“Let all things be exactly as they are” is the title of lesson 268 in A Course in Miracles.

This raises a natural resistance as I bring up thoughts of horrendous things happening in the world or I see loved ones suffering. How can I let such suffering be exactly as it is? Aren’t I here to change the world? Aren’t I here to help others?

Perhaps my purpose here isn’t to change the world, but to heal my perceived separation from God/Love and show, rather than tell, others how they can do the same.

There is a saying in the 12-Step programs, “Stay in your lane.” Or “Mind your own business.” It helps keep my focus on the only thing I have any influence over, which is changing myself by changing the way I think.

If I let all things be exactly as they are, what would that look like in my life?

I could stop planning for every possible outcome. I wouldn’t have to waste time fighting things I can’t change. Instead, I could focus on what I can change. I could stop being angry when events don’t go how I think they should go. I would stop worrying about family members. I could release my sense of responsiblity for everyone else’s feelings and stop trying to make them happy.

What would that feel like?

The first feeling is relief. I relish the thought of all that mental space being freed. I feel lighter without the unnecessary responsibilities.

Then, fear begins to creep in. It comes with the “what if’s” and the sinking feeling that chaos will reign if I’m not there to control the outcome.

When fear takes over, I can’t imagine a better way. I can’t conceive that things might work out even better than I planned. Without the knowledge, faith, and trust that Love is in charge, it feels like jumping off a cliff without a safety net, which the following joke illustrates:

A man was hiking along a mountain trail when he slipped and fell over the edge of a steep cliff. Tumbling down, he managed to grab hold of a small branch growing out of the mountainside.

He cried out, “Help! Somebody help me!”

A deep voice answered, “I am here.”

“Who are you?” the man asked.

“I am God. Do you trust me?”

“Yes, Lord!”

“Then let go of the branch.”

There was a long silence as the man looked below him. Then he looked up and shouted:

“IS THERE ANYBODY ELSE UP THERE I CAN TALK TO?”

I felt the same way. From my perspective, letting things be as they were wasn’t going to solve my problems, but merely create more.

My perspective was flawed. I had misunderstood surrender. I thought it meant giving up or giving in to circumstances I wasn’t sure I wanted. I had to come to believe there was a better way. I’d had glimpses of it, but I struggled to sustain it. I kept getting distracted by looking for love outside myself.

I hadn’t understood that trusting Love also meant allowing others to follow their own paths. Everyone is on a journey of remembering their true nature. My responsibility is to offer love and acceptance, not to do the work for them.

I recognized the importance of developing a relationship of trust with Love. People had let me down, and I believed Love had too when my prayers weren’t answered the way I expected. I learned to admit I didn’t always know which solution would serve everyone’s highest good.

I discovered Love was already within me. I wasn’t asking something foreign to take over my life. I wasn’t surrendering to something outside myself. I was remembering my own true nature and affiliation with Love. I was learning how to join with what I had always been.

An often-told story about Michelangelo and his statue of David illustrates this beautifully.

When asked how he created the magnificent statue of David from a block of marble, Michelangelo reportedly replied:

“I simply removed everything that wasn’t David.”

And so it is with me.

Beneath the layers of fear, guilt, judgment, and limiting beliefs lies my true nature—whole, beautiful, and untouched, exactly as Love created me.

As I experience this transformation, it becomes easier to trust that Love is present, even in circumstances I don’t understand. I am learning to recognize that everyone is on their own journey of awakening to the fountain of Love within them.

My part is simply to love them and remind them to listen for that quiet, persistent call within—A Call to Love.

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My writing is inspired by living what I learn in A Course in Miracles.

ACIM - A Course in Miracles, Third Edition, copyright © 2007 by the Foundation for Inner Peace, copyright holder and publisher, 448 Ignacio Blvd., #306, Novato, CA 94949, acim.org. This is a non-profit establishment and donations are appreciated.

The first concept of a villain I can recall was Satan—the entity who talked God into letting Job suffer to test his faith, the one who tempted Jesus and failed, the angel who turned away from God thinking he knew better.

The main villain in my own life was my mother. Her addiction to alcohol led to behaviors that greatly impacted my life and others. She could be funny, kind, and loving. She could also be cold, cruel, and manipulative.

She remained my villain until I began to understand the truth about her and how she, too, was a product of her environment. She suffered from abandonment issues within a family torn apart by grief and lived in a society that devalued women.

Living with her greatly affected my mental health, but blaming her wasn’t going to heal me. Once I faced my own dysfunction, it became my responsibility to manage it. It was my job to heal and stop using my upbringing as an excuse for remaining stuck.

Feeling sorry for myself for having been mistreated and neglected didn’t help either. Self-pity consumed my time and energy. It kept me feeling like a victim and drained my self-esteem. I learned I couldn’t be victim and victor. I had to let go of one to fully embrace the other.

Becoming a victor required action. I had to become the hero of my own life. No one could rescue me, although many people loved, supported, and guided me along the way. I learned to take responsibility for my actions and change my behaviors. I stopped expecting other people to fill my empty emotional buckets and learned how to fill them myself.

I discovered I could do a lot to change my thoughts, but I needed help to change my mind. My self-help journey became a spiritual quest. I learned I was more than a body and part of something far greater than myself—Love.

That realization significantly changed my perception of the world.

Today, I recognize there are no villains, only people who are out of alignment with their higher selves. If I had understood this growing up, I could have responded more lovingly toward my mother rather than adding to her guilt and self-loathing. I don’t know if she could have found the strength to recover, but at least I wouldn’t have participated in tearing her down.

One of my favorite saying is, “If you’re not part of the solution, you are part of the problem.” It is commonly attributed to Eldridge Cleaver, although an earlier expression of the idea has been credited to Rev. Harry Emerson Fosdick of Riverside Church in New York City:

“In a world which turns so quickly to the lure of pleasing generalities, it is well to pause and think deeply of whether each one, as an individual, is part of the problem or part of the answer.”

I choose to be part of the answer.

For me, this means looking honestly at situations where conflict has occurred and taking responsibility for my part. I can still hold another person responsible for their actions without condemning who they are. I can do so from a place of Love.

I may not like what someone has done, but I needn’t burden myself with making them a villain. I can forgive them whether they chose to change or not.

And in doing so, I free myself to respond more fully to a call to Love.

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My writing is inspired by living what I learn in A Course in Miracles.

ACIM - A Course in Miracles, Third Edition, copyright © 2007 by the Foundation for Inner Peace, copyright holder and publisher, 448 Ignacio Blvd., #306, Novato, CA 94949, acim.org. This is a non-profit establishment and donations are appreciated.

“You need to get your mind right,” popped into my head as I was contemplating recent events.

I was struggling to find peace in the midst of chaos. On one level, I realized that change was in the best interest of all involved. On another, I struggled with the lack of control and disruption of normalcy.

I fell into self-pity, self-doubt, and fear. I found myself focusing too much on the suffering of others and in the process losing my sanity and sense of self.

I recognized an old coping mechanism arising: powering through a situation by pushing myself, disregarding my feelings and health, and saying, “This will be over soon.”

In this case, I had to accept there was no guarantee that these challenges would end soon. Too many changes were hitting me all at once. How could I navigate them effectively?

I began by admitting I had no control over certain aspects of these difficult situations and accepting that I could not change them. I had to find a better way. I found the courage to manage what was within my control. I monitored my thoughts for doomsday scenarios and shut them down.

Old feelings of abandonment arose. I felt I had to do things on my own, but this time I acknowledged—things were different. I realized I wasn’t alone unless I chose to be. I had a supportive spouse, family, good friends, and a personal relationship with Love.

