May / June, 2013 A Miracle Distribution Center Publication

IN ME JO at the Healing CCenter’senter’s ConferenConferen ce A u See Back Page 1 g 1 Our History ust 10• Admissions... by Beverly Hutchinson McNeff a short film based on the Course IN ME JO at the together and avoid freeing the slaves. CCenter’senter’s s readers of THE HOLY ENCOUNTER With so much new light on these old ConferenConferen ce A u See Back Page 1 know, the Center turned thirty- stories of history, are we to judge and g •1 A ust 10 five this year, and we have been running condemn those we have previously by articles about our history. This got me applauded? No, not at all. If anything, we John Viscount thinking about history in general and how can look at them with a new understanding it’s taught. that can help us see how the average originally wrote Admissions as a Back in the old days, when I was in person (with their flaws and less than school, our heroes were always so noble Iresponse to 9/11. After that tragedy perfect motives) can grow, change, and and true. For example, Christopher Colum - occurred, I felt an overwhelming achieve great things. Columbus helped compassion for the family of humanity bus was the great, daring discoverer of establish a great deal of knowledge about because I knew we were entering into America, and Abraham Lincoln was the trade winds and began a permanent another destructive cycle of attack and saint who emancipated the slaves. Today presence of Europeans in North and South counterattack that would greatly we have learned that America. Lincoln, increase the amount of suffering in our Columbus really didn’t “That’s how it is with though he proposed world. discover America; he five different ways to This inspired me to illustrate a more only sailed as far as forgivene•ss. It is a keep the concept of forgiving interpretation of life’s events Central and South process of healing and slavery alive in order to so people could more easily find a path - America and never not something to do or preserve the Union, way to forgiveness, no matter what the really got to what we say just once and then eventually recognized world served up. To do this, I decided to now call the United you’re done with it.” that slavery could no create a modern parable that reflected States. The only reason longer be tolerated. the teachings from A Course in we attribute our found - These things were a process. Miracles , and the related lectures of ing to Columbus is because we didn’t want That’s how it is with forgiveness. It is a Kenneth and Gloria Wapnick, which I to credit John Cabot who sailed under the • process of healing and not something to had found most healing in my own life. English flag. At the time when we in this do or say just once and then you’re done In the film, James Cromwell plays an country were devising our history, we were with it. If you have ever tried to forgive a enlightened clerk who works in the at war with England not Spain. The idea of situation or person, you know that when admissions room for the afterlife, where giving the glory to Columbus rather than you think you’re done with it, that’s when he processes new arrivals. He is called Cabot was more appealing. Therefore, it’s the unforgiving thought decides to visit you on to guide an Israeli couple (Anna the District of Columbia and not the when you can’t sleep at 2:00 in the morn - Khaja & Anthony Batarse) and a Pales - District of Cabot. In Lincoln’s case, he did ing. The Course offers us great wisdom tinian man (Oren Dayan), who go end up being the great emancipator of the when it says, “God is the love in which I through admissions together because African American but not before he tried they have suffered similar tragic every way possible to keep the Union Continued on page 14 endings. By making “The Clerk” the

Beverly is the co-founder and president of MDC, one of the longest running organizations based Continued on page 15 on A Course in Miracles . As a student, lecturer and author on the Course since 1977, her John Viscount is a branding specialist, recorded weekly commentaries on Course principles have become a wonderful source of inspi - writer, composer, and explorer of the ration and study for many around the world. Receive a FREE recording by contacting MDC. spiritual path. © 35 years ago... a gallon of gas cost Worldwide Study Group Database. Our ume clearly accessible via a convenient 63 cents, Annie Hall won the Best Google Maps page now incorporates table of contents. You’ll find it on our Picture Oscar, the prototype of the geolocation. This allows our website to website at www.miraclecenter.org automatically recognize your location Sony Walkman was built, a stamp cost © and immediately display A Course in Free Podcasts! Two new Miracle 15 cents, the average cost of a new Moment Podcasts are now online for house in the U.S. was $55,000.00, the Miracles study groups in your area. After you grant your free listening experience. As first test tube baby was born in England, Sharie in Wisconsin wrote, “I want permission, and Miracle Distribution Center was to thank you both for your loving your loca - founded! When you look back, it’s response to my e-mail and to Paul tion will be amazing to see how things have for his beautiful reading of my recognized changed. One thing has not changed, words. I felt very loved and close and results however, and that is the commitment of to you both with that reading and displayed MDC to be of worldwide support to discussion. Also, I appreciate the without any students of A Course in Miracles . Our love that was facilitated when you additional purpose has never wavered, and we are extended my message beyond just effort on grateful that you continue to join us on the three of us on your podcast. your part. We trust this will make it even this journey. More joining. More connection. And easier to search our listings, as more miracles. Love it and love you © Worldwide Support — We are thousands of people do each month. both.” Founder Beverly and her hus - happy to be of service to so many Visit our website and give it a try! band Paul, share practical Course in - people around the world. Last month www.miraclecenter.org our site had visitors from 64 different sights to your questions from their countries, from Finland to France © Giving a truly meaningful Gift combined nearly 60 years of study! Polynesia, Venezuela to Vietnam, and Here’s what many students of the Listen today by going to www.miracle- everywhere in between. We hope we Course have done: Given a tax-de - center.org and clicking on Miracle can help YOU, too. Check us out at ductible donation to MDC in someone’s Moment Podcast. honor or memory. If you would like to www.miraclecenter.org © give in such a way, send your donation You are entitled to miracles on © Keep it in Print — We have been and request, and we will send him, her August 10-11, 2013! Our annual gratified by the response to the article or the family a personalized letter International Conference on A Course about our commitment to continue acknowledging your appreciation and in Miracles will take place in Irvine, producing a printed version of our support. It’s a wonderful honor for that California on August 10th and 11th, magazine. Obviously many of our read - dedicated someone or their family. And, 2013. Commemorating our landmark ers feel the same! One comment came what a blessing it will be to those the anniversary of 35 years, we have from our long-time friend Bob Davis of Center serves, for your donation will go assembled a stellar group of presenters Oklahoma. He said, “I have been a to support its free services! Gifts in to help us celebrate! Joining Beverly will commercial artist since the early 1960s. memory of... Robert N. Best — beloved be Marianne Williamson, Jacob Glass, In mid-career (the 1980s) my industry son of Fran Best. Fran gives this in Carol Howe, Jon Mundy Dick Gayton, began to move toward doing art/ honor of Robert’s loving memory and Steven Halpern, and screenwriter John graphic design on desktop computers. we are honored to welcome Robert’s Viscount who will be screening his short There was talk of the paperless memory into the life of the Center! film based on the Course. These office, e-books and the death of print. conferences are always an inspiration. © Lookup Improved - We recently My favorite quote from that time was, Mark your calendar and plan on joining improved our free, web-based e-version ‘You don’t have to boot-up a book.’” us! See back cover or go to of A Course in Miracles . The powerful miraclecenter.org for more details. © We Can Help You Find Yourself — search engine now provides even more We are happy to announce that we’ve accurate searches. You can also read it added an exciting new feature to our as you would the book, with each vol - Continued on page 11 2 IN ME JO at the Miracle Musings... CCenter’senter’s ConferenConferen ce Amazing Grace! A See Back Page 1 u 1 gu 0• by Paul McNeff st 1

