David Hoffmeister describes the way to forgive relationships by seeing the value that people offer as mirrors of unconscious beliefs. Through relationships and spiritual community you recognize the “fast track” to enlightenment. The ego is undone when it no longer holds any value or attraction, and forgiveness lights the way.
True Joy
Sex and Spirituality: Get Thee to the Nunnery!
Sex and spirituality—where do the two meet? David discusses, “God Is the Bigger Elvis,” a documentary about a nun who was a famous Hollywood actress. In the convent, one of the nuns who was interviewed explains that for her, singing in union with her peers is not unlike sex.
I Will Accept Atonement for Myself
Workbook Lesson 139 of “A Course in Miracles” states, “You are yourself. There is no doubt of this. And yet you doubt it.” (W-139.5:5-7) What’s the world made of? Death and sorrow. Yet, when we believe there is good or bad in the world, this is what the underlying belief is. All who come to this world come for death and sorrow. That’s the definition of coming into the world. You can call it what you want: incarnation or arriving in a hologram. Joys are so fleeting they cannot be possessed or even grasped. There are all these compromised wordily ideas which say “as long as you are here you are not enlightened.”
The Disappearing Universe
First find the true Joy in life, then transcendence is a given. Light experiences are pure revelation and unspeakable in terms of language and form. From fragmentation to wholeness, the universe is literally reinterpreted and transcended. Here, there is no individual “I.” When we see the meaninglessness of this world, it is literally “game over” for the ego, which is, of course, terrifying to it. All time is “sucked out” of perception when we truly allow “all things to be exactly as they are.”
The Ego Trap of Familiarity
The only thing the ego has to offer is the familiar. The “I know” mind that thinks it knows anything about this world is the same mind that has opinions, judgments, and comparisons. The ego makes there seem to be a sense of safety in that familiarity, but something inside our hearts wants us to open up to a greater sense of love, greater than anything on this earth. Trust will bring us there.
Hypotheticals
All of linear time is hypothetical (imagined, presumed). People have controversies over whether something actually happened or not. But it’s all just images, all over and done. The problem is the ego’s belief in hypotheticals. Seeing their impossibility would solve everything. Worries about the future are hypothetical and have no meaning. They can be let go of. Being joyful in this moment is the most practical thing. This world is the belief that Christ could leave and be separate from the Mind of God. Worldly education projects the separation out and teaches that cause comes first and is separate from effect. But this is all based on false cause and effect.
Join in the Miracle
You can join in the miracle with every character you perceive in your life. Everything is mind; your own consciousness. It’s just like if this was a movie and it was all for you. As you begin to really question who you are, your self-doubt thoughts are reflected in the world. Notice where you have fear arise and notice the beliefs you are holding. Once you see that it is all the same, that it is one big skit in your mind, joy and playfulness come in. All the characters are reflections of your mind. It’s all one mind. Call on the miracle. Accept the all-inclusive power of your mind.
When to End a Relationship That’s Special
When should you end a relationship? As you grow spiritually and take the limits off your consciousness, you outgrow interpersonal special relationships much as a child outgrows toys. You experience peace and no longer need to have past grievances acted out. Everyone becomes your family and you feel deep connectedness.
What about Sexual Relationships?
Freedom is only in mind. What does that mean for sexual relationships? Minds can join, bodies cannot. This is the proof that the body does not exist at all. You cannot achieve anything with the body. Therefore, seek not outside yourself for you will fail and you will weep each time an idol falls. Even companionship points out that you believe you are alone unless you are with another body. Companionship is a defense against the truth. Am I going to use the mirroring for emptying my mind from everything I believe? For there is the one true purpose in which things are used in the most helpful way.
Peaceful State of Mind
Having an opinion—wanting to change something in the world—is what sickness is. John Lennon and Yoko wanted to bring about world peace through songs and bed-ins, then realized it was really all about their state of mind—that they had to be peaceful. You need to take full responsibility for your state of mind. Everything, without exception, is mind. Trust is at the center and with it come reverence and sustained joy. Give yourself over to the experience. The joy of extending your inspiration wants to burst forth!