Dr. of Spirituality ACIM: Lesson 9

When asking a friend of mine to give their understanding of "mind over matter" vs "matter over mind", I was met with silence on the subject.  No one wanted to sit and participate in a discussion such as this and I've respected their boundaries. 

It would seem to me that no one wanted to give me their thoughts on prayer that wasn't preconceived from their perspective per their religious beliefs. Almost like, if they said anything that wasn't aligned with what their respective churches already had, they felt that they were almost heretic. 

When explaining the course to the best of my ability, however, it was met with positive reaction and almost borderline favoritism. Not sure how I really felt about most of their answers or how much they were in agreement with how this course explains how 'giving reinforces what was given', but, I'm still searching for my own answers.

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Dr. of Spirituality ACIM: Lesson 8

This is a thought-provoking lesson.

My understanding of ''...we must choose to serve Truth or illusions. There are no alternatives." is this:

If we choose to serve illusions, then we are all stuck in a mindset that perpetuates fear. Fear of the unknown or what we don't understand. In turn, that turns us into something that we try hard not to become. Tyrannical, at best. If we remember some history, it's that kind of 'wrong-mindedness' that was a sort of precursor to The Crusades. A bit on the extreme side, yes, but it serves to remind us of how blessed we are to have a choice. Illusions are the projections of vulnerable individuals that seek to control what they cannot handle within themselves. When we choose to serve Truth, our 'right-mindedness' can bring us to and closer to God. It leaves no room for hate or despair, or a weight on our hearts. We cannot have it both ways for our Minds to grasp 'Right-Mindedness'. The Truth shall set you free.

Our perceptions can have a lot of impact on how we see the world and feel within ourselves. How we perceive ourselves and the world would depend on letting go of our fears and misgivings. We project what we fear and in turn changes our perception on how we use prayer or our faith all together. If we can learn to let go of our fears, we can project a more balanced and steady flow of His Spirit. Our perceptions of how we see or feel The Divine would be vastly different. Connection and communications are key. We have to let go of the illusions we are used to in order to grasp and appreciate the full power of Prayer. The way it is intended for us.

Be Blessed.

Dr. of Spirituality ACIM: Lesson 7

The Ladder of Prayer has you really appreciate the power of prayer. 

We are so used to praying for things that we need or for something to 'go our way' that we forget the foundations of prayer and what it is truly meant for. Not to say that we can't pray how we are used to praying, but be more open to the whole, instead of using a quarter of it.

We must get beyond having enemies and pray for all individuals who need to be shown a different way. We, as ministers, have to let go of what we deem as a nemesis to get full freedom for God to guide us. We are vessels for His Spirit and Love. We have to be humble enough to let go of the boulders that hold us to our fears. We need to do this to better serve those that seek us for guidance.

Be blessed.

Dr. of Spirituality ACIM: Lesson 6

"We don't recognize that love is the answer, because we don't realize that lack of love is the problem."

Those words haven't been more true for today's society. Prayer, in its truest form, is communication with God. Not only for asking things, but being grateful for what we already have or have earned without expectations. Not saying that it is easy in any capacity, and it's not as cut and dry, nor the same for everyone else.

For a long time, I've had trouble with Prayer. I felt that it was one-sided and fell on deaf ears. But, I've always kept the lines open. I've come to learn that the problem was within me and learned to listen better. It is a lesson in progress. I had problems with feeling worthy of God. I never looked at it as 'calling on a Friend'. I'm learning everyday that God gives us what we need. It is up to us on how to receive the things we need. Reigniting the fires within ourselves and prayer can take us a long way. 

Dr. of Spirituality ACIM: Lesson 4

Excellent lesson on forgiveness. I must admit, I still need to follow and relearn how to forgive on a better level. More so for myself than anything. I figure, to have True Forgiveness would have some peace for myself and my spirit. Prayer comes in handy a lot for this. 

When I was younger, I had a ton of anger issues. Traumatic events and triggers sort of ruled my life until I became a Mother. From that point on, I've been learning not just to forgive those that have done me wrong, but forgiving myself for letting that kind of toxicity take over my being. After 10+ years, it's still a work in progress.

Dr. of Spirituality ACIM: Lesson 2

This lessons give us another approach for coming to our realizations of what God really is. We all have some kind of preconceived idea from what may have been taught to us at a young age. I agree with what was said in that God just is. To be able to grasp that concept along with maintaining our communications would give us an answer we can satisfy our inner curiosity about. While it may boggle the mind, why not sit with the notion for a bit and go with the flow on that. Why must there be any duality? Why must there only be a Male/Female aspect? Why can'y God just Be? 

Delving into the deeper meaning behind the use of Christ has been an eye opener. I, personally, never have been okay with thinking that Christ was just one person. For so many years it had been told and retold that anything besides what was translated was deemed unworthy because of having questions like this. Instead of keeping it on a one way track of 'this is what it is and it isn't anything else', digging deeper with meditation can stretch beyond the borders and have our Souls be touched with more potential for expansion.

We are all children of the Creator. We are all children of the Universe. If/when we are all able to fully comprehend and appreciate this, the better off we can live our lives without having any differences dividing us.

Dr. of Spirituality ACIM Introduction/Lesson 1

Being able to have more of an open mind for seeing Prayer for more than what we originally thought is one of the keys for starters. Knowing that it is more than just asking God for something is a lesson we must remind ourselves. Especially as ministers.

Our connections to God have to be an open line of communication. Communication is always a key factor in having positive relationships. When we take time to have a in depth conversation with God, we open more doors for receiving messages in ways it would be unique to us. However we can be receptive to hearing and feeling the messages of God, being open-minded and have our hearts open would help us better tackle the obstacles that had us turn to prayer to begin with. The saying 'let go and let God' comes to mind here. I feel that God is talking to us all the time, we just have to be still to listen. Join in the conversation and in turn we may find thew answers that we were meant to find.

Communication is the key to opening the doors we forgot we had and to the doors we need to open.

Master of Spiritual Awareness Lesson 6

I feel as if most of this lesson was mostly teaching about rebooting ourselves to be more open to the energies that are around us. Personally, one of my fears was letting go, per se, and being open to all that this world (and others) have to offer. Losing control isn't exactly a bad thing once you have an idea on where it is going to be directed. Though a long process it will be, it's going to be worth the trip if it means being a better person overall. When the right questions are asked for certain roadblocks we may have, we have better comprehension of how energies are just as they are and how we as humans can tap into the Flow to keep evolution going. Just putting all of this in a nutshell as I understand it.

Thoughts?

Thank you!

Master of Spiritual Awareness: Lesson 5

Very insightful lesson for giving and receiving energy. My visualization of the Universal Flow and how we can receive and give energy from it was like picturing a celestial fountain. We have to open ourselves up wholeheartedly in order to be replenished and to keep the flow going to others. Love being the key and its true understanding of the meaning.

I personally think this Insight can have a positive and rewarding influence on how one can meditate. While trying to have us appreciate Eastern Philosophy. Or, go so far as to put it as the best battery charger for our batteries. Unique perspective.

Thank you!

Master of Spiritual Awareness Lesson 3