through faith,"... grace being that unmer - Ironically the writer of Christendom's “ he Word was made flesh and dwelt ited favor that God bestows on us when we most beloved hymn, John Newton, was a Tamong us, and we beheld the deserve only the wrath of God (at least former slave ship master. By all definitions, glory of the Father, full of grace and truth." from the evangelical's point of view). he was a wretch. In 1748, Newton's (John 1:14) The Course’s teaching is infinitely gentler tortured ship encountered a treacherous on the subject of grace. Though he may storm which threatened to send everyone "Grace is an aspect of the Love of God have forgotten, the Son of God actually on board to their death. After praying for which is most like the state prevailing in merits grace. Wow! What a concept. We deliverance, Newton was miraculously the unity of truth. It is the world's most need not be saved from eternal damnation, rescued by a sea captain and returned to lofty aspiration, for it leads beyond the just saved from our error of thinking that England. This experience began his world entirely." (Lesson 169) we could actually be separated from God. conversion to Christianity. Later, while In Course terms, "saved" means the real - The daily barrage of headlines reads: aboard another slave vessel bound for the ization that we really did no wrong in God's "Forty Killed in Terrorist Bomb Attack." West Indies, he became ill with a violent eyes. "Grace is acceptance of the Love of "Teen Commits Suicide, Victim of Cyber fever and asked for God's mercy; Newton God within a world of seeming hate and Bullying" or "20 Children Massacred in claimed this experience was the turning fear. By grace alone the hate and fear are School Shooting Spree." Humanity de - point in his life. Despite these dramatic gone, for grace presents a state so oppo - spairs at these events as we all wretchedly events, Newton continued to participate in site to everything the world contains, that feel the pain. If we personally fall victim, the slave trade. Between 1750 - 1753, he those whose minds are lighted by the gift our lives are changed forever. Can we made many other voyages to buy and sell of grace cannot believe the world of fear is move through it? If yes, then how? Can we human beings just as if they were animals. real." (ibid) help others move through it? Questions As he himself admitted, he was still a abound in search of substantive answers. ruthless businessman and an unfeeling In all this worldly tragedy, where is the “Grace -- unmerited favor. observer of the Africans he traded. God of grace we so often hear about? In my ear•ly life as a In 1754, after a serious illness, Newton Surely, the world is in great need of it. The fundamentalist, that was completely gave up his trade, and then bigger question: Can we actually be how we described it. later, was ordained into the Anglican purveyors of grace -- part of the healing? Simply stated, we priesthood and ministered as a priest at Can we join the Sonship with Jesus and Olney in Buckinghamshire. The reformed become the "Word" (as the Bible pro - understood grace as some- slave trader became well known for his claimed Jesus) and dwell with humankind thing good coming our pastoral care and was respected by both with the pedigree which states, "full of way when we actually Anglicans and nonconformists. Amazing grace and truth?" A Course in Miracles and deserved something bad.” Grace , as it is known today, did not appear the teachings of Jesus boldly lead us to the until 1773, as a poetic illustration written by Newton for his New Year's Day sermon. infinite "YES!" Answers that are not of this Regardless of our religious background The familiar story of John Newton's world but "beyond the world entirely." and heritage, I think •most of us are Grace -- unmerited favor. In my early conversion experience has too often been acquainted with the ever-popular Christian simplistically cast: Once Newton had the life as a fundamentalist, that was how we hymn, Amazing Grace . The lyrics are described it. Simply stated, we understood epiphany from God, he immediately profound, and they so beautifully relate our grace as something good coming our way repented, became a Christian, stopped his experience of release from this world and a when we actually deserved something bad. slave trading and wrote Amazing Grace . return to the arms of God. Further, I deserved God's judgment But it did not happen that way. It took time "Amazing grace how sweet the sound, because "all have sinned and come short for grace to mature in his life. To many that saved a wretch like me. of God's glory," and "the wages of sin is Christians, their spiritual journey pivots I once was lost but now am found, was death." Interestingly enough, the Bible also upon frozen moments in time...the date blind but now I see. " teaches, "For by grace are we saved Continued on page 12

Paul McNeff is married to MDC’s founder and has been a student of the Course since 1986. He is a professional singer and conductor and holds a master’s degree in vocal performance. In 1997, along with Beverly, he founded KidSingers , an inner-city, after-school children’s chorus. The program has won many awards and been featured on Good Morning America . Learn more at: www.kidsingers.org 3 35 Years in Retrospect... The life of Miracle Distribution Center

