Practice

Good Morning DearHearts,

Many times during A Course in Miracles group, the question arises, “How do I start to truly understand this?”. My answer has always been,
“The same way we get to Carnegie Hall, practice, practice, practice”.

I know that sounds like a rather flippant answer, but it is actually true. The only way to master a new spiritual path is to practice it. This same philosophy can be applied to learning to cook, garden, play the violin or do calculus. ( But why?)

In addition to applying time to the task one wishes to learn, if it is a spiritual endeavor, adopting the “practice” of quieting the mind would be quite helpful. Many start their day with their “spiritual practices”. The list of what modalities an individual might use can be quite long and varied. Everyone must find what works for them. Many find starting the day with breath work helps to bring the mind into alignment after a night of dream wanderings. A few deep breaths in through the nose and out the mouth brings the awareness into the now.

A Course in Miracles offers us 365 ways to practice. But in truth any ONE lesson can be the source of practice and awareness. Each of the lessons is an individual truth which is part of the ONE true thought of Peace.

For instance, if I realize (see with real eyes) that my mind is preoccupied with the past (Lesson 7) and finally stop viewing the now as defined by what occurred in the past, I will be able to see the innocence that is all around. OR, if I finally “get” the concept that I am NOT a body, (Lesson 199) but so much more than that limitation, my thoughts and the world will change before me.

The wonderful thing about the Truth is: it’s True, and what is True does not shift and change on the whimsy of a thought or perception. The Truth comes to us from multiple sources and yet it is always the same.
How many spiritual teachers does it take to convince us that our thoughts are the ONE source of our experiences?

That is the Truth.

But what is YOUR answer? So many of those who are seeking the truth, go from one path to another, read every new book, attend lectures, seminars, and retreats, only to find that each book, teacher, lecturer have the same information.

The constant seeking and yet not accepting the answer is the pattern the ego would have us follow. The longer we stay in denial of what our Truth is, the longer we will stay under the influence of egoic thoughts.

And now back to practicing.

A Course in Miracles often states the obvious throughout the text and workbook, this is one example from Chapter 30.

“ It must be clear that it is easier to have a happy day if you prevent unhappiness from entering at all. But this takes practice in the rules that will protect you from the ravages of fear.”

If we keep up our practice we will all get to Carnegie Hall.

Until then,
Remember That There is Boundless Love Available Here and Now.

In Light, Love and Peace,
Janet Weissman
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