Original Air Date:
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
What "A New Earth" Is and Is Not:
In the 90s, Oprah's show began to shift and the purpose became helping viewers live their best life - which is what A New Earth can do for you. The book does not cover a new religion and is not a new doctrine; it's about connecting with your spirit that truly matters. The themes Oprah pointed out are learning how to quiet your mind, putting your ego in check, letting go of dwelling on the past and thinking about the future, and really being present in the moment.
Viewers from around the world and a few of Oprah's celebrity friends were on hand via Skype to talk about their New Earth experiences.
Jillian and Doug in Washington's New Earth Experience:
Jillian and Doug were living the perfect life - being married for 22 years with 2 grown biological children and 4 young adopted children, the family had a dream home, cars, an au pair, gardener, housekeeper, etc. A sudden change caused the family to lose 60% of their income which forced them to file bankruptsy 90 days ago.
The New Earth class showed Jillian that her experience could allow her to have a breakthrough because her ego had nothing to cling onto anymore. She really understood when Eckhart explained that right now is the basis for everything - that acceptance of this moment as it is, is critical.
Krys in Texas' New Earth Experience:
Krys has been an active person but always struggled with food - which is how she connected with the New Earth class. While reading, Krys realized that she didn't need to be -er (skinnier, richer, prettier, etc.) than anyone to feel good about herself. Krys now eats for health and need rather than emotionally and has since lost 3 dress sizes. Not watching the scales has also been a change for Krys who says the number doesn't matter anymore.
Jim Carrey on A New Earth:
Jim Carrey's clip uncovered how this present moment is all that we have, nothing else exists. Describing being trapped in the movement of thought, Jim realized that he was thinking about things that weren't real and was in his head instead of in the moment. This realization allows him to come back to consciousness and see what a waste of time it is to think about things when the only time you have control over is right now.
Elizabeth Lesser Answers Reader Questions:
Elizabeth Lesser talks on Oprah's XM radio channel 156 and helps to answer reader questions after the live webcast. The most popular question involves A New Earth interfering with religious beliefs. Elizabeth explained that the concepts in the book are not a new religion or doctrine, but can make your current religion sweeter - like honey into tea, it will just improve the experience.
Explaining the difference between spirituality and religion, Elizabeth stated that spirituality is the longing for answers and a feeling that there is something more, while religion can provide the answers for some people.
Margit in Texas' New Earth Experience:
Margit is a Christian and ministers the Bible, but the New Earth class gave her a way to look at what she was doing differently. Taken from a story Eckhart told in a class, the lesson lies in Zen. A Zen master was watching a competition and was asked why one person was not doing well, and he responded that his need to win was draining him of his power - Eckhart compared it to athletes being in the zone.
This realization allowed Margit to see Jesus in a different light - that his purpose was to show us a Christ-like consciousness, to give humans a guide to how life should be done.
Katie Joel and Her Mother's New Earth Experience:
After a recent show with Katie Joel, Oprah learned that Katie's mother was reading the book and taking the class and that Katie had just started reading as well. Katie even had an Aha! moment on Oprah's show - she fully understood what a friend meant by saying that nervousness is selfish energy - just thinking about how you feel instead of the other person/people.
Katie's mom, Kim, also learned from the class that parents need to let go of their role when interacting with their adult children - the need to mother isn't necessary anymore but to just be present in the relationship is more important.
Jenny McCarthy on A New Earth:
Jenny has learned the ultimate lesson about presence - even though people are always talking about "peace", she feels that true peace can only be achieved when you are truly in the moment. Jenny explained that when she gets wrapped up in thought - consumed by bills, tomorrow, her son's behavior, etc. she is unconscious, but when she re-connects with the moment, she is truly at peace.
Kidada Jones' New Earth Experience:
Quincy Jones' daughter, Kidada, made an appearance on a New Earth class and asked a question that resonated with people - if all form is illusion, then where is the fun in life? Kidada's answer came in Eckhart's description to breathe fully and to feel your subtle body - always making sure to be present in the moment. Kidada had been missing the present moment and not that she is conscious, she can now find the depth in life.
Penny in Canada's New Earth Experience:
Penny has been suffering from terminal cancer since 2004 when she was diagnosed and is reaching her date when doctors said that she would be nearing the end of her life. Before reading the book, Penny's life was depressing and overwhelming - but since reading, she now feels that death is not something to be afraid of because she truly knows that she will live on, her energy will simply transform. Penny described herself as the see-er witnessing the miracle of life.
Captain Mason Weiss's New Earth Experience:
Captain Weiss's life has been very eventful in the past few weeks while serving in Iraq with heavy warfare near where he is staying. Captain Weiss is aware that he could be the next casualty, but chooses not to think of those things and instead focuses on the facts and being present. The Captain even carries around a laminated list of important points from the book.
Jenny in Australia's New Earth Experience:
Jenny has recently gone through a difficult situation after only being married for 1 year - she shared that she had a very egoic reaction full of self pity and role playing. After reading the book, Jenny has been able to change the way she reacts to her ex and is choosing not to give into the drama, instead she has taken her ego and pain-body out of the situation and handles the emotions differently.
A New Earth Webclass:
To view Oprah and Eckhart Tolle's webclass, visit Oprah.com to sign up for the live class, to download past seminars, or to get the class on itunes. Oprah and Eckhart meet every Monday night.
