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Eckhart Tolle's Findhorn Retreat: Stillness Amidst the World
Best-selling author and spiritual guide Eckhart Tolle led a remarkable two-day retreat at Findhorn, Scotland, a community on the leading edge of personal and global transformation. His weekend talks, captured on audio, create a deeply moving experience for listeners. Speaking on the subject of stillness, which he describes as a doorway into the Now and to true personal enlightenment, Tolle shows listeners how to find stillness in the present moment and enter a deeper dimension of peace and fulfillment. His practical, powerful tools for transformation offer the clear guidance needed to realize the magic of every moment and to reconnect to the sacredness of life and of being. Tolle’s lighthearted delivery lends sparkling highlights to the jewels of wisdom that he shares — words that convey, with the timeless clarity of the ancient spiritual masters, a simple yet profound message of hope.
4 pages, Audio CD
First published January 1, 2005
22 people are currently reading
1087 people want to read
About the author
Eckhart Tolle
224 books10.8k followersEckhart Tolle is a German-born spiritual teacher and internationally bestselling author whose work has profoundly influenced the contemporary spiritual landscape. Born Ulrich Leonard Tölle in 1948 in Lünen, Germany, he experienced a transformative spiritual awakening at the age of 29 after years of depression and anxiety. This profound shift in consciousness marked the beginning of his journey as a spiritual guide and thinker. Tolle abandoned his doctoral studies at the University of Cambridge to explore and embody the stillness and presence he had discovered, eventually becoming a spiritual teacher based in London and later in Vancouver, Canada.
Tolle rose to prominence with the publication of The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment in 1997. The book, which emphasizes mindfulness and present-moment awareness, resonated with a global audience and was later championed by Oprah Winfrey, catapulting it to international bestseller status. In 2005, Tolle released A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose, which expanded on his earlier teachings and explored the role of ego in personal and societal dysfunction. The book also achieved massive commercial success, further solidifying Tolle’s reputation as one of the most influential spiritual authors of his time.
His teachings draw from a variety of traditions, including Zen Buddhism, Christian mysticism, Sufism, and Hindu philosophy, though he remains unaffiliated with any formal religion. Tolle emphasizes a non-dualistic approach to spirituality, focusing on the importance of presence, inner stillness, and the disidentification from ego-based thinking. His accessible language and calm demeanor have helped millions integrate spiritual practice into daily life.
In addition to writing, Tolle has delivered talks, retreats, and webinars to audiences around the world. In 2008, he partnered with Oprah Winfrey to produce a groundbreaking webinar series based on A New Earth, attracting millions of viewers. He also co-authored the illustrated book Guardians of Being in 2009, further exploring his core themes through the lens of animals and nature.
Tolle currently lives in Vancouver with his partner, spiritual teacher Kim Eng. Together, they continue to teach and support global audiences through online content, publications, and events. Widely regarded as one of the most spiritually influential figures of the 21st century, Tolle’s message of inner peace and awakening remains as timely as ever.
Tolle rose to prominence with the publication of The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment in 1997. The book, which emphasizes mindfulness and present-moment awareness, resonated with a global audience and was later championed by Oprah Winfrey, catapulting it to international bestseller status. In 2005, Tolle released A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose, which expanded on his earlier teachings and explored the role of ego in personal and societal dysfunction. The book also achieved massive commercial success, further solidifying Tolle’s reputation as one of the most influential spiritual authors of his time.
His teachings draw from a variety of traditions, including Zen Buddhism, Christian mysticism, Sufism, and Hindu philosophy, though he remains unaffiliated with any formal religion. Tolle emphasizes a non-dualistic approach to spirituality, focusing on the importance of presence, inner stillness, and the disidentification from ego-based thinking. His accessible language and calm demeanor have helped millions integrate spiritual practice into daily life.
In addition to writing, Tolle has delivered talks, retreats, and webinars to audiences around the world. In 2008, he partnered with Oprah Winfrey to produce a groundbreaking webinar series based on A New Earth, attracting millions of viewers. He also co-authored the illustrated book Guardians of Being in 2009, further exploring his core themes through the lens of animals and nature.
Tolle currently lives in Vancouver with his partner, spiritual teacher Kim Eng. Together, they continue to teach and support global audiences through online content, publications, and events. Widely regarded as one of the most spiritually influential figures of the 21st century, Tolle’s message of inner peace and awakening remains as timely as ever.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
January 11, 2018
Finding peace and stillness in a busy, noisy world can be somewhat challenging but there are strategies to help you achieve inner peace. I'll need to listen to this more than once, there were many concepts that need further pursuit for me to grasp. Tolle's easy conversational style of speaking is soothing in itself so it really helps more to listen to this instead of reading it (for me). If you are feeling overwhelmed and stressed, give this one a try. I found many beautiful things to think about and want to look into more meditation in my daily life.