Each morning, I put Spirit in charge of the day. I opened up with friends. I found a helpful therapist. I spent time with myself and participated in activities I enjoyed to renew my spirit.

I released my sense of obligation to others and took the actions I needed to take. Some were painful, but necessary. I stayed open to miraculous changes throughout the process.

My transformation was like a volcano erupting. It unearthed old ways of thinking and behaving. Its enormous power took my breath away. There was confusion and pain within the chaos, yet the eruption burned away old coping patterns and created new pathways on far more solid ground.

All of this took place in the mind.

A Course in Miracles (ACIM) says, “The term mind is used to represent the activating agent of spirit, supplying its creative energy.”

If the mind is the activating agent of spirit, then I needed to direct its creative energy toward healing.

I realized that when I viewed circumstances as unfair, it became harder to find my way through them. But when I recognized them as life unfolding, I could focus on the challenge before me and allow Love to guide me through it.

Every day became filled with miracles. One thing led to another as I faced my shortcomings, managed what was mine to manage, and remained engaged with each person I encountered along the way.

I got my mind right when I let Love take charge of my thoughts.

It didn’t merely change how I saw the world. It completely changed how I operate within it.

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My writing is inspired by living what I learn in A Course in Miracles.

ACIM - A Course in Miracles, Third Edition, copyright © 2007 by the Foundation for Inner Peace, copyright holder and publisher, 448 Ignacio Blvd., #306, Novato, CA 94949, acim.org. This is a non-profit establishment and donations are appreciated.

Life has recently become a tempest of activity including: discovering mold in my condo, having it treated, dealing with insurance coverage, getting paid, and getting it repaired. It required family members being displaced, moving out ourselves for five days, and coping with the emotional turmoil which ensued.

At the same time, I was dealing with a cold which exacerbated a pre-existing lung condition. This required a higher dose and longer treatment of antibiotics. At one point, I thought of the biblical Job and what he experienced. While his circumstances were vastly different from mine, I could relate to the feeling of despair.

During the experience, I found it helpful to consider that sometimes difficult things happen for something better to unfold. It was important to eliminate the mold, which may have contributed to health issues for all of us, and the bathroom would benefit from being updated.

I struggled with being displaced and the responsibility of overseeing everything. There was conflict between insurance coverage, HOA responsibility, and Florida law. My ego emerged, building stress within me until I broke. Relying on myself, I felt discouraged, defeated, and helpless.

I recognized that sometimes our lives need to be torn apart to wake us up from our human stupor. I needed to remember who and what I really was—a spiritual being having a human experience.

My recovery began when Spirit brought to my attention one thing I could accomplish that would help restore my sanity. Step by step, I found more actions I could take to effectively manage the situation.

I increased my consumption of spiritual food with more reading, podcasts, and meditation. I reached out to family and friends who gave me comfort, loving support and insights. I took time off to relax and reset.

Love was there within me, guiding me, showing me the way, and comforting me. I began paying attention to simple blessings each day.

I appreciating having a full-service hotel available at a reasonable rate and even accruing extra points that could be used later for a vacation. I enjoyed a leisurely breakfast and an incredible dinner from the bar. We befriended the barista at Starbucks and I showed care to a waitress and watched her attitude shift and lighten.

But there was also an inner shift.

All my life, I had treated God like an enforcer, always asking God to fix what wasn’t going my way. Through my exposure to A Course in Miracles, I began asking instead for help changing my unloving thoughts.

I realized God is Love—a river of Love. I merely needed to step in and go with the flow.

Love leads me to find peace in the midst of chaos or conflict. It guides me to treat everyone I meet with gratitude and kindness. It reminds me that while I may not be able to control what happens to my body or around me, I can pay attention to the thoughts I bring to those experiences.

What or whom do I need to forgive? How can I see my challenges differently?

My prayers have changed from “Please fix this.” to “Show me a better way of thinking about this situation.”

I no longer try to make things happen according to my specifications. Instead, I adjust and apply my energy where it can be most effective. “Not my will, but yours,” has become my mantra.

My attention is also turned to caring for this body. This is my instrument of transport and communication. I pay attention to the food I eat for nourishment, the exercise I take for strength, and the rest I need to sustain my energy.

This experience has shown me how easily I can get knocked off track and the importance of remaining vigilant for Love.

Peace is present when Love leads.

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My writing is inspired by living what I learn in A Course in Miracles.

ACIM - A Course in Miracles, Third Edition, copyright © 2007 by the Foundation for Inner Peace, copyright holder and publisher, 448 Ignacio Blvd., #306, Novato, CA 94949, acim.org. This is a non-profit establishment and donations are appreciated.

I confess! I watch Hallmark movies every week. People scoff at the simple storylines and plots, but these shows contain a great deal of wisdom about our human and spiritual nature.

Here are some things I’ve learned:

• Adulting isn’t easy. Sometimes one of the lead characters harbors a resentment due to the other person leaving town after high school without maintaining contact. They reunite and must get to know the people they have become during their years apart. It’s a time to reflect on their identities by incorporating who they were then with who they perceive themselves to be now.

  • This is a valuable practice throughout our lives. Although Hallmark characters often have idealized backgrounds, they frequently carry grief after the loss of someone they love. Regardless of our history we can still ask: What positive aspects of myself did I repress in adulting? How can I recapture those parts of myself and integrate them in my life today?

  • We can also do this in our pre-existing relationships with others. As we negotiate life with our loved ones, it can help to take a moment and look at them as if we are seeing them for the very first time. What would it feel like to be reintroduced to your parent, spouse, child, friend? I invite you to take a moment and practice this. It can be very enlightening.

• Reassessing goals. The main character is often a driven workaholic with no work/life balance. They may be trying to achieve a goal based on what they think would please someone else or trying to prove something to themselves. Returning to their roots stirs up memories of their younger selves and helps them reassess what is best for them and everyone else involved.

  • What has been the motivating factor in my life? Sometimes, it is fear of failure or not meeting someone else’s expectations. My goal is to uncover these blocks to my happiness, notice what effect they have on my life, then release them and make Love the motivating factor.

    I bring my aspirations to the Holy Spirit and see what message I receive in return.

• Finding creative solutions. The main character is faced with a dilemma where something they treasured is being threatened or they are conflicted with a job which no longer fulfills them. There is a time of transition where they reassess their lives and priorities while discovering inner strengths and talents they didn’t recognize or appreciate.

  • We often believe life should be easy–that is should unfold according to our plans—but more often than not, it doesn’t. Life challenges us to go deeper, to find the creative solution, and to think outside the box. This can also be the momentum for us to become willing to let go of control and allow our Higher Power to show us a solution we never imagined.

  • Often these solutions involve bringing people together to find elements they can agree on and building a foundation on mutual trust.

• Respect. People get mad at each other and may raise their voices, but they don’t use profanity or violence to get their point across. If they are too emotional, they choose to remove themselves from the situation until they can calm down and communicate rationally. I notice the main character treats others with dignity and respect whether they like the person or not.

  • Even if someone has behaved in hurtful or offensive ways, we don’t have to lose control. We can assess our own behavior and find a better way to respond to a situation.

  • I recently listened to an podcast episode of Miracles Voices entitled Walking Back to Truth. The guest, a convicted murderer, described standing on the verge of committing another murder in prison before experiencing a profound change of heart. Miracle Voices - Walking Back to Truth

• Love conquers all. These stories are rooted in forgiveness themes of ourselves and of others. This forgiveness forges the way for Love to come in and transform in a multitude of ways.

