Chapter 8: We All Want Peace
CHOOSING PRESENCE PP. 93-95
Examine the reasons behind our resistance to embracing God's peace.
Summary
This section explores a common struggle—we all want peace, but sometimes we resist it without even realizing it. Why? Because letting go of control can feel uncomfortable, and surrendering to something greater than ourselves can be scary. Our ego and unconscious habits often get in the way, keeping us stuck in stress and overthinking. But the more we recognize this pattern, the easier it becomes to step beyond it and actually experience the peace we’re searching for.
Why would we resist the very thing all of us so badly want in our lives? In a nutshell, God’s peace isn’t something we can control or create, which in our ego-dominated unconsciousness makes us uncomfortable.
— Choosing Presence, p. 93
A Moment for Reflection
Pause for a moment and reflect on the following three questions:
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This question invites you to reflect on whether your pursuit of peace is actually blocking you from fully experiencing it.
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This encourages self-awareness around any resistance to peace and the deeper emotions that may be driving it.
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This prompts you to consider the possibility of peace as something always accessible rather than something that must be controlled.
Deepening the Practice: Journal Prompt
Even though we say we want peace, we often resist it without realizing it. Letting go of control can feel unsettling, and surrendering to a deeper presence requires trust. Choosing Presence reminds us that peace isn’t something we create—it’s something we allow. But our ego, habits, and fears can make us hold on tightly to stress and overthinking instead. When we become aware of this resistance, we can start to release it and step into the peace that has always been available to us.
Think about a time when peace was available to you, but you resisted it—maybe by overanalyzing, trying to control an outcome, or staying stuck in worry. What were you afraid would happen if you truly let go? How might your experience have been different if you had surrendered to peace instead of resisting it? Write about one way you can practice trusting peace rather than trying to control it in your daily life.