An Accessible Path to Peace and Wholeness
Practice of Presence Teaching by Brian Mueller
It’s hard to walk past a bookshelf without checking out a few titles. Sooner or later, one will stand out and demand you pick it up to see what it’s all about. Authors and publishers know how much a good title, or even just the cover, can draw in a reader. So, what would you think if you stumbled upon Choosing Presence? Would the subtitle, How to Access God’s Peace and Release Fear, Anxiety, and Stress, compel you to read further? Something tells me you’d pick it up.
What sets Choosing Presence apart is how practical and personally grounded it is. It doesn’t just teach the Practice of Presence—it shares author Jim Heaney’s lived experience of seeking presence. Rooted in the Christian tradition, the book offers a clear path to daily presence, guided by a trustworthy spiritual companion and is written in a style that invites both reflection and participation.
As part of my work and outreach, it’s my pleasure to spread the word about Choosing Presence. Fortunately, the book is very well-written and a breeze to read. I’ve read it many times, and I continue to find new layers of depth each time through the text.
Choosing Presence is more than a guide to meditation and contemplative prayer. Yes, it’s filled with practical instructions for developing a daily meditation practice, but it also tells the story of Jim Heaney’s personal journey to become more present in everyday life. The book is organized into eight chapters that move from why the practice of presence is so essential to how it can provide the peace we all desire. Throughout, Jim grounds the practice in the Christian tradition, making this timeless wisdom accessible and trustworthy, especially in a culture overwhelmed by fear, anxiety, and distraction.
Many readers and spiritual seekers will initially be drawn in by the title Choosing Presence. Yet as they begin reading, they’ll soon discover something far more profound: a practice that not only helps them relax but also offers a lasting peace and a permanent path towards healing and wholeness.
If you haven’t already, pick up a copy of Choosing Presence—for yourself and for a loved one. The Practice of Presence is meant to be shared in community. And I believe you’ll find the text inviting, engaging, and deeply helpful, no matter where you are on your spiritual journey.
