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Updated on:

December 15, 2015

According to Eckhart Tolle, dealing with somebody else's pain sometimes requires removing yourself for a while to allow the episode to subside. Silence may be tempting, but it can only fuel the fire of another's pain-body.

This clip is taken from a special edition of Eckhart Tolle Answers – 10 profound inquiries into the nature of fear, the mind, faith, aliveness and more where he talks about the presence required for this challenge. This segment details the steps one must take when dealing with someone else’s pain.

"How do I respond without responding to the ego of the pain-body of another person. Silence seems to only fuel their fire. When somebody has been taken over by the pain-body, probably anything you do will fuel the fire. Staying silent or not saying anything may fuel the fire and whatever you say may fuel the fire even more."

Eckhart Tolle really has great insights on dealing with the pain-body. Hopefully, you can use this to further expand your mindfulness practice and be better at dealing with stressful situations.

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About the author 

Sean Fargo is a mindfulness teacher and founder of Mindfulness Exercises, a global platform offering evidence‑based resources and teacher certification. A former Buddhist monk in the Thai Theravada tradition, he bridges contemplative wisdom with modern psychology to make mindfulness practical at work and in life. Sean has taught alongside Jack Kornfield and supported leaders at organizations such as Reddit, PG&E, and DocuSign. Through online trainings, guided meditations, and mentorship, he has helped thousands of educators, clinicians, and coaches bring mindfulness to diverse communities. Sean’s mission is simple and ambitious: expand access to authentic, science‑informed practice while cultivating compassion, clarity, and resilience. Today, Mindfulness Exercises serves millions with free and premium tools, empowering individuals and teams to lead with presence and purpose.

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