Pathways of Light Miracles News, Summer '98, p.1

Miracles News Summer 1998

Is a Thought from Inner Wisdom or Ego? • Widening the Channel to Inner Guidance • Letting Go • "Softening Midst Intensity" • Projection Makes Perception • Lessons in Chocolate • More Summer '98 Miracles News
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Is a Thought from Inner Wisdom or Ego? -- Excerpt from Listen and Receive 30-day Self Study Program

In learning to receive guidance from your Inner Teacher, it is important to discern whether the message is coming from Love or fear, from Inner Wisdom or the little, limited self we call the ego. Here are some clues to help you know the difference.

Thoughts and Feelings that Come from the Ego

If the thought comes from the fearful, little self or ego, there is a feeling of tension, anxiety or uneasiness. There is a feeling of needing to defend or blame something or someone outside of yourself for your feelings or circumstances. The ego brings up events or situations from the past and ruminates about them. It feels it is a victim and has thoughts of righteous indignation.

The ego worries about the future and will always try to lay plans to defend against some catastrophe that may come in the future. Thoughts from fear, the ego self-identity, focus on what is "wrong" with others, reflected as blame, anger or resentment.

The ego believes you are alone and uses guilt to keep you thinking you are separate. It tries to keep everything and everyone at a safe distance. While it fears being alone, it fears oneness more. The little ego self is afraid of true intimacy -- true communication. It believes in wearing a mask of self protection because it thinks that it is unworthy and helpless. It is sure that it will be hurt if its barriers are laid down. It does not trust being loving, giving and open with itself or anyone because it has to maintain its sense of separation for protection.

The little, separate self thinks that its job is to compare and evaluate what is "right" or "wrong" with everything and everyone in this world. It thinks that it’s job is to straighten everyone out if they are "wrong." It believes that some people are "good" and some people are "bad." It does not believe that we are all equal children of God. It is always trying to make a hierarchy of goodness and badness about everyone and everything.

The ego self believes in scarcity and lack, it always thinks it doesn’t have enough—enough love, enough stuff, enough money, enough health—or worries it won’t have enough in the future. It focuses on "getting" in the material world and thinks that giving is losing.

It thinks that its judgment is its guiding light. It avoids going to the Inner Teacher because it thinks it already knows all there is to know. The ego is certain that its beliefs are all that is real and true, leaving no room to listen and receive from Spirit.

Thoughts and Feelings that Come from Your Inner Wisdom

Your Inner Wisdom sees you as a child of God—one in God—still as God created you. This Inner Teacher is there to help you move past belief in separation and limitation. It is the part of you that knows the way Home.

This Spirit within is always gentle and loving, and instills you with the feelings of peace, safety, gratitude, well-being, and awareness of your innate abundance. It knows where your true happiness lies and will guide you to the awareness of eternal happiness.

Inner Wisdom always extends unconditional Love because It knows that Love is always the answer. It does not condemn. Rather, It sees past all your limited beliefs about yourself, others and the world. It knows these beliefs are not true. Your Inner Teacher does not believe in separation. There are no barriers, no fears—only total love, peace and joy. Because of this, your Inner Teacher knows you are safe, no matter what you believe is happening in this world.

Your Inner Teacher is there to show you how to express your true Love Essence. Your Inner Teacher will help you change your beliefs so that you can align your mind with the pure joy of your Inner Light. Your Inner Teacher wants you to be well and knows how to heal your mind.

Your Inner Teacher knows that It is your True Self. It is in your mind ready to guide you, if you are willing to listen and receive without preconceived ideas.

Click here to go to Listen and Receive 30-day Self Study Program description.

Widening the Channel to Inner Guidance -- by Rev. Nancy Moore

I took a quick walk yesterday, on lunch break. As I approached the turtle pond to the west of the lane, there were three turtles lined up on a log, with their heads up, watching me. One day I saw five in a row. I also noticed that there was an open area through the duck weed that created a channel from the open pond to the end that leads to the woods. I briefly reflected on what creature might keep that channel open. Was it the turtles? Do they swim back to the tree roots to feed? Then I went on my way to other thoughts as I continued my daily walk.

As I was returning from my walk, I approached the wooded area of the pond.

I saw movement in the open channel -- something swimming toward me with fresh-cut grass in its mouth. When he had to slide over a limb, I saw that it was a muskrat. He quickly disappeared under the partially emerged tree roots. I was awed at the symbolism this had for me. I had casually formed a question in my mind about what caused the open channel in the pond, and as I returned, the answer appeared. That's how simple this awakening process can be… asking… being in peace… and knowing the answer will come in its own perfect way as I trust and observe.

