Imagination is the realm of the ego. It takes the mind off on fantasies. In “A Course in Miracles,” Jesus says that fantasy is the attempt to make false associations and obtain pleasure from them. Consciousness is the domain of the ego. God is Reality. The Holy Spirit will use the symbols the ego made, both to undo the ego and to inspire.
Discernment
An Abundance of Options
So much of the time, we as humans get hung up by too many options. When you are happy, you get a lot of invitations. People love to be around you. Instead of being confused and overwhelmed, this is an opportunity to remember to connect with Spirit. “What would You have me do? Where would You have me go? What would You have me say, and to whom?” (W-71.9:3-5) are questions you could ask. This is a time for true inner guidance and connection to the Voice of wisdom. David talks about all the places he was guided to visit when he first began to travel to ACIM classes all over the U.S., all the while listening inwardly for directions. Very gradually, it seemed as though that Inner Voice became the voice of Jesus.
How Can I Know Which Teacher(s) to Follow?
Jesus taught us a simple way of knowing who to trust and follow: “You will know them by their fruits.” Some fruits of the Spirit would be: consistent peace and happiness, transparency, and a true generosity that gives freely of the heart. One’s attitude is the greatest demonstration, and it is important that one doesn’t just “talk the talk” but also “walks the walk.” We all have the truth within us, and so by tuning into our feelings, we will be Guided as to who or what to follow, moment by moment.
You Can Let Go of Your Agenda
The ego’s agenda is the problem, and when we let go of it, what flows is miraculous. With mind training we can reach a state of mind that is prior to judgment. It is not like you stop judging, the mind just reaches a state where it has no judgment.
Non-Duality and ACIM
ACIM uses symbols that seem dualistic to undo the belief in duality. Non-dual teachings can be helpful but the deceived mind needs a lot of mind training. Unless your experience is a constant state of peace, the idea of non-duality is just another diversion for the mind that is sleeping.
The Mistake Is in the Mind
The ego tries to project the error of separation from God out into the world of images, concretes, and specifics. Behavior, actions, and people are the focus. Through “A Course in Miracles,” Jesus trains us to see that there are no mistakes in behavior; the only mistake is the egoic wrong mind. Learning to be right-minded and choosing the correction is what the spiritual journey is all about.
Opening to the Law of Love
David Hoffmeister shares ACIM ideas about opening to the law of Love through releasing roles, ideals, and false self-concepts that block the way. This session was an “A Course in Miracles” gathering that was filmed at the Temple of Peace on Maui, Hawaii.
False or True Empathy
False empathy, or care-taking, is generally seen as being nice and good, but it is part of the ego’s death wish. When you give yourself over to Spirit, your perception of what is truly helpful will change. You come to see that you were engaged in trying to save people. It is deception. True empathy is aligning with what is true, bringing it back to your mind, paying attention to your feelings, and not taking on anything false. You no longer care about others’ reactions. You become happy for no earthly reason.
Relationship Assignments (Part 1)
The guidance of the Holy Spirit is always beneficial to everyone. Assignments are teaching-learning opportunities. The whole point of the mind training is to let go of everything you think you know about form and come into an experience of the content of love in your heart. The more you are concerned about content the less you are concerned with the form. The ego set up very rigid roles. The concepts and illusions need to be brought to the light, and the purpose of assignments is to come into more expansive states of mind and broader self-concepts that approach forgiveness.
Let Spirit Speak through You
Ego defenses minimize guilt without letting it go. People-pleasing is diluted guilt. There is another way. Follow guidance to authentically say “yes” and “no” from your heart, from your joy. Let Spirit speak through you. Spiritual companions will come to you.