by Beverly Hutchinson McNeff

In celebration of the 35th Anniversary of the Center, we will be sharing its journey with you the scene and was an answer, quite throughout the next several issues. Even though the Center was founded by Beverly and literally, to prayer. He found out about Richard Hutchinson, it has developed a life of its own. These articles will share the Center’s A Course in Miracles through his mother, birth, growth, life, and purpose as it continues to evolve and support students of A Course Rhea Zakich (creator of The Ungame and in Miracles. an international lecturer on inner healing). Darin became a student of the Course and Part III: Partners on love to all who called or visited MDC. began attending our study group. As time the Path Since her death in 1997, we have been went on, it became apparent that he was the missing piece in our puzzle. He Nothing you undertake with certain blessed by a series of wonderful reception - became a part of the Center and he now purpose and high resolve and happy confi - ists: Monica Castillo, Gina Wolf, Jennifer serves as our administrator. dence, holding your brother’s hand and Fitzgerald, Roxanna Spencer and presently keeping step to Heaven’s song, is difficult Tess Patton and Maria Zakich, who In the “old days,” when the Course only came in three hard covered volumes, we to do. (T550/T-26.V.2:5) continue to provide the same love and were sent large cases of individual Texts, Workbooks, and Manuals for Teachers. hrough our thirty- These books were then repacked into Tfive years of small boxes which held one of each of the service, we have had the hardcover books. It was a tremendous job opportunity to take the to repack hundreds of sets of the Course hands of many brothers, each week to be mailed out to anxious and each one has students — we needed help! Darin invited brought a blessing to two friends to come and help us at MDC — Miracle Distribution Susan and Robert Perry. From this begin - Center (MDC) and its ning in 1985, Susan remained on as the growth. I have written in receptionist of the Center for four years previous articles about before moving to Arizona. Robert, whom how my brother, From 1987. L to R - front: Darin Zakich, Beverly, Bobbie Rothstein, Richard, was the moving L to R - back: force in starting the Bill Thetford, Richard Hutchinson, Center, but I also want to Robert Perry mention the impact that our parents have had on MDC’s growth, for it truly has been a “family affair.” As students of A Course in Miracles , they spent many long hours in support of this work. Both my mom and dad have made their transitions into eternal life, but during From 1993. Beverly, Marianne Williamson, Bud Mendoza, Steve Doolittle, Darin, Conrad Hanson and the years that they graced us on this earth, Paul McNeff it was common to see our dad, Clarence, nurturing spirit that my mom started back Darin had known since high school, was repairing a leaky faucet, changing a light in 1978. I know this makes my mom smile. also involved with the Center and assisted bulb or helping out in any number of ways. My family has been involved with MDC in editing part of our recorded series with Tona, our mom, was a familiar voice to from the beginning, but another part of our Steven Halpern and collaborated with us many since she was often the voice you’d “family” joined us in 1982. At that time, we on the writing of a booklet entitled An hear when you phoned the Center. She were growing and needed to become more Introduction to A Course in Miracles . His was an invaluable helper to us, and we knowledgeable in the ways of the Center’s involvement with the Course started at fondly called her our best secret burgeoning business growth. Darin Zakich, Miracle Distribution Center and from there “weapon,” for she was our ambassador of who has a degree in Economics, came on he has gone on to form his own organiza - 4 tion, The Circle of Atonement. names of Bud Mendoza and Steve grow, our partners on the path began to Also in 1985, after his work as director Doolittle. These two dedicated friends find their own partners. Those partners of the New Hope Counseling Center at the completely rebuilt and improved the have become part of our family as well. Crystal Cathedral had come to an end, we Center’s computer system and brought us When I got married in 1988, my husband invited Conrad Hanson to join the Center into the information age. We owe a great Paul became a vital part of MDC as has as director of education and counseling. thanks to Steve for designing our website Darin’s wife, Maria, and Tess’s husband, With over two thousand study groups in 1996 and now, for his incredible help Tim. The children that have come from worldwide, he had a mighty task keeping with live streaming many of our events. these unions have also touched the life of track of things and keeping the listings MDC. Darin and Maria’s two girls, Lauren updated on a daily basis. Conrad retired at “Darin Zakich, who has and Emily, Tess and Tim’s girls, Casey and the end of 2010 after twenty-five years of Tara and the apple of my and Paul’s eyes, a degree in• Economics, Jeffrey, provide us with the best lessons for service to our Center. came on the scene and In the mid 1980s, Howard and Donna joy and learning than any of us could Sell had found the Course through Gerald was an answer, quite imagine. Jampolsky’s book, Love is Letting Go of literally, to prayer.” There are so many other dear friends Fear . The Sells became invaluable in their who have touched the life of MDC. We help to MDC. If you recall, in the mid Bud (who made his transition into eternal have been truly grateful for each and every life in June of 2007) •will always have a one of them. Whenever there was a need, place in our hearts not only for his expert - a loving brother was directed our way. A ise in fixing computer malfunctions, but for good example of this is Ed Foote who lives his loving spirit that touched every aspect in Pennsylvania and serves as our ambas - of the Center. We truly miss him, but we sador-at-large, scouting new locations for are grateful that these two “miracle our Holy Encounter Weekends across the workers” U.S. and helping to spread the word about continue to the Center’s services. Perhaps that is why, touch our even though we work long hours, the task lives. of the Center has never seemed difficult, As our for “Nothing you undertake with certain office fam - purpose and high resolve and happy ily began to confidence, holding your brother’s hand From 1998. The Zakich Family: Lauren, Darin, and keeping step to Heaven’s song, is Maria and Emily From 1999. difficult to do.” 1980s, personal computers were just Donna Sell and Next issue . . . “Divine Decisions” coming into fashion, and the Sells were the Jeffrey McNeff first to get us set up on computer so our study group information could be digitized. They also helped us produce the first “Thank you so much for all you do to raise issues of THE HOLY ENCOUNTER magazine. For years, Donna came into the Center to the consciousness of our planet.” volunteer her time and to help us duplicate our study group meetings on cassette tapes. After Donna retired from this That’s how Linda in Santee, California volunteer position, Mary Mount stepped in feels about THE HOLY ENCOUNTER . She wrote... to take over. Mary’s dedication was invalu - Dear Beverly and Staff, able. After she retired, Maria Zakich filled Thank you for your wonderful publication of THE HOLY ENCOUNTER . I look forward to the void without missing a step. As the every issue and want to give the gift of a subscription to my dear A Course in Miracles popularity of MDC’s recorded study group friend of thirty years. Please find enclosed a check to help defray the cost of sending it to meetings continues to grow, Maria contin - her. If you could send your current issue to begin her subscription, it would mean so ues to meet the need. Cassettes have gone much as her birthday is in March. the way of 8-track tapes. We still duplicate Thank you so much for all you do to raise the consciousness of our planet. on to CDs, but mp3 downloads are now becoming the popular choice, so things We are grateful for Linda’s comments and that she values THE HOLY ENCOUNTER so are changing! much she would want to send it as a gift! We are always honored by this gesture and And no mention of “partners on the happy to oblige. If you would like to send THE HOLY ENCOUNTE r as a gift to someone, path” would be complete without the just let us know. We will enclose a note saying it’s a gift from you. Then all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the miracles! 5 Heal Your Mind, Heal Your World Seeing Through the Eyes of God

by Gerald Jampolsky, M.D. and D iane V. Cirincione, Ph.D .

I like repeating to myself: “Today I let kissing Diane and was shocked to find out it or the last few months, I have had Christ’s Vision look upon all things for me was not Diane whom I was kissing! Now Fsome “ego hiccups” regarding the and judge them not, but give each one the when Diane is coming towards me in the state of my right eye. I have had glaucoma miracle of love instead.” (Lesson 349) Then I gym, she waves her arm... and then I know it in both of my eyes for several years. My left follow this with: “The holiest of all the spots is Diane approaching me. We have found eye has been legally blind for about eight on earth is where an ancient hatred has that bringing humor into our ego challenges years. become a present love.” (T-26.IX.6:1) really works. My visual acuity rapidly began to go Another favorite I love repeating to my - Another helpful focus for us is to have downhill about four months ago. Four weeks self: “I place the future into the Hands of our iPhone alarm go off every hour with a ago, I had a cataract successfully taken out God.” (Lesson 214) This helps me let go of all harp sound to remind us of the lesson for of my right eye. My visual acuity continued expectations or concerns about outcome as the day. We love the lesson that says “All to deteriorate, and the pressure in my right I do my best to live only in the present and things are lessons God would have me eye increased to 24, which was alarmingly let the past and future disappear. learn.” (Lesson 193) high. It should be below 14. Many people have asked me how my For the first three days post-operatively, Another surgical operation, this time an my physician asked me to be still and to emergency, was recommended. Although “Mind you, for years we keep my eyes closed to promote more rapid healing. I feel rather certain that my physi - the operation was a success, bringing my have practiced saying eye pressure down to an acceptable level, • cian was talking about physically healing my the doctors will not know the state of my vi - out loud that our spirit, eye. But I found that closing my eyes, having sual acuity for 4 to 6 weeks. There are lots our love, and our truth are a still mind and a still body allowed me to of measurements with each doctor’s visit. immeasurable. take a giant step toward healing my mind Mind you, for years we have practiced Nevertheless, we find a lot and feeling my Oneness with my Source. saying out loud that our spirit, our love, and of ego hiccups popping up So in summary, I have chosen to look at our truth are immeasurable. Nevertheless, with the multitude of my physical challenges as spiritual chal - we find a lot of ego hiccups popping up with lenges. I then choose to look beyond my the multitude of measurements taken on the measurements taken on body and to see what is happening to me earthly plane. the earthly plane.” through the Eyes of God. That means I A Course in Miracles has helped us in so choose to look beyond all form to see only many ways. During the challenges with my eyes and vision are. Rather than focusing on the Consciousness of God’s Love. eyes, I liked to repeat, “I have decided to an answer to that que•stion, which tends to Another question I like to remember to increase the focus on my spiritual vision and take me into the physical plane, I like to re - ask myself is the following: Is this thought, not the vision of my eyes. “This ultimately spond by saying and meaning what I say, this attitude, or this word I am about to utter reawakens spiritual vision, simultaneously “My Spirit is soaring, and my Light is shining to another person or to myself, a thought weakening the investment in physical sight.” brighter and brighter.” This allows me to from God that will bring about joining or is it (T-2.III.3:8) focus on my spiritual identity and not to an ego thought that will bring about separa - I choose to see what I think of as a physi - drop into my body identity. tion? cal challenge as just one of many illusions As my vision has become worse, I have It is amazingly freeing to let go of the that I have dipped into. I do my very best to also had some interesting and unexpected outcome of how well I see with my physical see my illusions as part of my insanity, and moments. For example, Diane and I go to eyes, which focus on the future, and instead then immerse myself into the consciousness the gym several times a week. At times I like be determined that the form or health of my of God and immerse myself into Oneness coming up from behind and giving Diane a eyes or physical body does not have to with God and a Oneness in all that is life. I surprise kiss on her cheek, and she likes interfere with God’s Will for happiness for focus on frequently saying out loud this par - doing the same to me. It spices up our me. This is something Diane and I are aphrase of lesson 219: physical exercises. continually learning together on our way I am not my eyes. I am free. Well, I have stopped doing that because Home. For I am still as God created me. there were two occasions I thought I was Gerald Jampolsky, M.D. and Diane Cirincione, Ph.D., international lecturers and bestselling authors, share their insights and experiences in 6 applying the principles of A Course in Miracles in our world. Jerry and Diane’s books and other items are available at www.miraclecenter.org IN ME JO at the CCenter’senter’s The Two Emotions ConferenConferen ce A u See Back Page 1 gu •1 by Jacob Glass st 10