  • These stories are filled with imperfect people who choose love over fear, forgiveness over resentment, and connection over isolation. That isn’t simply fantasy. I witness those same transformation daily in my clients and my own life.

  • The path isn’t always easy, but it is always worthwhile. Each time we choose Love instead of fear, we help create the kind of ending Hallmark movies celebrate—not because life is perfect, but because Love really does conquer all.

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My writing is inspired by living what I learn in A Course in Miracles.

ACIM - A Course in Miracles, Third Edition, copyright © 2007 by the Foundation for Inner Peace, copyright holder and publisher, 448 Ignacio Blvd., #306, Novato, CA 94949, acim.org. This is a non-profit establishment and donations are appreciated.

The first thing I learned in Al-Anon was that I am powerless over another person. At first, I felt relieved. I realized how much energy I was exerting trying to change, rescue, convince, or understand someone else.

Then panic set in. What would I do with myself if I didn’t worry and plan for every possible outcome of another person’s choices? Surely, if I stepped back, everything would fall apart. Eventually I discovered something surprising: sometimes people need to fall apart before they become willing to make the changes that lead to a better life.

Instead, I was encouraged to turn my attention inward—to honestly examine my own life and the ways I wanted to grow. That was terrifying. I was convinced I was a terrible person. All I could see were the weeds of self-doubt choking out the flowers in my own garden.

Fortunately, I discovered it was a gradual process and I wasn’t alone. I learned how to tend my own garden with guidance from my Higher Power, which I call Love.

Taking my attention off another person and placing it back on myself wasn’t easy. I was raised to believe caring for others always came first. Thinking about myself felt selfish. But the invitation wasn’t to stop caring. It was simply to redirect my attention.

When I become more concerned about the happiness of others, I know I’m meddling in their garden and neglecting my own. Tending my own garden means finding the balance between expecting others to meet all my needs and exhausting myself trying to meet all of theirs.

I eventually realized I wasn’t constantly wandering into someone else’s garden because they needed me there. I was doing it because I was afraid to stay in my own. If I could keep someone else healthy, happy, or stable, perhaps I would finally feel safe. But no amount of tending another person’s garden could bring peace to mine.

It starts with paying attention to my thoughts.

Attachment sounds like:
 • “I’ll be okay when they change”
 • “If they understood me . . .”
 • “I need them to . . .”
 • “They hurt my feelings when they. . .”

This kind of thinking hands my peace of mind over to someone else’s choices. I can’t control others. I can only learn to manage myself and it is a full-time job.

Once I weed out the thought, I can begin to work on cultivating healthier thoughts by using loving detachment. Loving detachment trusts that the other person has the capacity to find their own path to healing.

Loving detachment sounds like:
• “I love you, but I’m not willing to tolerate this behavior.”
• “I am doing this to maintain my own sanity because I’m no good to either of us unless I do.”
• “I’m sorry you are unhappy and I support you finding a better way.”
• “I can’t do the work for you, but I’m here to encourage.”

Then, I refocus my attention on gathering resources I need to manage my life. It may be learning a form of meditation that works for me, taking a walk in nature, journaling about my feelings, or discovering what nourishes my spirit.

A song I love gives me good guidance. It’s called In the Garden. “I come to the garden alone,” it begins prompting me to step away from everyone else’s concerns and allow myself to be available to Love.

“While the dew is still on the roses,” suggests I put this time aside early in the day before the sun burns away the moisture, the freshness of the day. The next few lines describe being able to hear the song of God-Love walking and talking with me.

The next line captures the experience of joy that comes from remembering I belong to Love. That truth echoes what I have learned through A Course in Miracles (ACIM): I am a spiritual being finding my way home. Along the way, tending my own garden—with Love as my guide—has become the surest path home I know.

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My writing is inspired by living what I learn in A Course in Miracles.

ACIM - A Course in Miracles, Third Edition, copyright © 2007 by the Foundation for Inner Peace, copyright holder and publisher, 448 Ignacio Blvd., #306, Novato, CA 94949, acim.org. This is a non-profit establishment and donations are appreciated.

I have anguished over choices because I feared making the “wrong” one. I believed a single decision could be alter the course of my life or even ruin it. Over time, I discovered there is no “wrong” choice merely a different one, and every choice has its own lessons and outcomes.

The choice may be to take action, to accomplish a task, or to wait for more clarity. It may be to stand firm in a decision or to find common ground with someone else. It may be to change something I’ve been avoiding or accept something I’ve been resisting.

The importance of the outcome is only as great as the emotional weight I give it.

If I pass up what seemed like an important opportunity it doesn’t mean another one, perhaps even a better one, isn’t coming my way. The opportunity may have been prosperous, but detrimental to my mental health.

I once developed an interest in photography and was torn between learning more through a continuing education program or attending college. I woke from a nap with a clear voice telling me college. I thought this was a sign from God-Love.

I was disappointed as it was going to be more difficult and costly, but I found a program at a local college with a variety of creative communication courses. I didn’t complete the degree or pursue a career in any of the offerings. While there was potential to pursue a writing career, my insecurities prevented me from moving forward.

I questioned Love’s guidance. Why was I sent in this direction? I may not have pursued a writing career, but it moved me to complete my AA degree and some of the undergraduate courses later counted towards my bachelors in Social Work.

What I didn’t realize at the time was that I needed to heal my insecurities before I could find the courage to explore that path. Looking back, I can see that Love’s guidance wasn’t leading me to a destination. It was preparing me for one.

I may want to take a certain path. I may think it’s the best way. I’ve learned I need to proceed with caution here because it’s more difficult to be unbiased and allow Love’s guidance to come. I have to put aside my desires and rest in faith that what develops will be best for all parties involved.

I recognize when I’m following Love’s direction. There is no struggle and no striving. It feels like floating down a river with Love as my navigator. As long as I remain in the boat, everything unfolds naturally. Solutions appear, needs are met, doors open that I didn’t even know existed.

My job is to manage my boat and not interfere with anyone else’s. It is not my job to tell others how to live their lives because I don’t know what is best for them. I can share my experiences and insights and leave it to them to determine what resonates with them.

Sometimes you uncover an aspect of yourself you never thought was possible. It’s a wild, crazy ride—this adventure with Love. I discovered when I let go of judging others, seeking wealth, and a desire to fit in, I was swept into a life flow of epic proportions. It is an alternative reality where love is prevalent.

Today, I relish choices and the process of choosing. I no longer see decisions as tests I must pass, but as invitations to discover something new. Wherever the journey leads, I trust that Love will guide me exactly where I need to be.

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My writing is inspired by living what I learn in A Course in Miracles.

ACIM - A Course in Miracles, Third Edition, copyright © 2007 by the Foundation for Inner Peace, copyright holder and publisher, 448 Ignacio Blvd., #306, Novato, CA 94949, acim.org. This is a non-profit establishment and donations are appreciated.

There was a time when my relationship with God was permeated with guilt and shame. I had developed a belief system That told me I was unworthy of God’s love and would have to work my way into God’s good graces.

I received mixed messages—God loves me unconditionally, but I had to follow rigid rules to avoid anything that might compromise my soul and derail my path to Heaven. This brought feelings of confusion and distrust.

I got the impression of churches vying for parishioners like used-car salesmen extolling their virtues. There was, and still is, animosity toward different belief systems. At times, it felt like the marketing of Jesus.

Yet I never gave up. Deep within, I knew there was a better way—a meaningful connection I had yet to discover.

