Inspiration for Healing Through Changing Your Mind --The articles in this newsletter are written by people from around the world who are taking their perceived problems to the Holy Spirit, and sharing their miracles stories of how their thoughts are being healed.

Forgiveness -- A Gift to Myself --by Rev. Petra Sundheim

I am blessed with a neighbor who gives me many lessons. Relating to my new neighbor had been somewhat rocky from the start. When I offered her rides to the beach and elsewhere, she warned me she wasn't comfortable being close to people, especially groups. I am her closest physical presence as we share a kitchen wall.

One day I made an effort to speak to her while she was gardening and she let me have it. I cooked too much, didn't share feelings like a normal woman, i.e. anger, etc. This outburst led to a letter from her and a return letter from me and a partial reconciliation, including a hug. On another beach trip she turned into a caring compassionate nurse when I had fallen on some metal.

Earlier she had shared freely about an abusive childhood, and hints of mental illness. She is gifted and became angry when I referred to her talents. It reminded me of the time a boss was angry at me for not using my gifts.

She rejected an invite to an ACIM group in my place after she overheard the word "miracles." She complained to the manager about the noise and a discussion followed about better insulation of the wall. I responded by putting an item in the community newsletter that increasing our tolerance and consideration would be more helpful to all of us than trying to get thicker walls. ...I also am more mindful of the sounds I make, choosing to pound a nail only when she is away. Anger creates a wall. I worked on my fear of anger from the past and realized I didn't have to take any of this personally.

In her view she needs this anger wall of protection for herself. So as she came down the sidewalk, I managed a gentle, cheery Hi! She exploded, yelling, "If you try to connect with me in any way, I will have a restraining order put on you." I felt some anger rising and did not want to respond from ego thoughts (...she's crazy etc.). She continued to blame me for her high blood pressure, etc. I responded, "You will never heal unless you learn to forgive." I had mixed feelings about my response. Yes, I daily bless her, see her as my sister. In A Course in Miracles it speaks of making the error real. I have wondered what is left for me to learn and understand before I come to peace with this "relationship" and can free my mind from the Automatic Negative Thoughts (ANTS) that pop into my mind regarding her.

I have given it to Spirit. I notice if any element of fear or hurt comes in, the negative thoughts return. What is most helpful is my asking and visualizing my Higher Self communicating with her Higher Self in love and playfulness. I trust the outcome of peace will come to both of us through Holy Spirit and I need do nothing.

To be sure I have more to learn about forgiving my past experiences with anger. I think it is important not to deny anger but learn to own it and let Holy Spirit teach me what it is really about. I have just finished giving a two hour workshop at Unity on "Forgiveness, A Gift to Yourself." Preparing for it using the many lessons from ACIM and also David Augsburger's book "Caring Enough to Forgive and Caring Enough Not to Forgive" (false forgiveness) has helped me see that in time we cannot truly forgive until we see the other as ourself, and in reality we are innocent.

David defines forgiveness as "...letting what was be gone; what will be come; and what is now, BE." In time I experience forgiveness as a PROCESS. I had spent a whole year studying the Five stages of Forgiveness (Loss, Change and Healing as well) and didn't get it at that time. When we allow ourselves to move through the process of shock/denial, anger, bargaining, and depression we come to acceptance as we trust God/Holy Spirit to orchestrate the healing process.

In my work with others as well as myself, I discover the pain comes from resisting the process, and in getting stuck in denial, anger, bargaining (addiction is a form of bargaining to not feel pain.) or depression. These become states of mind. How wonderful to know the principles of A Course in Miracles and other awakening tools of Holy Spirit that we can make acceptance of our true Essence our home base. I share the following limerick to sum up.

Process: Five Stages

• Shock, deny
• Anger, hurt, victim I
• Bargain pain: Numb it, drown it, hide it, flee it.
• Depress, Inward go, Stillness know.
• Accept, Forgive, Release and Grow.

As I change my thoughts, the feelings change. I choose first to forgive and let forgiveness teach me what to do. "Forgiveness... is still, and quietly does nothing. ...It merely looks, and waits, and judges not." (W-pII.1.4:1,3) Several Course lessons can be summed up in: Forgive and be happy. I claim the gifts forgiveness gives: Peace, Love, Joy and Freedom.

Click here to email Petra.