imaginable — domestic violence, dismem - right about the story. The choice is up to “ implicity is very difficult for berment, murder, rape, cannibalism, me, to all of us. I know that it is not easy, Stwisted minds.” (T-14.II.2) death, racism, alcoholism, poverty, young but it is extremely simple. And with death, disease... it just does not let up. practice it does GET easier over time. It’s still amazing for me to realize that I HOWEVER, because of the WAY that can sit out on my patio in the evening, Fannie tells the story, it is inspired, funny, “I have said you have but two emotions, looking out at the world as it goes by, and filled with love and the milk of human love and fear.” (T-13.V.1) without one single thing in my world kindness, deep, deep friendship, and yes, I once heard a spiritual teacher say, changing at all, I can make myself feel forgiveness and miracles. grateful, peaceful, happy, contented and “There are only two emotions. One feels It is so clear to me as I sit on my patio at blessed. Or I can make myself feel good, and one feels bad.” I love how simple night, that I could look in one direction and that is. Sometimes Course folks get caught depressed, grief stricken, lonely, sickly, tell a story of how my whole life has been a up in the definitions of “love” and “fear” — afraid and full of anxiety. And it all happens massive failure and that loss and disaster and get stuck there, making it more simply from HOW I tell the story of my life has followed me all the days of my life. within my own mind. complicated than it needs to be. How Each one of us is like the editor of a simple to boil it down to feeling good or motion picture, and we sit in the little “It may seem to be what is feeling bad. If I am feeling bad, I am editing room of our own consciousness, happening th•at is making thinking something that feels bad when I deciding which scenes to leave in, what to me feel this way, and think it. If I am feeling good, I am thinking leave out and even the general theme and within the illusion that something that feels good when I think it. It feeling of the movie. On top of that, we may seem to be what is happening that is may be perfectly under- making me feel this way, and within the also choose the music that plays in the standable. But, I do not background, and an almost unending array illusion that may be perfectly understand - of significant and sometimes subtle have to stay in that place. able. But I do not have to stay in that place. choices which will affect how we, the I can change my mind and start to reach for slightly better-feeling thoughts. I don’t audience, feel as we watch the movie in And I can turn my head the other way and have to think the most spiritual, loving, our mind. I used to watch a very sad, tell the story of how my life is the best it’s • amazing, positive thought I’ve ever scary, and upsetting movie all day, every ever been and getting better every day, thought before, but I CAN reach for a day. And I did NOT like the guy who was and that my life has been filled with one slightly better-feeling thought that starts to playing the lead role either. miraculous blessing and success after turn my head in the direction of the Thankfully, the Course slowly took me another. And BOTH of those stories would emotion I WANT to feel — the one that through this “mind training” process which be factually true; I would use data to back feels good. has allowed me to change the movie each of them up as my mind proved me significantly even though all the past scenes are still the same scenes. I have simply edited them differently to make a depressing independent film into a big studio comedy that is slightly boring to audiences because there is so little NEW When 2+2=5? $ 00 conflict. Reflecting Love in a Loveless World 7 My friend Fannie Flagg wrote a by Kenneth Wapnick, Ph.D. wonderful book, and then later the The latest volume in Ken’s series “The Practice screenplay for the movie Fried Green of A Course in Miracles ”. Tomatoes . What a fabulous movie and yet Paperback - 173 pages Order Your Copy what a terrible “story.” What I mean by Price plus S&H. CA residents add sales tax “terrible story” is that the story is one of To Order 1-800-359-ACIM (2246) or at miraclecenter.org almost endless ego darkness of every form Jacob has been speaking on spirituality since 1987. He lectures weekly in Santa Barbara, San Diego and Palm Springs, California. 7 Recognizing Spirit Enlightenment is a Recognition

by Dr. Lee Jampolsky, Ph.D.

now remember to reclaim my tender heart, and only love remains. or a while now, each morning I have the heart we all share. Without the awareness of love, we Fbeen writing my thoughts and This is not to say I don’t sometimes still come to believe we are something other spiritual reflections. I have been sharing behave like the actor in the story above, than love. Recently I purchased a ranch these with just a few people close to me. believing my role is who I am. I can where I am building a small retreat center. This morning I am guided to share these mistakenly give more credence to “The One of our team is living in a trailer on the with the broader audience of THE HOLY Story of Lee” than the truth of how God ranch, a very old and run down structure. I ENCOUNTER readers. The reflections are not created me. I then go about defending and told him to go ahead and fix it up to make it meant to be polished or cohesive, but are justifying my story, not listening to my livable and comfortable. In his friendly an intimate sharing of my daily journey. I “inner director” when He tells me I am Texas drawl, he replied, “Ok, but you can’t hope you may find them helpful. mistaken in my identity. polish a turd.” Many years ago, I had a Hollywood This morning, I pause and ask the Not a pretty saying, but this morning I director as a patient. He was best known rather obvious question we should all ask can see this is how so many people feel for a series of action B-movies with a well- but usually don’t: What causes me to about themselves — that who we are deep known star. The director told me the actor forget? down is flawed and no amount of self- had some psychological issues in that he improvement is going to make us beautiful had difficulty separating his character from “We forget who we are. within. How tragic. At one time I also his life. The director said there were times We forget we are love. believed this to be true about myself. Over the actor believed his role as an elite spy • the decades, I have worked with thousands was his real identity. The actor became so This is our only real of people on their journey, coming from involved in the role he increasingly forgot problem. When we diverse backgrounds, and at some level who he actually was, even after the filming forget, we then make up this has been true with every one of them. was complete. When the director would some elaborate story A belief is built by our ego that fuels a kindly point this out to him, the actor about who we are, and well-hidden fear that who we are, in the would become angry and defensive. we go about defending very center of our being, lurks something Though this was many years ago, this flawed, broken, somehow deficient, void, morning this story came to mind during that story.” less than, and not good enough. This has my contemplation. I know my mind well been true with people who are wildly enough now to know that stories often Simply put, the world around me that I successful in the world and with those who come to my awareness to teach me some - can get so wrapped •up in makes me forget. feel mostly like victims. It keeps us from thing. This morning my inner wisdom is Most people have had the experience of looking within deeply; how can we remem - creatively telling me to be careful I don’t going to the store and becoming distracted ber who we are if we don’t look? Thus, the forget who I am and defend who I am not . by something, then arriving home with a state of forgetfulness persists. We forget who we are. We forget we are bag of groceries containing everything ex - Our ego then keeps this state of forget - love. This is our only real problem. When cept what they went to the store for in the fulness even more intact by throwing so we forget, we then make up some elabo - first place. This is what my ego does best — many reasons and justifications for us to rate story about who we are, and we go it distracts me from what I really want, and believe our story that we don’t shift our about defending that story. The more we I go about accumulating what I don’t. mental stance at all. Yesterday I contracted defend it, the more we believe it to be true. This morning, I remind myself of the a skin condition that caused a great deal of My story is “The Story of Lee,” and early lessons in the Course, and that what itching. I know if I scratch it there may be when I pay too much attention to this my body’s eyes show me can take me on a momentary relief, but the itching will elaborate drama spanning the last 56 long and wild ride of distraction and become worse, and even spread. Despite years, I stay in a perpetual state of forget - temptation. The purpose of this ride, knowing this, there is still a very large fulness, where happiness can seem like a driven by my ego, is to distract me from temptation to give in and go ahead and temporary condition, at best. Fortunately, my function of forgiveness, for when I after years on a spiritual path, most days I forgive, the story and distractions stop, Continued on page 13

