's exactly it, those times of losing ourselves seldom involve thoughts intruding or keeping us back from living.

[@kwgrid]

There is also something to be learned by the physical human concerning mental illness. The 'sharing' of a mentally ill person with respect to their personal relationships or medical authorities adds to their physical, emotional, and mental experience which is leads to greater understanding of 'impairments' to expression. These insights and understandings are imprinted genetically and echoes are passed to the next generation together with any written or otherwise recorded insights.

[@Baeprints]

Okay I know this is my ego talking, but I'm going to say it. 1st of all, I have a problem with the word mental illness. Someone's mentality vs. an actual brain circuitry problem, thus chemical-imbalance via a neurotransmitter problem are NOT THE SAME THING... Scientists only discovered a "handful" of neurotransmitters (as a community we are 99.9% sure over 100 exist). I resent the medical community for making serotonin into the "end all, be all" neurotransmitter for depression. Someone with a mental "illness" is basically a pessimist... Someone with a brain malfunction can suffer from non-situational depression for NO RHYME OR REASON (I wrote a short essay of what major depression actually feels like below). 2nd of all, as a society we need to replace the word mental illness (stigma) with the word brain malfunction. That poor lady's face at the end -- she probably has a grandparent with Alzheimer's or a mentally handicapped aunt (who can't even use the bathroom on her own). She was looking for an answer, and Eckhart is honestly in another dimension. I think she was so taken aback, she forgot to ask her second question. I still love you Echart Tolle -- you silly goose. 3rd of all, NOW let's be real Alzheimer's, vascular dementia, non-situational major depressive disorder, autism, bipolar type 1&2 and the list goes on and on NEED CURES... Prior to insulin being produced and the A1C test -- many children and adults died from diabetes. It would be easy to say we must accept this reality (back then), BUT what about the scientists that found proven treatments and diagnosis methods for diabetes. Should we not expect science to eventually offer the same for proven treatments and diagnosis methods for brain malfunctions/neurological illnesses. *****What Does Major Depression Feel Like***** (Author: Brent A. Errico) Preface: First I want to note, there is an actual science as well as life experiences that demonstrate BENEFITS that may coincide with depression, empathy comes to mind. I know it’s not a popular topic, but I felt it was important to put into words what major depressive disorder is from someone who has experienced it. In my opinion depression often takes away my ability to think and function optimally - so in this moment of clarity here it is. What Does Major Depression Feel Like: What I'm calling non-situational major depressive disorder is when there's no rhyme or reason to your depression. It's like a phantom limb -- there's no reason or rationality for it to exist-outside of the brain and neuroscience-BUT the individual does in fact feel a limb there. Here is Jason MacKenzie's description of his ex-wife’s depression (video link below and in comments): “How just completely catastrophic it can be, it, [sic] to see somebody suffer; I mean to hear somebody say for days on end that it feels like every nerve on your skin is exposed because in a in, [sic] you know, in a sort of a really depressed state or to hear it called inconceivable mental anguish…” I believe that individuals going through a major depressive phase have similar “brain issues” going on, but the experience can vary greatly; from feeling like every part of your body is exposed and raw; to literally feeling pain in just taking space up in a room; to feeling-for no rhyme or reason-as if everything is futile and it hurts to the point you consider or commit suicide. The only way I can describe truly trying to commit suicide is similar to the victims who decided to jump off of the Twin Towers - rather than face burning alive; being crushed by cement; or suffocating. A major depressive episode makes you consider choosing a less painful path - due to the fact living becomes unbearable. I believe the individuals that choose to commit suicide in a painful way or display it to the public are demonstrating their inconceivable pain. I imagine it’s extremely difficult having society, family, and friends negate the emotions one is truly going through. I personally do not have this issue, because I eliminated any contact with toxic individuals i.e. including family members who didn’t believe in taking an anti-depressant. I am always amazed at how certain individuals can accept the heart is an organ that can malfunction - yet somehow the brain as an organ is magically “immune” to any ailments. I believe the hardest part for society to accept is that WE ALL HAVE PAIN & HAVE SUFFERED (it’s an aspect and reality of being human). As humans we have all experienced consciously choosing to pull ourselves up by the bootstraps and decide to be resilient (the "What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger!" mindset) - major depression is not simply I lost the love of my life or my house burned down - it’s a filter in the brain that you can tell yourself, “What I'm feeling is not real", but you’re still in such an agonizing place that life not only becomes pointless and futile, but living literally hurts - it literally hurts to take space up in a room. This is major depressive disorder. In Eckhart philosophy, I realize this is just a story, and I am going to JUST BE! Send prayers (collective energy) to those with brain malfunctions. I