Invitation to a Friend --by Rev. Nancy Moore

In November of 2000, after a year of gypsy life-style, I was getting settled into my new location. Following Spirit's guidance, I had found a home in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Even though the setting is beautiful, I was managing to find lots of challenges in the situation. I was setting up lots of fear barriers to being peaceful here.

It occurred to me several times that taking a day with the Course would give me a respite from my fearful state of mind. It wasn't such a stretch to have this thought. I devote 1-2 hours first thing in the morning to the Course, meditating on the lesson and journaling on my practice and my "forgetting." As time went on, this thought of a whole day with the Course got pushed aside by more "productive" priorities. I had a sense, though, that this was an intention that I would manifest.

On January 16th, as I made my list of 'to do's,' I thought, "Maybe tomorrow...." As I awoke early on the 17th to go to the bathroom, an empty feeling swept over me. This sweet little house isn't going to do it — fill me up, fill my days. There has to be a better way to do this. Perhaps TODAY...

This was my thought process in letting go and allowing: If a friend called and suggested we spend the day together, wouldn't I say yes? ...of Course. (Unless my barriers were up and I saw my should's as a priority, or I was hesitant at sharing intimacy.) And during that day I'd not make business calls, check email, or work to get my "career" going. And wouldn't we, during the Course of the day, experience a study group, an intimate discussion? ...of Course. And each receive a healing session, as each would move through an issue needing processing. ...of Course. And wouldn't we each speak of, practice our craft, leading the other to more awareness? ...of Course. And wouldn't our creativity shine for each other, extending perhaps to song, poetry, or visualizations? ...of Course. And wouldn't we share a meal or two, a moment of blessing and gratitude for this joining too? ...of Course.

In early January a woman I met in a local shop suggested that I write out my ideal day, what it would look like, what it would contain. Then CLAIM IT, she emphasized. This is it! ...an invitation to Holy Spirit, to my Friend, to spend the day with me! He called and I answered, with willingness and openness. I noticed a stillness settle into my body after I made the decision.

I spent the morning reading from the Text. (I had gotten a late start — perhaps a little resistance to claiming my day?) Around noon a little voice piped up saying, "That's enough." For a few minutes I went into hiding, thinking it was time to resume my regular schedule. Instead, I started writing and with that, rejoined my Friend with a meditation and a session.

The session — Joy Goes Around:
Dear Friend, Here we sit talking. It is not time for lunch or for our walk. It is really not time for anything but what we are about. Dear One, do you feel the quiet, the gentleness, the slowed pace? I sense our reaching for each other, the space between us becoming no space. Your touch now... mine in reply... in unison. Words melt away....

The only call I received was from my friend Kate (Pathways minister Kate Miller). An invitation to a friend to join me on this Holy Spirit day. In our conversation, the light was bouncing back and forth, as each reached more clarity, more healing. I felt an even more elevated state of inspiration afterwards. I painted a watercolor. It was playful, with one of the neighbor's goats floating around in it. On my walk all three of the donkeys came to the fence for loving, and the goats called out, running to catch up to me. One of the dogs joined me. I felt like St. Francis!

While I can't say there was anything profound in what occurred this day, I can say I was peaceful, centered, and very "productive." When one of my favorite fret subjects came up, I thought, "No not today," ...and it floated away. I smiled each time I thought of my Friend. The channels were open. My pages of writing flowed. I made notations in the margins of my ACIM book as I opened to more awareness.

I have had the perception that retreating with the Course meant having my nose in the book all day, when being "On Course" is a state of being. It is me reflecting the teachings throughout the Course of the day. I dropped all my plans to spend peace — time with my Friend. Be everyday so....

Click here to email Nancy.

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My Visit to Pathways --by Don Roggenbuck

I've been reading A Course In Miracles for about three years now. I normally read and study the Course by myself because I don't know anyone else who reads it in the rural 'thumb' area of Michigan where I live. As a treat to myself, I occasionally travel to Pathways of Light, where I spend several days reading and studying the Course with the good people there.

On my most recent visit to Pathways, I attended a weekend class called 910: Living In The World While Waking Up. A group of us read and discussed the course material. We shared our knowledge and experience of A Course In Miracles as it related to this topic. As a result I gained many insights about how to live in the world while on this inner journey.

