If the goal is peace of mind and form does not matter, how do we deal with things of the world such as locking doors and taking out insurance? While we seem to be in the world, we are not asked to overthrow those laws but to follow guidance on practical matters. We don’t need to ask, “Is this spiritual or not?” These things are like props coming in to use. We need to be open and prayerful as to the use of the symbols. When we are tuned in and listening there is no problem.
Guidance
Another Way of Seeing
Rather than emphasize the parts, we begin to think in terms of the whole. Because the Holy Spirit is in our mind, we can see expansively that it is all one.
The Path of the Four M’s
David followed the path of the four M’s: Meditation, Music, Miracles, and Movies.
Saying “No”
“No” is an absolutely essential word in the vocabulary of the Holy Spirit. It is not helpful to get into bargaining in relationships, constantly compromising, people-pleasing in order to be liked. This reinforces the idea of “my way” and “your way.” When you tune in to guidance and prompts you can confidently say “no.” No’s from the Holy Spirit are firm no’s: “No, but thank you for asking.”
Is This the Voice of the Holy Spirit or the Ego?
Here is a handy decision-making mechanism: how many decisions are based on fear of consequences? Imagine if love were your only motivator. Ask, “What am I doing this for?” The fear motive is the insatiable desire to get. Let God direct all your doing. The ego thinks you need to get the job, the wife/husband, the house, the kids, etc. Ask the Holy Spirit for the real purpose of this particular decision. Do you want freedom, intimacy, love, peace? Perhaps you think you have to do a lot of things to get them. Follow Spirit/intuition every instant instead. “A Course in Miracles” is like a sharp blade that burrows down into your mind, healing it.
Applying the Workbook Lessons
All the world’s a stage, an act, in which you play your part. But it is just a movie, not real. You give it all the meaning it has for you. You can apply these lessons to the symbols of the world and undo your ego beliefs: “I am never upset for the reason I think.” (ACIM, W-5) “I am upset because I see something that’s not there.” (ACIM, W-6) “I see only the past.” (ACIM, W-7) “My mind is preoccupied with past thoughts.” (ACIM, W-8) You are trying to maintain a false identity and compete with God. But God loves you so much he has given you an owner’s manual for your mind with a curriculum, a step-by-step training program that will heal your mind.
Discerning between the Ego and Spirit
In this David Hoffmeister ACIM teaching, we dive into the topic of discernment. Becoming aware of the difference between the voice of the ego and the Voice of the Spirit is our life’s work. It is a gradual and gentle process. David shares on his own experience of getting in touch with feelings and intuition, following the Spirit, and finding joy and freedom. The best way to discern between the voice of the ego and Spirit is to ask yourself, “How do I feel?” The ego generates a lot of feel-good disguises. But it is impossible to seek for pleasure without finding pain. It is as if you got an electric shock every time you had sex. This discernment work takes deep introspection and inner work. Only the miracle gives you everything you want. Yet it costs you nothing; there is no deprivation. Just follow the tickle of your heart, of your intuition, which will lead you to the truth.
All Choices in This World Are the Same
We are often tempted to choose where it’s not really possible. Most of the choices we make in this world are of the same order, and the questions we typically ask make no sense in Reality. Choices become easier when we follow the Holy Spirit (Peace); we will feel in harmony and flow with life. Ask only one question in any situation: “What is it for?” That’s very different from the ego saying, “What are the pros and cons here?” A mind in turmoil is not an inspired place from which to make decisions.
That’s Not Penguin!
Movies are modern-day parables. Happy Feet is a story that gives us insights into finding the inner dance, forgiveness, and social commentary. Even though free falling out of old belief systems is a scary prospect, divine providence seems to slip in when we least expect it, and mighty companions show up to accompany us on the way.