Eckhart says sometimes we experience a gravitational force that seems to push us back into unconsciousness. When we feel overwhelmed by watching the news or experience a painful loss, these are the moments when we need to return to the practice of presence. Eckhart says there is a higher purpose at work and awakening is deeper than our suffering.

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Eckhart talks with a live audience about the paradox of suffering and awakening. He says the ego, in its attempt to strengthen itself, creates distress and eventually brings about its own destruction. For many, this cycle can be the catalyst to awaken. Eckhart says If we had not suffered, we would not find transformation. He believes this paradox is an intrinsic part of the plan.

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Eckhart discusses forgiveness. He says most of us carry resentments or grievances. Eckhart calls them internal dark spots that block consciousness from emerging and strengthen the ego. True forgiveness he says, is not something we make happen. It arises naturally when we’re connected to the deeper essence of who we are.

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Eckhart explains why our goal is to learn to access the transcendent part of ourselves which is beyond thinking. Most people have no connection to this state until some crisis pushes them to dig deeper. Eckhart says we must find spaces of awareness between thoughts which will eventually lead us to a state of being that is connected to the soul of the universe.

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Eckhart says the most important things we can do is transform our state of consciousness, realize our connection to the source and let go of our self-imposed limitations. He compares the transcendent realm to the sun. We are like a ray from that source, shining into this world. Eckhart believes everyone on the planet is a brief flicker of consciousness… here for a short time; but connected to the eternal.

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Eckhart quotes ancient Greek philosopher, Pythagorus who said, “Know thyself.” Eckhart says unfortunately our educational system is geared toward only one kind of knowledge: the intellectual. He explains how there is another knowledge based on wisdom and intuition. It’s that kind of inner-knowing he says we must embrace, not as a replacement for intellectual knowledge but as a much-needed addition.

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Eckhart asks, “When life’s challenges strike, how do we respond?” He questions do we rise above worn-out patterns with new awareness or do we spiral into the old unconsciousness. He says we shouldn’t blame ourselves when we relapse. Suffering and setbacks are a necessary and vital part of awakening.

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Eckhart discusses the path to awakening. He says there are two stages to a person’s life: waking up and growing up. Many start to awaken, only to later discover large parts of their personality lag behind; they haven’t really grown up. To reach maturity Eckhart says spiritual practice must encompass all of who we are and become an integral part of our daily lives.

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