During chapter 2 of the A New Earth online discussion, Oprah and Eckhart Tolle talk about overcoming the ego in us.

Eckhart said, “In many cases, the ego doesn’t really like the present moment. So if you can make the present moment the main focal point of your life, then the ego will very quickly diminish in you. Because it can’t survive the present moment.” present moment.”

Without a doubt, being present is the most pleasant, fun and rewarding. However, our ego is continually restless, scheming, and eager for attention. She talks incessantly, wanting to be heard and recognized.

Eckhart mentioned, “People who are possessed by the ego live as if the present moment is their enemy. They are stressed. They want to get somewhere else.”

I felt this restlessness in me years ago when I entered college. A continuous discontent began to arise in me as I searched for my meaning and sense of identity. However, I would not say that I was overcome or completely “possessed” by my own ego. He was aware of her movement and what she said. However, because I had a full load of course work to attend to, I found the many miscellaneous thoughts going through my mind a little distracting, and therefore discarded them to focus on something more productive.

Experiencing a spiritual awakening at the age of 20 towards the end of my time at University, I felt a new peace arise within me. It was as if I received a divine deposit of trust that immediately altered and enhanced my inner makeup. I was, as the Bible says, “partaker of the divine nature” (see 2 Peter 1:4) having been freed by the Holy Spirit from the corruption within the word because of our own lusts.

Clearly, when we as human beings connect with Christ and enter into a relationship with the Godhead, we simultaneously partake of the divine nature. This divine exchange as we surrender our sin to Him frees us from the guilt and shame of our past, while imparting to us the divine essence to live victoriously.

“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). That is, you identify with the risen Christ by the Spirit of the Lord, not just seeing him in and through the flesh (see verse 16). In doing so, you too are changed and transformed as you behold and partake of the divine nature.

Since Jesus is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6-7), you too begin to drink of the spirit that soothes your soul and heals you within. Being complete, there is satisfaction and freedom from effort.

Pushing yourself is totally and utterly exhausting. Often, much of humanity’s effort is nothing more than mental and inner work, as we work tirelessly and reflect on matters related to our lives.

The apostle Paul wrote to Christ’s disciples in the early church not to engage in useless words, meaning semantics and vain arguments that did not impart divine life (see 2 Timothy 2:14). Furthermore, Paul instructed us to “do not strain, but be kind, able to teach, patient, gently correcting those who oppose themselves” (see 2:24-25).

Patience is the first thing we need to practice the power of presence, but usually the first thing most of us lack. God, who is love, first describes love as patient (see 1 Corinthians 13). Patience is the quickest way to test someone’s spirituality and the depth of her love. How patient are they with people?

If a person cannot govern their own spirit and exhibit self-control, then they are unlikely to be very spiritual. “He who has no dominion over his own spirit is like a city broken down and without walls” (Proverbs 25:28). That is, you have no restrictions and everything that happens has free reign and entry into your life.

The walls keep intruders out. If you cannot control your own spirit, then whatever thought runs through your mind, you will most likely give voice to it. However, it is not worth pronouncing and repeating everything that we hear in our mind.

Sometimes, quite frankly, doing so can be quite daunting and personally embarrassing. However, some people who are unstable and insecure in their identity need excessive attention as a false way to seek personal affirmation. Therefore, they will behave and speak inappropriately to gain attention, regardless of the cost to themselves or others.

Much of what we say can be quite offensive to others. The person who cannot contain and bridle his tongue is also out of control and very lacking in spirituality. If anyone does not offend in word, he is a perfect man, and able to bridle the whole body. Behold, we put bits in the mouths of the horses so that they obey us, and we circle around the whole body of it. Behold also the ships, that although they are very large, and are pushed by strong winds, yet, they are turned with a very small rudder, to everything that the governor commands. Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasts of great things. how great is the matter that kindles a small fire” (James 3:2-5)

The one who must always be listened to and talk nonstop has already undone his spirituality and his inner presence.

Eckhart, speaking of the ego, says, “It is always striving internally to move away from the now. And that, of course, is the dysfunction.”

Oprah mentioned a time she herself had while waiting to get something, in which she put into practice the lesson of sitting still instead of showing impatience and anticipation.

Eckhart said, “Whenever you’re waiting to speak, why not practice being instead of waiting? Which means fully inhabiting this moment and feeling your body, maybe feeling the energy… it’s so nice to feel alive.” .

If only we could control our thoughts, still our minds and retain the ego’s speech, we can silence its activity and dwell within with more peace as we practice being.

Practice the art of being present and discover how enjoyable it can be! Allow patience and being present to transform you within as you partake of the nature of deity.