The Journey into Yourself: A Retreat to Deepen the Realization of Your Essential Nature

by Eckhart Tolle

Discover the Infinite Possibilities of the "Vertical Dimension" of Existence

Eckhart Tolle has long taught a curious truth: You’re not your possessions. You’re not your career. You’re not the events of your life. You’re not even the contents of your mind.

So, who are you?

With The Journey into Yourself, this beloved teacher invites you to join him on an odyssey beyond the "horizontal dimension" of thought and into an aspect of our lives that most of us overlook: the "vertical dimension" beyond the reach of the mind. According to Eckhart, the vertical dimension might be better known as the present moment or the Now—all that ever really is. And that includes you—the real you.

Recorded before a live audience at the Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, New York, The Journey into Yourself presents a rarely heard talk from early in Eckhart’s teaching career. Here you will encounter more than eight hours of practical, provocative, and occasionally hilarious teachings for awakening to who we are beyond the physical.

Highlights

Why the phrase "life is a dream" is more accurate than you might expect
• Piercing the veil of self-made suffering
• The gentle and fierce aspects of embodied Presence
• Why setbacks and discomfort are the most potent teachers
• Wisdom teachings from Buddhism, Christianity, and Hindu traditions that point to the embodiment of Presence
• Why right action can only arise from surrender to the moment
With The Journey into Yourself, Eckhart encourages you to step into the space between thoughts and discover the joyous treasures that lie within.

Genres: Spirituality, Self Help, Nonfiction, Audiobook, Zen, Personal Development, Philosophy

Audio CD

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Eckhart 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.

Reviews

[Wael Kabli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Its very beautiful deep five into yourself. If you are into awakening and enlightenment, this is a must to listen to. I love every single part of this journey. Specially the silence between words (you will appreciate them too after you listen to this audio). Lots of laughs and many things (or one thing actually) you learn about yourself like drama, body pain, living in the vertical dimension. If you are looking and discovering enlightenment or i think it is important if you are deeply into this and you like to understand the core concepts beyond techniques, this will be something that you will enjoy. The questions add lots of value and to listen to this couple times and try to be listen to it in the "Now", you will be amazed how each time you will get fulfillment from it.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this book over several months. I would take it in small doses to give myself time to absorb and apply these thoughtful teachings to everyday situations. It was uncanny how I often seemed to hear what I needed to hear at that very moment in my life. It has completely changed how I face life's difficult situations. I highly recommend it, especially to those like me who had trouble dealing with frustrating situations and people. I strive to no longer get worked up about these situations but accept and face them calmly and patiently.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

It seems a bit weird to be giving Eckhart Tolle anything but five stars. I like to make sure to listen to these at least a few times a year. I think the reason it's not a five-star for me is because I've heard these types of thoughts/teachings several times and there wasn't much new here for me.

That doesn't mean it wasn't life changing the first time around and it also doesn't mean I don't get value out of it every single time. I read that someone said his calming voice is soothing and wonderful for them but for me, it has a bit of the opposite effect. I tend to prefer Tara Brach or Sharon Salzberg because I connect with their voices right away. Also Karen Maezen Miller. But this might be the one better suited for you. I think when you're doing this type of work, it matters most to connect with the person so you can be more open to hearing the teachings.

I am grateful I took the time to listen to this. I am grateful for the learnings. I am grateful for the reminder that my stories are just that, my stories.

[Stuart Dillon · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible experience it must be to be in his presence on a retreat. I get ridiculous goosebumps and an ecstatic shivering over my head when I hear him talk. This has to be done as an audible. You really get a sense of his joyfulness in this unlike his reading from his books and he has real comic timing. Spiritual practice should be fun or you’re doing it wrong. I thoroughly enjoyed this and gained much from the wisdom he speaks.

[Pamela Hanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this on Audible to listen to during a long trip, and it turned a 13-hour car ride into something I truly enjoyed every minute of. I was so excited when I realized it was actually one of his full 3-day courses.

There was one gentleman in the audience whose infectious laugh had everyone in stitches. Even Eckhart himself laughed heartily at one point when he realized, live in the moment, how funny the questions being asked really were — because of how deeply we could all relate to the honesty in the room.

There was laughter, truth, a few tears for me, and several new realizations along the way. It felt human and real, not polished or distant.

I’ve listened to this several times now, and each time I hear something new. That’s the gift of this work — it meets you wherever you are on your journey inward.

Thank you for creating something that continues to teach and reveal, every time I return to it.

[Sydney Stuberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before reading this, it would probably be helpful to know that this is a recording of a multi-day seminar Eckhart Tolle conducted where he is actively engaging with the audience and answering their questions on how to apply his principles to their daily lives. I love the way Eckart Tolle puts concepts into words in a lighthearted way and think this book serves as a great refresher to concepts he elaborates on in depth in his other books - the Power of Now and A New Earth. That said, I do think it would be beneficial to read those first before listening to this.

