A Course in Miracles Lesson #216 (review)
Central Theme:
“I am not a body. I am free.
For I am still as God created me.”
Specific review: (#196) “It can be but myself I crucify.”
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| "Mark in Mongolia" photo by Aaron Springston |
In the last two lessons, we've been releasing the past and the future, so it only makes sense that we address the present, too! I've never understood how/why people are rude to others. It has never made any sense to me, and I've always thought that they must be making a special effort to be mean, as it seems natural to be nice. Lately, I think I'm beginning to understand. It seems that most of the time I'd rather not speak to anyone, for any reason. I'm so happy just being in my cozy little home, that it's quite an effort to get out and be interactive in any way. While I don't feel I'm being rude, I'm certainly not being as friendly as I used to be. And I like to think I'm not being mean to anyone, but there is at least one person I can think of who probably sees me as just that! I've been examining the motives in my actions toward her. It's my responsibility to see that the employees of my gallery support the loving atmosphere for which we've become known. People often walk in the door and breath a sigh of relief, as they feel the peace which radiates from the hundreds of pieces of art within our space. I have allowed a disruption to live within these walls. It hasn't been a big one, but it's enough that I've known something must change. And when I didn't have the fortitude to facilitate this change, I became angry at myself, which I manifested toward her. So in attacking this dear woman who is doing the best that she can, I have nailed myself to the cross of my own making. I've always loved the expression, "hoisted on your own petard". It seems I'm doing just that! So today I will see us all as free of any imaginary attacks or perpetrations of thought. I will hold no grudge against anyone, including myself, and move forward, knowing forgiveness and salvation for all. When confronted with any thought, in order to ascertain if it is divinely inspired or ego-oriented, I rely on how it makes me feel. Does this thought bring peace and harmony within, or does it cause me to feel the opposite? Enough said. And so today I will release the present also, when it is no more than ego-induced angst.
Mary Baker Eddy quote:
“How are veritable ideas to be distinguished from illusions? By learning the origin of each. Ideas are emanations from the divine Mind. Thoughts, proceeding from the brain or from matter, are offshoots of mortal mind; they are mortal material beliefs. Ideas are spiritual, harmonious, and eternal.”
Science & Health Page 88:9-14
