The Power of Now

Our take

A 1997 spiritual classic that went huge after Oprah's recommendation in the early 2000s. Our take, stated plainly: the language is spiritual — "presence", "the ego" — with thin scientific backing; but its practices (pulling attention back to now, observing thoughts without following) overlap with mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR). Read it as a practice manual, not a book of truths.

Who it is for

For the chronically anxious whose mental chatter won't stop, seeking a quiet practice. Not for readers wanting rigorous psychology, or those allergic to spiritual language.

Three key ideas

1. Suffering comes from regretting the past and fearing the future, not from the present itself.
2. The watcher practice: treat thoughts as clouds, watch them drift without following.
3. The ego lives on identification and comparison; seeing it operate weakens it.

How to read it

Q&A format — read one short section a day, then close your eyes and practise three minutes. Don't chase enlightenment; aim for "today I caught my mind wandering three times" — that's enough.

FAQ