Repetition is Key

I began rereading A New Earth because I wanted to be on the same page as everyone on the podcast. I am reading deeper into Tolle’s message this time around and the reason is simple—repetition. I read A New Earth two years ago and in the last two years my ability to be present and to not live so much in my head has matured. I am nothing special. It is just that practice and commitment creates depth.

Ryan Burnes, one of our teachers, is also rereading A New Earth. Just this morning I finished a 6am practice and I asked him,  “How is it the second time around?”   Ryan responded with “I’m wondering if I really read it the first time.”  We both laughed because we know that the wisdom Tolle expresses is at such a depth and clarity that every time you read it, the teachings will absorb farther than before, leaving you with a feeling that it is new and fresh.

I believe many people get this feeling from reading any book containing truth. You are in a different place within your life everyday, so reading anything that speaks of truth can be applied and practiced. Ryan then made the following comment as he pointed to my office, which contains a lot of books; “You have lots of new books in there—you don’t need to buy more books.  Just study the ones you have.”

There is an old Zen proverb that says “You can never step into the same river twice.”  Truth needs to be explored again and again. The one thing Hatha Yoga practice has taught me is that you can never do the same pose twice. Each day your mind, emotions, and body are different. If you are locked in thought, you might convince yourself that you are doing the same pose as yesterday, yet this is truly impossible if you are in a present state of mind.