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The Benefits of Participating in an ACIM Study Group

by Rev. Tanya Ince, Ph.D, O.M.C.

Have you ever been a part of A Course in Miracles study group? It could have been a local in-person meeting or a remote group that meets over the phone or Internet. What did you enjoy the most about this experience? If you have never participated in a study group, would you consider joining one in the future? Hopefully, this article will help you decide if attending a study group is right for you now. And if you are already a member of a study group, my experience may sound familiar to you.

I must admit that I love working with groups of people. Over the years, I have been a part of several Course study groups. Of course, being a part of a group is not a pre-requisite for understanding and practicing the teachings of the Course. Some people enjoy following a self-study curriculum, and others are being guided to find a local or online community of practice. There is no one way of studying the Course that is right for everyone.

In my experience, a weekly ACIM study group became an essential part of my spiritual practice. I started my first study group even before I finished reading the text for the first time. After I found the Course in 2010, I knew right away that it was the book I was looking for all my life. I noticed the first inspiring results of practicing the lessons almost immediately and wanted to share the Course with others. So I posted an announcement online and the next thing I knew we were meeting in my living room every Thursday. Indeed, we are always given exactly what we need!

My initial intention for forming a study group was to deepen my own practice of the Course and to keep me on track. I knew that I needed to practice it consistently to keep and stabilize my newly-found sense of peace. I intuitively felt that the best way to keep the precious gifts of Spirit is to share them. For the past eight years, I hosted weekly ACIM study groups in Atlanta and Boone, with a short break in 2013 after moving to North Carolina.

There are numerous benefits of participating in a study group for a Course student. Some of these benefits include the following: • Joining in the mind • Developing trust • Strengthening our connection with Spirit • Maintaining focus on daily practice and reducing resistance • Practicing miracles and forgiveness lessons • Establishing long-lasting friendships and practicing holy instances • Validating each other’s experiences.

I’m going to briefly discuss each of these gifts of joining a study group below. This list is not exhaustive, as the benefits of companionship are countless.

Joining in the mind. The Course teaches us to see our common interests and equality in God. A group is the closest analogy here to experiencing Oneness in the mind. In the words of the Course, “Healing is the effect of the minds that join.” (T.28.III.2:6)

Our weekly group discussions are clearly guided by the Holy Spirit. He arranges examples and stories that we bring to the table, so that they serve our joint purpose of awakening to Oneness. This is perfectly clear every time when someone talks about their experience and then we read about the same concept in the Text. Each group meeting is perfectly orchestrated by the Great Conductor, Who knows exactly what we collectively need to facilitate our learning and healing.

Developing trust. Gradually, we learn to trust our Inner Teacher, as well as each other. As we repeatedly experience being guided by the Holy Spirit during our meetings and in between, we are reminded that we are in “good hands.” Also, one person’s example of trusting the Holy Spirit’s guidance can inspire and strengthen trust in everyone in a group. The more reminders of trust we can get, the better.

Strengthening our connection with Spirit. Sometimes we get so involved in our personal stories that our connection with the Holy Spirit seems week or non-existent. Anything that helps us strengthen that connection in our minds is helpful. In a study group, we can gain an objective perspective on our own experience and take it less seriously as a result.

There is no shortage of miracles in a group. I’ve seen many times how liberating it can be to share your thoughts and feelings in a non-judgmental environment. Sometimes you just burst into laughter without even finishing your story. We are reminded that we are always given situations that are perfect for our learning. 

Maintaining focus on daily practice and reducing resistance. This was my main motivation for joining a study group. I had no idea I will also gain many friends in the process. Being a part of the group keeps me focused on my daily practice of the Course lessons. It reminds me to “be vigilant only for God and His Kingdom” (T.6.V.C.2:8) and to look at every situation in my life as an opportunity for forgiveness.