[@fragitude]

Your comment gave me a chuckle. :) He is in another dimension. ;) The overiding idea I get from his response is that the label of "mental illness" needs to be rethought in western culture. From an enlightened perspective "normal" is a sort of mental illness in itself. However most people are not aware of thier "mental illness" because they are fish in water. Some people in this country are labeled with a mental illness when really they are having an awakening of consiousness.

[@misschristagrace3870]

+Brent Errico We all have pain in our body. I look at my body and see it as the earth, my mind, the entire consciousness. I feel the health within the whole of my body, supporting the areas of stagnation, the areas where there is pain. I hold myself, and breath deeply, and listen to the wisdom of my body speak. In this way stories of the past, traumas, deep traumas, are gradually released, simply by being present with what is arrising, and giving yourself love. Being there with that uncomfortable feeling, holding yourself through the tears...just allowing the pain in your body/mind complex to arrise and then pass through. Pain does go away. As it is an illusion, stories, lies, beliefs out of accordance with love...that we have been holding onto, within our bodies for years...even beliefs carried with us into this life...this pain is here, to be released...so ask yourself..what is it that I aM holding onto? Is it fear, is it the belief that you are sick, is it blame, is it that you are too much in your head... All sickness and disease is a physical manifestation of the beliefs we hold within our minds...the cause is the mind, the effect is the body...just like the world we see...the cause is the mind, the effect is the world. Look inside, go within your heart, and there you will find all of your answers. We no longer need to look outside of us for the answers, because nobody knows your own soul better then your higher self. So ask yourself what you need. Reconnect with your spirit, listen to your intuition. Forget about seeing yourself as sick...with illness. forget this... see yourself in love and light, in health, we create what we focus on. One day at time... if you haven't already started. A Course In Miracles was my answered prayer, was my guide out of deep depression, after suffering from a nervous breakdown, and living every day with extreme pain in my body, I was a ghost of myself...all the circuits had blown..and all the lights shut out, so unbearable, that I did not want to live, and would have images of myself hanging in a tree outside of house, or face down in the ocean every day..,I felt like a failure as a person, a mother, a partner, an absolute complete failure, and waking up in the morning brought so much anxiety, that I would pray for night again and not be reminded of the life I had to face, how far I had fallen...full of so much shame and guilt and fear....the fear was tremendous, I couldn't even go into a grocery store for awhile, because of the extreme anxiety it brought on..and the pain in the body, was a reflection of my mind, I was in a lot of physical and mental pain. after the breakdown, the pain that arose throughout my entire being was something I cant even describe really..I did not want to be seen or judged by anyone, I felt stripped of everything, and completely vulnerable to peoples energy, I felt so weak...but I made the choice to crawl out of the hole, I went off of anti depressants after six weeks, and one step at time, one moment at a time, one day at a time, and with each breath, I chose to learn how to love myself, and put myself and my love first, it was like learning walk again..I was like a ghost of myself, and I never thought I would laugh, or feel joy again....I do not wish this upon anyone to ever have to feel this way, because it really is the choice of life or death....Gradually all of the pain went away after about a year much inner work, healing in a natural way, it has been almost two years now since I hit my lowest low...and I study daily, daily practice and discipline of my mind, meditation, prayer, chi gong, being in nature, going to the ocean, walking bare footed on the earth , healing myself through biodynamic healing practices, energy work I do on myself...and many other ways of being simply by allowing my heart to guide me. Follow your heart, and you will heal. Let go of all perceptions, ideas of yourself, of illness, of separation, let go of perceptions, anything you think you know, let go of it...let go of your attachment to illness. let go of the need to identify yourself, label yourself, label others. Let go of anything anyone has ever told you that is not of love.