Also - shoutout to the guy in the audience of this seminar that laughs hysterically at the most inappropriate times 🙈

[Alan Newton · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always from Tolle, a very interesting descent into one’s inner world, the pain body and the power of Now. It’s down to us whether we take the journey.

This retreat and his teachings is both funny and enlightening.

[Kyle Avery · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good dialogue with daily practice to being present. I liked it, it was funny, realistic and simple even though simple is not easy.

[Leonie Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life changing! ❤️

[Kentyboiii · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

[Ala · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very deep and rich

[Cam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Live audience. Insightful, but not quite as good as 'the power of now'

[Khawaja Saud Masud · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ditch the ego!

[Ren · Rating 3 out of 5]

As this is a recording of a retreat, it is not as concise as a book should be. I felt it was more rambling then powerful.

[Joshua Supreme]

Nice book

[Anne-Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

lessons learnt, revealing.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eckart Tolle emanates presence and lovely, self-effacing humor.

[Peaceful Warrior · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great retreat from Ekhart. Listening to him has improved my life so much. Much Love ♥️

[Pía López Copetti · Rating 1 out of 5]

Worse than swallowing Xanax pills. Absolutely tedious and sleep-inducing book, and please note I enjoyed “The Power of Now”

[Satori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Look inward to find the answers

[Olja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh man, parts of this are so funny...
Eckhart is inventing a new genre of comedy: stand-up "in stillness" :D

[Nadya Ichinomiya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tolle's gentle voice and slight German accent are very calming to me. I found myself not only really looking forward to listening to this on Audible on the way to work, I discovered that it was the "miracle cure" for having me discard anything that had splashed on me while at work. It always returns me to my "Self" and leaves me in a state of ease, joy, and lightness and so fully present to the miracle and opportunity of life.
I purchased the Audible version because I always want to have access to some of Tolle's work, just in case I need to plug into something I know will calm and empower me!

[Vahini · Rating 5 out of 5]

This retreat was refreshing, soothing and funny!

[Stacye · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book starts out slow. I've listened to the beginning twice and still can't decide why it doesn't keep my attention. The good news is that things pick up quickly. I recommend the audiobook with one caveat. There is one audience member who laughs loudly, sometimes inappropriately, and always in an irritating manner. I've read other reviews that mentioned this, as well. It didn't necessarily detract from my experience but it did leave me wondering why someone didn't edit him out. (I can't imagine having been there with this person. Being in the same auditorium with him must have been torture!) On the other hand Eckhart, too, laughs often, revealing a facet of his personality I didn't expect. It does add to his charm. The material is vintage Eckhart. If you know him you won't necessarily hear anything new but the review is helpful.

[Billy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eckhart Tolle is a calm and thoughtful spiritual teacher.

A good learning again. How to slow down and experience what is within.

Good Quote:

ONE: We need to live in the is-ness. Even the happiest moment can only be NOW. the happiness can be a guarantee in the future. The happiness can be experienced in the past. the past is just memories.

TWO: The people who are sick and have a serious illness will be living fully in the NOW. It is because he has no future to look forward to. Thought of really need to calculate the time math remaining for each person. So we could really make sure that the activities we do, people that we wanted to build a relationship with is the people that really matter.

[Ghenadie Virtos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent series of talks which expands on the concepts from the Power of Now and dwells on the practical applications of those ideas. It had a calming and reinvigorating effect on me so I kept returning to some of the chapters whenever I had a spare minute to listen to the audio version. Some of the ideas that resonated particularly well me me are: the non-resistance, the difference between reality and the stories that we impose on it, the tricks that our mind keeps playing on us and how me mistake the mind with the 'I', the power of being in the now and appreciating what is here and now rather than always being connected to what already happened or what is yet to follow.

[Joseph Santiago · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed spending time with this work. Tolle is a very thought provoking author and lecturer that is at his best when interacting with his audience. Going through this work is relaxing and stimulating for me. In seeking what matters in this life I have learned to appreciate the beauty and flaws of experience through sharing in some of Tolle's perspectives. It is a good read.

Mr. Joe

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this on Audiobook. It is a transformative series of retreat talks given by Tolle, whose voice and sense of humor make it meditative and lively. I've listened to it many times and will continue to. Each time, something resonates deeper about the nature of life and experience in the moment and who we are as "selves" in the moment.

[Wilma Rebstock · Rating 5 out of 5]

* * * * * Fantastic journey--into yourself! Loved this retreat which I broke into about 3 sections. After all what can be more interesting than your own story or how to get out of it? Enough said by me when you can listen to Echart Tolle.
: Listen to Echardt

[Lisa Casino]

Transformational