Dr. Lee Jampolsky is a licensed psychologist in private practice in Carmel, CA. He is the author of several books based on A Course in 8 Miracles . Lee can be reached at www.DrLeeJampolsky.com IN ME JO at the Emotional Healing CCenter’senter’s CConferenonferen ce The Guitar Man A u See Back Page 1 g 1 us 0• by Richard Gayton, Ph.D. t 1

swear words in Sunday School) with the holes in the street, pulling he cool morning breeze has been Parole Board, this child of God decided to behind him a two-wheeled cart which held Tburned away by a rising white hot ask the Holy Spirit what I was supposed to a little electronic amplifier. Strapped over sun that sends clouds of humidity through do. Before listening for an answer, I stood his neck was a homemade electric guitar my open door in Pattaya, Thailand. I need up to shut the door and look for the A/C made of a rainbow wood base with steel to turn on the A/C but I delay to finish remote control. strings stretched across its neck. At the reading an email from the California Parole I began to hear it; a lilting refrain that end of the neck, small Buddhist charms Board on my laptop. They have decided echoed through my surrounding neighbor - dangled over an ornate begging bowl. His for my protection, and to keep me from hood of small food stalls, restaurants, mas - left fingers moved nimbly through the stalking and killing Michelle, that I will con - sage joints and apartment houses. Lovely chord placements as his right strummed tinue to be prohibited from seeing her or blues guitar chords played in a way I sort and everyone on the street stopped to communicating with her in any manner. of recognized. An old blues melody that stare. The Guitar Man stopped playing for Let me back up, fellow farang (that’s reached into my heart. Of course, it was a moment to feel his way around the fruit Thai for “foreigner,” which I figure you him; he had come. The Guitar Man. He lady’s cart as two boys on motorcycles might be). Michelle, who participated in the was coming closer. I pulled on my sandals slowed to avoid him. Then his hand went home invasion burglary that resulted in the and ran out the door listening for his direc - back on the guitar and another rift of murder of my wife, was paroled from the tion. He must be on the soi (small street) chords was sent soaring through the California Institute for Women in January. next to mine and headed toward the VC neighborhood. The night before she was released I was Hotel. Shoot, I forgot my hat! Back into the I want to do something. The Guitar Man told that as a member of the victim’s house. I must look good when the Guitar has come to my neighborhood — to me. I family, I could not pick her up at the Man comes. can choose to respond or not. I will follow. prison. My ego didn’t like this one bit. I want to learn this melody. I watch him Knight in shining armor with the wrinkled “Michelle,who move slowly and carefully down the soi face and the bald head couldn’t ride in and participated• in the home and then run ahead of him like a small boy. rescue her from jail while looking so spiri - invasion burglary that I sit in a doorway and watch him pass by tually fine in the process. But I figured this and I am filled with joy. I put 20 baht (Thai was just some snafu from a giant institution resulted in the murder of money) in his cup and he stops for a malfunctioning which, having been in the my wife, was paroled moment and wais (a Thai greeting with Army, the Navy and having run my own from the California hands together in what looks like a prayer) little dysfunctional organization, I know Institute for Women and then returns to his playing and more how prone they are to hand down crazy in January.” chords fill the soi and resonate to the instructions from on high. The Parole deepest part of me. I walk behind him. I Board would realize their mistake of want to play like he does and fill the world thinking me a revengeful maniac and see I I ran down the street, hearing the ampli - with joy. He is reminding me who I am. I was a gentle child of God. fied sounds of an ele•ctric guitar of a type I can move softly and carefully down the had never seen or heard before — except But now as the sweat forms in my streets of the world needing no earthly from him. I turned right. He wasn’t there, armpits and everywhere else on my body, I sight to guide me, not knowing where I am yet the sound kept getting closer. And then get it: they really mean for me not to have going because an unseen presence shows I turned around. He was right behind me, contact with her — ever. I wish I could tell the way. I don’t need to know who I will slowly making his way down the street in you, dear spiritual farang, that I was just meet for it has been decided for me. I only the opposite direction. A short ageless, overcome with sadness over not seeing my need follow my melody and the inner Thai man in a way-too-hot for the day Viet - friend Michelle, which was partially true, music that plays from you to me. nam War style jungle jacket and a bush hat. but it was more that my ego was not get - He wore man-with-no-eyes, mirrored sun - “The Guitar Man” by David Gates ting its way. After a fair amount of teeth glasses with his hat pulled down; I could Then you listen to the music and you gnashing and planning how to raise ned hardly see his face. He trudged one foot in like to sing along, (“hell” for those who did not learn fake front of the other, checking for cracks and Continued on page 11

Dick Gayton is a psychologist and writer. His book The Forgiving Place: Choosing Peace After Violent Trauma is available through the Center. 9 IN ME JO at the The Basic Metaphysics CCenter’senter’s ConferenConferen ce A u See Back Page 1 g 1 of A Course in Miracles ust 10• by Jon Mundy, Ph.D.

is an easy mistake. After all, the body We remember Oneness by not project - ere, simply put, are the basic looks pretty obvious. ing against it. metaphysics of miracles. H It is almost impossible to deny its existence in this world. Those who do so 5. I’m Nobody. 1. Projection makes Perception. are engaging in a particularly unworthy Not only are we not bodies, neither do The world is what we make it. It is our you nor I exist in an individualistic form of denial. (T-2.IV.3:10-11) construct — totally. We make up every (egocentric) way. We cannot and do not aspect of the world. That is why Bodies are temporal. exist apart from God. There is no “we” (Hold onto your hat!) There is no world! In just a few years, neither your body that we are making up. You are not your Another way to say this is: There is no nor my body will exist. It doesn’t matter resume. Resumes are about the past. outside. This world looks nothing like now, and it won’t matter — then! (You our real home — Heaven. There is no don’t need a hat if you don’t have a 6. The script is written. world because the thought system body to put one on.) Life does not There are no accidents! The more which gave rise to the world does not begin with the birth of a body. Life conscious we become, the more aware exist. does not end with the death of a body. we are, the more we see the truth. The older we are the more easily we can It is hard to understand what “The Physical birth is not a beginning; it is a look backward though the spectrum and Kingdom of Heaven is within you” really continuing. (T-5.IV.2:4) see that things happen exactly as they means. This is because it is not under - Time, the body and miracles are are supposed to, given our level of standable to the ego, which interprets it as awareness and maturity. As Albert if something outside is inside, and this described in the Course as “learning Einstein said it, “God does not play dice does not mean anything. devices.” They are the tools, the mecha - with the universe.” The word “within” is unnecessary. The nism by which we may learn the truth of our identity. Kingdom of Heaven “is” you. (T-1.II.3:1-13) 7. All decision making must be turned over to God 2. Time is relative . “In just a few years, This is Einstein’s big discovery. It can — The sooner we do so, the happier we neither your• body nor my will be. speed up. It can slow down. It can stop. body will exist. It doesn’t In which case — (Have you still got your hat on?) matter now, and it won’t matter - then.” There is no time! Time cannot intrude upon eternity. Learning is living here, as creating is When correction is completed, time “is” • being in Heaven. (T-14.III.3:2) eternity. Eternity is not space and time. Eternity is “timelessness.” Space and Once we complete the work, the tool is time are on the outside. Eternity by defi - no longer needed. nition is where Heaven is. Heaven is by definition where Eternity is. 4. There is no duality. There are no opposites. There is no It is a joke to think that time can come other. Judgment implies duality. There to circumvent eternity, which “means” must be “something” to judge against. there is no time. (T-27.VIII.6:5) Again — there is no outside. There is 3. We are not bodies! only Oneness. We are already and have We mistake our bodies for ourselves. It always been One with God.

