Using Small Things to Control Anxiety | Eckhart Tolle Teachings

Summary

This reflective talk explores the idea that life is primarily made up of small, repetitive tasks, and that the focus on future 'big events' often leads to anxiety and dissatisfaction. The speaker suggests that by embracing the present moment and fully engaging with the tasks at hand, we can find fulfillment in the seemingly mundane. This shift in mindset, away from constantly striving for the future, can lead to a more peaceful and aligned life. The speaker also highlights how the collective focus on future goals contributes to societal dysfunction and the need for individual change to improve overall wellbeing.

Takeaways

• 😀 Most of life consists of small, repetitive tasks, and these are often overlooked as people focus on future events.
• 😀 Big events, such as weddings or promotions, are often made up of a series of small tasks that we tend to forget.
• 😀 Focusing on 'big things' can lead to anxiety, as the mind creates pressure around them. These 'big things' are actually just a series of smaller actions.
• 😀 The key to enjoying life is being present in the small moments and tasks, rather than rushing toward a future goal.
• 😀 Life should not be treated as a means to an end. The end is always in the future, which is never fully reachable, so it's vital to value the process.
• 😀 The present moment is the only real experience of life. Most people live in a state of anxiety about the future, missing the richness of now.
• 😀 Many people don't feel comfortable with the present moment because they are always thinking about what's coming next.
• 😀 The constant focus on future achievements (e.g., vacations, marriage) can make people neglect the everyday moments that make up most of their lives.
• 😀 A person’s life (with a small 'l') is often not aligned with Life (with a capital 'L'), resulting in unhappiness and dissatisfaction.
• 😀 Our collective societal structures, such as politics and economics, reflect a dysfunction created by individuals' disconnection from the present moment.
• 😀 True change must start within individuals. Tackling societal issues from the outside without addressing the internal consciousness of individuals will not bring about lasting change.

Q & A

What does the speaker suggest about repetitive tasks in daily life?

The speaker suggests that most of life consists of repetitive tasks, like folding clothes or hanging up shirts. These tasks are often overlooked or undervalued because people are too focused on the idea of something 'big' that lies ahead.

How does the speaker define 'big things'?

The speaker defines 'big things' as events like weddings, funerals, holidays, or important public appearances. However, they point out that even these big events are made up of small, repetitive actions.

Why does the speaker argue that focusing on the 'big thing' causes anxiety?

The speaker argues that focusing solely on a big event creates a mind-made image of something important, leading to anxiety. If one is constantly anticipating something larger, the present moment becomes overshadowed, making the lead-up to the event feel stressful and unfulfilling.

What does the speaker mean by 'life with a small l' versus 'life with a capital L'?

The speaker contrasts 'life with a small l'—the individual life, driven by external goals and future pursuits—with 'life with a capital L,' which refers to the present moment itself. Life with a capital L represents the only reality that is truly alive and available to us.

What is the dysfunction the speaker sees in society?

The speaker believes that the collective consciousness of society, which focuses heavily on future goals and is disconnected from the present moment, leads to dysfunction in societal systems like politics, economics, and education.

How does the speaker recommend people approach everyday tasks?

The speaker recommends approaching everyday tasks with full attention and mindfulness. Instead of viewing them as mere steps to something else, these tasks can be deeply fulfilling if done with awareness and presence.

Why is the present moment often seen as uncomfortable, according to the speaker?

The speaker argues that many people feel uncomfortable with the present moment because they are unconsciously focused on future goals. This disconnection from the now creates a sense of unease, as individuals are not aligned with the flow of life happening right in front of them.

What impact does living in the future have on the present moment?

Living in the future means that a person spends most of their attention on something that hasn't happened yet. This leads to neglecting the present moment, which diminishes the ability to experience life as it is and may result in feelings of dissatisfaction or anxiety.

How does the speaker view the concept of 'achievement'?

The speaker suggests that 'achievement' is often an illusion, as the future goal people strive for never truly satisfies them. Once a goal is reached, another one appears, keeping the person in a continuous cycle of future-seeking rather than enjoying the present.

What does the speaker say about the relationship between individual consciousness and societal structures?

The speaker emphasizes that societal structures, such as politics and economics, reflect the collective state of individual consciousness. If individuals are unhappy and disconnected from the present, those feelings are mirrored in the societal systems they create, perpetuating dysfunction and imbalance.