Quieting the Storm Within
Practice of Presence Teaching by Brian Mueller
In Chapter 3 of Choosing Presence, Jim Heaney introduces stillness as the foundation of all spiritual practice. Stillness is not simply the absence of noise; it is a deep inner quiet where we let go of compulsive thoughts and fears and allow God’s Spirit to meet us in the present moment. When I first began reflecting on this, I realized how rarely I allowed myself to enter that space. My days were filled with constant motion, mental chatter, and the endless push to get more done.
This contrast is striking: our typical lives are noisy, rushed, and cluttered. We are taught to equate busyness with worth, and achievement with significance. But stillness interrupts this cycle. It is like stepping out of a wind tunnel of 48,000 thoughts, most of them negative, and discovering a calm center that was there all along. In that center we find clarity, self-compassion, and the unmistakable presence of God.
Of course, this isn’t easy. Many of us resist stillness because it feels vulnerable to be alone with ourselves and with God. We fear judgment, or we simply can’t imagine stepping away from our addiction to constant activity. Yet as Jim points out, those very habits keep us from the life we long for. We are asked to trust that God’s invitation to stillness is not condemnation but love.
And here’s the crucial thing: knowing about stillness is not the same as practicing it. We cannot think our way into presence. We must act—taking conscious breaths, pausing throughout the day, creating space to listen. Only then does stillness become more than an idea; it becomes a doorway to God’s peace.
Take the Next Steps in Presence
Ready to go deeper? These journaling questions will help you reflect on Chapter 3 of Choosing Presence and guide you into greater awareness and stillness.
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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.
