In this end-of-year episode, CJ reflects on the highlights and growth points that shaped his 2025. He speaks openly about “hitting the wall” when chronic pain entered his life, and how choosing to share his struggle created unexpected openings. By practicing presence instead of isolation, CJ found himself in deeper relationship with others.

He describes trying countless approaches to find relief—medications, exercise, physical therapy, breathwork and more. While nothing offered a quick fix, the experience “cracked him wide open,” and deepened his empathy. And it reminded him that living in a physical body brings challenges that aren’t always the result of our thoughts, despite what some New Thought teachings suggest.

Some seasons of life require patience and a long, committed effort. They invite us to stay present, even when the journey feels uncertain.

CJ recommends his interview with Jonathan Schechter on breathwork along with two books that supported him this year: Mark Nepo’s The Book of Awakening and Amoda Maa’s Embodied Enlightenment. Both writers speak beautifully about meeting life as it is and discovering presence even in discomfort.

Sharing this journey with his students has been one of the most meaningful parts of his year. As CJ says, we are here to walk each other home. Not to fix one another, but to witness each other with tenderness. To show up with presence. To remind each other that we don’t have to navigate the hard moments alone.

As we move into the holiday season, CJ invites you to practice presence with the people in your life. Hold a sense of love in your heart. Allow yourself to slow down, listen, and walk beside those you care about. We are Spirit expressed in physical form, and our presence is often the greatest gift we can offer.

He closes with an exciting announcement: beginning January 4, he will launch an online Daily Doodle Contest. Each day he will read a parable from his new book Spiritual Parable as a Daily Practice. Listeners are invited to submit drawings inspired by each story, and selected pieces will be included in a published coloring book next year.

Want to learn more about CJ Miller? Check out his Spiritual Artist Retreats, 1:1 Personal Coaching, and Speaking Engagements at www.spiritualartisttoday.com. His retreats are designed to help you reconnect with your Creative Intelligence and express your true artistic voice. You can also find his upcoming schedule there, and his book, The Spiritual Artist, is available on Amazon.