Long Time No See by Carrie Triffet is a must-read for anyone wanting inspiration about practicing the Course. She is very funny, and the story is a whirlwind adventure with Spirit. Basically it's the story of her journey from reluctant Jew to chanting Buddhist to practitioner of A Course in Miracles. Born sensitive to things that most of us are not, Carrie struggled with her fears for many years. This is the story of how she heard the voice of Spirit and how it helped guide her on this journey.
I have to say I felt a bit jealous, like why doesn't Spirit talk to me like that and take me on these wild rides? Why can't that be my path? While at the same time I think that if what I think of as "reality" were to go curvy on me at this point I just might not be ready for that. Maybe Spirit knows what it's doing. I have heard--Something. Something that has reminded me of certain truths. I can't always hear it equally well. Sometimes I suspect it's just my own wishful thinking. I think this book is helpful in sorting out what might be the voice of Spirit from what is likely the voice of Ego.
I think this is a great book to share with anyone who is seeking. It includes a "Crash Course," a clever and funny, yet helpful, introduction to what the Course says. Can't recommend this book highly enough!
Here is the website for the book: UnlikelyMessenger.com. There is also a page for the book on Facebook.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
What A Course in Miracles has given me so far
I think I'm only on the first leg of what may be a long, long journey, although my lesson today (Lesson 122) did assure me that things are about to get easier:
Very glad to hear that.
At any rate, I have a dear friend who has tried to study ACIM and not gotten too far; she has asked me on more than one occasion why I would want to believe that the universe is an illusion. What's the point? she asks. How on earth could believing that help?
So now that we're here at the beginning of a new year, the second year of my journey with ACIM, I figure it's as good a time as any to think about what I feel like the Course has brought me so far. Other than a sure-fire way to make other people think that I'm nuts, that is!
1. I've been able to let God off the hook for the insanity of this world. I have never been able to understand why the world was so crazy; why we chose to create a world where so many people are hurt; why so many are hurt by disasters and disease. ACIM says "Yes, the world is crazy. It's a crazy, bad dream where although good things appear to happen and beauty still lives, you believe you can die." I always had a hard time reconciling the world as it is and the idea that God had created it (although I never thought it was utterly random; I've been a theist pretty much all my life), especially once the idea of hell and eternal judgement was thrown in. God being love and God being creator of this crazy, mixed up world didn't seem to be able to add up for me on any count.
2. I've found a way to manage hatred and anger like I almost couldn't imagine was possible. I received a challenge a few years ago, with the group I was with, to love George W. Bush. Love him? I thought. Impossible! He's brought war, he's a greedy bastard, he steps all over innocent people for fun. How could I love that? But now...well, I won't say that I like what he did. But I don't feel the animosity that I once did. It's just gone. Some sadness still lingers. But the hot, easy-to-stir-up anger is gone. I still struggle with this from time to time, but when I do, I'm faster now at recognizing that those feelings are just showing me another opportunity to forgive.
3. I just don't sweat the small stuff as much. I used to worry. A lot. Climate change. Would the economy collapse, and take down civilization with it? Would I get sick? Would my kid? I worried about car accidents and all manner of things. I haven't conquered this one, but my anxiety level has certainly fallen. That feels like a kind of miracle too.
4. I have a secret source of joy. This kind of goes along with the last one, I suppose. Smiles are easier to come by; my smile lines have deepened noticeably in the last year. Partly my age, probably, but I think it reflects that I smile and laugh more than I once did.
I'm sure there are more, but this is a start. Happy 2010! May it be a year of growth, of connection, and of much joy.
Begin in hopefulness, for we have reached the turning point at which the road becomes far easier. And now the way is short that yet we travel. We are close indeed to the appointed ending of the dream.
Very glad to hear that.
At any rate, I have a dear friend who has tried to study ACIM and not gotten too far; she has asked me on more than one occasion why I would want to believe that the universe is an illusion. What's the point? she asks. How on earth could believing that help?
So now that we're here at the beginning of a new year, the second year of my journey with ACIM, I figure it's as good a time as any to think about what I feel like the Course has brought me so far. Other than a sure-fire way to make other people think that I'm nuts, that is!
1. I've been able to let God off the hook for the insanity of this world. I have never been able to understand why the world was so crazy; why we chose to create a world where so many people are hurt; why so many are hurt by disasters and disease. ACIM says "Yes, the world is crazy. It's a crazy, bad dream where although good things appear to happen and beauty still lives, you believe you can die." I always had a hard time reconciling the world as it is and the idea that God had created it (although I never thought it was utterly random; I've been a theist pretty much all my life), especially once the idea of hell and eternal judgement was thrown in. God being love and God being creator of this crazy, mixed up world didn't seem to be able to add up for me on any count.
2. I've found a way to manage hatred and anger like I almost couldn't imagine was possible. I received a challenge a few years ago, with the group I was with, to love George W. Bush. Love him? I thought. Impossible! He's brought war, he's a greedy bastard, he steps all over innocent people for fun. How could I love that? But now...well, I won't say that I like what he did. But I don't feel the animosity that I once did. It's just gone. Some sadness still lingers. But the hot, easy-to-stir-up anger is gone. I still struggle with this from time to time, but when I do, I'm faster now at recognizing that those feelings are just showing me another opportunity to forgive.
3. I just don't sweat the small stuff as much. I used to worry. A lot. Climate change. Would the economy collapse, and take down civilization with it? Would I get sick? Would my kid? I worried about car accidents and all manner of things. I haven't conquered this one, but my anxiety level has certainly fallen. That feels like a kind of miracle too.
4. I have a secret source of joy. This kind of goes along with the last one, I suppose. Smiles are easier to come by; my smile lines have deepened noticeably in the last year. Partly my age, probably, but I think it reflects that I smile and laugh more than I once did.
I'm sure there are more, but this is a start. Happy 2010! May it be a year of growth, of connection, and of much joy.
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