Reponse to Chapters 1-3

I first started reading "A New Earth" over the weekend. I was frustrated at first because I thought the book seemed pretty dry, but after reading the first 10 pages my view changed. Many of you know that in 2006 I lost a great friend, Matt Pawlik. After Matt passed away, I could finally "see" with clear eyes. The little worries that I carried with me throughout my life were nonexistent. The rip in my tights was just a rip. Not getting enough sleep was fine. I knew that my life was not measured by those insignificant annoyances that occurred throughout the day, week, or month. Honestly, I couldn't believe that I put all of my time and energy into worrying about things I couldn't change.

I can remember driving to work and seeing a man standing at the headstone of a loved one. I watched him as I waited for the light to turn green and I started to cry. I knew how he felt. I finally went beyond just saying that I understood. I felt his pain in my heart. As you can see, Matt's death awakened me. Unfortunately, I have lost some of that awakening as time has passed; however, this novel is helping me regain what I have lost.

I believe that chapter 2, "Ego: The Current State of Humanity" really connected with my disconnection, if that makes sense. The explanation of how I Am allowed me to view myself from another perspective. The section of identifying with material things was very thought provoking. You see, I have a ring (funny that the story Tolle told was about a ring) that Matt gave me in 1996. When he passed away, I looked frantically for the ring. I felt like, if I find the ring then I can bring a little bit of Matt back, but that was far from the truth. I started to think about why I need to keep the ring and I realized that the memories and all that I loved about Matt had nothing to do with the ring. "Will you become less when you let go of it?" No.

I believe that the best part of the first three chapters is on page 41. Tolle states, "One thing we do know: Life will give you whatever experience is most helpful for the evolution of your consciousness. How do you know this is the experience you need? Because this is the experience you are having at this moment." Of course, I have to believe this to be true. In order for me to move on and continue with my life, I need to know that everything happens for a reason. Some things are not explained right away, but in time, all things come together.

For me, the first three chapters have reopened my eyes. I am finally having a glimpse of how I viewed the world after Matt passed away. I am hoping that I can fully "see" when I complete the novel...


I hope that the reading was moving and thought provoking for all of you. I am excited to read your posts.