Chapter 8: We All Want Peace
CHOOSING PRESENCE P. 97
Explore the concept that true peace is akin to the kingdom of heaven, present within us.
Summary
This section compares practicing presence to the mustard seed in the Bible—it starts small, but with time and consistency, it grows into something powerful. Even the smallest moments of mindfulness and stillness can lead to deep, lasting peace. Just like the mustard seed grows into something much greater, your daily practice of presence can expand into a profound experience of God’s peace within you.
The practice of presence is much like that mustard seed. It is so simple, so unobtrusive, so easy to fit into our lives. Yet as we practice regularly—as we continually experience the power of God’s spiritual energy in our everyday lives—the practice of presence becomes so much more than a spiritual practice.
— Choosing Presence, p. 97
A Moment for Reflection
Pause for a moment and reflect on the following three questions:
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This question encourages you to see that presence doesn’t have to be a big event—it can grow from small, intentional moments.
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This helps you recognize the power of steady, intentional practice in shaping your inner experience over time.
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This invites you to consider presence as something that deepens with care and intention, much like any other meaningful growth in life.
Deepening the Practice: Journal Prompt
Just like the mustard seed in the Bible, the practice of presence starts small but has the potential to grow into something profound. Choosing Presence reminds us that peace isn’t something we have to chase—it’s something that naturally expands within us through small, consistent moments of stillness and awareness. Over time, these moments become more than just a practice; they become a way of living, shaping how we experience the world and connect with God’s presence.
Think about a small habit or practice in your life that started as something simple but grew into something meaningful. How might the same be true for presence? What are a few small, realistic ways you can nurture peace in your daily life—moments where you can pause, breathe, and be fully present? Imagine how your experience of life might shift if you made presence a steady, growing practice. Write about how you can begin planting those seeds today.