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Mutts
Guardians of Being
This wonderfully unique collaboration brings together two masters of their fields, joining original words by spiritual teacher Eckhart Tolle with delightful illustrations by Patrick McDonnell, the creator of the acclaimed comic strip . Every heartwarming page provokes thought, insight, and smiling reverence for all beings and each moment.
More than a collection of witty and charming drawings, the marriage of Patrick McDonnell's art and Eckhart Tolle's words conveys a profound love of nature, of animals, of humans, of all life-forms. celebrates and reminds us of not only the oneness of all life but also the wonder and joy to be found in the present moment, amid the beauty we sometimes forget to notice all around us.
More than a collection of witty and charming drawings, the marriage of Patrick McDonnell's art and Eckhart Tolle's words conveys a profound love of nature, of animals, of humans, of all life-forms. celebrates and reminds us of not only the oneness of all life but also the wonder and joy to be found in the present moment, amid the beauty we sometimes forget to notice all around us.
128 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2009
119 people are currently reading
2995 people want to read
About the author
Eckhart Tolle
289 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 317 reviews
January 17, 2026
**Add on note from my corgis at the end, for those interested.**
“Nature will teach you to be still…”
Sometimes a sweet little book comes along that gently reminds us of the simple truths we already know—but still could be reminded to hear again. This is one of those books. Also described as spiritual teachings from our dogs and cats, it offers quiet wisdom without pretense.
With art by Patrick McDonnell and words by Eckhart Tolle, readers are drawn into the simplicity of life as reflected through animals—especially dogs and cats. They are not always the narrators, but they are constant reminders of how naturally life can be enjoyed…when we pay attention.
Most pages pair a short reflection with an opposite page of whimsical, expressive illustrations—dogs and cats captured in moments of play, rest, curiosity, and stillness. The effect is both calming and lightly joyful.
One passage reads:
“Be alert as you watch a dog at play or at rest.
Let the animal teach you to feel at home in the Now, to celebrate life by being completely present.”
I can attest to this from my own walks with my corgis, Oliver and Oscar. As we descend a winding path, they are fully alert—watching for squirrels, lizards, or birds—and utterly delighted when one appears. For them, the moment is everything. Being present with them turns a routine walk into an experience. And, not just a task measured by steps but also by awareness of the simple pleasures in life.
Another reflection shares:
“When you pet a dog or listen to a cat purring, thinking may subside for a moment and a space of stillness arises within you, a doorway into Being.”
These gentle anecdotes and observations consistently bring the reader back to the same quiet truth: Be here. In. The. Moment.
There is nothing radically new in these pages—but that is not the point. This book succeeds because it reminds us, tenderly and simply, of lessons we already carry, and invites us to practice them again. A comforting, thoughtful read—perfect to savor slowly.
**Since this is a book that celebrates what dogs and cats can bring us, I thought it only appropriate to include a special note from my corgis, Oliver and Oscar…
“And the celebrations continue for us—the “O” Boys! 🐾🎉
After a month of tests, pokes, probes, and procedures, our human Mommy has some very good news. The doctors say her low-grade B-cell lymphoma is taking a little nap, which means she gets a two-month break from any treatment.
She’s now on watch-and-monitor status (we’re excellent at watching, by the way), with no treatment expected right now. Just some bloodwork in March to be sure everything stays calm and quiet.
So, today we celebrate with extra tail wags, bonus cuddles, grateful hearts, and, of course, treats. We know how brave our Mommy is, and we’ll be right here—guarding, loving, and believing in her healing—every single step of the way.” 🐶💙
“Nature will teach you to be still…”
Sometimes a sweet little book comes along that gently reminds us of the simple truths we already know—but still could be reminded to hear again. This is one of those books. Also described as spiritual teachings from our dogs and cats, it offers quiet wisdom without pretense.
With art by Patrick McDonnell and words by Eckhart Tolle, readers are drawn into the simplicity of life as reflected through animals—especially dogs and cats. They are not always the narrators, but they are constant reminders of how naturally life can be enjoyed…when we pay attention.
Most pages pair a short reflection with an opposite page of whimsical, expressive illustrations—dogs and cats captured in moments of play, rest, curiosity, and stillness. The effect is both calming and lightly joyful.
