The Art of Presence
A Meditation by Rev. Cameron Trimble
“Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)
• • •
There’s a Buddhist story about a young monk named Hideaki, who sought enlightenment from a revered master. Hideaki asked the master, “What must I do to become wise?” The master responded, “Chop wood. Carry water.” Confused but obedient, Hideaki spent the next several weeks performing these simple tasks.
Frustrated by the apparent lack of progress, Hideaki returned to the master. “I’ve done what you said,” he protested, “but I feel no closer to enlightenment.” The master smiled and replied, “Then chop wood. Carry water. Be present to the chopping. Be present to the carrying. Attend to each movement with your full being, and you will begin to understand.”
Hideaki returned to his tasks, this time with a different focus. Instead of rushing through them, he allowed himself to feel the weight of the axe, the rhythm of the swing, the coolness of the water as it spilled over the edges of the bucket. In the simplicity of his work, he discovered something profound: the sacredness of the present moment. The mundane tasks became an opening to wisdom, peace, and connection to all things.
In a world that pulls us in a thousand directions, we often live on autopilot, rushing from one task to the next. But what if we paused? What if, like Hideaki, we attended fully to the moment at hand? What might we discover in the rhythm of washing dishes, the warmth of a shared meal, or the quiet of an evening walk?
The wisdom of presence is echoed in Scripture. “Be still and know that I am God,” the psalmist writes. It is in stillness, in the practice of being fully here, that we become aware of God’s presence in all things. The mundane becomes sacred. The ordinary becomes holy ground.
The art of presence doesn’t require a dramatic change in our lives; it invites us to transform how we engage with what is already here. Each moment, no matter how simple or routine, carries the potential to connect us to the divine. When we embrace the present with mindfulness and gratitude, we open ourselves to wisdom, joy, and peace that are always available, just waiting to be noticed.
We are in this together,
Cameron
Reflection Questions
What might it look like to approach your daily routines with greater attention and mindfulness?
Where have you experienced sacredness in the ordinary moments of life?
A Prayer for the Day
A Prayer for Presence
Holy God,
In the busyness of our days, we often miss the sacredness around us.
Teach us to slow down,
To attend to each moment with our whole hearts.
Open our eyes to the beauty in the ordinary,
And help us to see Your presence in all things.
May we find wisdom, peace, and connection
In the gift of the here and now.
Amen.
Spiritual Practice
Living the Art of Presence
Choose one daily task—something simple, like preparing a meal, hosting a meeting, walking the dog, or folding laundry. As you engage in this activity, do so with full attention.
1. Slow Down: Notice the details. Feel the textures, hear the sounds, observe the movements.
2. Breathe: Bring awareness to your breath as you work, letting it ground you in the moment.
3. Reflect: Afterward, take a moment to reflect. Did you notice something you often overlook? Did the task feel different when approached with mindfulness?
Let this practice remind you that every moment, no matter how small, holds the potential for connection with the divine. As you chop wood and carry water in your own life, may you discover the sacredness of simply being present.
Upcoming Events That Might Be of Interest…
January 9, 2025, 12pm ET - What Does the TikTok Ban Mean for Churches, Faith Leaders, and Digital Ministry? Register here.
January 12, 2025, 3-4:30pm ET - Join me for a FREE conversation on “Progressive Islam – Universal Values vs. the Politics of Human Rights – What’s the Difference Between a Progressive Muslim and Other Muslims?” with Ani Zonneveld. Register here.
February 6, 7-8pm ET - Join my conversation “Mindful Healing: Tools For Inner Balance and Wellbeing” with Rev. Dr. Isa Gucciardi. Register here.
February 11, 2025 - Diana Butler Bass and I will be geeking out together in an online event about the state of the world (post-inauguration). We are still putting the details together. For now, mark your calendars.
July 20-25, 2025 - The Art of Wilding: A 5-Day Expedition in Wyoming for Women Leaders. Click here to learn more.
August 11, 2025, 2pm ET - Dr. Andrew Root and I will be hosting a 6 part series on Spirituality in the Secular Age based on his research. The dates are August 11, 18, September 8, 15, and October 6, 13. Mark your calendars! More on this soon.
October 15-18, 2025 - Converging 2025: Sing Truth Conference (all musicians invited!) at Northwest Christian Church in Columbus, OH. Mark your calendars for now. More info is coming.
Recently, I drafted a Strategic Framework for Congregations as we move into the coming years of increased authoritarianism around the world. If interested, you can download it here.