Tolle writes, "We are all conditioned to see ourselves in a role." I ask, "How does one breakthrough or break out of one's conditioning?" In many cases, happiness is a role people play behind the facade of smiles. Behind the mask, there is pain and depression. So Tolle tells us, not to say I Am unhappy, but rather say, there is unhappiness within me. The primary cause of unhappiness is not the situation but your thoughts about the situation. Rather than being your thoughts and emotions be the awareness behind them.
This is where many people misunderstand Tolle. Tolle is not merely advocating achieving traditional enlightenment and an awakening moment of nonduality. Tolle is seeking a continuous awareness of the moment which comes from a desire to be aware not a desire to be awakened. If we just say to ourselves, "what is the awareness I need now in this moment," we will experience it.
As long as I can remain in a state of mind aware of my I Am-ness and the Isness of others I can be aware of the ego and its thoughts (false as they may be) at least I am aware of the roles I am playing at any given moment and not play the role if I choose to.
Our goal in life according to Tolle, is to bring the power of the transforming Presence of the Moment to transform my self, my relationships and my world.
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