When you are present, you will know the Presence. It is that simple, and it is that hard.

God comes to you disguised as your life," as my friend Paula D'Arcy so wisely says.

All we can do is keep our egos out of the way, note and weep over our defensive behaviors, keep our various centers from closing down—and the Presence that is surely the Highest Power is then obvious, all-embracing, and immediately effective. The immediate embrace is from God's side.

Contemplation is a spiritual practice that has the potential to heal, and connect us to the source of our being.

Presence is experienced in a participative way, outside the mind.

Because far too many religious folks do not seriously pursue this "reverence humming within them," they do not recognize

spirituality

Words and complex rituals almost get in the way at this point. All you can really do is return such Presence with your own presence.

All that each of us can do is to live in the now that is given. We cannot rush the process;

In this high place it is as simple as this, Leave everything you know behind. Step toward the cold surface, say the old prayer of rough love and open both arms. Those who come with empty hands will stare into the lake astonished, there, in the cold light reflecting pure snow, the true shape of your own face. David Whyte, "Tilicho Lake"   Conservatives

Contemplation is really the change that changes everything—especially, first of all, the seer.

Stop trying. Stop forcing reality. Learn the mystery of surrender and trust, and then it will be done unto you, through you, with you, in you, and, very often, in spite of you.