I cocooned myself away from organized religion for many years and was guided to teachings that fulfilled my spiritual needs. I heard and felt the messages of inclusion, love, and acceptance. I learned that I am innately good because of my enduring connection to God—Love. I came to understand that I am connected to Spirit and that my role is to simply move beyond the chatter of my thoughts and allow spiritual goodness to flow through my life.

As I have resurfaced from my self-imposed exile, I have noticed subtle shifts within organized religion. I see a greater focus on relationship rather than rules. I see less emphasis on dictating belief systems and more openness to experiential spirituality.

It feels like an awakening.

As I lose faith in the worldly securities as the source of happiness, I find an abiding joy flowing through my life. No matter the challenge, when I turn to Love for guidance, it anrrives overflowing with miracles.

Recently, I recognized the need for help in my life. As I contemplated possible avenues of support, circumstances in the lives of other family members were also changing, and an opportunity for cohabitation with mutual benefits emerged.

Looking back, I can see how circumstances were quietly aligning long before any of us recognized it. Job opportunities with the better salaries appeared. The health care resources we needed were available nearby and additional family support emerged. Conversations unfolded naturally, and what seemed improbable only a few months earlier began to feel like the most loving path forward.

There will undoubtedly be challenges ahead, but we are committed supporting one another and embracing the art of allowing:

Allowing changes to move us forward.

Allowing each other to be best selves.

Allowing Love to abide in our hearts.

Allowing Love to show us the way.

We don’t know what the future holds, but we are building a foundation rooted in mutual respect and guided by Love’s light—a foundation from which we can grow together.

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My writing is inspired by living what I learn in A Course in Miracles.

ACIM - A Course in Miracles, Third Edition, copyright © 2007 by the Foundation for Inner Peace, copyright holder and publisher, 448 Ignacio Blvd., #306, Novato, CA 94949, acim.org. This is a non-profit establishment and donations are appreciated.

I was guided on a sacred journey through The Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary1 this weekend.

My encounters with human nature were as significant as those with the wildlife. As I peered into a cross-section of a fallen cypress tree, I told my spouse it looked like a tree inside a tree. At that exact moment, a helpful passerby explained that I was seeing the resilience of the cypress—its ability to continue thriving even after part of it had decayed away.

Later, I discovered that this woman had her own remarkable story of resilence when I found her working in the gift shop. She told me how she had trained as an environmental engineer, but her career was cut short after suffering a major cardiac event during the birth of her son. Her heart function dropped to an ejection fraction (EF) of 20%, well below the normal range of 50-75%, and she spent the next 10 years in a wheelchair.

At some point, she decided to change the trajectory of her life. She joined a gym and committed herself to exercise. After a year of dedicated workouts, her EF increased to 50%. While she can no longer endure the rigors of her chosen profession and still feels her effects of her condition when she pushes too hard, she found a way to serve. Today, she shares her knowledge and love of nature with visitors who cross her path.

I was struck by the way God—Love moves us forward through whatever challenges we face.

I was there because my own leg tremors were restricting me to a rolling walker. On that particular day, the intensity was such that I found myself sitting backward on the walker and propelling myself forward on the boardwalk. It wasn’t my ideal situation, but I didn’t let the circumstances stop me from experiencing the beauty around me.

The experience left me wondering about the body, the mind, and miracles.

We often associate miracles with healing the body. What I am learning is that all healing begins in the mind. Whether physical conditions change because our thoughts change, or our thoughts change because of our physical conditions, I have come to see the importance of healing my relationship with what is happening.

My first reaction was resistance.

“I don’t want to deal with this.”

“This shouldn’t be happening to me.”

“Why is this happening now?”

I questioned the cause.

“Did I do something to create this?”

“I take good care of myself. What did I do wrong?”

None of these thoughts brought peace.

I wanted to transcend this challenge.

What if healing is not about figuring out why I became ill or how to fix it? What if healing is about releasing every judgment I hold about being ill?

Can I release the fear, guilt, grievance, and self-condemnation I carry about myself or this condition right now?

From the perspective of A Course in Miracles (ACIM), the question becomes:

What is this condition teaching me about fear, control, vulnerability, acceptance, and love?

I love myself whether my body operates the way I want it to or not. I am learning to adapt to these changes and to pay attention to the thoughts that arise asking for healing.

Recently I attended a class on dialoguing with the body in hopes of gaining greater insight into healing. While I received some valuable understanding, the greatest gift was realizing I could extending healing to others with my words, thoughts and actions.

I’m learning it isn’t about overcoming my limitations.

It’s about remembering that, as spirit, I have no limitations—only opportunities to unite with others and respond to the Call to Love.

Like the cypress tree, perhaps healing is not about restoring what once was, but discovering that life, strength, and purpose continue to grow through what remains.

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My writing is inspired by living what I learn in A Course in Miracles.

ACIM - A Course in Miracles, Third Edition, copyright © 2007 by the Foundation for Inner Peace, copyright holder and publisher, 448 Ignacio Blvd., #306, Novato, CA 94949, acim.org. This is a non-profit establishment and donations are appreciated.

Recently, I heard a story about a young child dying from drug exposure due to negligence by the mother. There was a time when I would have angrily rallied against this woman, but today all I can hold is compassion. This mother lost touch with herself and made some serious mistakes which cost her a precious child.

Today, I see a much more intricate web surrounding the loss. From ancestral patterns to loved ones in denial, many people played their part in contributing to this event. There is no easy culprit and in reality—no one to blame.

Judgement - Judgment—blaming, fault-finding, and accusing others is a block I want to release. Some horrendous and seemingly unforgivable actions have been taken against one another in this world. Yet, forgiveness is required to release my attachment to judgment and set me free.

There was a time my inner dialogue felt relentless. I replayed every mistake, criticized every weakness, and carried a constant sense of failure within myself.

I was my greatest critic. I attacked myself throughout the day with judgments regarding every decision I had ever made. No one could make me feel worse than I did and I judged others just as harshly.

Judgment can lead us into a feeling state of superiority, but what right do I have to judge another person?

Jesus showed how none of us have the right to judge. He confronted the Pharisees who couldn’t say they were sinless enough to stone a woman for adultery. After they left, Jesus forgave her and sent her away to make better choices. (John 8:7)

Judging others can distract me from exploring my own shortcomings. Instead, I pay more attention to my thoughts. They can be as subtle as calling myself names to being critical of other people’s body styles. The more aware I become, the less I want to think this way.

How do I dissolve this block in my life? By involving God—Love. I go to Love and ask for my eyes to be opened and to see beyond my limited sight. I don’t know all the facts about any story I see unfolding in the news or any person I interact with throughout the day.

I can stop looking for the villain and begin looking for the sweet innocent child within the person. I can drop the labels I use on myself such as, idiot, stupid, and lazy. When I practice this, something beautiful happens. I begin relating to others from a place of love, and they often respond in kind.

This simple action brings me closer to Love and frees up others to join me. We have meaningful exchanges and do great things together. It also gives us a glimpse of how we can create a loving world.

Maybe this is what the Last Judgment is suppose to be.

Not a condemnation but a correction—an opportunity to release the last judgment of myself and everyone with me.

And perhaps judgment itself becomes a form of avoidance—keeping us focused outward so we never have to sit quietly with our own fear, grief, or longing for Love.

Avoidance - In the world of psychology, avoidance is a coping mechanism. When emotions, thoughts, or situations become too overwhelming, we distance ourselves physically or emotionally. Ideally, it is only a temporary action until we can sort through our feelings and better manage a situation.

Unfortunately, we can become distracted by the dopamine rush we get with the trinkets available in this world. They come in the guise of the latest app, game, TV show or more destructive things like alcohol or drugs.