Jon is a former university professor and the publisher of Miracles Magazine . He is the author of several books based on A Course in Miracles 10 including his latest, Living A Course in Miracles. Update: Prison Project by Maria Zakich

The Prison Project of Miracle Distribution Center sends A Course in Miracles and other Course-based items to those in prison. Through your generous donations, we have been able to supply many newly-started spiritual libraries in prisons. In some cases we have been able to provide multiple copies of books so more inmates can read about the love that is their essence. These principles are truly making a difference and quenching a thirst for truth that many in prison have found no other place. We will do our best to keep you abreast of the work that is being done and the way this work is impacting inmates. The following is one such letter: Dear Dr. Jampolsky, had to say, he replied, “In my We feel honored to be able to I’ve just come home from the defenselessness my safety lies. I meet each request that is sent to us, Attitudinal Group at San Quentin and, choose to leave weakness behind.” because of your generous support of with the prisoner’s permission, have One of the Commissioners asked The Prison Project. If you would like a story to pass along to you. him, “Where did you learn that?” He to support this project, you may Kamal, an Egyptian, has been in explained that it came from a small make a tax deductible donation here. prison for years and years and was red book entitled, “A Mini Course for If you are aware of an inmate who denied parole many times. He went Life.” He feels this turned the tide for would like to have books related to again to the Board on February 12 him. The Board finally granted him the Course, or THE HOLY ENCOUNTER and had a very long hearing; his vic - parole that day! magazine, let us know. Because of tim’s family was also present. He told In our group, the men draw a card strict rules for sending items into prisons, please check with the us in group that this time he decided (from the book) after they share and particular prison authorities before to just talk from his heart and not try they read it out loud. Kamal drew that you request that we send items. to “explain things” over again. very card tonight after his sharing! Together we can experience heal - He was asked a question, and Your teachings are a blessing to us ing by demonstrating healing through didn’t really have an answer for it. all. our willingness to be to truly helpful When the Board asked him what he With love, Holly to others.

Maria Zakich coordinates The Prison Project at MDC. You may e-mail her at [email protected]

