"Despite the demands which are made upon by the world, we must pause at frequent intervals during the day and during the night for the practice of the Presence." 

              Joel Goldsmith, "Practicing the Presence: The Inspirational Guide to Regaining Meaning and a Sense of Purpose In Your Life"

Practice is the key to mastering ANYTHING.  I've just begun taking a Tai Chi class.  I knew, going into it, that it would take me a long time to become proficient at it...and I'm perfectly ok with that.   It is wonderful to slow down, to be present and to just enjoy the new movements I'm learning.  

There are many others in the room who seem to have a similar attitude AND there are a few who are visibly frustrated, lashing out at the 86 year old instructor who has the persona of a cantankerous grump but who most of us recognize as a true lover of people and the art of Tai Chi. 

Ours is a culture of "fast, temporary relief."  So how do we "practice the presence?"  By taking a path of patient, dedicated persistence without attachment to immediate results.  By training yourself to see or feel the presence and activity of Spirit in everything around you.

I admire the practice of Muslims who have formal prayer scheduled 5 times a day.  You too can create your own "schedule" of prayer.  While you face the demands of the day, you can pause at frequent intervals to just know God, saying a few words to yourself that help you remember peace and joy are the truth about life.

Spiritual wisdom is first known by the intellect and then by embodying spiritual principles.  We acquire a new consciousness of God with our feelings, through listening more and more to that still small voice within, and by making these truths an active part of our mind daily.

As Joel Goldsmith says, "The we make the transition from being hearers of the Word to being doers of the Word.  Then we shall be abiding in the Word and shall bear fruit richly.”

Practice:

Make a commitment to pray or become aware of the divine at least 3 times a day for the next 21 days.  Any way you choose is fine!  A few words of prayer, a mantra, just breathing and taking in the beauty of nature...choose a method that allows you to bring the divine qualities of peace, joy, love, and beauty into your day to day living.