Practicing miracles and forgiveness lessons. As I already mentioned, a study group is an abundant resource for practicing miracles. As we hear about someone else’s experience of forgiveness, we learn to simultaneously recognize both our own ego tricks and opportunities for miraculous corrections. We learn to practice honesty with ourselves and others.

A study group is like an incubator for practicing the skills of forgiveness. It is easier to look at my own beliefs without judgement, fear, or guilt in a supportive environment of like-minded brothers and sisters. I can see how the results of this practice transfer and generalize to all areas of my life, including family, work, business, and relationships. 

Validating each other’s experiences. When we practice the Course on our own, the ego can easily hijack the process by making us look special in our own eyes for doing this work, or for experiencing more separation and suffering than others. Simply knowing that there are other people, who have daily conversations with Jesus or the Holy Spirit, can be liberating.

In a group setting, it quickly becomes apparent how similar everyone’s path is. At some point, we have all recognized that “there must be a better way” and experienced “a turning point.” In the Manual for Teachers, Jesus talks about walking on this path “with mighty companions beside us.” (M.4.I.A.6:11) Indeed, our journey is much easier and happier together!

Establishing long-lasting friendship and practicing holy instances. As trust among group members grows, people naturally form true friendships. My life is so much richer now that I have many like-minded friends. Even though each of us is fully responsible for our own forgiveness process, it is helpful to have friends who walk on the same spiritual path and who see the Light in you even when you don’t see it yourself.

The Course teaches us that we are reminded of our own essence of Love when we see It in others. Luckily, we never walk this path alone. The Holy Spirit speaks to us in many ways, including through other people. 

To sum up, I find that my personal process with the Course is significantly enhanced by sharing it with like-minded friends. Participating in a study group helped me to maintain consistent focus on my daily practice and hone my forgiveness skills. In fact, Bill Thethford and Helen Schucman, who recorded A Course in Miracles, were a part of the very first Course study group. I’m very grateful that the Holy Spirit inspired me to study the Course with my “mighty companions.”

Rev. Tanya Ince is a Pathways of Light minister living in Boone, North Carolina. Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

© 2018, Pathways of Light. https://www.pathwaysoflight.org
You may freely share copies of this with your friends, provided this notice and website address are included.

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Healing Happens

by Rev. Cathy Silva, O.M.C.

Some months ago I accepted an invitation to join in a group healing transmission from my friend Lorraine who facilitates a powerful healing energy from Source (Love).  Though Lorraine informed me the transmission lasted for just ten minutes, I felt prompted to lie down for about 30 minutes.

I didn’t know what to expect but was mindful to be open and receptive, trusting in my friend and the Source of the healing that was being brought in.

The energy that came through to me felt so gentle and loving.

My intention for the session was to have any conscious or unconscious blocks removed which seem to have me at a stand still in writing the relationship book I’ve committed to write and publish. It’s my deepest desire to have a loving helpful message come through honestly and clearly. I also would love for the writing to be effortless. Yes, I want writing and publishing my book to feel effortless!

After the session I reached for my A Course in Miracles book that was nearby and opened it up to a ‘random’ page. I was wanting some kind of affirmation I think, that I had something to share about being in relationships. 

At first glance I didn’t see what I was looking for. A thought came, “Maybe it’s on another page.” But then before I turned to another page I looked again; and there it was in Chapter 18.

“In your relationship you have joined with me in bringing Heaven to the Son of God, who hid in darkness. You have been willing to bring the darkness to light, and this willingness has given strength to everyone who would remain in darkness.” (T-18.III.6:1)

This said to me that the writing of the book would happen as easily as I am willing. As I allow my fears to be brought to the light and released, it will get written, it will be helpful and it could even feel effortless. I have come to a realization that the message comes through me, not from me just as the healing energy comes through my friend Lorraine not from her. Similarly, in the Accessing Inner Wisdom Counseling I do with clients, I am simply the facilitator who joins with Spirit along with the client so we may receive the insights and healing that is most helpful for the current situation or need. We are simply channels for God’s love. 