[@misschristagrace3870]

+Brent Errico We all have pain in our body. I look at my body and see it as the earth, my mind, the entire consciousness. I feel the health within the whole of my body, supporting the areas of stagnation, the areas where there is pain. I hold myself, and breath deeply, and listen to the wisdom of my body speak. In this way stories of the past, traumas, deep traumas, are gradually released, simply by being present with what is arrising, and giving yourself love. Being there with that uncomfortable feeling, holding yourself through the tears...just allowing the pain in your body/mind complex to arrise and then pass through. Pain does go away. As it is an illusion, stories, lies, beliefs out of accordance with love...that we have been holding onto, within our bodies for years...even beliefs carried with us into this life...this pain is here, to be released...so ask yourself..what is it that I aM holding onto? Is it fear, is it the belief that you are sick, is it blame, is it that you are too much in your head... All sickness and disease is a physical manifestation of the beliefs we hold within our minds...the cause is the mind, the effect is the body...just like the world we see...the cause is the mind, the effect is the world. Look inside, go within your heart, and there you will find all of your answers. We no longer need to look outside of us for the answers, because nobody knows your own soul better then your higher self. So ask yourself what you need. Reconnect with your spirit, listen to your intuition. Forget about seeing yourself as sick...with illness. forget this... see yourself in love and light, in health, we create what we focus on. One day at time... if you haven't already started. A Course In Miracles was my answered prayer, was my guide out of deep depression, after suffering from a nervous breakdown, and living every day with extreme pain in my body, I was a ghost of myself...all the circuits had blown..and all the lights shut out, so unbearable, that I did not want to live, and would have images of myself hanging in a tree outside of house, or face down in the ocean every day..,I felt like a failure as a person, a mother, a partner, an absolute complete failure, and waking up in the morning brought so much anxiety, that I would pray for night again and not be reminded of the life I had to face, how far I had fallen...full of so much shame and guilt and fear....the fear was tremendous, I couldn't even go into a grocery store for awhile, because of the extreme anxiety it brought on..and the pain in the body, was a reflection of my mind, I was in a lot of physical and mental pain. after the breakdown, the pain that arose throughout my entire being was something I cant even describe really..I did not want to be seen or judged by anyone, I felt stripped of everything, and completely vulnerable to peoples energy, I felt so weak...but I made the choice to crawl out of the hole, I went off of anti depressants after six weeks, and one step at time, one moment at a time, one day at a time, and with each breath, I chose to learn how to love myself, and put myself and my love first, it was like learning walk again..I was like a ghost of myself, and I never thought I would laugh, or feel joy again....I do not wish this upon anyone to ever have to feel this way, because it really is the choice of life or death....Gradually all of the pain went away after about a year much inner work, healing in a natural way, it has been almost two years now since I hit my lowest low...and I study daily, daily practice and discipline of my mind, meditation, prayer, chi gong, being in nature, going to the ocean, walking bare footed on the earth , healing myself through biodynamic healing practices, energy work I do on myself...and many other ways of being simply by allowing my heart to guide me. Follow your heart, and you will heal. Let go of all perceptions, ideas of yourself, of illness, of separation, let go of perceptions, anything you think you know, let go of it...let go of your attachment to illness. let go of the need to identify yourself, label yourself, label others. Let go of anything anyone has ever told you that is not of love.

[@sophiedan5329]

B Anthony I honestly love this comment and truthfully I think that's only just opening the door to it all and theres so much more but at the basic level it's absolutely what it is. Unfortunately as you sort of explained, society has put so many labels on everything because people put so much more weight into something if it has a label which makes it sound way more complicated than it really is. I wont go into the label thing bc I'd end up starting an argument, but yes....I do believe that it shouldn't be a mental "illness" and definitely shouldn't be diagnosed as quickly as kids get candy on Halloween.