Why would we want to avoid developing a relationship with Love?

We may be hiding from Love, feeling we are unworthy. We may have been taught we have to meet certain standards to qualify for this level of love. The truth is Love is there with open arms waiting to enfold us.

Avoidance may have roots in a lack of trust. How can I trust Love when everyone here has let me down? How can I trust Love when other people in my life don’t change?

Building trust is a gradual process. For me, there was an inner dialogue where I confessed my distrust and became willing to extend trust on an experimental basis. I spent time consuming spiritual food in the form of reading material, podcasts, sermons, television programs, support groups, etc. I increased time in silence whether walking on a trail or sitting on my couch.

The world I knew began to shift as my perspective changed. I stopped relying solely on my intelligence and discovered how logic and emotion could combined to create wisdom. The more my insight grew, the more I turned the guidance of my life over to Love.

Love gently persuades me to slow down, to see the best in every experience, to recognize every interaction as a spiritual one.

Gradually, trust has increased and avoidance has lessened. I am more comfortable in Love’s presence, and I choose to spend more time there.

Perhaps healing is removing the blocks that convinced me I was separate from Love to begin with and underneath every judgment, fear, and form of striving or avoidance . . .

Love is there.

Waiting patiently for me to remember.

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I am taking a break next week for a vacation and will resume on the 31st.

My writing is inspired by living what I learn in A Course in Miracles.

ACIM - A Course in Miracles, Third Edition, copyright © 2007 by the Foundation for Inner Peace, copyright holder and publisher, 448 Ignacio Blvd., #306, Novato, CA 94949, acim.org. This is a non-profit establishment and donations are appreciated.

Last week, I explored how busyness and good works can block our union with God—Love. This week, we’ll look at two more subtle barriers—minimizing and striving.

Minimizing

My friend and I laughed as we discussed including God–Love in every area of our lives. We chuckled at the audacity of sorting through our meager human concerns and deciding what we will and will not turn over to Love’s care.

“I’ll give you this,” I joked, “But I don’t know if you can handle that.”

Or:

“This isn’t important enough for your attention.”

Perhaps, this is where the concept of God expands into Love. We humanize God, but Love is infinitely more expansive.

Song of Solomon 8:7 expresses this beautifully:

“Many waters cannot quench love, nor can rivers drown it. If a man tried to buy love with all his wealth, his offer would be utterly scorned.”

Love cannot be contained or limited. It cannot be manipulated or controlled. There is nothing too small or too large that Love cannot heal, transform, or redeem.

Love is the momentum behind miracles.

Grace envelops me when I can release everything into Love’s keeping.

We walk in the garden, through the valley of death, rest in green meadows, and sit beside peaceful streams. There is nowhere I can go where Love is not present.

And when I truly accept that, transformation happens.

I am no longer alone.

I accept my place with Love, attentive to being guided toward the highest good for all.

And that brings us to striving . . .

Striving

As a child, I resisted the idea of responsibility. It sounded heavy, oppressive, and no fun whatsoever.

As I grew older, it became all those things while I struggled to find my place in the world of commerce. I wondered which of my talents were valuable enough to monetizable.

If this was the way of the world, what more would Love demand of me?

When I listen to the whispers of the world, fear creeps in. There is pressure to succeed, to stand apart, to prove myself worthy through achievement and recognition.

Yet neither ever truly satisfies.

One never fully arrives.

Slowly, the answers unfold as I spend more time in loving self reflection.

I notice my assets and place them in Love’s hands for refinement. I begin to see that my pursuits were never wasted, but part of the foundation helping me today.

I no longer feel the need to be better than others or compare myself against them.

Instead, I find fulfillment in expressing what lives within me, while celebrating the expression of others.

Love gently guides me from bud to blossom.

I unfold in Love’s presence and begin to accept what has always belonged to me. I recognize my emergence with Love, remembering we were never truly separate—except in my imagination.

Love was never asking me to earn my place—
only to remember I already belong.

Next week, we’ll continue removing the subtle blocks that keep us from recognizing Love’s presence—judgement and avoidance.

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My writing is inspired by living what I learn in A Course in Miracles.

ACIM - A Course in Miracles, Third Edition, copyright © 2007 by the Foundation for Inner Peace, copyright holder and publisher, 448 Ignacio Blvd., #306, Novato, CA 94949, acim.org. This is a non-profit establishment and donations are appreciated.

Last week I introduced some of the blocks to a closer walk with God—Love. Let’s explore them further, beginning with Busyness and Good Works.

Busyness 
There are moments when the world seems to stop—often because of tragedy, loss, or sudden change. These interruptions force us to reassess what truly matters.

Fortunately, we don’t have to wait for disruption to do this. At any moment, we can choose to pause and examine our priorities. We can ask ourselves honest questions:

If I’m overly focused on work, what am I sacrificing in my relationships? 
If I’m distracting myself with games or possessions, what am avoiding that needs my attention? 
If I’m chasing the next high or relationship, what emptiness am I trying to fill within me?

These questions can feel overwhelming, but I don’t have to explore them alone. There is a power greater than anything in this world within us—one that knows us completely. All we have to do is ask.

When I bring my questions to Love, I try not to control the answers. Instead of asking why things aren’t the way I want, I ask to see them differently. I ask for the courage to do what feels difficult—whether that’s being honest, setting boundaries, or showing up more fully.

Then I make space to listen.

In that quiet I notice what arises. If the response is rooted in fear, I recognize it as ego. If it is grounded in peace or compassion, I trust it comes from Love. Letting go of busyness creates room for a life of deeper exploration, clarity, and genuine fulfillment.

Good Works
How do we discern between good works and God’s work?

In the Al-Anon poem Just for Today, there’s a line: “I will do somebody a good turn and not get found out.” (Al-Anon Family Groups, “Just for Today”)

That was surprisingly challenging for me. I began to notice how often my desire to help was tied to being seen or acknowledged.

Even when I acted anonymously, I felt the pull of ego—I wanted to witness the reaction or be known as the source. That began to shift as I deepened my relationship with Love.

A passage from A Course in Miracles continues to guide me:

I am here only to be truly helpful.
I am here to represent Him Who sent me.
I do not have to worry about what to say or what to do, because He Who sent me will direct me.
I am content to be wherever He wishes, knowing He goes there with me.
I will be healed as I let Him teach me to heal. 
(A Course in Miracles, T-2.V-A.18:2-6)

This reorients my focus—from ego to Love. I begin to see myself not as the source, but as a conduit.

So when appreciation comes, I receive it with gratitude knowing anything truly helpful flows through me, not from me.

Next week, we’ll continue by dismantling the bricks of Prioritizing and Striving.

But today, I pause. I release the need to rush, to prove, to be recognized.

And in the stillness, I remember—
Love was never asking me to do more,
Only to be open enough to let it work through me.

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My writing is inspired by living what I learn in A Course in Miracles.

ACIM - A Course in Miracles, Third Edition, copyright © 2007 by the Foundation for Inner Peace, copyright holder and publisher, 448 Ignacio Blvd., #306, Novato, CA 94949, acim.org. This is a non-profit establishment and donations are appreciated.

My favorite thing to do each morning is open the blinds and let the light pour in. The room comes alive—details sharpen, colors separate, everything becomes clear. Light illuminates without effort, without preference, without judgment.

In the same way, God—Love—illuminates me.

Giving more attention to the present moment, my insight deepens. Practicing stillness in meditation quiets my thoughts and creates space for guidance and wisdom to enter.

