Chapter 1: The Unconscious Self
CHOOSING PRESENCE PP. 1-12
Overview
In Chapter 1 - The Unconscious Mind, author Jim Heaney discusses the unconscious mind, emphasizing its significant yet often unnoticed impact on our daily lives, including causing inner conflicts, fears, and low self-esteem. He references Carl Jung's assertion that 95% of people are unconscious 95% of the time, highlighting the unconscious mind's sinister potential. Heaney advocates for practicing presence and stillness to create a spiritual foundation that counters negative thoughts and emotions, leading to a sense of calm, peace, and union with a higher power. He argues that fear, particularly the fear of death, arises from an unconscious state focused on future imagined dangers rather than present realities. Stillness and encounters of unconditional love can help diminish these fears, providing a taste of the eternal and transforming our relationship with fear.
Get Your Copy of Choosing Presence
This course is designed as a companion to Choosing Presence by Jim Heaney — the two work hand-in-hand, with the book providing the foundational ideas and reflections that the course builds upon. To get the most out of your experience, we strongly encourage you to have a copy of the book alongside you as you move through the lessons.
The good news: Choosing Presence is affordable and well worth the modest investment. Whether you're new to these ideas or returning to deepen your practice, the book is a resource you'll find yourself revisiting again and again.
“I am just like you. My immediate response to most situations is with reactions of attachment, defensiveness, judgment, control, and analysis. Let’s admit that we all start there.”
— Richard Rohr, Radical Grace: Daily Meditations
Practice Presence
Practicing presence is an essential daily practice while learning and developing a regular centering and contemplative personal routine.
Begin Your PracticeThe Morning Practice
The "Morning Practice" in the Practicing Presence app is the easiest way to develop a regular practice.
Chapter 1 Summary
Review Jim Heaney's summary of "The Unconscious Self" to anchor your understanding of the chapter.
