The Power of a New Start
Practicing Presence | A Spiritual Intention
🪷 Vol. 3 / Issue 1 ~ Sunday, January 4, 2026
Encouragement and practical guidance for those learning the Practice of Presence.
Choosing Presence is an Illuman Partner Program.
The Power of a New Start: Choosing Presence Over Unconsciousness
By Brian Mueller
As we step across the threshold of this new year, many of us carry the weight of a common, silent companion: inner negativity. We often wake with minds already racing, feeling the pressure of deadlines or the phantom echoes of past mistakes. We think this mental busyness is productive, yet more often than not, it is simply the "unconscious self" spinning its wheels.
This unconscious mind thrives on memory and anticipation rather than what is happening at this very moment. It makes us captives of what was and hostages of what might be. When we allow our ego to lead, we are never quite "with" ourselves. In the words of Jim Heaney, "To live in the unconscious mind is to be physically here when our mind is somewhere else".
The beginning of a new year is the perfect time to recognize that this inner chaos is not an inevitable part of our identity, but a habit of the unobserved mind. Presence is the shift that allows us to reclaim our lives from these distractions. By choosing to be still, we stop the negative dialogue and reconnect with the vibrant inner life that is God's eternal promise to us.
Journal Practice: A Moment of Reflection
Take a few moments to look back at the past year. Can you identify one habitual thought pattern that consistently pulled you away from the present? As you consider this pattern, notice how it might have created a "fog of abstraction" that diluted your actual experiences. What would it feel like to let that fog lift today?
Action: Stepping into the Now
We invite you to begin this year with a daily morning Practice of Presence. To help sustain this rhythm, please download our free mobile app, Practicing Presence, and set the hourly reminders to ground you throughout your day.
Today’s Exercise
Spend two minutes in silence. Breathe slowly and consciously, filling your lungs completely. As you exhale, mentally repeat the phrase “I am here” to anchor yourself in the reality of this moment.
The Fruit of Our Practice: Our 2025 Gift to Illuman
A core objective of our Awakening to Presence course is to support the contemplative mission of Illuman, our partner organization, in their dedicated efforts to help men find strength, healing, and clarity through honest, authentic conversations along with shared experiences.
We are honored to announce a net donation of $1,359.37 to Illuman.
You’re Invited:
Choosing Presence Men’s Retreat
January 23–25, 2026 | Carmelite Spiritual Center
For three winter days, we’ll step away from the noise of daily life and enter a sacred rhythm of stillness and brotherhood. Co-led by Jim Heaney (author of Choosing Presence), Pastor Jim Taylor, and Brian Mueller, this retreat will ground you in the Practice of Presence. No experience is necessary—just a desire to be present to the Holy.
Share Your Story and Inspire Others
Your experience with Choosing Presence matters. If the book, the app, or the course has supported your journey, we’d love to hear how. Help others discover the power of stillness by sharing a brief testimonial. As a thank-you, we will send a $10 Amazon gift card for every story we accept for publication.
A Gift for Your New Year
As we step into 2026, we want to help you sustain the habit of presence. Download our free Choosing Presence Calendar (2026) to accompany your daily practice. You can view the PDF on your device, print it at home, or order a professionally printed copy.
Choosing Presence Resources
Looking for a place to start or a way to go deeper? Visit our new Resources Landing Page to find everything you need to cultivate a rhythm of meditation and centering.
📖 The Book: Jim Heaney’s guide to living grounded in God’s peace.
📱 The App: Daily guided breathing and hourly reminders for iOS and Android.
💻 Online Course: A self-paced journey into stillness and clarity.
🎥 Video Library: Talks and teachings on the power of presence.
The Practice of Presence is a form of contemplative prayer, meditation, and mindful breathing that helps individuals to ground themselves in the peace of the present moment. Through the teachings and resources provided, we endeavor to support everyone on a spiritual journey. Our work is inspired and informed by Choosing Presence: How to Access God’s Peace and Release Fear, Anxiety, and Stress.
May we continue to walk this path together—returning to stillness, choosing presence, and living more fully in God’s peace.
Jim Heaney • Jim Taylor • Brian Mueller
Brian Mueller – Poet, Community Organizer, and Spiritual Guide
Brian Mueller is a poet and community organizer based in Dayton, Ohio. He serves as Director of Education & Engagement for ChoosingPresence.org and is an active member of the Ohio Chapter of Illuman, where he co-leads writing retreats that support men’s spiritual journeys. As a writer, Brian is known for his candid, accessible poetry, with works including Cock‑A‑Doodle‑Doo: 100 Morning Haiku, the Poem of the Day series, and the Bull Series. Inspired by poets like Rumi and Mary Oliver, he believes everyone carries the voice of a poet within.