The Guitar Man What’s Happening helps us to see the Hand of God in Continued from page 9 Continued from page 2 every experience of our lives. As we turn our focus toward the loving truth in You want to get the meaning out of each “A daily practice of prayer and each life experience, fear falls away. and ev’ry song meditation has a cumulative effect, but Then we truly do “fall in love with the Then you find yourself a message and the effect is within the heart. Spiritual life we already have.” We invite you to some words to call your own practices do not eliminate accidents, join us in this experience of love by And take them home. mistakes, tragedies, and suffering. But joining in prayer each day at 4:30pm deep turning to God unites the mind (Pacific Time) for yourself and others Let’s go home together listening to each and brings it peace. It lifts the spirit and through MDC’s Miracle Prayer Ministry. other and sending the endless song of sets it free. And it imbues ordinary prayer to the Father. The Parole Board events with beauty and real enjoyment. Thoughts for: can’t help but hear the melody. Prayer and meditation won’t get us a May: “I will step back and let Him lead P.S: The parole board later e-mailed me to new life, but if we are sincere, we fall in the way.” (L155) say that they had changed their minds and love with the life we already have.” This June: “God’s peace and joy are mine.” beautiful thought from Hugh Prather’s would allow contact. (L105) perpetual flip calendar shares the true July: “Your peace is with me, Father. I transformation that prayer brings us. It am safe.” (L245) 11 Amazing Grace Roger B. Taney passed away of a long beyond his ego to the perspective of the Continued from page 3 illness in the final months of the Civil War. higher good -- a state of mind the likes of To fill this lofty position required only the you and me might think unachievable, yet when one is saved (the most important president's approval. As one might expect, given a little willingness, it could consis - date of all), when one is baptized, and the role of Chief Justice was most coveted tently be well within our grasp. Hate, fear, when one joins the church. Like so many and an abundance of highly qualified men bitterness and jealously can be vanquished of us however, as was Newton's experi - lobbied for the president's appointment. when grace is present because it emanates ence, our spiritual maturity likely unfolds in Lincoln's former Treasury Secretary, from the mind of God. baby steps. In my own life it has so often Salmon P. Chase, was one of the front When I discovered the Course I had just been more like two steps forward, one runners to get the nod. During the coun - gone through a divorce, left my church step backward. But we must be patient. try’s most difficult period of Civil War, he job, and changed careers, all within a very Jesus always encourages us, "When you had performed a herculean service in his short span of time. Moving away from the are ready, I will be there to help." position. But for many, Chase was not an traditional Christian path, however, was an One of the most dramatic lines in obvious choice. adventurous time when I could investigate Newton's hymn, "that saved a wretch like spiritual paths outside the confines of my me," could actually be thought of as a “I can’t help but think fundamentalist upbringing. In many ways, metaphor for our ego thoughts, which as finding and embracing the Course was like the Course teaches, is the source of our that Lincoln•, like Jesus, my homecoming. When I first picked it up misery. But the main theme with which the simply had matured and started doing the lessons, a first-hand Course resonates is that we are all God's to the point in his experience of God's presence started to holy, innocent children. When Newton en - spirituality that he slowly kindle the flame of truth within me. tertained those old ego thoughts that al - habitually saw beyond It was an experience that I could totally lowed him to treat human beings as own. chattel, he was not free to experience his ego to the perspective Amazing grace had reached down to amazing grace. of the higher good...” me and gently led me to the next step in "I once was lost but now am found, was my journey. Thus having shed a lot of the blind but now I see." The Course equiva - As secretary-treasurer under Lincoln, baggage from fundamentalist Christianity, lent teaches: "Grace is not learned. The Chase tried to fulfill h•is own unquenchable for the first time in my life, I felt like I could final step must go beyond all learning. ambitions for higher office by repeatedly truly be God's purveyor of grace to a Grace is not the goal this course aspires to hurling bitter accusations against the hurting world. Did I have to dispense God's attain. Yet we prepare for grace in that an president; some of the most serious grace by words? No, I just had to thought - open mind can hear the Call to waken." (ibid) claiming that Lincoln was unfit to be presi - fully hold my brother in the unity of truth. The key to experiencing grace is to dent. So contentious was their relationship Can I stop all the world's nightmares and prepare an open mind by releasing our that Chase resigned five times from his injustices? Perhaps not, but I can accept judgments and pre-conceived notions of post before Lincoln finally held him to his the gift of grace for myself and my brother, what spirituality looks, tastes, smells or word. When Lincoln was asked why he was because grace cannot exist outside the feels like. "Forget this world, forget this seriously considering the appointment of sphere of all God's children. Lastly, can I course, and come with wholly empty Chase to Chief Justice, Lincoln gracefully erase my slavery-to-ego thoughts in this hands unto your God." Grace is an responded: "Now, I know meaner things illusion we call our world? Well, I'm not ongoing process that prompts us to lift the about Governor Chase than any of those quite there yet, but I feel I am on a much blinders off, see through the eyes of God men can tell me, but we have stood better footing for making my "journey and thus awaken . . . or in the words of that together in the time of trial, and I should without distance." What I do know is that famous hymn: "was blind but now I see." despise myself if I allowed personal differ - along with singing that old hymn ... Abraham Lincoln was a man of grace. ences to affect my judgment of his fitness "Amazing grace how sweet the sound.... My nightstand book has recently been the for the office." Lincoln was a man of in - I once was lost but now am found, was Lincoln biography, Team of Rivals , by Doris credible integrity. He never held a grudge, blind but now I see," I can also sing the Kearns Goodwin. Reading hundreds of even though it could have been justified, sequel: "By grace I live. By grace I am intriguing accounts of Lincoln's actions as and he seldom missed an opportunity to released. By grace I give. By grace I will president, I've arrived at a new apprecia - bestow grace in the midst of any situation. release.” (ibid) tion of how great a man this backwoods In the end, Lincoln appointed Salmon P. You Can Follow Us On country lawyer from Kentucky really was. Chase to Chief Justice. He went on to Of his many virtues, perhaps the corner - admirably serve in the position until his stone of his spirituality was his ability to death in 1873. surrender his life to grace. I can't help but think that Lincoln, like Shortly after Lincoln's re-election in Jesus, simply had matured to the point in 1864, U. S. Supreme Court Chief Justice his spirituality that he habitually saw To sign up, just go to our home page at www.miraclecenter.org 12 Enlightenment... Continued from page 8 scratch. This is a great lesson for me in regard to the ego. In short, the only way I To Give...Is To Receive can overcome the condition of the ego is by not scratching my fear-based thoughts Receive income for life. The Center’s charitable gift “You might worry that today’s when they demand my attention. annuity is an ideal way to give Based on all of this, here are my direc - generosity could jeopardize your plans for a comfortable retirement. A tions to myself today. I invite you to join and to receive. With your charita - charitable gift annuity lets you live me if you choose: ble donation of $10,000 or more, you will receive a high, fixed rate well and give back at the same time.” Just stop. Be with what is there. Stop -Kiplinger.com long enough to really know what you don’t of return for the rest of your life. know, and then step into that “not know - And best of all, payments to you “More and more people are discov - ering these products as a neat solu - ing,” the nothingness you fear may be are unaffected by economic tion to both their charitable there. There is wisdom in accepting and downturns. intentions and their desire to create embracing that “knowing God” is beyond more reliable income in retirement.” where you are, but don’t use “not know - - The Wall Street Journal ing” as a copout, or a reason to stay on the Sample age Yearly Rate “Charitable gift annuities are gain - spiritual fence. Deepen your path by step - 62 4.5% ing favor with retirement savers look - ping into the unknown. This is the paradox 73 5.5% ing to blend their passions with of true faith, of surrender; we step into 81 7.0% pension-like financial security. De - what we are unsure of — something be - pending on your situation, they can yond our self — and away from what we 90 9.0% offer attractive income and some think we are sure of — our personal story. nice tax breaks, even as they help fa - Age now Rate at 70 vored causes.” - The Chicago Tribune “As the Course teaches, hap- 50 9.7% piness becom•es inevitable 55 8.2% when we forgive...” Your charitable is eligible for A Course in Miracles tells us, “Enlight - Our gift annuities give us the cderotainn taaxt bieonenfits and a portion enment is but a reco•gnition, not a change funding needed to continue our of your annuity payments may be at all.” Step into this recognition today. outreach on behalf of A Course in tax-free. In addition, you will Know that if you have any doubt at all, Miracles . Please consider joining receive a lifetime subscription to forgiveness holds the answer, and is your and becoming a part of our ThE hOLy ENCOuNTEr and free admis - only function here. Today see the very Legacy Community. sion to any of the Center’s events. obvious connection between forgiveness and your happiness. Contemplate it often, Minimum amount to establish an annuity: $10,000.00. Minimum amount for California and discover that only one thing happens residents: $25,000.00. For more information, please complete the form below. when you are unforgiving — you are unhappy. Practically put, to forgive yourself or someone else results in your being The Center’s Gift Annuity Coupon happier. Not only is forgiveness giving up Name ______an irrational hope for a better past, forgive - ness is also a gentle giving up of all of your Address ______justifications for being unhappy. Let them all go — from mild worry to long-standing City/State/Zip ______upset, release it all. Let it go, even if it is just for an instant in time. As the Course Date of Birth ______teaches, happiness becomes inevitable when we forgive, and there could be no Telephone______E-mail ______other result than this. Today remember. Re - I’m considering donating $ ______to establish my annuity. member who you are. Remember who we all are. See how you forget. Do so with for - Mail to: MDC, 3947 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim, CA 92807 giveness. And, remember that lack of for - or email to: [email protected] giveness is a decision to remain unhappy. 