Good morning,
Before I post my thoughts on each day’s lesson, I sort of ask for Help in writing a post that is meaningful and not “made” by the ego in my mind.
When I write sort of, all I mean is that I reference the Truly Helpful prayer, not in its entirety, that can be found on page 28 in the Text as I am familiar with it and all I have to do is have the intention that my words not waste your time or mine.
Today, I was led to share a paragraph in a lesson that we will be reading in July or thereabouts, I think, Lesson 190.
Jesus is moving us through the Workbook as a symphony. Think of a house being erected. A basement is dug if applicable, I realize there are parts of the world where there are none, and a foundation laid and that’s what He is doing.
The first 50 lessons lay the foundational blocks that assure our ultimate understanding and, of course, that our objective for “eternal” peace is achieved as often and quickly as possible on this “insane” planet.
Today’s lesson is asking that we start to see/understand/get that we have no thoughts that are neutral…ever! It is our thoughts that cause our perception of the world, whether they be of terror or of peace. They’re true or false, not good or bad, not huge or minuscule, not of major/supreme important or of no consequence. Any differentiation of differences in any form is EGO. Any content not of God is EGO, period.
OK…I am going to share one paragraph from Lesson 190 that has sustained me countless times. It is this that helps me to remember why I have made ACIM my spiritual path and will continue to do so. Even though we are many days away from its reading, may it sustain you as it does me throughout your practice.
Here you go:
“It is your thoughts alone that cause you pain. Nothing external to your mind can hurt or injure you in any way. There is no cause beyond yourself that can reach down and bring oppression. No one but yourself affects you. There is nothing in the world that has the power to make you ill or sad, or weak or frail. But it is you who have the power to dominate all things you see by merely recognizing what you are. As you perceive the harmlessness in them, they will accept your holy will as theirs. And what was seen as fearful now becomes a source of innocence and holiness.” Paragraph 5, page 361 in the blue book.
I love you all,
Gayle
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You never waste our time Gayle!
What a great compliment to today’s lesson. How many times have I told myself that I have to do something. Why? Because my thoughts tell me that I’m being threatened or that something is going to be taken away from me. I have to attack. All of this done in my mind. Nothing has actually happened yet. But I am anticipating that it will.
I need do nothing! That’s my favorite phrase in the entire book! If all I do is to pay attention to that phrase I am better.
Ah yes, Bob, I need do nothing. Thanks for reminding me of that section, so invaluable it is. Your thoughts about attack are very helpful. I wouldn’t be crazed or totally insane if I were in a place of peace. When I am a whirlwind of things to do I must do or I “will die” mode, I am in attack modality, to be sure, and afraid that the wrath of God will overtake me. All very unconscious, but “deadly” to our peace of mind. I still believe the “world” is the cause of my malaise and misery and do not want to take responsibility, most of the time, for my having made all this mess. Thank you, as always, for your wisdom and insight! Love, Gayle
Thank you Gayle. I love that quote! You are such an inspiration, you are open and honest and it puts you in a position of volunerablity but it doesnt stop you. Everything you say puts the meaning into context. Well for me anyway and Im sure it helps so many who are struggling.
You add so much thought to my day. Bless you.
Well, many thanks, Margaret, for your most kind and loving words. For a woman who was taught to stuff my feelings and behave as little girls and adults should, I have spent most of the last decades screwing up, screwing up and screwing up again and again until I redisconvered ACIM in 2005 and have kept it up ever since. I bought the blue books in hard cover in the late 70s. They may have been written in Russian for my inability to understand the Text, minimally, nor was I in any frame of mind to spend the time to practice. Alas, that was then, now I feel I put it all out there for my own healing. I earnesty try never to offend in my deep sharing, but feel no hesitation to write about my own insecurities, mistakes and shortcomings whenever I am so guided. I am elated you find what I write meaningful and helpful. Also, I genuinely and most sincerely appreciate your loving feedback. Thank you again. Much love, Gayle