Practicing Presence: A Guide for the Spiritual Teacher and Health Practitioner

by Eckhart Tolle

For Healers and Teachers, Practical Guidance in Serving Others with Presence


What is the most essential trait for an effective healer or teacher? Yes, things like intelligence, skill, and compassion are important, explains Eckhart Tolle, but without presence, our work in service of others will fall short of its potential. Practicing Presence is a retreat for health practitioners, educators, spiritual teachers—or anyone who shares wisdom—with the bestselling author of A New Earth, offering more than seven hours of Eckhart’s practical advice for those fostering transformation in others.



Covering a wide range of challenges and concerns specific to the helping professions, Eckhart discusses:

• Rooting one’s work in stillness to become "a teacher of presence"

• Finding the balance between structure and formlessness in your teaching or healing modality

• The question of readiness for the would-be teacher or healer

• Becoming comfortable with not knowing in order to make way for the arising of "space consciousness"—the true source of healing

• Financial considerations and the inherent egoic risks of charging money for services



"To be there as nobody special—simply as a field of awareness—that’s the essence of being a successful healer or teacher," explains Eckhart. For anyone working to support the well-being of others, Practicing Presence brings you an empowering series of pointers and guidelines for lasting transformation and healing.

Genres: Spirituality

Audio CD

First published September 15, 2015

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

[Shouga · Rating 4 out of 5]

i just can't have enough of this man!!!

this Audio Book was entertaining
put me in a meditative state
peaceful times

I appreciate Eckhart's way of teaching

[Håkon Frode · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book but there was a lot of repetition. It led to I had to read a few books at the same time as I read this.
The book has good points and silence and allocate space for peace without outside influence.

[Sandra Wint · Rating 2 out of 5]

Had a tough go getting through this book.

[Peaceful Warrior · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have rated all Tolle retreats 5 stars but this one was quite lacking and could not bring me to presence. Everything happens for a reason. 3.8 stars.

[Adi · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual Eckhart Tolle's teachings are filled with simplicity and humour and it is a joy to listen to his wisdom. The pace of the audiobook is slowing you down while listening and taking in. What I like about it in particular is the non-dogmatic approach of the teachings.