Chapter 4: Accessing Presence
CHOOSING PRESENCE PP. 40-43
To understand and embrace presence as an active, daily spiritual practice essential for connecting with God's Spirit.
Summary
This section of the text explores the concept of presence as a foundational spiritual practice, akin to prayer or meditation, that aligns us with the divine energy within. It emphasizes the action-oriented nature of spiritual practices, highlighting how regular engagement with presence—particularly through mindful breathing—can transform our lives. The section challenges participants to integrate presence into their daily routines to access the peace and clarity of the present moment, facilitating a deeper relationship with God.
Presence is first and foremost a spiritual practice. It is not something we can wish for or just talk about and expect to reap its benefits. And it is not something we can do once and think we know what it is all about. For us to truly understand the power of being present, we have to get in the habit of doing it every day.
— Choosing Presence, p. 40
A Moment for Reflection
Pause for a moment and reflect on the following three questions:
-
Reflect on whether you treat presence as a daily discipline or if you tend to wait for peaceful moments to arise naturally. How might a shift in perspective change your experience?
-
Consider whether distractions, habits, or fears pull you away from staying present. What steps could help you overcome these barriers?
-
Imagine how consistently choosing presence—rather than just thinking about it—could shift your connection with divine peace and clarity. What small, practical habit could you start today?
Remember to Download the Free Practicing Presence App!
Start your day with a morning meditation and get hourly reminders to return to presence with three conscious breaths. This free app is an essential tool for deepening your practice and staying connected with God’s presence.
Deepening the Practice: Journal Prompt
Presence isn’t something that just happens—it’s a practice. Choosing Presence reminds us that experiencing true stillness and connection with God requires regular, intentional effort. Just like physical exercise strengthens the body, practicing presence strengthens our ability to stay aware and engaged in the moment. Without consistency, it’s easy to fall back into distraction and unconscious thinking. The real question is: Are we making presence a daily habit, or just something we hope for when life slows down?
Reflect on how often you intentionally practice presence in your daily life. Do you make space for stillness and awareness, or do distractions and routines pull you away? What are the biggest obstacles that keep you from being present? Write about one small way you could integrate presence into your day—whether it’s mindful breathing, pausing before reacting, or simply noticing the moment you’re in. How might this shift deepen your sense of peace and connection with God?