Chapter 8: We All Want Peace
CHOOSING PRESENCE PP. 98-100
Summary for Chapter 8
We All Want Peace: The Practice of Presence Gets Us There
Peace is not something to chase—it is already within, waiting to be recognized. Jim Heaney explains that most people search for peace in external circumstances, hoping that the right conditions, achievements, or relationships will bring lasting contentment. However, true peace is not found in the future but in presence, in fully experiencing the now.
The mind’s tendency to create problems, worry about the future, or dwell on the past is what disrupts peace. Heaney encourages practicing presence as a way to step beyond these thought patterns, allowing for a direct experience of stillness and divine love. Through simple, consistent practices—such as mindful awareness, conscious breathing, and releasing attachment to mental noise—peace becomes more accessible in everyday life.
Rather than being something fleeting or dependent on outside circumstances, peace is a natural state that can be cultivated through awareness. By committing to presence, life becomes less about seeking and more about being, leading to a deeper, more constant sense of inner calm.
Chapter 8: Making Meaning of the Message
I believe at our core we all long for God’s peace. But at the same time, we tend to be unaware of what is blocking true spiritual peace in our lives. No matter what our individual circumstances are, it is always unconsciousness when we flood our minds with compulsive, repetitive negative thoughts, emotions, and reactions, and that causes us to lose access to the power and peace of the present moment. The peace of the present moment keeps us coming back and renews us throughout the day. We won’t settle for getting lost in compulsive negative thinking. We know we have a choice. We stop mistaking that unconscious voice in our head for who we are. Our ego no longer has power over us. That is the greatest gift God has given us—divine presence and peace right now. Presence is not a mindset but a surrender to the spiritual power of the present moment, which humbles us because we know we cannot do anything meaningful in our life without connecting to God’s spiritual energy through stillness. That is when God changes us from the inside, which ultimately changes everything we do outside.
JPeace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
The Practicing Presence Journal
Set aside a dedicated space for your reflections on practicing presence—whether it’s a lined notebook, a digital document, or a note-taking app on your phone. Use it to explore the journaling questions provided in the PDF below. We encourage you to revisit these prompts throughout the week and notice how your responses may shift as your experience of presence deepens.
Download the Free
Practicing Presence App
➜ Start with the Morning Practice.
➜ Be sure to enable hourly notifications and reminders.
➜ Simple to install and easy to use.
➜ Check out our download and installation tutorials.
Guided Practice of Presence
The Practice of Presence is about shifting from unconscious, fear-driven thinking to an awareness of the present moment, where God’s peace is always available. Below are step-by-step instructions to guide you through this practice:
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Sit in a comfortable, upright position in a place free from distractions. Keep the spine straight, and if possible, close your eyes to minimize external stimulation.
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Before starting, acknowledge the purpose: to quiet the mind, become present, and connect with God’s peace. A simple prayer can help:
“God, all goodness comes from You. Let Your peace flow through me.”
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Use the breath to anchor awareness in the present:
Take a slow, deep breath in through the nose, filling the lungs completely.
Hold for a brief moment, feeling the stillness.
Slowly exhale through the nose, releasing tension.
Repeat this cycle for several breaths.
To deepen your focus, silently repeat a sacred word like “Jesus” or “Yahweh” on each inhale and exhale.
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As the inner noise settles, begin to notice a deeper sense of peace. This is where God’s Spirit is most accessible. Rather than striving for an experience, allow presence to unfold naturally.
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Practicing presence is not just for morning meditation—it’s a way of living. Remember to take three conscious breaths throughout the day.
Ask yourself these three questions:
If I am at peace, do I know why?
If I am not at peace, do I know why?
If I am not at peace, do I know how to get back to peace?
Use the Practicing Presence: A Christian Way App to do the actual practice and the hourly intention.
