When I find myself in opposition to any concept in ACIM, I have the opportunity to notice it. One may look forward to those opportunities or may have the opportunity to simply to observe thoughts of judgements. When willing the lessons and Ken's comments support us in noticing ego thoughts in action. One may notice having many, "Oops I did it again..." moments. Resistance may be strong though also keep in mind, all is well. No need to woulda. shouda, coulda the thoughts. You are simply in observation mode. Though you may think along those lines and yet, all is still well in the observations.
J always offers his hand ;-) whenever I think I have fallen and can't get up.
With Appreciation,
Marcy
"To learn this course requires willingness to question every value that you hold. Not one can be kept hidden and obscure but it will jeopardize your learning. No belief is neutral. Every one has the power to dictate each decision that you make. For a decision is a conclusion based on everything you believe. It is the outcome of belief, and follows it as surely as does suffering follow guilt "
This very first lesson, which seems so simple, if not simple-minded if you do not really understand it, contains the complete thought system of A Course in Miracles. There is no difference among any of the things in this world.....
(3:2-4) "That is the purpose of the exercise. [to have us realize that there are no differences]....? As you practice the idea for the day, use it totally indiscriminately."
*It would be very easy to go around to everything in the room and look at different parts of your body and say: "This does not mean anything." But then you are just doing it as a ritual. Basically, a ritual leaves you mindless, which is why people like them.?
It is easy to miss here how Jesus is being "sneaky." He seems to be telling us that this idea is only for this lesson. What he is <not> telling us is that A Course in Miracles itself rests on this principle.*
*As you do these lesson you should sense Jesus telling you: "These should be done gently. Do not crucify yourself with them. Do not try to get them perfect. Do not feel guilty when you <believe> you fail. Do not make your practice into an obsessive ritual. You should feel comfortable with these exercises." His gentleness becomes one of the significant principles of the workbook, and integrating this gentle kindness into our lives is one of the most important lessons we would ever wish to learn. Jesus supplies us with a wonderful model.*
