What if you do entertain the notion of enlightenment? Some symbols and stories are about the possibility that you will become enlightened in a different Earth lifetime, and that it isn’t possible in this one. But deep down, there is a feeling that anything is possible. What if you entertain the notion of the Holy Instant as spoken about in “A Course in Miracles?”
Gentleness
Commercialization of Holiness
Kalani Retreat 2010. David goes into how the ego distorts the symbols of holiness.
52-Card Pickup
David Hoffmeister talks about turning your life and relationships over to the Spirit and letting go of attachment, control, and past associations. This 52-Card Pickup metaphor has the Holy Spirit redealing the deck as witnesses to the new purpose are called forth and given to replace those of the old (ego) purpose that previously dealt the deck.
Learning Opportunities
Learning opportunities gently repeat until you choose again for healing. Suspend your judgments and conclusions and keep opening to the Holy Spirit. Be gentle with yourself and others. You are so loved.
Who Are You Trying to Convince?
It is helpful to remember that your healing journey is not about convincing others. It is about practicing mind training for yourself in all situations. In many of David Hoffmeister’s ACIM videos, he shares his own story to help people struggling with similar situations. At the beginning of his mind training, he tried to be completely non-compromising. Sometimes things would seem to blow up in his face as he tried to integrate his new outlook into his life. The question that he found helpful to ask himself was: “Who am I trying to convince?” He found that there was no one he needed to convince. He found that everything was an opportunity for mind training.
Willingness, Readiness, and Mastery
Willingness is everything as we begin the path of going inward. Willingness will bring us to readiness. Don’t be frustrated if you’re willing and not ready. We have to learn how to walk before we can run. Mastery is a letting go of the personal so that you can’t take anything personally.
Be Gentle with Yourself
Be like an “extra” who just walked on a movie set. Let go of ambition, excitement, and “the doer,” the productive personality-self. Just relax, be “done through,” and adore your brothers. Tune in to and align with Spirit.
Practice Hearing the Holy Spirit
“A Course in Miracles” points to the truth. Practice hearing the Holy Spirit. The power of our joining is massive and we can’t mess it up, in spite of what the ego tries to tell us. The Holy Spirit is always giving us gentle guidance, moment to moment. Open to that and relax into it. The Holy Spirit is the Voice for God and as you deepen in your practice, the gifts of the Holy Spirit get more and more apparent. As we sink into our prayer to the Holy Spirit, which is our true desire, the fruits of the Holy Spirit can be reaped instantly.
Hearing Internal Wisdom
Ready to hear your own internal wisdom speaking instead of the racket of ego? When ego thoughts are very loud, it can be hard to hear the whisper of your heart. Tune in. At first you begin with tiny impressions that seem to lead you by their feeling nature. They are very subtle. Watch for synchronicity. It can often be quite simple and practical. As you open yourself to guidance more and more, it can become like a clear stream of thought. The same Presence speaks to everyone, yet it is highly individualized.
Ego Backlash
The more you make major steps forward in a loving way, the more the ego rises up in defense. It’s like two steps forward, one step back. Just watch the one step back, the attack thoughts. The ego backlash can seem very dark. It’s the same old pattern. Don’t draw any conclusions. Then find a pick-up, a reminder, such as, “Dream softly of your sinless brother.” (T-27.VII.15:1) You have never been unfairly treated; that was just a misperception. Don’t allow yourself to keep falling for defenses, for drama, or for games that would distract you.
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