13 and God; not because it’s a bad thing to do Healing Our History mother that all his judgments had pre - but because they are mutually exclusive. Continued from page 1 vented him from experiencing. It didn’t It’s like trying to compare apples and forgive.” Of ourselves, we can’t forgive, for matter if she was no longer walking this oranges. When our minds rest in God we see all the reasons why forgiveness is earth, he was able to allow forgiveness to (love) there is no ego (fear), but when our not warranted. God, on the other hand, reign in his mind and in doing so he was minds are dwelling on fear (ego-thoughts) looks past the illusions we have made and released. He is released from being then there is no love (awareness of God). focuses on the truth — the extension of haunted by an image of an angry, uncaring The only caveat to this statement is the fact love and the calls for love. mother and now he is free to experience that God is always present because we are the love that he is entitled to through the The Course’s counsel to focus on the creations of Him — we’re just not aware of miracle of forgiveness. extensions of love or the calls for love is so it when we are consumed with our fearful The Course so wisely redefines forgive - wise, yet something we might rarely do thinking. No thinking, though, can discount ness by saying that it is the return to sanity. except in hindsight. This still works, or change our reality in any way. It tells us that fear condemns and love however. As we read in the first fifty mira - The Course tells us that forgiveness is a forgives. When we forgive, we are return - cle principles found in the text, “They correction of our perception, so it can also ing our minds to the presence of God. (miracles) undo the past in the present, be called a correction of our history. The When we dwell with God, fear has no hold. and thus release the future.” (Principle 13) Course defines forgiveness as: “... a selec - “For this reason, forgiveness can truly be In one of our study group meetings at tive remembering, based not on your called salvation. It is the means by which the Center, an attendee shared how he had selection;” a focus to remember only the illusions disappear.” (L46) recently experienced a miracle with his loving thoughts you have given and those mother who had died many years ago. He given you — everything else must be for - never had a very good relationship with “The Course so wisely gotten; a desire to see your brother as her and did not see her as a very loving redefines fo•rgiveness by yourself; and your way out of hell. person. Recently his six-year-old son saying that it is the Forgiveness becomes our course-cor - wanted him to make cupcakes for his return to sanity. It tells us rection, so we can be released from the birthday to take to school. His son was past. That’s why the Course doesn’t spend very specific that the chocolate cupcakes that fear condemns and a lot of time talking about how we could needed to have white frosting and the love forgives.” have possibly separated from our reality in white cupcakes needed to have chocolate God. The Course tells us we are a thought frosting and how the sprinkles needed to in the mind of God. We cannot be Why would we want to focus on an be in a certain way, etc. He wanted to do it un-thought but we can choose not to illusion? Have you e•ver gone to a scary just like his son asked and realized how remember. Our amnesia, though, cannot movie, got caught up in the movie, jumped much work went into doing a project like separate us from our Source. this. As he was doing all this, he had a and screamed, and then afterwards walked out saying, “Boy, I’m glad that was just a Parents and children are a good analogy flashback to when he was a boy. He said of this idea. Even though there might be he remembered that from the time he movie?” It’s the same for the movie of our minds. We have written the script, directed estrangement in a family, the parent and started school until he was in about 7th child will always be connected. Healing our grade, his mother had always made lemon a doozey of a scary movie, but it doesn’t have to keep scaring us unless we want to “estrangement” with God becomes the filled cupcakes with meringue topping and focus, therefore, of every unforgiving brought them to school for his birthday. He keep focusing on the illusion. Forgiveness becomes the means by thought we experience. This means we never realized until that moment when he don’t have to go back in our minds to find was making those cupcakes for his son which we see each other the way God sees us. Do you really think God sees the per - everyone we have not forgiven; we can how much work his mother went to in use the experience that stands before us order to prepare those cupcakes ... baking son you’re angry at as that “S*#%B”? The Course asks us to question our thoughts in now, knowing that each one represents all the cupcakes, cutting out the center to fill it the others. Much like a domino effect, with lemon filling, preparing and topping this way: what are you thinking that God would not think, and what are you not when you tap over the first one in a series, them with meringue, and then baking the all the others fall as well. meringue to a golden finish. Plus, his thinking that God would think. It is asking Allowing forgiveness to rest on any mother didn’t drive, so he had no idea how us to change our minds to think with God. angry, judgmental or fearful thoughts starts she got the cupcakes there, but somehow For many, this seems too hard to do, but the process of releasing us from all our she did. the Course reminds us that our mind is past mistakes. It’s sort of like cooking with In that moment of realization of what one with God. Denying this, therefore, and not joining our thoughts with God, keeps a crock pot. You put your food in, turn it she had done for him — her extension of on, and in about ten hours you have a love — so much hurt and anger fell away. our egos intact but “has literally split your delicious meal. The slow cooking process He was able to see her in a new way. A mind.” (T-4:IV.2:8) is what makes the food delicious. But if you miracle had entered his mind, and in that We have all heard the saying, you can’t don’t put the food in and turn it on, noth - moment, he could see the truth about his serve two masters. We can’t serve the ego 14 ing happens. For us to reap the benefits of Admissions because it is what’s most healing and our perpetual connection with God, we Continued from page 1 sustaining. Therefore, when people are must become aware of it, turn to the love attacking others, it just means they have that is our reality, and allow the process to voice for the teachings on forgiveness — strayed from their loving essence. This take place. Any unforgiving thought that so beautifully articulated in A Course in doesn’t make them bad people. They just stands before us represents our opportu - Miracles — I hoped to demonstrate that by need to be gently redirected back to what nity to be released from hell now. simply changing our thinking, we could they truly are. “Forgiveness is acquired. It is not in - create peace in any situation. When people’s actions are looked at herent in the mind, which cannot sin. As During the film, “The Clerk” sums up from this point of view, it becomes obvious this change of mind when he says, “The sin is an idea you taught yourself, for - that the oppressed are not the only ones ones who find it hardest to love need love giveness must be learned by you as well, who are suffering in this world. The the most.” This healing perspective is but from a Teacher other than yourself, oppressors are suffering as well because derived from the powerful Course principle Who represents the other Self in you. they have strayed far from love. Once we that there is only one of two things that is Through Him you learn how to forgive are able to shift our perception in this ever happening in our world - people are the self you think you made, and let it manner, we quickly realize that to truly heal either expressing love or crying out for disappear. Thus you return your mind as the world, everyone must be forgiven and love. This means the perfect response one to Him Who is your Self, and Who offered the hand of unconditional love, every time, in every situation, is to be without exception. can never sin.” (L121) loving, even on a geopolitical, nation-state When we leave even one person out of This passage from Lesson 121 in the level. our circle of love, we have created a hellish workbook helps us to understand what As Course students know, when life is state of separation for ourselves. In this forgiveness is. As the Course tells us, viewed from this perspective, our journey sense, we create heaven and hell with forgiveness is an illusion because nothing becomes much more rewarding because every thought. Thankfully though, forgive - can separate us from the mind of God and we get to be an agent of healing, rather ness provides a direct route past the con - that is the basis of every unforgiving than an agent of separation. When this flict in the world to the common ground thought whether we are aware of it or not. perspective is applied to the Middle East and everlasting peace that is our birthright. Just as sin was a thought we taught conflict, it becomes much easier to see The next step for Admissions is a ourselves (as guilt for the fact that we that both sides have suffered tremendously college presentation tour in the United thought we could be separate from God), and are simply crying out for love. There - States and abroad. The idea is to screen forgiveness become an acquired thought, fore, both need love and understanding in the film at selected universities. After each as well, but one directed by the Holy Spirit return - not only from each other, but also screening, I will lead a discussion with the to release us from our self-made prison of from the world at large. goal of facilitating a healing conversation guilt. Another Course teaching Admissions centered around the teachings in the film. For this reason, the Course teaches us demonstrates is that the attainment of Though Admissions is set in the after - that forgiveness is not of God, but love is. lasting peace in our world requires the life, its message is meant to be applicable God cannot forgive because He has never establishment of shared interests. Contrary to the here and now. Ultimately it is condemned, but His love becomes the to popular opinion, the real evolution of life designed to create a psychological basis of our forgiveness. Just the same way on earth is not from single cell organisms structure for attaining inner peace. With a boat needs water to float, forgiveness to the complex creatures roaming the this in mind, my biggest hope for needs love to carry out its healing mission. planet today. True evolution is the journey Admissions is that it removes some from separate interests to shared interests, When anger, fear, doubt, etc., enter our suffering from the world. If the film does and one of my goals for Admissions was to minds, let us affirm, “God is the love in that for even one person, I will consider it illustrate this spiritual process. which I forgive (this person, idea or fear).” a success. For example, when the characters first You may wonder if this makes any differ - enter the Admissions Room, they appear ence at all, but we are assured in the to have nothing in common because they Course that it does. Just as you may not are from different religions and are on Available on see a crock pot cooking, fingernails opposing sides of a seemingly never- DVD growing, or a cut healing under a scab, we ending conflict. But through the telling of $ 99 know the process is taking place. So it is their stories and the dialogue they enter 8 Price plus S&H. with forgiveness. Forgiveness is taking into because they have been brought face CA residents add sales tax place the moment we are willing to allow to face, they eventually discover the other Order Your Copy our minds to be released from the fear and side’s suffering. The sense of loss they pain of the illusory past and focus on the share over their loved ones forms a bridge power of love. Forgiveness works because that they can now cross to reach common love works. And, love works because our ground. collective history of fear is powerless in the The common ground that all humans face of God. share is that we are loving beings. Uncon - To Order 1-800-359-ACIM (2246) ditional love is clearly our natural state or at miraclecenter.org 15 “At first, the Course was often gobbledygook...” S arah in Birmingham, Alabama echoes what a lot of people feel about the Course when they start reading it. Read on to see what helped her! “The CD's mean a great deal to me. I listen on my way to work every morning -- and for that little while at least, my mind is in a good place. The CD's are wonderful. At first, the Course was often gobbledygook, but it fed me. Then, with the help of the discussion group, more of the teachings got ‘in’. Now I treasure the teachings, whether I get them or not.” The Center’s weekly recordings have become a breakthrough for so many. Each CD or mp3 download gives you an 80 minute experience into the Course’s healing perspective on your life. Lead by Center’s founder and Course student for 36 years, Beverly Hutchinson McNeff, who has a knack at making the Course practical and livable. If you’re looking to move past the “gobbledygook,” we invite you to sample a free recording or become an ongoing listener. After all, you’re entitled to miracles, not gobbledygook!

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