Thoughts with Mari: Lesson 71

“The ego’s plan for salvation centers around holding grievances. It maintains that, if someone else spoke or acted differently, if some external circumstance or event were changed, you would be saved. Thus, the source of salvation is constantly perceived as outside yourself. Each grievance you hold is a declaration, and an assertion in which you believe, that says, “If this were different, I would be saved.” The change of mind necessary for salvation is thus demanded of everyone and everything except yourself.”

The main reason I was attracted to Miracles One is the emphasis on practical application of the Course. Well, an opportunity to do just that has come. I live in an apartment building which has loud plumbing; when anyone runs water, it is as if the sound is magnified. My downstairs neighbors, a very nice couple, like to take showers late at night. Being a lark, I like to get up quite early.

Last night, the plumbing seemed to roar on until after 11:00 PM, and I could not sleep. This morning, I’m feeling tired and headachy, and, of course, the ego tells me it is all the fault of my neighbors. During my morning meditation, I asked what I should do. The answer was simply, “Go to bed later and get up later.” OK, I can do that. The neighbors already know about the plumbing, and if I need to, I can take a nap later today. Problem solved. Everyone happy.

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