A New Earth (Rewind) - Chapter 1 Workbook/Discussion/Exercises

Wow...the last ten weeks of A New Earth went buy in a flash. For our regular attendees, there seem to be a general consensus that keeping up with Oprah's web class and covering two chapters in one meeting was a bit challenging - considering both the breadth and depth of the material. Therefore, we will be starting over A New Earth from chapter one. We will use Oprah's workbook (The workbook questions are provided below) as a framework for the largest body our meeting. We will also incorporate some of the familiar themes that have made our meetings so successful in the past.

The meeting format will include:

* A discussion on the assigned chapter - using the workbook for guidance.
* Group exercises to incorporate the concepts we are reading about.
* Video/Audio selections from Oprah's web class and/or other forms of media from Eckhart Tolle's vast library of material

Please come prepared to join the discussion by doing the following prior to the meeting:

1. Reading the assigned chapter. This weeks discussion will be on Chapter 1 from A New Earth.
2. Answering the questions provided from the workbook (see below).
3. Pick out your favorite two quotes from the chapter. Keep each quote to one or two sentences maximum, and be prepared to share why those two quotes from the chapter were so significant to you.

Lastly; as much of our discussions involve group exercises, please do what you can to arrive by 7 pm so as not to interrupt any group exercise we may be engaged in.

The Workbook Questions:

Chapter 1: The Flowering of Human Consciousness

1. Why did you decide to read this book?

2. Are there specific areas of your life that you think will benefit from the lessons of A New Earth? How can you incorporate the book's teachings in your life today?

3. Think about the question on page 5: "Can human beings lose the density of their conditioned mind structures and become like crystals or precious stones... transparent to the light of consciousness?" What makes you feel more alive and open, less dense, less bogged down by heavy thoughts and feelings? Could this be the beginnings of what A New Earth is pointing toward?

4. Spend some time in the presence of something you consider beautiful?a flower, a gem, a piece of artwork, etc. As you look at the object, try to see it without naming it mentally. When we appreciate beauty in this manner, a window opens into the formless, and into a state of gratitude. See if you can experience that. Write your experiences here.

5. Do you consider yourself a religious person? What about a spiritual person? Is there a difference between the two?

6. "Humanity is now faced with a stark choice: Evolve or die. ? If the structures of the human mind remain unchanged, we will always end up re-creating the same world, the same evils, the same dysfunction" (p. 21?22). Are you aware of this dysfunction? Where is it most apparent in your own life and in the world? Do you think humanity is ready for a transformation of consciousness?

***Each meeting, we emphasize the importance of equal participation and cooperation. We welcome anyone who has a sincere interest in learning and living the message offered by Eckhart Tolle. There are only ten spots available - Help make our next meeting the best one yet!