It is vital to my well-being to “plug-in” to this source of energy and clarity. I do this by reading supportive literature, praying for the well-being of others without exception, and gently removing the blocks that interfere.

Some of the blocks I’ve had to move aside are:

• Busyness - Planning my day without making it a priority to spend time with Love. Just as birds build a nest to hold and protect their young, I benefit from creating space to deepen my connection. Beginning the day with inspiration shapes every interaction that follows.

• Good Works - Doing what I think I should do instead of what Love prompts me to do. I’ve found Love’s guidance often moves me to perform quiet, unrecognized acts of kindness.

• Minimizing - Believing some things are too small for Love. I’ve learned to bring everything—what to eat, how to respond, what to choose. When I ask, I receive.

• Striving - Assuming Love’s will must be difficult. Focusing on doing instead of being. Yet Love’s way consistently reveals itself as the path of least strain.

• Judgment - Believing I am unworthy of Love. I remind myself that I live, breathe, and have my being in Love. I am never separate from it, and am never judged by it. Love sees only my essence and gently calls me to remember who I am.

• Avoidance - Distracting myself with noise—games, television, mindless habits. Fear tempts me to turn way. I imagine Love will ask too much, yet I find the guidance is simple and the burden is light.

Like the light, I have a function—to illuminate. To see the best in myself and reflect it back to others.

There is a quiet joy helping someone recognize their own strength. I’ll point to a moment they’ve overcome something difficult and they’ll say, “Anyone would have done that.” But when I hold it up more clearly, they begin to remember. They reconnect with their greatness—and sometimes, they glimpse how Love was guiding them all along.

Gratitude fills me as I serve Love in revealing the light in others.

I didn’t always know what was best for me. 
But Love did—and it led me here, into a life of seeing, serving, reflecting that light in others. 

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My writing is inspired by living what I learn in A Course in Miracles.

ACIM - A Course in Miracles, Third Edition, copyright © 2007 by the Foundation for Inner Peace, copyright holder and publisher, 448 Ignacio Blvd., #306, Novato, CA 94949, acim.org. This is a non-profit establishment and donations are appreciated.

One of the phrases in the Declaration of Independence that has always struck me as odd is “the pursuit of happiness.” for years, I assumed it meant chasing after happiness. But over time, I discovered it meant something deeper. In that era, it pointed more toward practicing happiness—a fundamental right equal to life and liberty.

My own “pursuit” of happiness often looked like striving—obtaining things, achieving goals, or meeting expectations. Yet I began to notice something curious: the pursuit itself was often more enjoyable than the attainment. Like a child on Christmas morning, I would open one gift only to set it aside and reach for the next. A subtle disappointment lingered, as if something essential was still missing, and the chase would begin again.

We see this pattern everywhere—the addict who cannot sustain the high, the narcissist who never feels fully loved, the youth whose beauty and agility inevitably fade. Again and again, life shows us that outward pursuits do not yield lasting fulfillment.

So what does it mean to practice happiness?

Matthieu Ricard, a French-born Tibetan Buddhist monk, suggests that happiness can be cultivated intentionally. By setting aside time for meditation, he teaches, we can nurture qualities like compassion and altruism—inner conditions that support lasting well-being.

Similarly, Martin Seligman, a pioneer in positive psychology, offers a framework known as PERMA in his book Flourish. He describes five elements that contribute to well-being:

P - Positive Emotion - cultivating gratitude, forgiveness, and optimism
E - Engagement - applying our skills to meaningful challenges
R - Relationships - connecting with others in ways that foster meaning
M - Meaning - serving something greater than ourselves
A - Accomplishment - pursuing goals that give a sense of achievement.

These insights are valuable, yet they can still feel like effort—like happiness is something we must produce through what we do. It can leave us subtly believing that our well-being depends entirely on our own actions.

But what if it’s not only about what we do,?

What if it’s about who we are?

What if there is a quiet fountain within us—already present, already flowing with peace and joy?

For me, this has become less of a theory and more of a lived experience. I’ve found that happiness emerges as a by-product of relationship—specifically, my relationship with Love, my concept of God. When I spend time in stillness reading spiritual texts, listening, and being open to guidance, something shifts.

Over time, I’ve been led to sift through the clutter of my own thinking—to clear away denial, fear, and old patterns. Beneath it all, something steady remains. A deeper nature. A place where joy is not manufactured, but revealed.

The journey has only as difficult as my resistance to facing the truth in any given situation.

There have been moments when I faced decisions that felt overwhelming—choices I feared would harm myself or others. Yet moving through those challenges often led to unexpected growth: strength within me, or courage awakened in someone else.

My practice now is simple, though not always easy: to release every aspect of my life into the care of Love—even the parts I’m tempted to dismiss as insignificant.

Because when I label something as insignificant, I limit what Love can do with it.

Sometimes, it’s in the smallest moments—a quiet morning, the act of making breakfast—that a surprising swell of joy arises. There is nothing too small or too large that Love cannot transform.

We are all worthy of love, peace, joy, and happiness.

Perhaps we are not meant to chase these things at all.

Perhaps we are meant to let them come forth from within.

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My writing is inspired by living what I learn in A Course in Miracles.

ACIM - A Course in Miracles, Third Edition, copyright © 2007 by the Foundation for Inner Peace, copyright holder and publisher, 448 Ignacio Blvd., #306, Novato, CA 94949, acim.org. This is a non-profit establishment and donations are appreciated.

Contemplating my relationship with God this week, I began to see a pattern in how I’ve related—not just to God, but to life itself.

It moved through three distinct stages: dependency, independence, and interdependence.

My relationship with God began in dependency. I saw Him as a kind of a genie—granting my wishes once I learned the right way to ask. I mined scripture for golden nuggets, followed the Bible’s teachings as literally as I could, and filled my days with church services, retreats, and heartfelt songs that stirred something deep within me.

But beneath it all, I was pleaded for relief instead of seeking guidance. I didn’t understand why I was here. I saw myself as a victim of circumstances, praying for problems to disappear and for other people to change.

My battle cry was, “Why me?”

I didn’t take responsibility for my part in the chaos. Instead, I tried to manipulate God—doing what I thought would please Him in exchange for a better life. Eventually, the disappointment caught up with me, and I stopped trying.

Then I swung to the other extreme: independence. I put God on the shelf. Believing His will to be restrictive and judgmental, I chose my own. I focused on self-reliance—affirmations, positive self-talk, mirror work, service to others, and personal growth. I studied psychology, practiced meditation, and learned how to change my thinking to improve my life.

My new battle cry became, “I can do it myself.”

And in many ways, it worked. I felt better, clearer, more capable. But something was still missing. I had improved my thinking, but lacked an inner compass. I was moving—but without direction. Eventually, I became willing to find a better way.

That willingness opened the door to interdependence.

I began integrating the psycho-spiritual teachings of A Course in Miracles into my life. Slowly, I felt myself being led—gently releasing old beliefs and embracing something deeper that resonated in my soul.

I took God off the shelf and into my heart. Now I know Him as Love.

I live in partnership—learning what I need to know and following where I’m led. And I give by sharing those blessings with everyone I meet.

I no longer feel separate or alone. My union with Love remains strong as long as I stay out of my ego. When I lose my way, I return to the following questions to keep me grounded:

What would You have me do?

Where would You have me go?

What would You have me say, and to whom? (ACIM, W-71.9:3-5)

This brings me back to listening instead of assuming. They ask to slow down, to wait, and trust the answer that comes. I recognize that answer as Love—because it is loving, and it resonates as true.