In paragraph 1 of the same section Jesus reminds us, “The light is in you. Darkness can cover it but cannot put it out.”

When the blocks are removed, the eternal Light we are is revealed and freed to extend and express through words, images, or actions.

Once I felt the session was complete, I went about my evening normally. I fixed a cup of decaf green tea and fetched a piece of dark chocolate and a nice light movie to watch. I didn’t feel drastically different but somehow at peace with whatever is and was and the insights that were coming into my awareness.

I felt as if something broke away within me. Not a breaking of a dam sensation where overwhelming thoughts and ideas come flooding through, but more like a stone that was interrupting and diverting my inner flow was gently rolled aside to allow for a steady natural stream of peace and insights.

The next morning on a group text with my friends planning our Christmas Party, my friend Debbie asked if anyone had a punch bowl they could bring. The vague memory of having one popped in, but “Where is it?” I questioned. To which I heard, “Ah yes, it’s in the cabinet above the refrigerator.” Sure enough, it was there along with the collection of cut glass that’s been in my family for years. I had forgotten I had it. It was hidden up in that cabinet all along. I was grateful for the reminder through Debbie’s request. Finding it sparked such loving memories. The memories of circumstances and events that had happened in my life floated to my awareness. Some were wonderful and other’s incredibly difficult at the time. I was pleased that I could simply observe them as they surfaced and felt only love and peace and gratitude for all that had taken place.

“If you knew Who walks beside you on the way that you have chosen, fear would be impossible.” (T-18.III.3.2)

Our fears and doubts and feelings of lack can prevent us from recognizing what is in the way for our progress and experiencing the Love that has been there all along. Fortunately, we have wisdom within in the form of a loving Guide, and we have each other to travel the road with and help us remember and heal. We all play our part in some way, some as healers and authors, others as dear friends, family or acquaintances. It takes willingness and courage to let go of the need to do it on our own. We need to let go of fear and let the blocks be moved aside that makes way for the healing to happen. With the healing comes the awareness of Love’s Presence, which is our ultimate goal and desire. I’ve found when I become aware of and join with the Spirit of Love within that everything else seems to take care of itself, including writing and publishing the book. 

Rev. Cathy Silva is a Pathways of Light Minister, Life Coach, and Author of the upcoming book Loving One Another – Finding a Better Way living in Punta Gorda, FL. Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) Website: CathySilva.org

© 2018, Pathways of Light. https://www.pathwaysoflight.org
You may freely share copies of this with your friends, provided this notice and website address are included.

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You’ve Got What It Takes

by Rev. Mary Gerard Lenihan, O.M.C.

So, do you have what it takes? Sometimes we may find ourselves in certain jobs, volunteer positions, trainings, programs or a path of study etc. and may ask, “Why am I doing this? What am I doing here?”

This morning in my practice of Pause for Inspiration in the midst of everyday life, I recognized the direction of my Helpful Self. I had to pause and step back though because my Helpful Self had really gotten my attention. How? By shifting my focus from using my energy and time in an area which is not quite on target with my gifts to an area which is. For example, someone could be studying culinary arts, but notice an inner shift towards restaurant management.

The practice of Pause for Inspiration can help one stay tuned to these shifts in focus and tweaks in direction that can change the direction of one’s entire life.

Initially, I wondered why my Helpful Self would direct me down one path then veer me onto another path. What’s up with that? In my ongoing pausing, getting out of my own way, and listening within, I recognized the thoughts of my Helpful Self:

“I guided you to begin that program of study to inspire and encourage you to take this other action that you would not have otherwise taken!”

This Helpful Self is ingenious! I saw in my mind how my Helpful Self was absolutely right. I have been receiving some inspired direction for years now, but — here you go — I did not follow! No guilt, simply taking notice. Following is a challenge because to follow is saying yes to more challenges.

