Born in Germany in 1948, spiritual author and teacher Eckhart Tolle also lived in Spain and England before settling in Vancouver, Canada, where he has resided since 1995. Tolle received his education at the Universities of London and Cambridge. Following several sustained periods of depression, at the age of 29 Tolle experienced an enlightenment that dramatically changed the course of his life. His subsequent spiritual teachings have focused on awareness of the present moment, freedom from negativity, and the attainment of inner peace. Tolle does not align himself with any specific religion or tradition. Tolle wrote the New York Times bestseller "The Power of Now," which has been translated… into 33 languages, as well as "A New Earth." These two titles are considered to be among the most influential spiritual books in recent times. Tolle has also recorded many audio interviews and a video. Tolle is a public speaker who teaches and travels throughout the world. "A New Earth" was chosen in January 2008 by Oprah Winfrey as a book club selection.
PATRICK MCDONNELL is the creator of the Mutts comic strip, which recently celebrated its fifteenth anniversary, as well as several bestselling and acclaimed children's books including Me . . . Jane , The Gift of Nothing, Hug Time, Wag!, Just Like Heaven, South, and Art . He has been hailed as "the next Charles Schulz." Patrick sits on the board of directors of the Humane Society of the United States, and has won numerous awards for both Mutts and his animal welfare work. He is also the co-creator of Guardians of Being with Eckhart Tolle. He lives in New Jersey with his wife, Karen, their formerly feral cat, MeeMow, and their newly adopted terrier, Amelie.