September 27, 2010
This little book is great.
Like a clean out for my head.
I didn't watch the DVDs but the book is very calming, very philosophical, if you like that sort of thing.
Like a clean out for my head.
I didn't watch the DVDs but the book is very calming, very philosophical, if you like that sort of thing.
March 15, 2025
This was a helpful little weekend retreat for me. I love Tolle’s combined humor and mindfulness. His work consistently guides me to my own stillness. I find myself living deeper during and after reading anything of his!
July 8, 2023
I loved this one. I listened to it as an audiobook as it is a recording of a retreat he conducted in Scotland. It’s my first time listening to anything by him - I just recently read The Power of Now.
Wise, calming, and I just love the little bits of humor he brings in somewhat unexpectedly. It’s like life is amusing and he’s letting you in on the secret. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Wise, calming, and I just love the little bits of humor he brings in somewhat unexpectedly. It’s like life is amusing and he’s letting you in on the secret. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 12, 2011
At first when I read this book, I thought Eckhart Tolle was taking a stand against thinking when speaking of stillness, so felt somewhat put off by it. It was only later that I realized that he was talking in great generalities about the specific type or form of thinking related in creating an identity for yourself. I ended up re-listening to the first 2 cds a couple times.
Tolle goes through many traps people create for themselves, including creating a false identity; an expectation of certain things to happen, eg, "This is not how it should be," thus creating a sense of victimhood. In a society, where it seems more people want to feel 'victimized' in order to justify their sense of self and how things should be, this book was quite refreshing.
In terms of personally relating to it, there is definitely a place and time for this type of philosophy. For example, if someone at work wasn't getting their job done, then I wouldn't say, 'oh well, this is just how it is.' However, I have noticed the occasional time when I am frustrated at something I probably shouldn't be frustrated at. Hopefully reading this book will help calm those feelings.
Tolle goes through many traps people create for themselves, including creating a false identity; an expectation of certain things to happen, eg, "This is not how it should be," thus creating a sense of victimhood. In a society, where it seems more people want to feel 'victimized' in order to justify their sense of self and how things should be, this book was quite refreshing.
In terms of personally relating to it, there is definitely a place and time for this type of philosophy. For example, if someone at work wasn't getting their job done, then I wouldn't say, 'oh well, this is just how it is.' However, I have noticed the occasional time when I am frustrated at something I probably shouldn't be frustrated at. Hopefully reading this book will help calm those feelings.
December 31, 2016
Once again I read this wonderful, inspiring book. It helps one to feel one's Soul and find in its Silence all the precious richness of the Spirit... It also has beautiful Nature pictures taken by Tolle himself...
Maria Carmo,
Lisbon, 30 December 2016.
This wonderful book by Eckhart Tolle is a wonderful inspiration to look at Nature and find, within our Heart, the creative Silence that can transform our life. Like other books by this author, it is a wonderful journey into the discovery of the unknown, the freedom of pure Being. Tolle always reminds me of Krishnamurti, yet his writing is even more accessible.
Absolutely a GOODREAD!
Maria Carmo,
Lisboa 5th. March 2012
Este maravilhoso livro de Eckhart Tolle constitui uma excelente inspiração para olharmos para a Natureza e encontrarmos nela, e no nosso Coração, o Silêncio criativo que pode transformar a nossa vida. Como outros livros deste autor, é uma jornada maravilhosa à descoberta do desconhecido, da liberdade do puro SER. Tolle recorda-me sempre Krishnamurti mas numa linguagem ainda mais acessível.
Absolutamente a ler!
Maria Carmo
April 5, 2008
I reluctantly stepped onto the Eckhart Tolle bandwagon and am reading "A New Earth" but I tried to rip the "Oprah's book club" sticker off the cover. I think Tolle comes across better through listening than through reading for me, so I loved this CD. He has such a great sense of humor and after listening to "Stillness Admist the World" I have added him to my smart spiritual Heros Hall of Fame. My Hall of Fame includes Pope John Paul II, Pope Ben(maybe I now love German accents?), Hugh Prather, Le Dalai Lama, Rabbi Harold Kushner, Gary Zukov, Dr. Drew Pinsky and of course the Virgin Mary.
