Eckhart Tolle: Mindfulness, where's the joy?

[jgh7]

I'm reading the Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. I think it's very similar to many bhuddist teachings (although I could be wrong). He says imo that when you learn to break free of your ego (stop identifying with your thoughts) and live in the "Now", you will feel a sense of peace and joy bubble up in you.

So far in my practices, I have learned to sometimes observe my thoughts instead of identifying with them. I have had brief periods of not thinking and simply being aware and present, at least I believe I have. But I don't feel a sense of peace and joy in me when I do. I feel nothing. Granted this nothingness is often better than the fear and worry that my thoughts bring, but still... where's the joy?

For those practicing mindfulness in one form or another, where does your joy arise from?