Getting ready for the day I continued to focus in on recognizing the thoughts of my Helpful Self — I had some questions and wanted clarification. In this inner conversation, you know the one, walking through the house talking to yourself, the question is, “Who am I talking with; the me-character or my Helpful Self?”

I remember one day sitting across from my mom at lunch and I was mumbling away to myself and my-me was stirring up a storm in my mind about some nonsensical thing, and my mom asked, “Who are you talking to?” I laughed as she stopped me, literally, in my twelve-track me-mind and I replied, “No one important!” We both laughed. Who doesn’t know this scenario.

But all day today I am focused on my Inspired Mind and the wisdom so graciously being shared. I ask my Helpful Self, “Am I getting this right? I am to reorient my focus?”

“Yes. You needed to go through this one particular experience before beginning the deeper experience I am directing you towards, so you could see that you’ve got what it takes!”

If that isn’t the gift of one’s Helpful Self, I don’t know what is. Your Helpful Self has got the map of your life walking with you along the bumpy, pothole, and newly paved roads, and then rerouting you when you’re ready. How cool is that?

So, the me-character distracts us with “You don’t have what it takes,” while the Helpful Self corrects this me towards, You’ve got what it takes because you have a Helpful Self. What you’re doing in life now is serving a helpful purpose and preparing you for your next adventure.

Rev. Mary Gerard Lenihan is a Pathways of Light minister living in St. Louis, MO. Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Website: http://www.pauseforinspiration.org

© 2018, Pathways of Light. https://www.pathwaysoflight.org
You may freely share copies of this with your friends, provided this notice and website address are included.

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Daily Inspiration for Living ACIM

by Revs. Robert and Mary Stoelting

Below is one the Daily Inspirations posted on the Pathways of Light website at this link:
http://www.pathwaysoflight.org/daily_inspiration

The Answer to All Our Problems

“If you are willing to recognize your problems, you will recognize that you have no problems. Your one central problem [belief in separation] has been answered, and you have no other. Therefore, you must be at peace. Salvation thus depends on recognizing this one problem [separation], and understanding that it has been solved. One problem, one solution. Salvation is accomplished. Freedom from conflict has been given you. Accept that fact, and you are ready to take your rightful place in God’s plan for salvation.

“Your only problem has been solved! Repeat this over and over to yourself today, with gratitude and conviction. You have recognized your only problem, opening the way for the Holy Spirit to give you God’s answer [the oneness of His eternal Love]. You have laid deception aside, and seen the light of truth. You have accepted salvation for yourself by bringing the problem to the answer. And you can recognize the answer, because the problem has been identified.

“You are entitled to peace today. A problem that has been resolved cannot trouble you. Only be certain you do not forget that all problems are the same. Their many forms will not deceive you while you remember this. One problem, one solution. Accept the peace this simple statement brings.” (W-pI.80.1-3)

If we are not in perfect peace, we have an unresolved problem — some form of belief that separation is real. The ego, the idea that separation is real, disguises the idea by giving it myriad forms. We need to recognize that all forms — bodies, personalities, events, time and space — are all deceptions that hide the one idea of separation.

The answer to this problem is as singular as the problem. Only the oneness of Love is real. What is one can have no conflict and must be at peace. The Holy Spirit has been given us in our minds to teach us to recognize the deception and let it go. In its place we receive the vision of Christ, the vision of the innocence and oneness of Love. Today we bring all grievances, upsets, judgments and fear to the Holy Spirit with willingness to be show the one problem that underlies them all. Thus we will learn that our only problem has been solved.

Revs. Robert and Mary Stoelting are co-founders of Pathways of Light over 28 years ago. They reside in Ormond Beach, Florida, where they, along with a Pathways of Light team, continue to operate the office and publish the quarterly Miracles News Magazine.
E-mail: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

© 2018, Pathways of Light. https://www.pathwaysoflight.org
You may freely share copies of this with your friends, provided this notice and website address are included.

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