[@DrShawnaFreshwater]

The brain is not synonymous with mind.

[@Karen-yr1ku]

Mental illness, I ask myself what is normal? I have experienced small glimpses of a full state on consciousness, Is this normal, insane or totally feeling at one with the universe. The Later for me because that's when I felt pure love, peace, joy & happiness.

[@squamish4244]

Mental illness is ultimately an extreme example of the mind's delusions, and of course serves the purpose of awakening. What we need to understand, however, is that we desperately need more powerful tools of working with the mind so we can cure both mental illness and ordinary delusion. We are fortunately developing such tools at present. I find that without cutting-edge therapies I would never have made much progress on the spiritual path as a longtime sufferer of a diagnosed mental disorder.

[@2012BeyondtheWorld]

valar Yes.

[@Doriesep6622]

Without the obstacles consciousness couldn't progress, but sometimes the obstacles are daunting, yet, as Eckhart says, nothing is lost.

[@tpstrat14]

I like his live riffing better than the power of now. So powerful

[@bakikatana]

balance is just a stepping stone for growth, everything moves in circle, once you see the aspects of that circle you can stay in it or start vibrating and moving faster within it, by moving faster than the circle itself the sole centrifugal force starts to propel you outward resulting in you moving in a circle of a bigger diameter, i think it's safe to say that humans are at the starting point of the fibonacci's sequence or spiral, that starting point is so small that it appears to be a circle

[@Winner1-c2u]

Dear Mr. Tolle I wholeheartedly agree the West unable to view the gifts given in "mental illness" if perspectives may be changed. Drugs given and hasty diagnosis prevent these gifts being utilized and respected. Maturational processes need to be respected in evolution not the dumbing down through drugs and labeling to disconnect one from themselves and the experience potential to garner the gifts from suffering. Thank you for your work and gentleness.

[@FrogmortonHotchkiss]

It's stupid that people have downvoted this comment - Robert's just being honest about genuine problems in understanding; he's not trolling. There are two words, 'loneliness' and 'solitude', that describe two aspects of the one phenomenon. Robert is talking about loneliness, which no one is a complete stranger to.

[@bmecalgary]

Oh thank you so much! I can't understand how anyone can make sense of this conversation.

[@katiehopkins8018]

realizing that 180 million deaths is insane is part of the awakening and realizing that our judicial system put basically good hearted people away for life is insane as well thousands of them. when they perhaps needed to pay some time for being part of something wrong but not life.. So much of an awakening I am having! ..,,i mus listen again.. to this one!

[@goldstar9174]

Recognizing insanity is part of the awakening.

[@Nebulaeczar]

What causes physical or mental pain is physiological. Genes produce chemicals like anandamide (joy, bliss, happiness) which sometimes shut out physical pain also. A myriad of chemicals and their reactions cause us anxiety, worry, pain and even lack of presence - and everyone’s dosage is different. Present - yes, always possible, perhaps not for most.

[@nato2panama]

Some of my greatest strides spiritually came through and after intense suffering. I get that. But I can't help but be attached to the desire for suffering to be a thing of the past. In other words, there's a part of me that feels like, When do I stop paying my dues? But I am sure Tolle would say (and I agree) that embracing the suffering is the quickest way through it.

[@chrissonofpear1384]

I do recall Mother Teresa ended up sort of obsessed with this angle?

[@TheMacTeague]

hes creating space in his thoughts which allows Presence to come through

[@kwood6882]

He never answered her question of the purpose of insanity.

[@baconlatte]

I read Power of Now, found it very compelling and important. But here he is lost in abstraction. Also, as to the question of "mental illness", this is often a misnomer and the true cause is physiological illness (nutrient deficiencies, thyroid, lyme disease, etc) or some sort of social or familial trauma. Spiritual concepts do not solve all problems and Eckhart is sometimes detached from reality.