This teaching continues to show me how deeply I am loved— and that Love desires my restoration to joy. It reminds me that Love is incomplete without my joy and without my smile I can’t share this wondrous relationship with others.

It is in sharing and helping others find their own experience with Love where I’m reminded that the union was never broken.

Which makes me wonder:

What if this is the Second Coming?

Not a single event—but all of us returning, together, to union with Love.

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My writing is inspired by living what I learn in A Course in Miracles.

ACIM - A Course in Miracles, Third Edition, copyright © 2007 by the Foundation for Inner Peace, copyright holder and publisher, 448 Ignacio Blvd., #306, Novato, CA 94949, acim.org. This is a non-profit establishment and donations are appreciated.

“Your sense of self is an illusion. Trust the illusion,” said Susana Martinez-Conde, a Spanish-American neuroscientist and writer on a recent NOVA show, Your Brain: Perception Deception. Heather Berlin, a neuroscientist and psychologist narrating the program, explains how our brains interpret the world for survival, not accuracy. They weave together sensory information with memory to create our conscious experience.

If that’s true, then what we believe—and the stories we tell ourselves—may matter far more than we realize.

We can’t depend on the accuracy of our memories. They change each time we recall them, shaped by everything we’ve experienced since. Eric Kandel, a psychiatrist and neuroscientist, won the 2000 Nobel Peace Prize in Physiology or Medicine for showing how each new memory forms a new neural pathway in the brain.

Have you ever revisited a past event with someone who was there? You rarely remember it the same way. Each of you filters it through your own experiences—culture, family values, beliefs—subtly reshaping the story.

“Narratives we tell ourselves are the biggest illusions we ever participate in,” said neuroscientist Narayanan “Bobby” Kasthuri. A Course in Miracles echoes this idea, “The mind can, however, make up illusions, and if it does so it will believe in them, because that is how it made them.” (ACIM, T-7.VI.5:5).

This is a concept I’ve wrestled with—the idea that life as we perceive it is an illusion. Yet other passages suggest that with the help of the Holy Spirit, we can gain knowledge in order to best understand what is truly taking place.

We tend to see the world in rigid categories—right or wrong— and feel unsettled when reality doesn’t fit neatly in either. For instance, if we believe it is wrong to take a life, what happens when it occurs in self defense? The tension caused is known in psychology as cognitive dissonance. We resolve it by adjusting the story to preserve our sense of order.

We can experience something similar spiritually when our beliefs no longer align with our lived experience. I once took the Bible quite literally, but trying to apply ancient laws to modern life created conflict and guilt within me. Instead of feeling closer to God, I felt more separate.

This tension seems reflected in the stories of Jesus’s conflict with the religious authorities of his time. They emphasized strict adherence to the law, while he demonstrated a deeply personal relationship with God. When he referred to God as his Father, it challenged their understanding of what was possible.

But what if his life wasn’t meant to be an exception—but an example?

What if he was raised in deep devotion? Then his life shows us what a fully realized relationship with God could look like. If his connection was created by divinity, then it leaves little room for hope. But if it’s something that can be experienced through the same level of devotion he demonstrated, then it becomes an invitation.

For me, the latter has proved to be true. As my adoration has deepened, so has my sense of connection. I’ve come to experience God as Love—present, active, and involved in my life.

So yes, I can accept that the world, as interpreted by the brain, is an illusion. Because any reality that lacks connection to Love feels incomplete—temporary, unable to endure.

Using Love as my guide, I can look beyond the stories people use to justify harm. I can accept that while bodies die, Spirit does not—and that, ultimately, Love prevails.

And maybe that is the paradox: if our sense of self and reality is an illusion, then what we choose to trust within that illusion matters.

I’m learning to trust Love.

Not because I can prove it, or fully understand it, but because every time I do, something within me settles. The noise quiets. The separation softens.

And in a world shaped by perception and memory, that quiet recognition feels closer to truth than anything else.

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My writing is inspired by living what I learn in A Course in Miracles.

ACIM - A Course in Miracles, Third Edition, copyright © 2007 by the Foundation for Inner Peace, copyright holder and publisher, 448 Ignacio Blvd., #306, Novato, CA 94949, acim.org. This is a non-profit establishment and donations are appreciated.

Last week, I shared a memory of spirituality from my childhood. For years, psychologists have studies the stages of human development. In 1981, theologian James Fowler drew from those theories to explore how faith develops over time. In his book The Stages of Faith1, he outlines seven stages of faith—and I thought we might explore them together.

As we look at psychological and spiritual development, it’s important to do so from a place of compassion. This is not about judgment or self-criticism, but about noticing patterns. Awareness helps us understand where we are, how we got here, and how we might invite our spiritual source to guide us forward.

It’s also worth noting that childhood trauma can interrupt psychological development, sometimes keeping a person anchored in a particular stage. In terms of faith, a person’s religious environment plays a significant role. Core beliefs can shape one’s understanding of a Higher Power—sometimes nuturing a sense of love and connection, and other times distorting it into something distant, punitive, or abandoning.2

With that in mind, let’s explore Fowler’s Stages of Faith:

Stage 0 - Primal Undifferentiated Faith (Ages Birth-2): 
At this stage, faith is shaped by the child’s environment. Experiences of comfort,  neglect, or abuse influence whether the world feels safe or fearful. This is a sensory stage—life is experienced through the body, before language and conceptual thought develop. I’ve often wondered how my mother’s emotions affected me.

Stage 1 - Intuitive/Projective Faith (Ages 2-7):
Beliefs begin to form through images, stories, experiences, and relationships. A child often absorbs the faith of their caregivers. I remember this as a confusing time—singing comforting songs about Jesus loving me, while also seeing images of him suffering on the cross.

Stage 2 - Mythical/Literal Faith (Ages 7-12): 
Faith becomes tied to ideas of fairness and justice. Metaphor and symbolic language is often taken literally. In my experience, this state included uncertainty and distrust toward God, while Jesus still felt approachable.

Stage 3 - Synthetic/Conventional Faith (Ages 12-21): 
There is a strong pull toward conformity and belonging. Beliefs are shaped by authority and community, and doubts are often suppressed. I was 16 when Jesus Christ Superstar came out, and I deeply related to the song, I Don’t Know How to Love Him—I felt love, but didn’t know how to receive it. 

Stage 4 - Individuative/Reflective Faith (Ages 21-35): 
This stage often brings questioning, tension, and personal responsibility for one’s beliefs. It can be a time of spiritual searching. I explored different religions and churches, while  struggling with guilt around religious expectations. Eventually, I found resonance in the Unity church, with its emphasis on the teachings of Jesus, the divinity within, and the power of prayer.

Stage 5 - Conjunctive Faith (Ages 35-45): 
Here, we begin to embrace paradox and mystery. There is an awareness that truth is larger than any single system or explanation. For me, this was a time of trying to reconcile my inner beliefs with my outer world. 

Stage 6 - Universalizing Faith (Age 45 +): 
This stage is marked by a deep sense of compassion and connection to all humanity. Love becomes the guiding principle. During this time, my faith expanded to where I  courageously started my own counseling practice. Now, I rely heavily on guidance from my Higher Power and am grateful for every experience.

Reflecting on these stages can help us better understand ourselves, others, and even the broader culture. At times, individuals—and entire communities—may become stuck in certain stages, limiting their ability to move from belief into lived spiritual experience. Maybe some of the turmoil we see in the world today reflects a deeper longing—not just for belief, but for a true spiritual connection.

Perhaps the path isn’t about becoming something new, but remembering what has always been within you—steady, whole, and connected to something greater. Where do you see yourself in this unfolding? What might be calling you forward?

