"The present moment is all you ever have." -Eckhart Tolle
From this book I'm reading right now, and as it relates to anxiety; we become trapped in this "psychological time," in other words: identifying with the past and compulsively projecting into the future.
It makes sense to me because whenever I feel anxiety coming on or even worse, derealization setting in, I never have my awareness in the present. It's usually stuck somewhere in the past trying tirelessly to cling on, or anticipating what the future might bring. If the imagined future is better, I feel hopeful; if it is worse, it creates anxiety. The point is, my mind was never in the now.
These days, I'm trying to catch myself every time my thoughts shift, and my focus is pushed away from the present. I'm getting quicker at it too. Before, I would just entertain any thought that popped into my head and follow it to its end. I felt glad that I was able to trace a thought to its finish, but felt horrible because of where it took me. I did this to myself.
Meditation helps tremendously. I make time each day to sit and close my eyes and focus on my breath. It helps me a lot with awareness, mindfulness, and focused attention
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Kainan
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Excellent way of reducing depression and anxiety! Ruminating thoughts cause guilt and shame (the root of symptoms of depression and anxiety for many sufferers). Learning to control thoughts takes practice but the reward is so worth it. Good karma my friend!
Oh if I could only learn. I live in the past when my life was good. Trauma changed all of that. I wish I had a time machine to go back to when things were ‘normal’, medication free and happy.😥
That would be a nice idea, right? I constantly would of wished to go back in time and do things differently. But I would say that I'm a lot stronger now and a better person for it than who I used to be because of what I've been through, and I'm sure you are too. And besides, having to go through all that pain again, or another form of pain...is it worth it? All we can do is live our lives each day to the fullest
True in many ways...but I hurt someone I love and can’t seem to move on from it. He has forgiven me but I cannot forgive myself. Every day is a struggle 😥
I'm sorry you feel that way. Forgiving ourselves can sometimes be the hardest. It's not easy to do. Hopefully with time, feelings and emotions you may have can recede on their own.
I hope so but right now I am struggling just to stay alive. I suffered trauma which led me to do things I never would have done. I am a shell of who I used to be. I have a wonderful family and it was a family member that I hurt. Hate ‘living’ like this. And the incident happened a year ago...hoping time and meds will ease my anxiety or I am doomed.
my bereavement counsellor recommended reading his book on Monday but forgot his name might even have been this as it was about dealing with anxiety.hope its helping.
I had a hard time concentrating on it too. It does have breaks in between paragraphs where it tells you to think about what was written. It's definitely a book that you would want to read slowly
Omg isn’t that book EVERYTHING! I was experiencing major anxiety/ depression and everyday I practice and I have been feeling like a new person! If you haven’t listen to the podcast he has on his new earth book with Oprah! It changed my life.
Hi Kainan. I’m glad you found something that’s helping you!! I have a friend who talks about Eckhart Tolle quite a bit!! I have not read the book your talking about. I have read a book called “be here now” by Ram Das. And basically the same meaning and it has helped me as well. When I’m in my head and catch myself I repeat be here now and it helps me get back in the moment!!
So I’m glad you have found something that has helped you!! Have a great day!!
Hey. Thanks, Michael. Same to you. I'm glad it's helping you. Yeah, we just have to keep practicing, and before we know it, it'll become second nature. I wish you well
Wish the world reads his books. So much of conflict in the world. I bet everybody can find peace reading and imbibing his teachings. World will be lot peaceful place.
Yeah it's already brought some changes to my life. Hopefully as more people read it and understand the message, they can dissolve the collective pain body. I'm thinking about reading another book of his, A New Earth
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Tired of Anxiety and feeling Guilty.. 
Terrible Anxiety, lack of sleep. 
A piece of my life.
ANXIETY & PANIC
Finally emerging from the pit of despair. 
