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.
Pleasure
Sexual Repression & Promiscuity
The Spirit will unwind our mind from all the sexual repression and denial that has gone on, and it will use symbols in a highly individualized way depending on each person’s patterns. For example, one who has been very sexually promiscuous in the past may very well be Guided to be celibate for a time. On the other hand, one who has repressed their sexuality may be Guided to start having more sexual experiences which undo old ideas about what sexuality means. In either case…
Discerning between the Ego and Spirit
In this David Hoffmeister ACIM teaching, we dive into the topic of discernment. Becoming aware of the difference between the voice of the ego and the Voice of the Spirit is our life’s work. It is a gradual and gentle process. David shares on his own experience of getting in touch with feelings and intuition, following the Spirit, and finding joy and freedom. The best way to discern between the voice of the ego and Spirit is to ask yourself, “How do I feel?” The ego generates a lot of feel-good disguises. But it is impossible to seek for pleasure without finding pain. It is as if you got an electric shock every time you had sex. This discernment work takes deep introspection and inner work. Only the miracle gives you everything you want. Yet it costs you nothing; there is no deprivation. Just follow the tickle of your heart, of your intuition, which will lead you to the truth.
Fantasy and Symbols
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.
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.
Live in Divine Providence
Although the world tries to teach you otherwise, it is possible to live completely in divine providence. Lesson 50 of “A Course in Miracles” is “I am sustained by the Love of God.” (W-50) In that lesson, Jesus tells us that “In this world, you believe you are sustained by everything but God.” (W-50.1:2) By following the Holy Spirit’s prompts, we begin to trust that we will be divinely provided for in every circumstance.
Distorted Miracle Impulse
David answers questions about pain and pleasure. He shares that every desire of this world is a distorted impulse for the experience of our connection with God.
Who’s Driving?
The ego is never still, it never arrives, it’s always perpetually striving for nothing. This leads to an enormous amount of fear. Giving our lives over to the Holy Spirit lifts us gradually into an experience of joy.
Attack Is Everything That Is Not Happiness
How much do you cherish the body? What plans do you make that don’t involved the body? If you watch your mind, you’ll know how much you cherish the body, even as you go about your daily activities. Those little flare ups in emotion signal that you’ve chosen attack.
What’s It All about, Alphie?
What’s it all about? As we actually begin to put the Kingdom of Heaven first, we enter into a conversation with the Inner Teacher, the Voice for God. Truth starts to dawn upon the limited mind as you question your goals and the motives for the choices that you make. Pleasure and pain, past and future seem like opposites to the ego, but the insanity of this duality is soon revealed to the open and teachable mind, for they are literally the same. The illusory nature of the idols and images you value here becomes obvious.
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