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Sept.-Dec., 2024

The Illusion of Separation: Finding Unity in a Divided World

by Rev. Maureen L. Yarbrough, Ordained Ministerial Counselor

“Let the Holy Spirit show him to you, and teach you both his love and his call for love. Neither his mind nor yours holds more than these two orders of thought.” (T-14.X.11:5-6)

I typically try to avoid negativity, including all news channels. However, while visiting a sick friend, I was exposed to a strong, contrasting viewpoint which I judged as hostile. This experience sparked a profound question: How can we learn to think differently if we only see one perspective? And how can we condemn others for their belief system, understanding that this is true?

This experience highlighted ACIM’s principle of open-mindedness. We have a responsibility to educate ourselves beyond our comfort zones. This doesn’t mean blind acceptance but approaching opposing viewpoints with love and understanding. Remembering that we are observing through a tiny needle head of “our life” and that doesn’t make it true…this knowledge enables us to become heartful and loving conduits, no matter what.

I have encountered people with opposing beliefs who I initially perceived as antagonistic. However, ACIM teaches that we all cling to belief systems, creating a story of “us” versus “them.” This perception makes it easy to demonize those who differ.

”Forgiveness is the healing of the perception of separation.” (T-3.V.9:1)

Everyone’s perception is shaped by their personal narrative, a story we tell ourselves, quite often one “handed down” from our parents and their parents, and so on. This is the nature of the world — division and separation based on perception. However, as ACIM emphasizes, Love bridges these divides and unites us.

Beginning at birth we start to absorb beliefs that shape our perception of the “our” world. These paradigms, however, are not absolute truths but filters through which we experience and judge life. These judgements reinforce the illusion of separation, a core concept of the ego.

Imagine a world where everyone fiercely defends their ego-driven beliefs. Ha. This could very well be your world today. In such a scenario, what purpose does judgment serve? Standing on a soapbox, proclaiming “right” and “wrong,” only fuels division. As ACIM demonstrates, forgiveness is acceptance. It’s not condoning actions, but recognizing that beneath our many ego masks, we are all one. True freedom comes from the power of peace and love. Knowing this, how can we not hold compassion for others, and ourselves as well, releasing all feelings of hostility or self-righteousness?

“The ego as a judge gives anything but an impartial judgment.” (T-8.VIII.4:8)

My upbringing, with frequent moves and changing schools, offered valuable insight. It taught me a core truth — fundamentally, we all yearn for love and acceptance. Even those we might label “evil” operate from their own experiences, pain, or sickness, and deep down, only desire the same.

In my early 30’s I had a powerful epiphany. It wasn’t a specific event, but a dawning realization: Only love matters. Judgment, division, negativity — all fall away in the face of Love.

“Every loving thought that the Son of God ever had is eternal. The loving thoughts his mind perceives in this world are the world’s only reality. They are still perceptions, because he still believes that he is separate. Yet they are eternal because they are loving.” (T-11.VII.2:1-4)

ACIM beautifully illustrates the power of Love. Love begets Love, while hate fosters more hate.

By recognizing the limitations of our paradigms and embracing forgiveness, we can cultivate peace and Love. Engaging with opposing views with an open mind allows the Holy Spirit, as described in ACIM, to guide us. This fosters a world built on understanding and connection, a world where Love truly unites us.

Mother Teresa’s words resonate deeply: “Peace begins with a smile. Smile five times a day at someone you don’t really want to smile at; do it for peace. Let us radiate the peace of God and so light His light and extinguish in the world and in the hearts of all men all hatred and love for power.”

Let’s light up this world with our smiles radiating forth!

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