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Surrender

by Erica Farrimond, Pathways of Light Spiritual Counselor student

I had a wonderful example of the Holy Spirit working through me a few days ago. It was regarding using the wisdom of ACIM in my interactions with one of my closest relationships. I’ve begun a process where I write down my “clouds” in my relationships that may be blocking the “sun,” or God.

Peace is always my goal but I’d been noticing that unhealed parts of me can bubble up to the surface and get in the way of harmony from time to time and I wanted to resolve it. So, one morning, I diligently went to my journal and wrote all the limiting beliefs, dislikes, fears and ideas I have about a particular person in my life who seems to be able to push my buttons and where I did not always feel peaceful (my clouds).

I then had a separate column where I tuned in to how my true Self would see these clouds through the eyes of Love. This helped insofar as I really had to think through a different mind, God’s mind, rather than allowing the ego to be the only voice I heard. Although this new perspective softened my grievances considerably, I could also feel hurt parts of myself still wanting to see through the ego’s lens, in the name of being hyper-vigilant, in the name of “protecting” myself.

So, later that day, noticing my ego starting to run wild again, this time, I went and lay down and meditated as best I could to try to tune back into my true self’s perspective. I asked Holy Spirit to show me all the beliefs in my mind that were getting in the way of the relationship and getting in the way of me being able to see things the way I knew my true Self saw them! I kept getting insights of hurts and emotions that would surge up, then away, and all the time asking for my misperceptions to be healed; my misperceptions that felt all too real.

I tried and tried and tried, for about 90 minutes, as I’d been so determined to “fix” this about myself! But, frustratingly, I didn’t seem to feel any better. The one insight I received clearly from my Inner Guidance was around hyper-vigilance. I asked Holy Spirit how I could be safe if I wasn’t hyper-vigilant.

Holy Spirit told me that they would take care of me, and I could relax and if anything needed to be brought to my attention for any reason that information would fall into my lap. I would be given guidance that I would not be able to miss. It would just suddenly be in my awareness. Holy Spirit wanted me to trust.

Then something miraculous occurred.

I heard my loved one arrive home, jovially. Part of me still wanted to hide away in the comfort of my safe haven within until I had found resolution, but I decided to get up and go see him. What happened next was utterly remarkable.

This person that I love starts chatting about his day, and within 20 seconds he had revealed something about himself and how he sees the world, and how he sees me, that all my angst, all my clouds, seemed to evaporate into the sunlight.

I knew in that instant that the core beliefs that I had held about him, were more about me and my perceptions, my feelings of unsafety in the world, my sense of irrelevance I’d felt at various times in my past, all coming up for healing in the shape of this being that stood opposite me in the kitchen talking about his day! And I felt such gratitude to him in that moment for that deeply loving role he plays for me.

In that holy instant, I realized what I already knew but the clouds had tried to hide, that he is very good person. I knew that my core beliefs about him were what is requiring healing, and I knew that this was the answer I had been seeking in that hour or more of meditation. And, as Holy Spirit had reassured me regarding the matter of trust — the answer came out of nowhere. It couldn’t be missed and I had no control over it. It wasn’t forced, or imagined up. The answer was simply given. I had “given up” on trying to fix myself or him. I had surrendered. And Holy Spirit had answered.

Rev. Erica Farrimond is a Pathways of Light Spiritual Counselor living in Auckland, New Zealand. Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) Website - https://ericaspeaceplace.com Phone: 64-21-1718-740.

© 2024, Pathways of Light. https://www.pathwaysoflight.org
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This Is a Day of Stillness and Peace

by Rev. Holly M. Onorato, Ordained Ministerial Counselor

“This day my mind is quiet, to receive the Thoughts You offer me.” (W-pI.291.2:1)

As they usually do, this lesson came at the perfect time. I soaked up every word as I drank my black coffee with my trusty journal nearby.

I love starting my day like this, in quiet solitude, before the sun comes up and the day kicks off. For me, it’s a time for self-reflection and pondering the previous day, the daily workbook lesson, and other spiritual texts. When I’m not able to spend mornings like this, I feel it all day.

Like you, some lessons resonate more than others. This was one such lesson, given the state of the world right now. Political upheaval, social divide, violence in schools, and other assorted atrocities, leave us feeling hollow, hopeless, and extremely powerless.

