In this podcast, Eckhart talks about self-seeking. He says many people who are unawakened look for an identity in self-centered thinking. Eckhart explains these people may define themselves through social status, good looks or the accumulation of wealth. Eckhart draws a parallel with the ancient Greek myth of narcissus… a beautiful man who fell in love with himself gazing into a pool of water. Eckhart jokes that this was humanity’s first selfie. He explains this myth is also where the word narcissism comes from. He says the human ego has existed for thousands of years and continues to wreak havoc today. He also warns that technology and social media strengthen the ego. Eckhart advises that whatever identity we have created for ourselves that we wear it loosely, don’t become lost like narcissus. Make a practice of releasing our self-centered delusions.
 
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Narcissus And The First Selfie: Releasing Our Delusions

Oprah Winfrey is delighted  to introduce a new weekly podcast series from one of the great spiritual thinkers of our time: Eckhart Tolle.  Eckhart’s wisdom will help you learn to quiet your mind, separate your ego from your true self and live a fully present life.  Essential Teachings by Eckhart will provide a path to discover an enlightened state of consciousness. Oprah says Eckhart transformed her life and hopes these Essential Teachings will inspire you to seek your own higher purpose.

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Original Air Date: May 21, 2021 
Eckhart Tolle delves into a topic that is taboo for many of us…and that is the subject of Death. In the Western world, Eckhart says denial and the fear of death has prevailed for centuries. However, due to the pandemic, collectively we’ve been forced to confront death on a scale we haven’t seen since the last century. Eckhart says Death has much to teach us. And he also gives us hope. There is more to the larger workings of the Universe than is visible to the eye. He says there is a much deeper dimension to who we are…one that never dies. If we can get in touch with that transcendent aspect of ourselves, our fear of death will ultimately disappear. 
 
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Eckhart Tolle Special: Finding Death Before Death Finds You

Original Air Date: May 21, 2021 
Eckhart Tolle elaborates on the paradox of order and chaos that exists in our world. For many of us, especially this past year, living through the pandemic has wreaked havoc on our lives. We’ve experienced loss of socializing, income and perhaps the loss of someone we love.  While we might be tempted to despair, Eckhart says order and chaos are an essential part of a higher order. He says there are larger forces at work in the Universe and if we can surrender to that, life’s challenges have the potential to transform our consciousness. 
 
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Eckhart Tolle Special: The Paradox of Order and Chaos

In this podcast, Eckhart talks about the coming changes for humanity, including a shift to a different level of consciousness. He explains collectively, we are going through difficult times now, because real change only occurs when society is pushed to the brink. He says without adversity, there is no transformation. He believes we need not be afraid when hardship strikes because that too will be a catalyst for more spiritual growth. Eckhart says historically, humanity has gone through many regressions and collective disasters. He explains they are intrinsic to the process of awakening because every setback is part of the journey. 

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You can also watch Oprah’s Super Soul, The Oprah Winfrey Show and more of your favorite OWN shows on your TV! Visit https://bit.ly/find_OWN

Every Setback Is Part of The Journey

In this podcast Eckhart talks about the pitfalls of the ego and the need to feel superior. He explains we seek an identity through external distinction like wealth, fame, even our nationality, to dispel the anxiety that we’re not enough. He says the focus on image creates a false sense of self. He shares examples from his own life. Growing up Eckhart’s family struggled financially, which left him with low self-esteem. He asked why bad things always seemed to happen to him. To bolster his feelings of inadequacy, Eckhart says he pursued intellectual achievements which came easily. But his sense of superiority soon vanished in the wake of his negative thinking. Eckhart says for a time, he sought refuge in complaining and victimhood. But after he experienced an awakening, the old patterns gave way to something greater, and his self-hate evaporated. He explains he finally understood the meaning of Buddha’s teachings about suffering and the end of suffering and how liberation emerges when we release the ego’s grip. 

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You can also watch Oprah’s Super Soul, The Oprah Winfrey Show and more of your favorite OWN shows on your TV! Visit https://bit.ly/find_OWN

Releasing The Ego’s Grip

In this episode, Eckhart laughs with his audience. He exclaims there’s hope for humanity when such a big crowd seeks greater consciousness. He also explains that inspiration can quickly turn to perspiration when we encounter obstacles, especially with the people in our lives. He quotes existential philosopher, Jean Paul Sartre who famously said: Hell is other people. While Eckhart believes that is an ego-based perspective, many of us feel that life is full of experiences we shouldn’t have. We think something is wrong with us or that God has a grudge when misfortune strikes. Eckhart says the greatest part of unhappiness comes from our minds and the stories we tell ourselves. He says the answer to life’s struggles will never be found in our thinking. He believes we find freedom when we release our inner baggage, unencumbered, to discover the bare naked is-ness of the present moment. 

Want more podcasts from OWN? Visit https://bit.ly/OWNPods    
  
You can also watch Oprah’s Super Soul, The Oprah Winfrey Show and more of your favorite OWN shows on your TV! Visit https://bit.ly/find_OWN

Narcissus And The First Selfie: Releasing Our Delusions

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