The Unconscious Self
Making Meaning of the Message
As we practice presence in our daily lives, our awareness changes. We realize that not just some, but almost all of our inner fears and conflicts—our stress, anxiety, worry, and lack of self-esteem—arise when we are in an unconscious state, living through memory or anticipation, being led by our ego mind. It becomes very clear to us that when our thoughts become compulsive and repetitive, they become useless and anxiety-producing. If some of us doubt that that is the case, all we have to do is ask ourselves in those times of inner distress, “Am I present now?” The answer will always be no.
That is why the practice of presence is so essential. We cannot create inner chaos in the present moment. Fears do not exist in the present moment. Even if we are suffering, we don’t feel alone and isolated because there is a sense of God’s peace around the suffering. We are not alone.
Once we realize through the practice of presence that we have allowed that voice in our head, our negative ego, to control too much of our life, that is the beginning of the end of self-created suffering. Through the peace of the present moment we have a true alternative, a true perspective of reality now. We are grounded in the only reality there is: this moment —the only access point to God’s Spirit within us and an intimate relationship with him.
Set the Intention
God, through your peace make me aware of the inner negative dialogue I create when I am unconscious and allowing my ego mind to lead me instead of choosing your peace, which is always here now.
Practice Presence
Bring in Stillness
Slowly, take a deep breath in through your nose, focusing on the breath as it goes all the way down to your abdomen and fills your lungs and you cannot take in any more air. This makes it easier to focus on your breath. Thinking and breathing at the same time will not do us any good.
Slowly let out your breath through your nose until all the air is completely released. The out-breath should be longer than the in-breath.
Repeat three times to access God’s spiritual energy and renew yourself. If a thought should come into your mind, just watch it. Do not react to it.
Ask the Three Questions
As you slowly take a deep breath in, ask yourself:
(1) Am I present now?
Then slowly let the breath out until all the air is released.
As you slowly take in the next deep breath, ask your- self:
(2) How do I feel inside?
Then as you slowly exhale, focus on how you feel at this moment inside.
As you slowly take the last deep breath, ask yourself:
(3) Do I have a sense of peace within at some level?
As you let all the air out, focus on how you feel inside. Even if you don’t have a sense of calm and peace at some level, just continue to breathe.
Every time we breathe it renews us throughout the day. Use the Practicing Presence—A Christian Way app to help you remember to take three conscious breaths or more every hour, to access God’s spiritual energy.
*Heaney, Jim. “The Unconscious Mind.” Choosing Presence, Turning Stone Press, 2020, pp. 9-11. [Adapted with permission.]
