A clip, from the May/June 2010 retreat at the Living Miracles Monastery, looking at the metaphor of “the script is written” and freeing the mind from the belief in choice in form in order for the mind to relax into stillness. “Seek not to change the world, but choose to change your mind about the world.” (T-21.in.1:7)
Stress and Worry
Projection and Clearing the Mind
This clip, from the final day of the May/June 2010 retreat at the Living Miracles Monastery, talks about projection and how it is necessary to allow the darkness to come up in order for it to be shone away. From this clear place, the light can shine through and the miracle can be extended.
Reduce Stress and Worry, Grace vs. Control
We want to experience peace. We want to reduce stress and worry in our lives. But how? In this clip, David Hoffmeister shares on letting go of the illusion of control and sinking into divine Grace. The ego seeks to demonstrate that it is the author of itself by working, planning, and controlling as many “personal” aspects of life as possible. But doing each “must” and “have to” is highly stressful. The alternative to attempting to control things is to relax into divine Grace.
Interactive Sharing
We teach what we believe through our attitudes. My life is an open book. I wanted to have heart-to-heart talks with people, and do that for a living. How surprising to find that this was possible! All answers are tucked away inside our hearts. At the Monastery, we are very attentive to our emotions; we learn to remove these obstructions to peace. “There are no small upsets,” (W-5.4:3) it says in A Course in Miracles. We literally crucify ourselves when we hold onto them.
Releasing the Ego
This discussion follows a viewing of the “Star Trek” episode, “The Thaw,” which illustrates how the ego operates and uses fear. The first question to ask on the spiritual journey is, “What aspect of the dream do you like?” The likes and dislikes are both part of a judgment system to keep the mind asleep. The dreams you think you like can hold you back just as much as the dreams in which the fear is apparent. The things you like are part of the prison without you knowing it. The mind is enmeshed and addicted to fear.
Blocks to Expression
Resistance can take many forms. Bill Thetford was afraid to teach because he thought it would weaken him. So, Jesus told him ideas are strengthened as they are given away. And Bill did learn to extend. The unworthiness blocks must be washed away. Helen carried guilt about ancient mistakes so Jesus helped her to see that the past never happened. We are worthy to have creativity flow through us.
A Fast Course in Forgiveness
Divine law is that giving and receiving are the same; what you give is what you get. You are love, simultaneously extending and receiving love. But in this world, there appears to be a time delay between giving and receiving. Nonetheless, it is you who are bringing what you think about into awareness, now. If you think an unhappy thought, you are holding that thought now. This is present cause. You manifest your present thoughts. You can release your mind by releasing your thoughts. You have been completely mistaken about everything. So surrender, forgive your false thoughts, and move toward the true meaning of love.
Expose the Ego
The ego needs the power of the mind’s belief. Expose your unconscious beliefs that feed the ego’s projection of the cosmos. Expose your secrets to the Holy Spirit and He will shine them away. Watch your mind, paying close attention to your upsets.
Perception Is Selective
Instead of focusing on the body, put your attention on joining, connecting. The ego-mind looks for problems to solve; the whole world is a mirror of this mind searching and exaggerating the problem instead of the solution (joining). A succession of personality identities will be revealed; even “teacher of God” or the “saint” are masks. We must keep unveiling until all is exposed and we have moved completely into the light. Always be authentic and guidance for the next step will be there.
Fear of Public Speaking
In response to a man who asks about fear of public speaking, David says that as you open up to Spirit’s purpose, you experience that the only function of the body is to let the Voice of the Holy Spirit speak through it. Fear is overcome through exposing your unconscious thoughts and beliefs. As you align with God, you will find yourself speaking in public naturally.