The Presence Process

About the Author

Until 1989, South African-born Michael Brown was living what he had called a blissfully unconscious life as a music journalist. He then developed an acutely painful neurological condition for which conventional medicine had neither cure nor relief. This caused him to set out on what became an odyssey of self-healing. His exploration took him into numerous alternative healing modalities – then beyond. In the late 90s, Michael began to chart a methodical pathway into present moment awareness with the intent to develop a practical procedure that anyone, anywhere, could follow to initiate this experience for themselves. This procedure became known as The Presence Process. In 2002, Michael returned to South Africa and invited others to experience this inner journey. He discovered that as others embraced present moment awareness they too automatically experienced release from physical, mental, and emotional discomfort, including psychological disorders and addictions. Michael lives in The Eastern Cape, South Africa. Professor William Hayashi, a beloved longtime faculty member at Columbia College Chicago, is known for his transformative teaching in philosophy, love, and personal meaning. Since 1982, his courses—like “Philosophy of Love” and “Voice, Values & Vision”—have inspired generations of students to reflect deeply, build authentic community, and live with intention. Widely praised for his warmth, wisdom, and originality, Hayashi continues to shape hearts and minds far beyond the classroom.