[@1Kilili]

I like Eckhart :) Three problems though : 1) I think what many people don't understand is WHY they should aspire to something largely referred as "darkness", "void" , "nothing" etc. Life, to people, is associated with intensity, variation, emotional warmth, affection etc. My concern is that people aren't attracted to these signifiers - especially if they love to enjoy things. 2)Another thing I think people find unattractive is Eckhart's definition of "alive". A stone is alive to him. And whether or not that is in some sense true, many people will not care whether there is indeed NOTHING beyond the body or the aliveness of a stone. It's irrelevant. Where is the incentive in that ? Why would it be reassuring or alleviating ? 3) Third thing is the ego... the lowering of emotions like affection or care for one another because it is ultimately irrelevant... I mean that is a statement of huge discomfort for many of us, including me.

[@simoncarlsson598]

1Kilili No one is talking about lowering emotions. He is talking about the ego as a mind made entity that if you're not careful and conscious could take you over. And if that happens, which it has to most in our society it will delude you into believing that fear of loss/controlling behaviour/clinging etc is love and affection. But one thing that is universally true that is also ultimately a quite easy thing to find when the time is right, and which Eckhart has always been speaking of, is that real love, and true compassion and affection is something that feels no fear, it has no desires and is not exclusive to anyone person of your choice. It is within everyone. Even the worst kinds, like murderers and rapists. It is never too late for someone to realize that they have a peace and love withing them. Unfortunatly for a murderer that awakening is probably alot harder to go through because of the deep sense of guilt they would feel. Point being, removing the ego and waking up to reality will not lower anything that's true and real, in fact, an awakening would only raise your love and affection towards everyone. And that, that is genuine love.

[@1Kilili]

Well spoken. I see and appreciate your point. I think Tolle sometimes uses inappropriate wording. "Letting the ego die" instead of looking after it and letting the life in the egoic structures relax into freedom from those structures... There is so much room for misunderstanding there. Any kind of resentment towards the ego, any kind of intention to delete it will create a struggle. And that struggle is one you cannot win. Also the ego is trying to help you. there is a soul within the egoic parts. Why would you let those die. LEt the thought forms they act through die.. not the forces themselves. At any rate the intention is a good one :)

[@simoncarlsson598]

1Kilili I understand what you're saying. Perhaps Tolle sometimes does articulate himself in a way that leaves room for misinterpretations. And now that I think about it, misinterpreting/misunderstanding these kinds of spiritual teachings is what has caused humanity suffering for ages. But I suppose that is the tricky part. Somenone who has not yet experienced being "free" from the clutches of their mind will automatically try and understand what Tolle is saying. But Tolle is in fact expressing very clearly that his words are nothing but form, that they are only pointers not to be taken by absolute truth. That's probably the biggest issue of trying to "show people the way" with these kinds of things. Some people will just not see past the words to look for the truth behind them for themselves. But I don't blame anyone ofcourse. I'm not saying it's easy. I have been there before aswell, completely identified with my thoughts, and it is pretty awful in retrospect.

[@1Kilili]

It is awful indeed Once you were in that different place though, you want to never leave.. but once you left, you are desperate to get back to that place of peace and joy. I myself, having meditated for a year now, find myself searching for this ever-elusive place day by day. That position, at times, is one of despair, too. But like Jim Carrey said, "At least I know where I'm going now. " :)

[@simoncarlsson598]

1Kilili Yes, I like what Jim Carrey said too! I am also looking for a way to live in that state of bliss and enlightenment as much as I can in everyday life and also meditate alot. I'm not sure if it's really possibly as a human being to reach a point where you can stay in that state all the time. Perhaps that comes when you die, who knows? But yes, as Carrey said, knowing that that's the point towards which you're constantly striving to go is a pretty good thing. It can keep you grounded and find those spaces in between thoughts and recognize them as the presence that it is, which I find very refreshing. And for those moments I am very grateful and imagining ever going back to complete unawareness is a scary thought. But as you said that you "left" that place of peace and joy and are trying to get back to it. I want to suggest that you never left it at all. :) I think you have experienced that peace so now you know it. It is always there and you are always in it. You don't have to find your way back. Only get the mind and ego out of the way enough so that that inner peace can take up some more space. I wish you good luck in your spiritual journey! :)