Little Buddha,

The Power of Now is a great starting point for a better understanding of presence and consciousness (state of Being).

Tolle simply means to say that most (if not all) irrational thoughts stem from fear, usually fear of loss or failure. Think back to any time you felt this fear and you will agree that, at the bottom of everything, the thought of loss or failure orchestrated the whole episode. Fear can exist only as a memory (in the past) or as a possibility (in the future). We cannot be afraid of the present moment. We can only react to it.

When a bear attacks you, you react. The thought of death activates certain neurotransmitters and neuropeptides, which instruct your body to produce certain hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. That is a rational, mental and physical reaction to an event. Fear is a mental, man-made construct that can live, as I said, only in the Then and Then, never in the Now. Becoming present therefore destroys fear by design. When you’re on a roller coaster at an amusement park, in the moment you are simply reacting. Think back to the actual ride itself. You didn’t have time to be afraid. Time didn’t exist. You just were. Only once you’re off the ride (or before it) do you “think” fearfully.

Remember, fear leads to confusion, confusion to frustration, frustration to anger, anger to suffering, and suffering to the Dark Side.

May the Force be with you.