April 8, 2009
This is a recording from a retreat at which Ekhardt Tolle spoke about his spiritual teachings. It is especially useful because one gets to hear him speak in his own voice about the mysteries he addresses in his books, and sometimes, just the way he speaks of them opens the door that was before shut. It is also worth noting that the compassion that typifies his writing is present to a notable degree in his audio presence. Having heard him, one is able to go back to the books with a gentler sense of dedication rather than a sterner. This is a transformation one is seeking, not a harsh practice one is pursuing.
June 23, 2015
Eckhart Tolle has a wonderful way of explaining the essence of who we are and the stillness within. He speaks softly and slowly.
This book/dvd set is based on his earlier books, A New Earth and The Power of Now. I think reading either A New Earth or the Power of Now first is better because it gives you the opportunity to reflect on the meaning at your own pace.
Later, listening to this talk is a nice reminder/reinforcement, but there's not a lot of new content in Findhorn. For that reason, I dropped my rating down a notch.
This book/dvd set is based on his earlier books, A New Earth and The Power of Now. I think reading either A New Earth or the Power of Now first is better because it gives you the opportunity to reflect on the meaning at your own pace.
Later, listening to this talk is a nice reminder/reinforcement, but there's not a lot of new content in Findhorn. For that reason, I dropped my rating down a notch.
August 23, 2013
I was caught off balance back by this audio recording. It was a random download made in a hurry – probably prompted by a youthful fascination of the Findhorn Community. Within the first minute or so, realising what it was, I had a strong urge to switch it off; but having nothing else to listen to on a long walk.... I let it play on. At it's core is a simple concept and technique. I can only do it for 2-3 seconds at a time – but it seems to work for me.
March 4, 2009
Consider the daffodil.... and while you're doing that, I'll just be over here, going through your stuff.
March 24, 2009
It is fabulous to see him live. I have never watched him give a talk before and he is surprisingly funny. It's worth watching, but deserves more than one watch to be sure!
March 10, 2010
Love the audio, the book would instantly put me to sleep.
July 4, 2012
Within 5minutes of starting this beautiful vide-talk, I found my self in a more relaxed and joyful headspace. Of coarse I find that everytime I liosten to Eckhart speak. ;)
December 30, 2012
I personally love eckhart! I have gotten some good things listening to him. To each his own, however, I'll take this information...I find it easier to understand than some eastern culture readings...
February 4, 2013
Listened to this and found it to be a great addition to understanding Eckhart Tolle. Just need to take time to get through and it is definitely worth the time.
February 23, 2013
Discusson of principles in his first two books. Helpful.
August 12, 2015
He helps find stillness anywhere because there is already stillness within us.
November 15, 2020
Something about form.
April 26, 2011
He is a very weird and funny guy! Enjoyed this.
July 23, 2025
analyzing interpreting or labeling things as soon as they enter the field of consciousness...People, situations, nature, etc. Personal reactive relationship to it
unconscious living- every thought has a sense of self, I Am, you identify with the movement of thought. always looking to future = insufficient view of self
comparison: mind to make itself feel more than, impose images on self and others
self -loves being right and others wrong, life goal- strengthen the fiction of me
usually the story needs to become unpleasant for people to be pushed out of it
complain and blame: sense of specialness is attained by frequent complaining- blaming; ego feels right; no practical purpose and constantly in conflict with present moment
animal: only way to relate to a being that is non-conceptual, in other words- when relating to people, bringing in all your concepts and so trapped with the thoughts they have about you instead of relating to you
stronger you are trapped in ego more you will emphasize of the otherness of others
life loses it's frustration when you do not look to the world anymore for your satisfaction or yourself, when you give up demanding that people , places, or situations should make you happy or fulfill you
accepting the past: you believe sSomething that happened in the past is interferring with you being alive or fully yourself
stillmess and peace arise the moment you become friendly with what is
what is the problem....now? (presence, attunement to present, aliveness within, sense of self from the life you are, separate self from problems)
trapped in the thought "this should not be" "this is wrong" (ex physical problems)
those who excel...most when they go back into normal life outside of where they have mastery, they are just as mad as anyone else. sometimes even moreso, ego begins to believe you are the greatest
recognize formless in form- first in natural things more easily because natural things are less challenging than humans. relate to nature in stillness and presence, and then gradually you're able to bring it into human relationships.
listen to humans- words, but also space, aware presence
" to be still with another human being while you listen and sense yourself as the awareness"
Get into your body so you can be present in your energy field and every cell of your body is present
Relationships are a good opportunity because they are the favorite playground of the pain body renewal :)
seeing is freeing: Moment of freedom from that old conditioned form there is spontaneous relaxation and that produces laughter. it's enormously liberating, the more you laugh at the world of form- not in a malicious way but a free way- form wants to be taken so seriously. laughter arises more frequently.