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A memory whispers of a time when my mind wasn’t so cluttered—so crowded with judgments and opinions. It was a time when I believed in the goodness of others, when I saw the world through eyes of wonder. There was joy in exploring, excitement in learning, and a quiet trust in life.

Slowly. disenchantment crept in. Small betrayals—things stolen, lies told—began to shadow my perception . I didn’t understand why people acted in this ways. I misread their behavior, unaware that is often masked their own pain or lack of self-compassion. Instead, I believed they were intentionally trying to hurt me.

So I created rules to protect myself:
Don’t lend things—they won’t return them.
Don’t share your thoughts and feelings—they’ll used against you. Be wary. Stay guarded.

These beliefs became a cage—one filled with pain, isolation and disconnection from my true self, from others, and from Love. I raged. I wept. I withdrew. I felt unmoored, even a little lost inside my own mind. I prayed for others to change, to meet my expectations. Nothing changed.

So I began searching for freedom on my own. I read books, listened to lectures, bought programs, followed teachers. I understood the ideas, but I couldn’t seem to live them. Insight without embodiment left me unchanged.

My first real shift came through mindfulness meditation. It was simple—focus on the breath—but not easy. It required consistency, a daily practice of returning. And slowly, something began to open.

The same became true when I returned to my study of A Course in Miracles. I committed to the daily lessons, and over time, I began to understand what it means to live as a spiritual being rather than a purely human one. The human self relies on intellect, knowledge, and control. The spiritual self rests in its source. I call that Source Love—but the name doesn’t matter.

That early memory was not something lost—it was a glimpse of my True Self.

When I lost awareness of it, I began identifying with a limited version of myself—one shaped by fear, hierarchy, and a false sense of power. But Love does not constrain. Love liberates.

Love has transformed how I relate to myself and to others. I no longer focus on our differences, I notice our share humanity. I see how deeply connected we are—how each action ripples outward. When I recognize the fear beneath someone’s behavior, forgiveness comes more naturally.

Hatred is exhausting. It cannot sustain us.

Love heals. Love frees. Love returns us to what we’ve always been—happy.

I choose Love.

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My writing is inspired by living what I learn in A Course in Miracles.

ACIM - A Course in Miracles, Third Edition, copyright © 2007 by the Foundation for Inner Peace, copyright holder and publisher, 448 Ignacio Blvd., #306, Novato, CA 94949, acim.org. This is a non-profit establishment and donations are appreciated.

She told me about a memory that jarred her first thing in the morning—one filled with confusion, fear, and regret. For a moment, those old feelings threatened to pull her down and color the entire day.

Yet something different happened.

As she moved through her day, she found herself enjoying simple interactions with others. Conversations, smiles, and shared moments gradually lifted her spirits. Instead of remaining trapped in the memory, she allowed the present moment to carry her forward.

Her experience reminded me of a familiar observation by Friedrich Nietzsche: “That which does not kill us makes us stronger.” Yet strength does not come simply from surviving difficult moments. It grows from how we choose to hold the memories they leave behind.

Memories can become shields that keep others at a distance, or excuses that prevent us from moving forward. When we cling to them this way, they become a crippling crutch rather than a source of wisdom.

But there is another way to meet them.

We can ask Love to show us the gifts hidden within the memory. With Love’s help, we may begin to see the fear and confusion that motivated both ourselves and others. What once felt like a painful memory can gradually transform into one filled with compassion and understanding. Through this process, forgiveness begins to take root—both for ourselves and for those we believe have caused us harm.

Many of us carry memories that still hold a quiet sting.

Yet when we approach them with curiosity instead of judgment, they can begin to reveal something unexpected.

What memory still carries a small charge for you today?

Bring up a nagging memory—something manageable rather than deeply traumatic. Memories involving severe trauma are best processed with the support of a licensed therapist.

1. Feel the emotions. Allow yourself to experience the feelings surrounding the memory for a moment.

2. Ask for help. Ask Love to help you see the event differently.

3. See it with new eyes. Observe the event as if you are watching it on television. Look at each person and see the motivation behind their action.

4. Look at the truth. Notice how you are interpreting the event. Are you taking it personally? We’re you old enough at the time to fully understand what was taking place?

5. Forgive. Being objective about an event can help us recognize how our feelings affect our memory of it. This provides an opportunity to forgive ourselves and others for our interpretation.

When we meet memories with honesty, compassion, and forgiveness, they become tools for transformation. They remind us of the strength it took to become who we are today. And they invite us to move forward with greater understanding, freedom, and love.

May love guide us gently from memory to understanding, and from understanding to freedom.

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My writing is inspired by my experience living what I learn in A Course in Miracles.

ACIM - A Course in Miracles, Third Edition, copyright © 2007 by the Foundation for Inner Peace, copyright holder and publisher, 448 Ignacio Blvd., #306, Novato, CA 94949, acim.org. This is a non-profit establishment and donations are appreciated.

John Lennon asked us to imagine another world—a world without heaven or hell, living fully in today. A world without possessions, countries, or religions to die for. A world where people live in peace and operate as one.

I discovered that world exists within me.

He wasn’t the only dreamer. He discovered a truth, and so did I. Lately I’ve been experiencing an exuberant happiness. I’m not manic, and nothing in my outer world has changed. The bills, my aging body, and an imperfect world are all still here, but they no longer determine my happiness.

It’s only March, yet my mission this year—to deepen my union with the Holy Spirit—has born fruit. I ask for guidance in small things, even purchases, and I feel either encouragement or gentle dissuasion. I ask for focus and notice my thoughts are less scattered.

I no longer try to tightly plan my day. Instead, I hold a general sense of what needs to be done and move through it with surprising ease and order.

I’ve also stopped trying to determine the outcome of situations. I enter them with an open mind and respond to what unfolds. Ideas come to me. I remember what needs doing and do it. Rather than trying to control my life—or the lives around me—I follow inner guidance and adapt.

My journey has explored the intersection of psychology, mindfulness, and spirituality. Yet real change didn’t occur until I stopped merely studying A Course in Miracles (ACIM) and began fully embracing the spirituality it describes. That shift brought the peace and empowerment I had long been seeking.

Religion offered direction and promises, but it never quite delivered the freedom and joy of complete spiritual immersion. Accepting myself as Spirit—fully and without reservation—finally fulfilled that quest.

I imagined a better life. I saw others living it. Eventually, I dared to trust the unseen power of Love and allow it to work through me. Love has transformed many mutinous hearts, and I am grateful to be one of them.

If there is a path to this kind of peace, it begins simply.

The first step is willingness. Many of us long for change but resist it. Yet creating a better life requires embracing change and trusting something better may exist beyond what we currently know.

The second step is the smallest measure of faith—the willingness to consider that a guiding power exists, one we can tap into each day.

The third step is to move into it. Admit that we may not know what is best for us. Ask to be shown. Ask to be guided toward our highest good.

The fourth step is to continue practicing these steps until they become our natural way of living.

This new way of life has immersed me in a grand adventure—a brand-new world. The world didn’t have to change. I simply had to change how I perceived it.

I’m no longer a victim of circumstances. I am co-creating a better world with Love as my guide.

And I hope you will join me.

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My writing is inspired by my experience living what I learn in A Course in Miracles.

ACIM - A Course in Miracles, Third Edition, copyright © 2007 by the Foundation for Inner Peace, copyright holder and publisher, 448 Ignacio Blvd., #306, Novato, CA 94949, acim.org. This is a non-profit establishment and donations are appreciated.