In today’s fast-paced world, being fully present often feels like an impossible task. Our minds race between regrets of the past and anxieties about the future. Yet spiritual teacher David Hoffmeister, a devoted messenger of A Course in Miracles (ACIM), reminds us that peace is only ever found in the present moment. His teachings invite us to let go of time-bound thinking and rediscover the eternal now, where love and joy naturally dwell.
At the core of Hoffmeister’s message is the recognition that the past and future are illusions created by the ego. ACIM explains that time is a construct used to keep the mind distracted from truth. When we dwell on the past, we replay guilt, anger, and stories of “what should have been.” When we leap into the future, we project fear, uncertainty, and expectations. In both cases, we leave the only place where healing can occur: the present.
Hoffmeister’s approach to living in the now is deeply practical. He emphasizes that spiritual awakening is not about escaping life but about transforming the way we see it. For instance, if you’re washing dishes, he encourages you to be fully there—feeling the water, noticing your thoughts, and allowing any judgments to be released. In this simple act, you train your mind to rest in presence instead of drifting into mental chatter.
A central tool Hoffmeister uses is forgiveness, which he describes as the means of releasing the past. Every grievance we hold is a thread tying us to yesterday. When we forgive, we cut that thread and free ourselves to live in the moment. This doesn’t mean erasing memories but choosing not to carry their emotional weight. By doing so, the mind becomes lighter, clearer, and more available to the joy of now.
In his retreats and online sessions, Hoffmeister often reminds students that the present moment is not only peaceful but also creative. When we release past conditioning and future worries, we open space for divine inspiration. ACIM calls this “listening to the Holy Spirit,” the inner guide that speaks for love and truth. Decisions made from presence are aligned with peace, unlike those made from fear or scarcity thinking.
Many who follow Hoffmeister’s teachings share stories of how presence transformed their lives. A business owner, once stressed about financial uncertainty, began practicing present awareness and discovered a new flow of ideas and opportunities. A parent overwhelmed with guilt about past mistakes learned to forgive herself and, as a result, became more patient and loving with her children. These real-life examples show that presence is not abstract—it is a doorway to tangible peace and freedom.
Hoffmeister also points out that presence dissolves fear. Anxiety exists only when we project into the future—imagining scenarios that have not yet happened. By returning to now, we see that, in this moment, we are safe. This practice builds trust in life and allows us to rest in a state of grace. Over time, the mind becomes less reactive and more peaceful, even in challenging circumstances.
Importantly, Hoffmeister acknowledges that staying present requires practice. The ego resists stillness because it thrives on past regrets and future concerns. This is why ACIM encourages daily practice through lessons and exercises. Hoffmeister often advises students to take one moment at a time—asking, “Where is my mind right now?” and gently returning to presence. Each small choice builds a habit of awareness.
Ultimately, Hoffmeister’s teachings reveal that the present is not just a point in time but a doorway to eternity. In the now, we connect with our true identity beyond the body and beyond the ego. We remember that we are spirit, whole and complete, untouched by the illusions of time. This realization brings not only peace but also joy, as we experience life as it truly is—radiant, eternal, and free.
Through his life and work, David Hoffmeister continues to remind seekers that living in the present is not only possible but essential for awakening. By releasing the past, letting go of the future, and embracing the now, we step into the miracle of life itself.