Remembering that we have the tools to make every day a day of stillness and peace, despite external events is comforting, though far from easy. It begins with self-awareness and compassion, for ourselves as well as others. Even those who are lashing out in violent ways, all of which are completely out of our control. All we can do is send Love, knowing that our divine energy is powerful enough to be received, even though it may not be welcomed. We do it anyway, for our spiritual well-being and because it’s in our nature to forgive and to LOVE.

Setting the tone each day is important and most effective when done in quiet settings with little distraction. Rituals that nourish our soul, like meditation, journaling, yoga or simply spending time with your pet, allow us to know and connect with our true Selves and make all the difference.

Honestly, my life wasn’t always like this. I spent years waking up, going straight to social media before the coffee was even brewed, to see how many likes my latest post got (or didn’t get), and checking in on others, either people I knew directly or indirectly. It took a good long while to process the fact that this habit was detrimental to my mental health and spiritual growth. It wasn’t setting a pleasant tone for the rest of my day. It was a hindrance, and left me feeling less than, grumpy and irritable most days, given the reality that social media is a false narrative.

It was only after I changed this toxic habit and left the fictional world of social media altogether that I could fully grasp the negative consequences it was having on my life. For you it may be something else, too much news, gossiping, spending more than you make, whatever it is, it’s up to us to change and enjoy the simple pleasures in life, those that don’t cost a thing, and take discipline to develop.

The good news is that Stillness and Peace are always available, by sitting in your car doing breath work before running errands, taking a walk on your lunch break before the meeting, or enjoying a cup of tea after loud family gatherings. You can’t put a price on peace and it’s always accessed through stillness.

Even when we fail miserably and experience days that are far from peaceful and lose our cool or respond to hate, we can ALWAYS choose again.
Many things will always be out of our control, politics, the weather, the actions of others, etc. but how we start and end each day is up to US and sets the tone for our day and whole life.

Rev. Holly Onorato, O.M.C., is a Pathways of Light minister living in Rahway, New Jersey. Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) Phone: 908-656-4433

© 2024, Pathways of Light. https://www.pathwaysoflight.org
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Dream of Darkness

by Rev. Lee Catalano, Ordained Ministerial Counselor

The ego is dreaming a dream of darkness. The world I see offers me nothing that I want, because it is a dream of darkness being projected by an insane mind.

All of the surface experience of the mind has an enormous ego undercurrent. The ego’s game is to see itself unfairly treated that it may justify its attacks. This can only occur between two separate things. So the ego goes about making up stories about a (dark) dream character named “Lee.” She’s tossed about and missed-treated, she is indeed a victim of the world. That is the whole entire purpose of her “existence.” The ego has savage rage and anger and it is looking to experience being attacked in order that it may savagely attack back.
 
Who, or what is it the ego is looking to destroy? It is God, and His perfect Love.

It goes about creating a false sense of “me” and a false sense of “you.” This is an automatic set up for the scarcity principle. I am not a separate being in a hostile world where there is not enough love, beauty, abundance and charity to go around.

The ego envies deeply and wants to destroy. Jesus reaches into our mind to gently remind us that “our brothers happiness is our own.” This is literal. At the level of Spirit we are all harmoniously interconnected. Our Spirit is a Spirit of Love. We are not separate bodies with separated interests and identities.

God’s perfection is here and now and you are it! “The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” We must be willing to remove the blocks (of hate and anger) in order to remember. Jesus is very clear in A Course In Miracles that a simple eye roll is a cover for murderous rage. We must not be in denial; we must be brave enough to face the hidden rage in the mind. When we shine the Light square on it (rage and anger), it begins to dissolve one gentle layer at a time as we are more willing to look within.

“Fear is the stranger here” (W-160) because all fear is fear of God. Underneath all fear, from the fear of spiders, to nuclear implosions, is the fear of God. This is completely insane. God is perfect Love.

Rev. Lee Catalano, OMC is a Pathways of Light minister living in Worcester, MA. Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

© 2024, Pathways of Light. https://www.pathwaysoflight.org
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Unholy Attachments: Letting Go to Receive

by Rev. Maureen Yarbrough, Ordained Ministerial Counselor

In this fast-paced world of hopping from one activity to another and just not stopping or slowing down from morning to night, it’s easy to lose sight of the Light and be less than pleasant with those closest to us — those “special” relationships in our lives of significant others and immediate family, close friends, etc. Geeze, I have been guilty of doing so time after time in my journey.