One passage reads:
“Be alert as you watch a dog at play or at rest.
Let the animal teach you to feel at home in the Now, to celebrate life by being completely present.”
I can attest to this from my own walks with my corgis, Oliver and Oscar. As we descend a winding path, they are fully alert—watching for squirrels, lizards, or birds—and utterly delighted when one appears. For them, the moment is everything. Being present with them turns a routine walk into an experience. And, not just a task measured by steps but also by awareness of the simple pleasures in life.
Another reflection shares:
“When you pet a dog or listen to a cat purring, thinking may subside for a moment and a space of stillness arises within you, a doorway into Being.”
These gentle anecdotes and observations consistently bring the reader back to the same quiet truth: Be here. In. The. Moment.
There is nothing radically new in these pages—but that is not the point. This book succeeds because it reminds us, tenderly and simply, of lessons we already carry, and invites us to practice them again. A comforting, thoughtful read—perfect to savor slowly.
**Since this is a book that celebrates what dogs and cats can bring us, I thought it only appropriate to include a special note from my corgis, Oliver and Oscar…
“And the celebrations continue for us—the “O” Boys! 🐾🎉
After a month of tests, pokes, probes, and procedures, our human Mommy has some very good news. The doctors say her low-grade B-cell lymphoma is taking a little nap, which means she gets a two-month break from any treatment.
She’s now on watch-and-monitor status (we’re excellent at watching, by the way), with no treatment expected right now. Just some bloodwork in March to be sure everything stays calm and quiet.
So, today we celebrate with extra tail wags, bonus cuddles, grateful hearts, and, of course, treats. We know how brave our Mommy is, and we’ll be right here—guarding, loving, and believing in her healing—every single step of the way.” 🐶💙
April 26, 2010
The human says, "I love myself", or, "I hate myself."
The dog says, "Woof, woof," which, translated, means I am myself.
I call that integrity -- being one with yourself.
The dog says, "Woof, woof," which, translated, means I am myself.
I call that integrity -- being one with yourself.
September 30, 2019
Wonderful book about how pets open us up to the joy of 'now' - love the art of Patrick McDonnell (MUTTS) - a great 'team up' of spirituality!
February 10, 2010
Depending on who you are both of these names might be familiar. Tolle is a prolific spiritual writer and McDonnell is the artist for Mutts comic. They teamed up to produce this delightful little book. It’s really McDonnell’s art that makes the book. Tolle’s portion is to offer up zen sayings about life and the stillness of being etc but McDonnell’s art (using his Mutts characters) brings it to life. It’s a destressor of a book. The only drawback is it’s only worth the stiff hardback cover price if you plan on meditation on the art and the words of advice. I did get this as a gift for someone and from a club at reduced rates. I think I would have balked otherwise. Still, I love it and next time I get an offer from the club might get myself a copy to keep and reread when times get rough.
December 18, 2024
A dear friend of mine here in Milan, Onesto, sent me this cute little comic and wrote: "I found this book and it reminded me of you Mona." It was in the days that I was on a rollercoaster, surfing around the city all day every day. He sent it when I headed to work, I was in one of the most crowded stations, Garibaldi, changing the purple train to the green line. It only took a few minutes to read. It was one of the rare things in those days that I was packed with dozens of concerns clouding my mind day and night. This little one was not a little one in those days, it relieved me for some moments, enough to feel the autumn breeze when I was walking to work, looking around, seeing the people, sensing the movements of the city, and the livability of life. You know?
So yeah. It was the guardian of my being for a while. I feel so grateful to have friends like Onesto who thought of me during one of the most overwhelming periods of my life.
March 2, 2015
This is a great book for any spiritual pet lover. I cried several times because it is poignant, wonderful and true. It is a great coffee table book, or a book to read when you are feeling unsupported. Instead of being so intense with Eckart Tolle just talking about spirit, it is lightened up with the cartoons from Patrick McDonnell. THis is a book I will cherish forever, and quote frequently.
The world is better because this book exists.
The world is better because this book exists.
August 14, 2015
Just as the dog loves to chew bones, the human mind loves its problems. (c) This is exactly the case with so many people!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 30, 2021
My husband read this book to me about two weeks after our beautiful flat coated retriever, Shadow, had been hit by a car in front of us. Shadow had literally been my constant companion since he came to live with us, helping me get through two of the most difficult years of my 66. My heart had been shattered.
A friend had given Guardians of Being to us, with the instructions to "read it to each other with a glass of wine, when you are ready." It took us that long to be in a space we could read it. I cried the whole time Tim read it. We both cried.
It's not a sad book! Really it's not. But the illustrations, the simple words, the *idea* of the book ... those went right through our broken hearts and started the healing. Our tears were of understanding, of relief, of grief -- cleansing tears.
Eckhart Tolle writes about connection with all of life, about awareness and respect for every single part of life. Animals, rivers, the sun, the air, a blade of grass. It's exactly how Tim and I have lived, and it was such an affirmation - and *reminder* in the midst of our grief - to stay in that Oneness.
The next day we ordered 8 of these books to give away.
It's that good.
A friend had given Guardians of Being to us, with the instructions to "read it to each other with a glass of wine, when you are ready." It took us that long to be in a space we could read it. I cried the whole time Tim read it. We both cried.
It's not a sad book! Really it's not. But the illustrations, the simple words, the *idea* of the book ... those went right through our broken hearts and started the healing. Our tears were of understanding, of relief, of grief -- cleansing tears.
Eckhart Tolle writes about connection with all of life, about awareness and respect for every single part of life. Animals, rivers, the sun, the air, a blade of grass. It's exactly how Tim and I have lived, and it was such an affirmation - and *reminder* in the midst of our grief - to stay in that Oneness.
The next day we ordered 8 of these books to give away.
It's that good.
October 9, 2009
We could learn a lot from our pets. Cats can spend hours perfectly relaxed in the warmth of a beam of light. Dogs are always fully present when they play. Cats and dogs live in the moment and are always fully present. They don’t doubt themselves or question their value. It is for this reason that they are the Guardians of Being.
Guardians of Being is written by Eckhart Tolle, author of The Power of Now and A New Earth. His words are then accompanied by illustrations by Mutts creator Patrick McDonnell. It’s a wonderful combination, creating a comic book look with real meaning. No doubt readers will find a variety of pages that resonate and inspire them.
Guardians of Being is written by Eckhart Tolle, author of The Power of Now and A New Earth. His words are then accompanied by illustrations by Mutts creator Patrick McDonnell. It’s a wonderful combination, creating a comic book look with real meaning. No doubt readers will find a variety of pages that resonate and inspire them.
May 30, 2013
A wonderfully light and fluffy read on our best friend and how they help guide us into being. :)
September 3, 2024
STOP
LOOK
LISTEN!
LOOK
LISTEN!
June 1, 2010
True happiness is found in simple, seemingly unremarkable things,
But to be aware of little, quiet things, you need to be quiet inside
A high degree of alertness is required.
Be still. Look. Listen. Be present.
---
Most of us live in a world of mental abstraction, conceptualization, and image making - a world of thought.
We are immersed in a continuous stream of mental noise.
It seems that we can't stop thinking.
---
Just as the dog loves to chew bones, the human mind loves its problems.
But to be aware of little, quiet things, you need to be quiet inside
A high degree of alertness is required.
Be still. Look. Listen. Be present.
---
Most of us live in a world of mental abstraction, conceptualization, and image making - a world of thought.
We are immersed in a continuous stream of mental noise.
It seems that we can't stop thinking.
---
Just as the dog loves to chew bones, the human mind loves its problems.
January 6, 2012
Guardians of Being by Eckhart Tolle and Patrick McDonnell is a little gem of a book for any animal lover.
The iconic drawings of Patrick McDonnell (of Mutts) and the thoughts that Eckhart Tolle creates to accompany them are truly delightful.
"The vital function that pets fulfill in this world hasn't been fully recognized. They keep millions of people sane." And the dog in the illustration is looking back at the man at the other end of the leash and saying, "heal."
The message, told in many different ways, is to enjoy life, savor each moment, and simply BE.
"Dogs emanate a goodness that people respond to. One of the joys of walking your dog is that often people come up to you and immediately their hearts open. They are not interested in you, of course. They want to pat your dog." As any dog owner knows -- too true.
Walk a dog through a park and children will surround it. They won't even notice the person at the end of the leash -- it's all about the dog. And that's fine with the dog.
Read the whole review at: http://www.examiner.com/book-in-natio...
The iconic drawings of Patrick McDonnell (of Mutts) and the thoughts that Eckhart Tolle creates to accompany them are truly delightful.
"The vital function that pets fulfill in this world hasn't been fully recognized. They keep millions of people sane." And the dog in the illustration is looking back at the man at the other end of the leash and saying, "heal."
The message, told in many different ways, is to enjoy life, savor each moment, and simply BE.
"Dogs emanate a goodness that people respond to. One of the joys of walking your dog is that often people come up to you and immediately their hearts open. They are not interested in you, of course. They want to pat your dog." As any dog owner knows -- too true.
Walk a dog through a park and children will surround it. They won't even notice the person at the end of the leash -- it's all about the dog. And that's fine with the dog.
Read the whole review at: http://www.examiner.com/book-in-natio...
March 13, 2010
Chris brought this book home from the library yesterday and I just sat down to thumb through it and found myself sucked in. It's a quick read, but one you'll want to go through more than once. The illustrations are delightful and really touching, fellow pet owners / animal lovers will agree. And I've always loved the words of Eckhart Tolle, despite my knee-jerk reaction to the word "God."
In short: Eckhart Tolle + Patrick McDonnell = Major Win.
In short: Eckhart Tolle + Patrick McDonnell = Major Win.
September 5, 2015
Eckhart Tolle is one of my favourite modern day philosophers, and this book which touches on the irrefutable value pets and nature have in our lives, really hits home.
August 29, 2019
Perfect gift for pet lovers.
January 6, 2016
I love this little gem of a book. It was just what I needed today. The illustrations by Patrick McDonnell of Mutts fame perfectly complement the Tolle's sort of koans about why dogs and cats teach us to be still in the present moment and to enjoy life.
"The vital function that pets fulfill in this
world hasn't been fully recognized.
They keep millions
of people sane." (Image is a dog on a leash looking back at his owner and saying, "Heal.")
"The dog has no self-image, good or bad,
so he has no need to play roles,
nor does he love himself of hate himself.
He has no self!
How to live free of the burden of self -
what a great spiritual teaching."
"I have lived
with many
Zen masters,
all of them cats."
"Dogs emanate a goodness that people respond to.
One of the joys of walking your dog is that often people
come up to you and immediately their hearts open.
They are not interested in you, of course. They want to pat your dog."
"The vital function that pets fulfill in this
world hasn't been fully recognized.
They keep millions
of people sane." (Image is a dog on a leash looking back at his owner and saying, "Heal.")
"The dog has no self-image, good or bad,
so he has no need to play roles,
nor does he love himself of hate himself.
He has no self!
How to live free of the burden of self -
what a great spiritual teaching."
"I have lived
with many
Zen masters,
all of them cats."
"Dogs emanate a goodness that people respond to.
One of the joys of walking your dog is that often people
come up to you and immediately their hearts open.
They are not interested in you, of course. They want to pat your dog."
August 10, 2017
"We are ultimately not separate, not from one another nor from any living thing - the flower, the tree, the cat, the dog. You can sense yourself in them, the essence of who you are. You could say God. There is a term, a Christian term which is beautiful.... loving the Creator in the creature."
THIS BOOK IS AMAZING. I love Eckhart Tolle's writings, and paired with the illustrations of Patrick McDonnell, this book is absolutely perfect. It discusses how we should be more like animals. They simply live in the moment, the now, and they never worry about the small day-to-day problems like us humans do. All of us worry, worry, worry our lives away. This isn't how it's supposed to be. This book is a quick read, with amazing illustrations, and the blurbs written speak volumes. Highly recommended for anyone spiritual, and even those who are not would probably enjoy this greatly written book.
THIS BOOK IS AMAZING. I love Eckhart Tolle's writings, and paired with the illustrations of Patrick McDonnell, this book is absolutely perfect. It discusses how we should be more like animals. They simply live in the moment, the now, and they never worry about the small day-to-day problems like us humans do. All of us worry, worry, worry our lives away. This isn't how it's supposed to be. This book is a quick read, with amazing illustrations, and the blurbs written speak volumes. Highly recommended for anyone spiritual, and even those who are not would probably enjoy this greatly written book.
February 23, 2016
I am subscribed to Eckhart Tolle‘s newsletter and the other day, thanks to it I learnt about a collaboration between Eckhart Tolle himself and Patrick McDonnell (the creator of the acclaimed comic strip MUTTS) on a book called Guardians of Being. What I have seen so far from it is cute, lovely, witty and thoughtful. Catching and reflecting the spirit of everything I’ve read from Tolle.
Update 2016-01-19: Finally read it today, I just found out the original book was published in 2010
https://theminimalism.wordpress.com/2...
Update 2016-01-19: Finally read it today, I just found out the original book was published in 2010
https://theminimalism.wordpress.com/2...
December 19, 2022
Dit boek is geschikt voor mensen die:
- rust waarderen of zoeken;
- (van) huisdieren houden.
Idealiter een combinatie van die twee. De eenvoudig mooie teksten en plaatjes laten je het hier en nu zien en voelen. Helemaal perfect als er tegelijkertijd een hond of kat in de kamer is. Zo las ik dit boek op de bank bij Koosha met zijn kat Pishi: ‘a guardian of being’.
“Everything natural - every flower, tree, and animal - has important lessons to teach us if we would only stop, look, and listen.”
- rust waarderen of zoeken;
- (van) huisdieren houden.
Idealiter een combinatie van die twee. De eenvoudig mooie teksten en plaatjes laten je het hier en nu zien en voelen. Helemaal perfect als er tegelijkertijd een hond of kat in de kamer is. Zo las ik dit boek op de bank bij Koosha met zijn kat Pishi: ‘a guardian of being’.
“Everything natural - every flower, tree, and animal - has important lessons to teach us if we would only stop, look, and listen.”
December 11, 2014
I love this book so much I want to buy myself and a couple of others a copy. It's very zen, explaining how we should be more like our best dog or our best cat. I love Patrick McConnell's illustrations and I love Mutts. There are some really great moments in this book, and I can't wait to share it with some friends.
July 15, 2015
Very calming
I love Patrick McDonnell's comic strip, "Mutts". I decided to buy this book because of him. I also really like what Eckhart Tolls says about humans needing to look at the world like animals do. We can be much happier and calmer.
I gave the book 4 stars instead of 5 because some of the print is very small and I was not able to make it bigger on my Kindle.
I love Patrick McDonnell's comic strip, "Mutts". I decided to buy this book because of him. I also really like what Eckhart Tolls says about humans needing to look at the world like animals do. We can be much happier and calmer.
I gave the book 4 stars instead of 5 because some of the print is very small and I was not able to make it bigger on my Kindle.
January 2, 2015
This is a touching book, that promises to be a tear jerker for anyone who loves their pets and is into mindfulness. I experienced a lot of joy while reading this book, and will re-read again and again.
April 11, 2017
"Dogs emanate a goodness people respond to.
One of the joys of walking your dog is that often people come up to you and immediately their hearts open.
They are not interested in you, of course.
They want to pat your dog."
One of the joys of walking your dog is that often people come up to you and immediately their hearts open.
They are not interested in you, of course.
They want to pat your dog."
Read
October 10, 2014love this book. art is lovely and the saying about as zen as you can get. get lost in the art and you will feel very zen
December 28, 2014
Amazing
The words alone were amazing, but combined with the artwork....trully a book to hold on to.
For kids ages 7 to 100.
The words alone were amazing, but combined with the artwork....trully a book to hold on to.
For kids ages 7 to 100.
April 9, 2015
"You are not separate from the whole.
You are one with the sun, the earth, the air.
You don't have a life.
You are life."
You are one with the sun, the earth, the air.
You don't have a life.
You are life."
June 13, 2015
I have cats, and somehow what's written in this book is absolutely right. Plus, amazing illustrations make it flows seamlessly; such a great collab. Definitely the child's book for grown-ups.
August 8, 2015
A very eye-opening and thought-provoking book about being. This is a very important book if you want to live and be. I felt different about our dogs after reading this.
April 24, 2016
Wow! I picked this book up from the library on a whim and I am so glad I did. Strongly recommend to anyone that has a little pup of their own. How amazing dogs are!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 317 reviews