As time went on, I realized it works at other levels too. A month before and throughout my adventure of moving here to Pathways on March 6th, I have been challenged with a deep experience of loss. Someone very dear to me was moving away from me emotionally and physically. In each step of this perceived painful process, the support I needed has been there for me -- the residents, spiritual counseling, A Course In Miracles, and the Pathways classes. Another example of support is the amazing synchronicity of the classes, such as experiencing course 805: Attracting Nurturing Personal Relationships the day after hearing some particularly distressing news.

Recently I had a new challenge around this loss. My inner child went on a rampage! My old pattern would have been to ruminate (old language: obsess) on it for days or even weeks. Which decision do I make? What steps to take to resolve this? I decided to consult with Inner Guidance. It was midnight. I took out a sheet of paper and spaced across it four different options plus "other." Guidance said "yes" to the first option. "Oh no," I thought, "not that one! 'Go lightly'… How can I do that?" The other options were about anger and separation, and appeared to be easier alternatives to my old belief system. I laid awake all night.

During the week I tried the "Go lightly" option, consulting with Inner Guidance throughout. By Friday morning, I set events in place with a note and a phone call. Within minutes I received the insight that as I allow and follow guidance, the channels are widened for MORE guidance.

And in the next moment I had a realization of Eternity… the same experience I'd had the day before in the Awakening to Love Meditation. I was in a dimension of Beingness… Light… Love… where observing a dimension of fear and limitation seemed…… so limited!

By Sunday this whole process took an empowering turn that I could not have foreseen from my old belief system of separation and hostility. I am now learning to open and widen my channels of unconditional Love, just like the muskrat cleared and widened the channel in the pond… through practice and still more practice.

Letting Go -- by Rev. Mary Stoelting

When I moved into a quiet space of mind and asked Inner Guidance about what this article was to be about, the answer came that it was to be about letting go. I also "knew" that this was about my own letting go process, and that it would help strengthen my continuing practice of letting go.

For me, listening to Inner Guidance first requires a process of relaxing and letting go to even feel the connection. This letting go means laying aside worldly concerns and being willing to be open and really listen, without controlling the agenda. When I don't think I already know what the agenda is, I walk into it with no “preconceptions.” I have found that even when I did have a preconception that I didn't recognize, Inner Guidance patiently met me where I was, and as I was open and willing to receive a changed perception, gradually bridged me to deeper layers of remembering the Truth.

I have found that letting go involves the following:

Relaxing-- This means softening, or melting my tension level. When I do this, everything feels gentle. There is no sense of hurry. Images and feelings often come with this flow of softening that help me move into deeper layers of relaxation. As I continue to follow this focus on relaxing in my mind, my body seems to respond with a gradual letting go of layers of tension that I was not even aware of.
A growing sense of peace-- In this gentle flow of peace, I have often had the image of giving my insane thought or thoughts to the Holy Spirit or Jesus for healing. "Here. I don't know what to do with this. I know I feel discomfort with this situation, so here I am with my insane thoughts again, asking for a perception correction." (There have been times when my willingness was not sincere enough, and instead of remaining open and listening, I went back to the worried thoughts, reinforcing their reality. When my readiness is genuine though, it always comes in a way that is perfect for me at that time.)

I am learning that letting go is a process of getting off the merry-go round of repeating the thoughts of the past. Any thoughts about past or future are not about Reality. Reality is eternal and always stays the same. It is always there, with certainty. It is Love. It is abundant, generous, and full. It gives all to all, seeing only oneness. It sees no differences. Letting go does not take efforting. It takes a willingness to soften and be open. It means taking my hands off the wheel, being willing to be guided to deeper layers of inner trust. It means being willing to be guided from the insanity of separation to my right mind.

Letting go means giving up control. It means admitting to myself that I don't have an inkling of how to do it myself and am willing to be led, like a child, back to remembering the oneness of All That Is. It means being willing to admit that I have been wrong about what I labeled "reality"-- the reality of "other" people, the reality of an "outside" world. This reality could never be in God's oneness. God's oneness is my inheritance. God's oneness is my true reality and nothing I think with my belief in separation can change that.

I have to admit that, most of the time, the "outside world" and "other people" seem quite real to me. I still find it easy to get lost in the "realness" of the existence of an "other" or something "outside." I am slowly coming to recognize that any form of "other or outside" is merely another form of believing in separation. It is just another form of rebelling against the true Reality of God's oneness. This is what I am learning to let go of -- my rebellion against the truth of the connectedness, the oneness of all.

