In order to have peace of mind, we have to raise up the ego beliefs and be free of them. Sexuality is the basic belief in needs which is all part of the perception of being a human being. As these needs are fulfilled on a regular basis the mind can be raised up into and advanced higher order of needs and that would be self-actualization. Sexual desire is a distorted miracle impulse, and is actually a gentle reminder, to see that you are being called back to God.
Miracle Worker
ACIM and Raising Children
Every symbol and image that you see with the body’s eyes is a reflection. When you look at a child, you can see the child as a mirror of your mind. Any grievances and limits you see in the child are within your own mind. If you are practicing ACIM and raising children, you see what is taking place in your thoughts. As children go through grade school and into high school, you can look at your own beliefs about authority, normalcy, education and success.
Your Transcendent Life
The mind has become the slave of the body, doing meaningless things. You are a transcendent being. Use the body as a miracle worker for the glory of God, as a blessing for the whole universe. You are headed for joy and peace! In this illusion, the body has become the end—pleasure, comfort, and convenience are all for the body. In the Kingdom of Heaven, minds don’t work to give the body a life because there is no body to have a life. Everything is reversed here. Here, mind seems private and separate and has its own private thoughts and that it has to work out life.
How to Be Free of People-Pleasing
The ego’s identity is very shaky! It is constantly searching for approval from the world. Notice when you are tempted to use people-pleasing in order to feel liked, or feel good about yourself. The only way that you can be free of people-pleasing is to get down to your underlying beliefs and assumptions. These beliefs are underneath the stream of thoughts that happen on the surface of your everyday life. You get a lot of opportunities on a daily basis to let the Spirit help you navigate your mind and the world that is projected from your mind!
In the Flow of Miracles
David relates a miracle parable.
Motivation for Life
You can live from inspiration by becoming a miracle worker. Trust Spirit and everything needed to convey the message is provided. In the beginning the ego resists being let go. Then it feels very natural.
Introductory Talk (Part 2)
David welcomes a group at the start of a weekend retreat and gives an overview of the spiritual journey. Topics include: retracing and collapsing time; all illness is mental illness; being a miracle worker; false perceptual witnesses; mind watching and mind changing; being present and extending love.
Responsibility for Events in the World
If this is a dream, does that mean I have to take all responsibility for events in the world? Does “I am not alone in experiencing the effects of my thoughts” (W-54) mean I am responsible for an earthquake? The answer lies in “My Self is ruler of the universe.” (W-253) What we experience is what we desire. Giving and receiving are the same. The world is projected thought images. The world is not outside of mind. Our ego’s perception is fragmented and shows fragments, but they are all the same. Trust Spirit. With healed perception you see wholeness; you experience peace; you become a miracle worker.
Follow the Invitations
David Hoffmeister describes following the invitations and leaping from one “lily pad” to the next to build trust. This process can seem like a frog’s path of leaping, and builds trust in the divine plan.
I Will Step Back and Let Him Lead the Way
In response to a question about how to respond when there is apparent ego attack and resistance directed at oneself, David speaks about his experience learning that what is needed is to step back and let Holy Spirit lead the way, and surrendering to releasing all judgement of who needed help. The ego is like a steel screw wound into oak with a power screwdriver. Hammer, pliers, etc. will not work to get this screw out. It has to be unwound the way it went in. When you join your mind with the Holy Spirit, that screw will come out and Holy Spirit will gently guide how to unwind from obligations that have been set up by the ego. It may be slow to start with but the unwinding is certain. We all are sustained by the Love of God and have just forgotten it.