Free yourself from unhelpful thoughts and emotions and learn to live peacefully in the present

1 Introduction Characteristics of Presence Ego Presence & Mindfulness How to Cultivate Presence The Origins of Presence Presence & Religion How Our Thoughts ChangeThe Prompts to Write This Book Using This Book Points for ReflectionOptional Learning Activities 2 BodyLooking After Our Bodies Working with Tiredness & Illness Managing Pain through Presence Exercise & MovementThe Breath Sexuality Points for Reflection Optional Learning Activities 3 People Land of Presence Love & Control Knowing Our Triggers Creating Space & Letting Go ‘Difficult’ People & Situations Presence through Communication True Listening Solitude & Loneliness Friendship 61 Changes to Personal Relationships Understanding Our Impact on People Points for ReflectionOptional Learning Activities 4 Meditation Time, Duration & Frequency Meditation Posture Location, Entrance & Exit Meditation Technique Presence Meditation Presence Meditation -- Stage One -- Thought Presence Meditation -- Stage Two -- Breath Presence Meditation -- Stage Three -- Exclusively Present Meditation Challenges Reflection & Planning Teachers, Groups & Religious Movements Mini Meditations Motivation Presence Meditation - Quick Reference Guide Points for Reflection Optional Learning Activities Meditation 5 Internal Hindrances & The EgoSensory Desire Ill Will Sloth & TorporRestlessness & Worry Doubt Hindrances Summary Application outside of Meditation The EgoResponding to Difficult Feelings Worldly ConditionsTriggering the Hindrances in OthersHindrances during Sleep Points for Reflection Optional Learning Activities 6 Simplicity Balancing Simplicity with Wisdom & Compassion Simple & Repetitive Activities Simplicity & Assets The Simplicity ParadoxTechnology & Messaging WaitingAssets, De-cluttering & Physical Spaciousness Streamlining Simplicity of the Present MomentPoints for Reflection Optional Learning Activities 7 Addictions How Addictions Are Created Gaining Freedom from Addictions The World’s Biggest Addiction Relating to Addictions Addictions Attracting Addictions Points for Reflection Optional Learning Activities 8 Stillness, Spaciousness & Nature Stillness of the Body Space between Objects SilenceSpace between Hindrances SleepNaturePoints for Reflection Optional Learning Activities 9 Acceptance How to Accept Working with ResistanceRelative & Absolute AcceptanceOptions for Cultivating Acceptance Acceptance of Our Relative Self The Four A’s Cycle Points for ReflectionOptional Learning Activities 10 Work & Service Conflicting & Complementary Views The Three Modalities of Awakened Doing Concentration Identifications at Work Reviewing Work & Service Points for Reflection Optional Learning Activities 11 Teachers, Religion & Study Spiritual Teachers & Religious MovementsSpiritual Retreats Studying Spiritual Teachings Time & Motivation to Study Points for Reflection Optional Learning Activities 12 Structuring Our PracticeCreating a Presence Inventory Striking the Right BalanceJournalling & Writing Practising with Others Progress & Measurement Creating Time for Structured Practice Anchoring Our Practice Points for Reflection Optional Learning ActivitiesAfterwordAcknowledgements Notes BibliographyAbout the Author