this is not the end...there is no end
unconscious living- every thought has a sense of self, I Am, you identify with the movement of thought. always looking to future = insufficient view of self
comparison: mind to make itself feel more than, impose images on self and others
self -loves being right and others wrong, life goal- strengthen the fiction of me
usually the story needs to become unpleasant for people to be pushed out of it
complain and blame: sense of specialness is attained by frequent complaining- blaming; ego feels right; no practical purpose and constantly in conflict with present moment
animal: only way to relate to a being that is non-conceptual, in other words- when relating to people, bringing in all your concepts and so trapped with the thoughts they have about you instead of relating to you
stronger you are trapped in ego more you will emphasize of the otherness of others
life loses it's frustration when you do not look to the world anymore for your satisfaction or yourself, when you give up demanding that people , places, or situations should make you happy or fulfill you
accepting the past: you believe sSomething that happened in the past is interferring with you being alive or fully yourself
stillmess and peace arise the moment you become friendly with what is
what is the problem....now? (presence, attunement to present, aliveness within, sense of self from the life you are, separate self from problems)
trapped in the thought "this should not be" "this is wrong" (ex physical problems)
those who excel...most when they go back into normal life outside of where they have mastery, they are just as mad as anyone else. sometimes even moreso, ego begins to believe you are the greatest
recognize formless in form- first in natural things more easily because natural things are less challenging than humans. relate to nature in stillness and presence, and then gradually you're able to bring it into human relationships.
listen to humans- words, but also space, aware presence
" to be still with another human being while you listen and sense yourself as the awareness"
Get into your body so you can be present in your energy field and every cell of your body is present
Relationships are a good opportunity because they are the favorite playground of the pain body renewal :)
seeing is freeing: Moment of freedom from that old conditioned form there is spontaneous relaxation and that produces laughter. it's enormously liberating, the more you laugh at the world of form- not in a malicious way but a free way- form wants to be taken so seriously. laughter arises more frequently.
this is not the end...there is no end
May 22, 2017
The value here is in the two dvds (each nearly two hours in length) that accompany the book. While the book is pretty and contains some lines and images that may work for some, I drift off or think "I've got that, move on" and so miss the deeper connections available. I know some folks find his accent and style uncomfortable, I enjoy it so for me the dvds are a source of great guidance and explanation. I also find that I am learning to understand more of what is going on for him in the pauses and silences in between stories. Although this book/dvd doesn't suggest that you need to have read any of his books - the people attending the retreat are clearly engaged with the spiritual question - so of course that is the audience for these talks. On the other hand, the beauty of Tolle's presentations are always that they're completely accessible. They aren't about thinking or concepts or ideas. That can be challenging because we're habituated to structuring our world and experience with these forms but the dialogue eases you through that. If you're seeking or on the path, I recommend tasting the work of Tolle. I have found it to be sweet and nurturing.
There's a lot available for free on YouTube so you can test your resilience to the accent and dad jokes before committing to nearly four hours of it here.
There's a lot available for free on YouTube so you can test your resilience to the accent and dad jokes before committing to nearly four hours of it here.
June 4, 2019
I've listen to around 10-12 talk with Eckhart, this is by far one of the best Audios to listen to. Playing just 1hr a day will always give you a better in sight on what the best moment is, which is right now.
August 23, 2020
I find his voice relaxing as I fall asleep which also means I repeat much of the audio because of going to sleep. I like how his work makes you take a different perspective on what really matters and his humour and lightness of being really comes through in this particular one.
December 10, 2020
It’s a book to meditate on. Once is not good enough. He talks about your inner world and how we react to outside influences.
How to approach life and it’s situations to be happy even if things are in chaos around you.
How to approach life and it’s situations to be happy even if things are in chaos around you.
August 20, 2021
I would suggest that the reader of this book use it as a tool to meditation and not as a normal book to read through as I did. Some parts are beautiful but I think the full value of the book will only come through if you sit silently and meditate on each part over some time.
July 14, 2022
I love audio books and this was my 2nd Tolle book. He's not a good narrator but when engaging with an audience his personality comes to life. I definitely recommend the audio versions of Tolle"s books & retreats.
December 13, 2025
Day one of the retreat was so insightful 5/5. Day two seemed like rambling gibberish 2/5 except the part about civilization being lost in consuming and how that is making people tired. Important message but could have been said so much more clearly, instead of saying the word "form" on repeat.
December 9, 2019
I love Eckhart Tolle. We are on the same wavelength.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews