Dear Friend, 

Here at the Eckhart Tolle Foundation, we know that many families and friends of incarcerated individuals face heavy burdens like anxiety, stress, loneliness, and a longing for to support their loved one's healing and wellbeing. We believe that Eckhart Tolle’s teachings can be a beacon of hope in those storms.

In this course, you’ll explore Eckhart’s core ideas about living in the present moment, letting go of painful thoughts, and discovering the peace and strength within you. It’s self-paced and designed to be simple and practical, offering guidance one step at a time. 

As Carlos Vasquez, a formerly incarcerated individual, shared:

"During my 17-year prison sentence, I sat in solitary confinement for 3 years. Time felt like both my enemy and my greatest teacher. One day, a prison guard—someone I once saw as an enemy—handed me a book that would change my life forever: The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. That book taught me presence, gave me peace, and ultimately set me free—not physically, but mentally and spiritually. It was more than just words on a page; it was a lifeline. And when I returned to the general population prison yard, I knew I had to share it with others. What started as a book exchange became a brotherhood of transformation, as men serving time together committed to becoming better before they walked out of those gates. Listen to our conversation about The Power of Now in the latest episode of the How To Battle Podcast." 

As one incarcerated learner shared: 

• “I’m so incredibly grateful! This may seem overly simple, but if you knew what I’ve had to endure these last 16 years… Eckhart’s teachings are helping me cope and find places of joy, peace, and gratitude.”

At the same time, we know that applying these teachings isn’t always easy, especially when life feels painful or overwhelming. Another incarcerated learner shared:

• “Sometimes I feel like I’m just not able to get it, even though it all sounds so simple, like ‘make friends with the moment of now.’ But it’s hard when my ‘now’ feels painful. I wish there were small steps and checkpoints to help me know how I’m doing.”

This course is here to help you take small, steady steps toward something life-changing, finding peace in the middle of chaos. Even when the weight of your past or your surroundings feels too heavy, there is a quiet strength inside you waiting to be remembered. Each moment you choose presence, you begin to reclaim your power. By showing up for yourself, you are also helping to awaken something greater. You are part of a rising consciousness, a more compassionate world, "a new earth".

Thank you for your presence.

Warmly, 

The Eckhart Tolle Foundation Team