So I am finding that the essence of all letting go comes back to letting go of my belief in separation. It is just a mistaken idea. I have been wrong about the "reality" of separation. Nothing is separate. There is only one Self and that Self that we all share is an extension of God's Love. I am gradually coming around to seeing that Love means seeing that I am my brother. There are no differences. Seeing differences is just another mistaken idea to let go of.

And so in closing, I am learning that "letting go" of all my mistaken thoughts by surrendering these thoughts to the Holy Spirit is my only real "occupation." This surrendering process appears to take time in this world. I am now aware that this is how the Holy Spirit in my mind uses time -- to heal my mind of all its false ideas and just laugh at the thoughts of separation and see how silly it was to think they were real. As I continue to laugh at the silliness of my belief in separation, the load of guilt that comes with belief in separation is lightening. It gets easier to let go as I continue to be willing to laugh. The journey Home to where I never really left becomes a comedy club of constant letting go of what never was.

"Softening Midst Intensity" -- A Miraculous Tool for the Millennium -- by Rev. Margaret Huckabay

Since I can remember I've been on a spiritual path -- exploring all avenues of spirituality, religion, relationships, education, etc., in a longing to access the wisdom and magnificence of Divine Source. I have walked in the light and in the darkness and wrestled with the shadows. Yet I have always felt compelled to find the truth of who I am and the understanding of why I am here. Now those most sought after answers are emerging for me with ease, grace and in the midst of increasing JOY and PEACE.

Early on I connected with the truth of "giving thanks for all things." Thus I am compelled to shout my thanksgiving, my gratitude and appreciation to all that came before and now to Pathways of Light for their unconditional gift of resounding love and guidance in accessing Inner Wisdom. These priceless gifts/tools, so simply and graciously shared throughout all the college courses, workshops, and opportunities for counseling, allow a gentle illumination and fine tuning in easily accessing Inner Wisdom as never before. All are blessed by the college's willingness to share so unconditionally the one key that can begin to unlock (when consistently used) the highest wisdom. This focus of "softening," in my experience, opens doors to Love's Heavenly Kingdom that can truly experience all things new in our outer world. As I learn to "simply soften" in meeting any challenge, I am finding I can bring "ease midst disease," peace to any conflict, and wisdom into the handling of even the most difficult situations.

I found my way to Pathways very carefully, carrying all the truths I had gathered along my life’s journey. What I knew with my mind was very dear, very fine, but my ability to apply what I knew midst everyday challenges was truly limited. Then miraculously I connected with Pathways and began learning the miraculous art of "softening."

I had always "known" that everyone agreed it was important and healthy to relax and let go midst intense challenges, but the miracle for me was born in the revelation of how to do that. Now, as I soften, the flow of Life, Love, Peace and Joy increases and the oneness of Divine Guidance and amazing wisdom and creativity is born, allowing heretofore unseen answers to become increasingly clear.

As you are reading this now (right now), sense the freeing joy of what I am saying. Let it "enthuse" and encourage you to take this very moment to soften and know for yourself the joy of truly letting go -- by sweetly and gently releasing every aspect of tension in your body, including the tendency of body, mind and heart to mentally, emotionally and physically hold on to outer habits of manipulative control. SIMPLY SOFTEN AND LET GO... embracing... and remembering... what it is to abide in trust with those higher chords of Love in you that are so rarely known/heard. Feel the joyous freedom! And begin to know WHY YOU ARE HERE and what is yours to do right now.

Projection Makes Perception -- by Rev. Pam Schueller

Projection makes perception! I want something to be true, so my mind "sees" what I believe. Last night I walked into the kitchen and I saw a small puddle of water on the floor. It wasn't from a leak of any kind. So my first thought was, "Who was so rude, spilling water on the floor and then walking away?"

I went to get a cloth, and as I was wiping up the water, a second thought came to me: the last person who previously walked into the kitchen was me, and I had my hands and arms full of cups and water glasses, some half-full, which I was juggling towards the kitchen sink. Probably the water tipped out of one of the glasses I was carrying. And I hadn't even noticed.

How quickly the story changed. So I got the lesson once again: I see the ideas, the story, I hold in my mind, my ideas about something or someone. And then I look out and "see" what I believe. (It's not outside my mind!) Where did my first reaction come from? Did I think the puddle on the floor was a "threat," that it would take something away from me? Otherwise, why would I judge my brother as "rude"? I must have decided I could lose something and projected my fear thought out.

