Chapter 3: Stillness
CHOOSING PRESENCE PP. 25-38
Overview
In Chapter 3 - Stillness, author Jim Heaney discusses the transformative power of stillness, emphasizing that it allows individuals to choose between inner chaos or peace. By consciously engaging in stillness, one can lift the ego's distortion of reality, revealing the present moment's calm and peace. Heaney argues that stillness is a gateway to spiritual presence, enabling individuals to overcome anxiety and compulsive thinking. He shares his personal experience of over 20 years, noting that stillness with intention consistently brings calm and peace, supported by God's spiritual energy. Heaney concludes that true stillness, as commanded in Psalm 46:10, is essential for experiencing God's presence and inner transformation.
Aren’t you, like me, hoping that some person, thing, or event will come along to give you that final feeling of inner well-being you desire? ...As long as you are waiting for that mysterious moment, you will go on running helter-skelter, always anxious and restless, always lustful and angry, never fully satisfied. This is the way to spiritual exhaustion and burn-out. This is the way to spiritual death.
— Henri Nouwen, Life of the Beloved
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 3 Summary
Review Jim Heaney's summary of "Stillness" to anchor your understanding of the chapter.
