Books That Change Lives – Stillness Speaks – Whispers of Now

Stillness Speaks – Whispers of Now Eckhart Tolle (2003) Hodder & Stoughton

We are all familiar with the writings of Eckhart Tolle especially The Power of Now, Practising the Power of Now and A New Earth.  However this slim book is accessible, practical and potentially life-changing.

Tolle presents his reflections within ten themes.  Within the themes are reflections, thoughts and entries that can stimulate thinking, prayer, action, and a change in behaviour and attitude that can be transformative.

I found this book powerful in its simplicity.  It accompanied me on a recent holiday and I found that I could take a theme, reflect on it, and think of its implications for me.  Then I could lift the book several times in the day to progress my thinking; and indeed come back to that theme several days later.

On my return from holidays I did not put the book away; instead I held it close and continued to dip into the themes for reflection and inspiration.  The themes include; Silence & Stillness, Beyond the Thinking Mind, The Egotic Self, The Now, Who You Truly Are, Acceptance & Surrender, Nature, Relationships, Death & the Eternal, Suffering & the End of Suffering.

For coaches this book is useful for self-renewal and reflection.   As Tolle suggests ‘Spiritual awakening is awakening from the dream of thought’ and by ‘listening to the silence awakens the stillness within yourself, because it is only through stillness that you can be aware of silence’.  It is important that a coach has used and reflected on the books content before recommending or using with others.  It is the personal experience of reflecting on the themes of this book which lead you towards its richness.

In finding this book I feel I have found a little gem that will accompany me on my life’s journey for many years to come.

Phil Shovlin
Graduate of The Diploma in Executive and Life Coaching Course