Our awareness of the present moment is one and the same as the Presence within us that grants us that awareness. This revelation literally points to the entrance of an unthinkably confident relationship with life. The nearer we come to understanding the promise of this insight, the closer we are to knowing a self-command that can’t be taken from us. Here’s why: The awareness of our living relationship with the present moment — our willingness to consciously practice its presence — empowers us to know what’s best for us without having to think about it.

This level of awareness sees what is real and what is not. And the more we place ourselves in the presence of this indwelling light, the more we will see small miracles take place before our very eyes. Quiet command over all that unfolds becomes as effortless for us as it is for the spreading light of dawn to chase away morning shadows. An upwelling confidence in the secret goodness of life replaces conflict and self-doubt. After all, how can we fail to find the fearless life we seek when reality itself points the way!

Instead of relying on what is powerless to deliver us from what disturbs us — as we’ve always done in the past – we can choose to wake up and practice the Presence! When we do, that dreaded bad dream of feeling powerless in the face of some situation “bigger” than we are can’t get started because we quietly refuse to let it start and to render us helpless. When we choose to wake up and practice the Presence, we place ourselves in the presence of a power that ensures our perfect safety.