To go from desperation to inspiration is allowing yourself to be done through by spirit. In his book “Walden,” Henry David Thoreau wrote, “The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation.” This certainly applies to the human condition, which is a projection of the ego, or the belief in separation from God. Everyone who believes they are in this world has a deep, unconscious fear of God, which is experienced as a fear of future consequences. In David’s life, he began to recognize how much his life and his behaviors were motivated by this fear of consequences and how this was leading him nowhere.
Identity Confusion
Transcending a Personal Sense of Self
What am I identified with, right here, right now in this present moment? Could it be that there is an identification that has its own thoughts and its own feelings that isn’t me, yet I believe it is? Can I be that insane? No. It is only that I am believing in something that is that insane.
How Do I Live a Better Life in This World?
How do I live a better life in this world? How do I make more money? How do I stay young? All of these questions involve the world and the body. They are all defenses against Awakening. Every single question! Yet Jesus said in “A Course in Miracles” that there is one helpful question: What is it for?
The Best Things in Life Are Free
David speaks at the summer “A Course in Miracles” (ACIM) retreat in Kentucky and talks about the symbols of the end of possession and ownership in freely receiving from and giving with the Holy Spirit. Only the ideas of God can be shared. These are the teachings and application of Jesus in a living experience.
Holy Spirit Autopilot
Forgiveness overlooks the error entirely and flows in joy and ease and grace.
2008 Kentucky Retreat
In this “A Course in Miracles” (ACIM) retreat at the end of summer of 2008, David discusses some of the deepest themes in the teachings and application of the principles of ACIM: judgment and guidance. What is judgment, and how does the Holy Spirit use discernment to lead the mind to its escape from specifics and back to Heaven?
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.
Can I Stop Judging?
Can I stop judging myself, other bodies, and situations? How can I stop judging when it feels so automatic? It can seem like trying to stop judging is like trying to stop a runaway freight train. Impossible! In the Manual for Teachers book in “A Course in Miracles,” Jesus addresses the question “How is judgment relinquished?” (M-10) What a great question! David Hoffmeister shares that in order to be free from the stress and pressure that comes with the thought, “I need to stop judging,” we need to become clear on our true identity.
You Are Not the Thinker
As you watch your thoughts and judgments, you can feel small. It is freeing to realize that you are not the thinker of those thoughts. This realization frees you from identification with your thoughts. Your mind is full of impostor thoughts trying to convince you that you are not really you. Your real thoughts are those you think with God.
Feeling Angry at the World
The belief in separation is projected out onto specific people and situations. It’s typical for it to be experienced as anger with bosses, judges, policeman, parents; people with authority. The little-me takes the role of victim and is stuck feeling angry at the world. David quotes Alanis Morissette: “Thank you for your most generous triggers.” (Alanis Morissette, “Madness”) The ego rages at God, strangely wanting to be “right” about its misperception of littleness. If we can remember this gentle phrase from the songwriter however, we can stop the explosion of the ego and approach the truth of any situation with some grace. Taking responsibility for our own projections is ultimate and true humility.
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