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Time is the horizontal dimension of life, the surface layer of reality. Then there is the vertical dimension of depth, accessible only through the portal of the present moment.
Eckhart Tolle
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote highlights the importance of being present to access deeper dimensions of life beyond the passage of time.

Eckhart Tolle's quote emphasizes the distinction between time as a linear, measured aspect of existence and the depth of experience that can only be tapped into by fully engaging with the present moment. It suggests that while we often focus on the chronological progression of time, true depth and meaning in life come from immersing ourselves in the 'now' and realizing that depth can transcend mere time.

Themes

TimePresentMomentDepthReality

In practice

Example use cases

In a mindfulness workshop, you could use this quote to emphasize the value of living in the moment.

More from Eckhart Tolle

Bring awareness to the many subtle sounds of nature - The rustling of leaves in the wind, Raindrops falling, The humming of an insect, The first birdsong at dawn.
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Body awareness not only anchors you in the present moment, it is a doorway out of the prison that is the ego. It also strengthens the immune system and the body’s ability to heal itself.
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Whenever you become anxious or stressed, outer purpose has taken over, and you lost sight of your inner purpose. You have forgotten that your state of consciousness is primary, all else secondary.
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Nothing that was real ever died, only names, forms, and illusions.
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Suffering has a noble purpose: the evolution of consciousness and the burning up of the ego.
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Sometimes surrender means giving up trying to understand and becoming comfortable with not knowing.
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