“Life has a way of unexpectedly touching the heart, expanding our consciousness, and sparking insights in profound ways.”
~ Amy Edelstein
Innovative Educator | Author | Meditation Teacher
Co-Founder of Emergence Education & Its Publishing House
Founder of the Inner Strength Foundation
People ask me how I ended up dedicating my life to personal and cultural change. Like so many of us, I took a path that now seems to be a clear set of steps and choices, yet as my life unfolded unexpected turns always led me to the next venture. Early on, I began exploring shifts of perspectives, the nature of awareness, and models to transform ourselves and the culture we live in. I consciously began this work in the late 1970s, though that stirring was there in my earliest memories. I was always wondering: How did we get to where we are? How can we make the world a more loving and awakened place to live? What is our deeper purpose and higher capacities?
My journey led me around the world and back again. From Pittsburgh to Jerusalem, from Cornell to Kathmandu, from the Berkshire Hills to Center City, Philadelphia . . .
The Inner Strength Foundation is where most of Amy’s time and energy is currently directed. Established in 2014 to foster inner strength for outer stability in today’s youth, ISF brings the tools of mindfulness and the perspective of cultural development to 15,000 students and more than 1,200 teachers in inner city classrooms. ISF believes that the promise of our future rests on curious, compassionate, and grounded minds and hearts. Its work is dedicated to empowering the youth of today to become the great leaders of tomorrow.
Programs for Educators & Teens
Amy combines intellectual audacity and originality with deep spiritual insight, all wrapped in a gentle, thoughtful approach that allows for real depth!
Being on retreat feels like the threshold of the life I have been working toward for years. A turning point this dramatic is rarely so gentle and quiet… So grateful for the teachings, the community, and the beautiful environment.