But it wasn't my brother who did this, it was me. A Course in Miracles asks, "Would I accuse myself of doing this?" Would I blame me? Of course not, unless I decide to condemn myself. But "I just hadn't noticed." No wonder I need forgiveness by my side night and day.

I see forgiveness as my willingness to cancel my false ideas, my judgments which separate my brother from me. I don't need to look back to the past, or past lifetimes! Right now I can look at the obstacles to peace which pop into my mind -- blocks to experiencing my innate state of Being, shared with everyone. "Rude" is a thought in my mind. It is not a reality. As soon as I let it go, the effects of my false idea disappear. I am no longer out of peace! I recognize once again who my brother is, and who I am along with him.

Lessons in Chocolate -- by Rev. Mary Manke

In going through the workbook lessons again, maybe for the fourth time, it seems that I am allowing the messages in the lessons to sink deeper into my mind. I am finding more insight in the little things I do or the habits I perform. Recently I had this insight when I was satisfying an urge for chocolate.

I had just had a piece of candy, and I realized that the chocolate (the form) had not satisfied the desire I was trying to fill. My hidden thought was that eating chocolate would change the way I was feeling. But the hidden craving had nothing to do with chocolate, although I'd like to think the "magical chocolate" would fix or heal the desire. It is an ego attempt to make me feel good about myself.

If I expand on that idea, then anything I "do" in the world, is my (ego) attempt to have me feel good, but only temporarily. Ego certainly does not want me to know that I could "feel good" infinitely if I gave up listening to and believing it! And the attempt to feel good about myself is showing my belief that I'm lacking -- and that God would not love me. It is a separation belief: the belief that something in form could "fill up" the gap or be the substitute for God's love. So I'm still denying God's love, still trying to "be" separate from God, from Love, from Oneness. That's what ego is.

The next step for me is not to accept the guilt from seeing how I've "fallen" into ego-land again, not make the guilt real or the error real. It's time to turn it all over to Holy Spirit. (What a Mess!) I felt like my inner critic was taking aim, the tiniest slip and "kapow" I'd be bombarded with its critical assessment of what I was. So let me choose again. Who do I want to listen to and believe: a voice for fear or the Voice for Love?

I have made the world I see -- do I still believe that a fearful world will make me free, or happy, or more loving? Attacking myself will not bring me peace or love. Sacrifice does not give me what God has already given me. His eternal Love is already mine. It is everywhere and always.

How can I be afraid of God's Love? It is my inner core, my true essence. It is this Essence that ego does not want me to see. (Silly little ego, silly little thought.) This thought does not mean anything -- my meaningless thoughts show me a meaningless world. I saw the lesson here is how it is never the form, though I try all kinds of ways of making "big deals" from my dream world. Doesn't that make it more real -- the big deals?

So I need not make myself guilty for eating chocolate, or any other "forbidden or bad" food. And I need not make myself wrong or guilty when I recognize that I've been following an ego thought. I can just call it a mistake and ask Spirit to correct my "mistake." Just ask to see this differently. And the truth is, no matter how much or how diligently I pretend to be, I am not a body. And what God Created or extends cannot change or be harmed.

Chocolate is not a substitute for God’s Love. Anything in this world is not a substitute for God’s Love. The void I think I feel is a denial of God’s Love and a denial of his Son’s innocence. It is a conjured trick to make me think that there is a void that "needs filling." I have made up this meaningless thought -- and with Spirit’s purpose I can let it go because it is nothing.

I am as God created me… and how hard the ego works to keep this thought from my awareness! I am as God created me. Wholly innocent. Pure love. Complete joy. Total peace. Eternal light. Holy innocence.

Why would I need to change this? Only my insane thoughts want me to be different or would want Perfect Love to be unlike Itself. I cannot be other than what God created. Even though I have made the world I see, I do not have to be frightened of it. I can see it as the place where the Son of God is free -- free to remember the truth and Love that He is.

I can imagine many things but only my innocence is the truth. I cannot change my innocence. I cannot tear it apart, corrupt it with mad ideas, nor take the Light away. Since I cannot do those things, I can see the truth in every brother and remember the truth about us and Love and God. The world I see can reflect the holy innocence—complete, perfect, eternal innocence.

If I see anything that arouses fear, then I am wanting to change the innocence that is there. If I experience conflict it is because I want to change some thing, to deny the perfect Love that is within everything I see. I can be a mirror for perfect Love and innocence or I can demand that I am not as God created me.

Is a Thought from Inner Wisdom or Ego? • Widening the Channel to Inner Guidance • Letting Go • "Softening Midst Intensity" • Projection Makes Perception • Lessons in Chocolate • More Summer '98 Miracles News