“The primary factor in all of this is your state of consciousness in the only time there is: the Now. Make sure the present moment is your friend, not your enemy. […] Become internally aligned with it by allowing it to be as is. That is the arising of the new earth.” 

Ten years after the original publication of his book, Tolle asserts that his message has remained consistent: The only time to become enlightened and create a better life for yourself and others is in the present moment. The acceptance involved in “allowing” the present moment to be exactly as it is creates a peaceful, not conflicted, state of mind. The new earth is therefore a new state of consciousness and not a future-oriented topographical location.

“Seeing beauty in a flower could awaken humans, however briefly, to the beauty that is an essential part of their innermost being, their true nature. The first recognition of beauty was one of the most significant events in the evolution of human consciousness.” 

Tolle describes how humans can access their relationship to the universe by becoming alert to natural beauty. They subconsciously feel that the delicacy and goodness of a flower is part of them, and they are connected to that beauty without needing to possess or become identified with it. This sense of continuity between self and nature gives rise to a different state of consciousness than the ego’s tendency toward separation.

“This book is about you. It will change your state of consciousness or it will be meaningless. It can only awaken those who are ready. Not everyone is ready yet, but many are, and with each person who awakens, the momentum in collective consciousness grows, and it becomes easier for others.” 

In contrast to other self-help titles, Tolle’s book does not promise a miracle cure for everyone who picks it up. Instead, he acknowledges that only those who are “ready” to hear his message will see how it applies to their lives and so be able to act on it. Those who are not yet ready may awaken at a later stage through the momentum created by others who have become conscious.