Explore Insights on Choosing Presence & the Practice of Presence
Browse, reflect, and embrace the practice of presence!
Welcome to our collection of thought-provoking articles designed to inspire and support your journey towards daily calm and presence. Here, you’ll find deep reflections on Choosing Presence and the Practice of Presence, along with explorations of contemplative prayer, meditation, and the art of living in the moment.
Whether you’re seeking practical guidance, fresh perspectives, or a deeper understanding of presence in daily life, these articles offer valuable wisdom to help you cultivate stillness, awareness, and a stronger connection with God.
The Power of a New Start
Practice of Presence Teaching
As we enter 2026, we explore how to shift from the "unobserved mind" into a vibrant inner life. Discover the impact of our 2025 gift to Illuman, find details for our upcoming Chicago retreat, and access free tools to help you sustain a rhythm of stillness throughout the year.
Choose Presence in 2026!
Choosing Presence Calendar (2026)
The Choosing Presence Calendar (2026) is a helpful companion for living in the present moment. With monthly reflections, simple practices, and reminders to pause and breathe, this free calendar invites you to begin again—returning to peace that is always here.
The Practice of Presence: A Path for Men and Women Seeking God
Spiritual Growth & Presence
Choosing Presence began with men’s spiritual journeys through Illuman, but today our mission serves all people seeking stillness, awareness, and intimacy with God. Learn how the Practice of Presence offers resources for men, women, and spiritual directors alike.
The Unconscious Self: Awakening to Presence
Practice of Presence Teaching
So often, we move through our days on autopilot—our minds racing with regrets from yesterday or anxieties about tomorrow. In those moments, we lose touch with the only place God’s Spirit is ever truly found: the present. When we learn to slow down, notice our breath, and quiet the ego’s chatter, something shifts. Fear loosens its grip, inner noise gives way to stillness, and we rediscover a peace that does not depend on circumstances. Presence is more than a practice; it’s a way of living awake to God’s mystery holding us in every moment.
The Practice of Presence: Where Peace Begins
Practice of Presence Teaching
Each morning, I begin in stillness—sitting upright, hand over my heart, and asking for inner transformation. Breath anchors me in the present moment, whether through Dr. Andrew Weil’s 4-7-8 Breath or pairing my inhale with a sacred word like “Yahweh” or “Jesus.” Throughout the day, I pause for three conscious breaths and ask, Am I present now? How do I feel inside? Do I have a sense of peace within? These simple moments return me to God’s presence, quiet my thoughts, and help me live from my authentic self.