David recaps the zombie movie, “Warm Bodies,” and shows us that the story is not so different that our own as we wake up. We learn how to communicate, learn how to change our minds, learn how to forgive, and ultimately, learn how to love.
Equality
Withdrawing Investment in the Ego
We can take an honest look at how we have invested the mind’s energy: “you made it [the ego] by believing in it, so you can dispel it by withdrawing belief from it,” (T-7.VIII.5:2) says ACIM. It’s not about trusting more (you’ll just beat yourself up over that one); it’s about reinvesting your trust in that which will bring true fruition, true peace of mind. We’ve invested our belief in personal freedom and special people and places to bring us truth/peace. Loosen your investment in the personal and come to freedom as a state of mind.
Love and Relationships
Love and relationships can be reinterpreted by the Holy spirit if we are willing to see it another way. Love has no object; that is, True Love does not focus on one special relationship or one person. It loves all equally. We can use our personal relationships however, to take us to higher and higher realms of the experience of love, asking always, “what is the purpose?” A holy relationship is really reflective of our True Nature, of our love for God. It is not interpersonal. But the Holy Spirit can use anything the ego has made if it is given to Him. We will learn to check our motives for anything we do, particularly in relationship to others.
Parenting and ACIM
Parenting control issues reflect the ego’s core belief, “I can make myself the way I want to be.” How much responsibility do we have as parents? The Holy Spirit uses parent/child mirroring to help parents with their authority problem. The game of inequality, of superiority and inferiority, is done. We are all equals. But the Self God created is pure Spirit. The body is a substitute for Spirit, and the ego uses pain and pleasure to reinforce this false identity. Use your mind for Spirit, for the miracle. A Course in Miracles shows the way, a specific experiential way to forgive.
Vanity and Pride
David Hoffmeister responds to a question about vanity and pride and how to deal with wanting to be recognized and/or to be in the spotlight. The important question is always, “what is the purpose?” You are here to experience the constancy of divine Mind. You won’t find it in trying to change your behavior or in self-improvement. Those all still involve pride, trying to come up with a better self. But God created us perfect. You don’t have to prove your worthiness. You are already perfect. Simply trust and you will be carried through to the experience of your perfect purity and innocence!
Raising Children While Practicing ACIM
Raising children while practicing ACIM can be very powerful! This experience gives you the opportunity to learn from your children. Just because you feel you are in a bigger body with a bigger brain and have read more books does not mean that you are superior. Learn the lesson of perfect equality! Nothing can obscure this perfect equality. Resign from this role of superiority and instead see what is going on in your own mind. Relationships in the world mirror your mind. Children deserve gratitude for mirroring back your belief system. A parent’s darkness and guilt may be acted out by children. If you unconsciously believe in abandonment, you will see scenes of abandonment. Find fearful beliefs in yourself and let them go. As you find inner joy and love, your children will witness to it. Lessen the sense of control. Children are our equals.
Family Roles and Control
Family roles seem to involve hierarchy, but Jesus teaches equality through “A Course in Miracles.” With mind training, parents learn their role is completed. The hierarchy of control is over. Teenagers act out the private mind so you can see it. As you let go of seeing it as a personal attack, you can see it as a call for love.