A Chance Encounter with Eckhart Tolle

In July last year I received an email advising me that Eckhart Tolle would be coming to Australia to give talks at various locations. I was on the East Coast at the time (closest to Sydney) but I decided that I would like to see Eckhart in Adelaide, as I suspected I would be visiting my husband’s family in South Australia at that time. I didn’t have a lot of money spare at that moment but I wasted no time in booking my tickets. I would just have to make it happen somehow.

And we did make it happen. My husband, Charlie and I received a wedding gift that enabled us to book accommodation in Adelaide and I had unprecedented book sales leading up to the event.

On the day prior to the talk, Charlie and I were walking along the River Torrens to one of our favourite cafes when he said to me, ‘Wouldn’t it be funny if we bumped into Eckhart?’ I laughed. ‘Yes, that would be funny’ I said and thought nothing more of it. I had been practicing presence and so my attention returned immediately to my breath, my body and the sense of ease within, as I observed the beautiful surrounds of Adelaide.

We arrived at a junction, at which point we stopped and looked around us, determining the best way to proceed. It was at that moment, I spotted two men, one of whom caught my attention. Even though his back was turned, I recognised him immediately. I could not mistake his distinct clothing and physique. He was pointing to the top of a nearby skyscraper and discussing something with the other man. I tapped Charlie’s arm to gain his attention, as both Eckhart Tolle and Joshua Dawson walked towards us. I was stunned to see a man who has been the greatest influence on my spiritual awakening for the past twenty years suddenly standing before me.

‘Hello!’ I blurted, as I waved awkwardly; all the while curiously aware that my heart was racing and my palms were sweaty. Eckhart looked at me with his soft, sparkling eyes. He smiled warmly, revealing the dimple on his right cheek and nodded in acknowledgement. Then he and Joshua continued on their way.

Filled with nervous energy, I bounded up the stairs, appearing as a joyful youth. The image of the duck flapping its wings to shake off surplus energy after an altercation came to mind; an observation that Eckhart made in his book ‘The Power of Now.’ Except in this instance, there was no altercation.

The encounter with Eckhart did not go as I would have wished. You see, I would have loved to talk with him (in presence), perhaps get a photograph and ask him to sign my book (which was in my backpack at the time) yet this is not what occurred. Instead, I blundered my way through the meeting.

I observed my nervousness. I thought it strange but it was what it was. This became my practice. Whatever each moment presents, is my practice. If I feel anxious, if I feel regret, I must return to this moment and embrace all that it contains, including that which I feel. The memory of that moment kept bubbling up and vying for my attention throughout the remainder of the day. And I lovingly embraced it. I knew, that this moment was destiny and that it was an excellent opportunity for awakening.

The evening of the talk came. Charlie and I made sure we had plenty of time to arrive. We had a delightful meal beforehand and the whole evening was divine. We arrived at the venue early, as the seating was unallocated. This was perfect. I sat in stillness, watching the other patrons arriving and observing my inner state and any thoughts that arose. I observed social anxiety within me, a fear that others might negatively affect me. I watched, with a still and calm mind, as this deeply ingrained negative pattern arose to be transmuted in the light of my awareness.

I watched each person from a state of deep presence and stillness. I knew that this is how Eckhart had viewed me the prior day. He could see the nervous energy (pain body) within me but also, he could see the light of consciousness arising. Likewise, I could see the light of consciousness within each person and I was dazzled by the spectacular array of forms before me. Affection and adoration flowed forth powerfully. I knew, ‘Yes, this is how Eckhart saw me yesterday.’ There is no judgment. Only something pure and true.

It was absolute bliss to sit in stillness with Eckhart and friends. The show was a sell-out. How wonderful that so many people are in the process of awakening.

Since seeing Eckhart (both in person and on stage) there has been an intensifying of presence within me. I have come to realise how ordinary it is, truly. There is nothing extraordinary about being awakened. It is the most joyful non-event imaginable. Eckhart said something early on in his talk. He said, ‘If you are not yet fully awakened that’s okay, it just means you’re not ready.’ This statement has brought deep acceptance of the human condition and consequently, it has allowed the awakening process to intensify.

There is a gravitational weight of the mind, a strong pull of the unconsciousness within those of us who have grown accustomed to suffering. But there will be a time when the balance is tipped and the weight of suffering will no longer be of interest. Instead, you will dwell in places of deep peace (that are seemingly ordinary) simply because it feels good to do so.

It is now easier to notice myself slipping into an awakened state. It just happens at times. And I notice. I know it will not last; the mind will draw me back in. And I know that I will not stay focused upon the mind-stuff either. It is tedious, troublesome and ultimately uninteresting. And so, I oscillate back and forth.

If you have an unhealthy mind; negative thought-patterns and stressful emotions, it is good to train yourself into positive habits of thinking. But eventually, you will go beyond that. You will contact the spaciousness within you and allow this to be your dwelling place. This place is beyond positive or negative mindset. Beyond thought, it is an intelligence that far surpasses any other. It simply is. This is your true nature. It is deeply enriching and imbued with aliveness and yet, nothing has to happen.  

And just one more take away from Eckhart’s talk; he said something along the lines of ‘Consciousness is the greatest mystery in the universe. You are that.’

You are that, indeed. In reverence and deep appreciation x