It was a long process to elevate from blaming others, to eventually seeing and realizing that I am, quite literally, the cause of my own problems and not a one have anything at all to do with anyone else. I simply need to unplug and practice some realignment and self-love. Keep in mind that there is no guilt in having special relationships — this world is made as the playground for them. I have felt that in this realm, here, I am always training in forgiveness. At first it was torturous, but as time goes on, it is much less so…though ‘it” can only occur in an instant! Ha! Go figure.

A Course in Miracles views guilt in special relationships as stemming from the belief in separation. Our true nature is unified with God and all beings.

Special relationships, while seemingly innocent, reinforce the illusion of separation by placing emphasis on a specific individual, leading to exclusion and judgment of others. This perceived separation is the root of guilt. A good example is the green monster of jealousy. Especially when I was young, I felt very inferior, which resulted in feelings of envy, and simply not being good enough.

When I look through the eyes of pure love, there would be nothing to be ever be jealous of as everything turns out for the best, and there are no accidents, so why would I choose to live in fear instead of faith in each decision following my Inner Guidance of Love and mercy? When I am clinging instead to fear, choosing to defend my ego, I am projecting that upon this person. This projection of our own guilt onto our partner (or the use of the relationship to avoid facing our own inner conflict) can lead to dependency, control, and unhealthy attachments. All of which lead to separation and dis-ease (any state other than peace). 

Ah, the ego. That master manipulator, that inner drama queen/king who just can’t resist a good dose of guilt and separation. It’s like the ego has a subscription to the ‘Drama of the Month’ club, and special relationships are its favorite binge-worthy series.

ACIM distinguishes between true Love, which is unconditional and extends to all beings, and special love, which is conditional and exclusive – “separate.” Special love is based on fear and lack, while true Love is rooted in the awareness of our shared divine nature (I think of it as PURE love – just so CLEAN & CLEAR!).

ACIM emphasizes forgiveness as the path to healing guilt in special relationships. By forgiving ourselves and our partners for the illusion of separation (so, yeah, uh, nothing!), we can release the guilt and experience true Love and connection.

Here are some ways that I apply ACIM principles to address guilt in special relationships:

Recognize the illusion: Become aware of how the special relationship reinforces the belief in separation. Guilt and shame arise from the ego’s attempt to maintain the illusion of separation from God and others. By recognizing that this separation is an illusion, you can begin to loosen the grip of guilt and shame.

Question your thoughts: When feelings of guilt or shame arise, ask yourself, “Is this thought based on truth or the ego’s illusion?”

Practice forgiveness: Forgive yourself: Release self-judgment and acknowledge that you are worthy of love and forgiveness, despite any perceived mistakes.

Forgive others: Forgive those who you believe have caused you harm, recognizing that they too are operating under the illusion of separation.

See mistakes as learning opportunities: Instead of dwelling on past actions, view them as opportunities for growth and learning. Thinking of forgiveness as a LETTING GO…or releasing, is therapeutic to me, and maybe a visualization or even a practice, that may work for you, too.

Shift my focus: Instead of seeking completion in the relationship, cultivate inner peace and connection with my true Self. See where you have performed in a similar way to someone else perhaps.

Extend Love to all: Practice extending love and compassion to all beings, not just my partner… oh, this is life changing for me. It shifts me immediately into pure Love and soul tingles!

Seek guidance from the Holy Spirit: I ask for guidance in recognizing and releasing guilt. Spend time in stillness: Engage in practices like meditation or prayer to connect with your Inner Wisdom and receive guidance. I cannot overstate the healing power of meditation. When I stopped viewing it as a time stealer and re-envisioned it as a powerful healing tool (which it IS) it has an irreplaceable tool.

Trust my intuition: Listen to my Inner Voice and trust the guidance It provides. You will know. There will be no nagging doubts.

All relationships are tools for training. ACIM encourages us to transform them by bringing awareness and forgiveness to each of our interactions, allowing them to become expressions of true love rather than sources of guilt.

Here are a few ways I try to practice on a daily basis:

Be patient with yourself: Healing takes time. Be gentle with yourself as you navigate these emotions.

Seek support: Connect with others who are studying ACIM or working on personal growth.

Study ACIM consistently: Deepen your understanding of its principles through regular study and reflection. It will change your life for the better.

Rev. Maureen Yarbrough is a Pathways of Light minister living in Yulee, Florida. Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

© 2024, 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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