At one point I shared that I sometimes feel a little frustrated with my progress on the journey. Someone suggested that this would be a good thought to take to the Holy Spirit. In thinking about it since, I thought of some ideas from the Course such as: Whenever we are experiencing fear, frustration or self doubt, we have identified with the ego. But the Holy Spirit has perfect confidence in us. So, I have decided that I don't want to gauge my own progress on this journey. I just want to spend time in prayer and ask for guidance every day and trust that my spiritual unfoldment is happening as it should. After all, I am a holy Son of God and the Holy Spirit has perfect confidence in me.

While at Pathways I had time to visit with the staff who live there. I shared with them the story of my divorce and my life since then. I shared the fact that I don't know if I should be dating or not, my fear that I might never find another partner and all the confusing emotions I seem to have. After listening patiently, Debra asked, "What part of you are these thoughts coming from?" Well, there you go. The ego is good at keeping me restless and fearful. If I would get peaceful, I might actually wake up from this dream and the ego wouldn't want that.

Meditation has been another area of concern for me. I have a lot of ego chatter and I'm not able to relax and clear my mind for very long. Once again the people of Pathways were helpful in sharing their experience and reassuring me. Mary Manke pointed to Workbook lesson 124 in the Course. It explains that we benefit even if we believe nothing happens. It also assures us that sooner or later it will work for us.

Before leaving Pathways, I purchased a booklet on guidance by Robert Perry. I have been reading it the past few days and have gained more insights. Once again it pointed out to me the need to set my ego aside. I need to surrender my will to Spirit so that my wise inner Teacher can put my mind to its highest use. I feel I'm learning how to more properly align myself with Spirit so I will be more likely to recognize It's guidance. This is reassuring and enables me to trust that my spiritual unfoldment is happening as it should be.

Doing the daily workbook lessons with others is helpful to me. It's good to share ideas and feelings, get some feedback and know that others have problems on this path also. Lesson 78, "Let Miracles Replace all Grievances," was a helpful one to me. The objective here was to look at a person we have a grievance with and see them as our savior. It's forgiveness. It's the Miracle. It allows us to see the Christ in someone we were not able to see It in before. It is helpful to me to hear of other people's experience in living the Course. I also feel I help others when I share my experience of the Course.

In the time before my recent trip to Pathways, I had been feeling some anxiety about my inner journey. After a few days there, my anxiety disappeared and I became more peaceful. It was great to share. We do go home together.

Click here to email Don.

Nyla Remembers --by Rev. Eva Overholt

Recently at the start of an 8-week Inner Child workshop, Derek Dube and I held an introductory session. It was a group of approximately 10 adults. One of the ladies that wanted to attend the introductory session had a last minute difficulty finding child care for her six year old daughter. After speaking with her, I encouraged her to attend if she was comfortable doing so, and she did.

She arrived early and set her daughter up in a lounge next to our office with a vast array of toys, books and interesting kid type things. It all looked very entertaining and she left her there to join our group in the room next door. During the evening, I was very impressed with the child's patience and ability to be self-content while her mother was next door in class.

One of the complimentary tools we use in groups is to give a laminated bookmark with the "I Remember Who I am" verse on it provided by Pathways of Light. We had made that announcement before our class and mentioned we would pass them out at the end of the evening.

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When our session was over, the young mother excused herself first and stated she needed to leave and get her daughter home and into bed. One of the other individuals in our group realized we had not given her the bookmark and asked us about it. I thanked him for reminding me and left to take one to the room where they were packing up her belongings and preparing to leave. To my surprise the mother said to her daughter, "Nyla, tell this nice lady about what you remember."

The young girl's eyes looked up to see the "I Remember Who I Am" bookmark and she proceeded to recite the verse out loud. Besides the chills I experienced, I was delighted to hear this sweet girl speaking these words to me. It was a very powerful holy moment. Perhaps the highlight of my entire night.

As it turned out, the mother had received this bookmark as a gift from another one of our Pathways of Light friends and had it in their car while driving about from place to place. She had used this healing message as a sharing piece to teach her daughter this message. I was very impressed with this wonderful gesture and for the gift this mother was giving to her daughter, helping her at a young age to learn what it means to remember that she is Love.

Click here to email Eva.

I Remember Who I Am

I Remember Who I am
I accept that I am Love.
I release all judgments of others and know they are doing the best they can.
I keep my life simple and follow my highest path.

I stay in tune with the Highest Source within me and let It guide my ways.

I am gentle and kind with myself and others.
I pace myself with one step at a time.
I know the perfect circumstances present themselves for my perfect continued growth.

I am Love. I am Joy. I am Peace.

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