Messages & Miracles~ Lesson 13~ ACIM

The Sun is Shining a little bit brighter today♡ there are days that it feels like the sun will never shine again. This has been a bit of the journey of the meaningless. I dug deep into the exercise, consciously acknowledging the intention.


With this, I move forward into today, with intention & life. Pre-existing thoughts mean nothing to me. It is a matter of awareness. Conscious thoughts create change. Conscious Thoughts that reflect our Emotional state. This is why we must 'feel' the change, step into it, embrace it; embody it.  The next step is gratitude; gratitude for every step, every choice, every thought, every conscious change that leads us closer.

This brings me to Lesson 13 'A meaningless world engenders fear.' 

You are not expected to believe the statement at this point, and will probably dismiss it as preposterous. What if it all means nothing? Then what? Often when we are stuck or going through a major trauma, we come to this place. This is a powerful understanding. Having worked through it previously, I am certain that I cannot return to it. But, I will refresh my memory banks and reflect, as it is such an awareness. 


Today's idea is an extension of yesterdays idea. It is more specific as to the emotion aroused.

A meaningless world is impossible. Nothing without meaning exists.  Recognition of meaninglessness arouses intense anxiety. It represents a situation in which God and the ego challenge each other as to whose meaning is to be written in the empty space that meaninglessness provides.

The ego rushes in frantically to establish its own ideas there, fearful that the void may otherwise be used to demonstrate its own impotence and unreality. And on this alone it is correct. It is essential, therefore, that you learn to recognize the meaningless, and accept it without fear. The will of God.

If you are fearful, it is certain that you will create the world with attributes that it does not possess, or crowd it with images that do not exist. To the ego illusions are safety devices.

The exercises for today, which should be done about three or four times for not more than a minute or so at most each time, are to be practiced in a somewhat different way from the preceding ones. With eyes closed, repeat today's idea to yourself. Then open your eyes, and look about you slowly, saying:

'I am looking at a meaningless world.'  Repeat this statement to yourself as you look about. Then close your eyes, and conclude with:

'A meaningless world engenders fear because I think I am in competition with God.'

You may find it difficult to avoid resistance, in one form or another, to this concluding statement. Whatever form such resistance may take, remind yourself that you are really afraid of such a thought because of the 'vengeance' of the 'enemy.' 

Note carefully any signs of overt or covert fear which it may arouse. This is our first attempt at stating an explicit cause and effect relationship of a kind which you are very inexperienced in recognizing. Do not dwell on the concluding statement, and try not even to think of it except during the practice periods. That will suffice at present. 

The Sun, indeed, does shine brightly, as nighttime, once again, begins its journey back to daytime.

Messages & Miracles~ACIM~ Lesson 12

I will refer to this part of the teachings, 'from here to lesson 15.' A must to centre and necessary to change♡ This is a difficult one today. Trying to make sense of this, with the words that come; today is a time when it all, indeed, does seem meaningless. My cousin's son committed suicide yesterday. My heart is breaking for the family. We all try to love and comfort, but there are no words. We can offer strength and compassion, but there is no sense. Time allows us to move forward. Love is what carries us through. I pray for love.

Lesson 12                  I am upset because I see a meaningless world.

The importance of this idea lies in the fact that it contains a correction for a major perceptual distortion. What is most interesting, and last evening we talked briefly of this concept before meditation class. It's 'in there' but we don't recognize this as truth. That the coming home and it begins to feel good.... but first it requires a shift.   

What we think is an illusion, thoughts & beliefs based on past experiences. We think that what upsets us is a frightening world, or a sad world, or a violent world, or an insane world.

The truth, all these attributes are given it by you. The world is meaningless in itself.

These exercises are done with eyes open. Look around you, very slowly. Allow yourself to pace so that the slow shifting of your glance from one thing to another involves a fairly constant time interval. Do not allow the time of the shift to become markedly longer or shorter, but try, instead, to keep a measured, even tempo throughout. What you see does not matter. You teach yourself this as you give whatever your glance rests on equal attention and equal time. This is a beginning step in learning to give them all equal value.

As you look about you, say to yourself:  'I think I see a fearful world... a dangerous world... a hostile world... a sad world... a wicked world... a crazy world... and so on, using whatever descriptive terms happen to occur to you.

If terms which seem positive rather than negative occur to you, include them. For example, you might think of "a good world," or "a satisfying world." If such terms occur to you, use them along with the rest. You may not yet understand why these "nice" adjectives belong in these exercises but remember that a 'good world' implies a 'bad one exists, and a 'satisfying world' implies an 'unsatisfying' one. All terms which cross your mind are suitable subjects for today's exercises. Their seeming quality does not matter.

Be sure that you do not alter the time intervals between applying today's idea to what you think is pleasant and what you think is unpleasant. For the purposes of these exercises, there is no difference between them.

At the end of the practice period, add:  'But I am upset because I see a meaningless world.'

What is meaningless is neither good nor bad. Why, then, should a meaningless world upset you? If you could accept the world as meaningless and let the truth be written upon it for you, it would make you indescribably happy. But because it is meaningless, you are impelled to write upon it what you would have it be. It is this you see in it. It is this that is meaningless in truth.

Beneath your words is written the Word of God. The truth upsets you now, but when your words have been erased, you will see His. That is the ultimate purpose of these exercises.

Three or four times is enough for practicing the idea for today. Nor should the practice periods exceed a minute. You may find even this too long. Stop whenever you experience a sense of strain.

Lessons, Teachings, & much Love today <3  LoriLynn xxxooo

Messags & Miracles~ Lesson 11 ACIM

Good Morning today♡ and with this Good Morning brings an interesting Lesson♡ an interesting awareness that requires me to think... but no.....with that I am very excited about this part of the journey♡

I found yesterday's lesson challenging to my thoughts, with my thoughts searching for meaning, but the idea halting the process.  I was struggling at times to make sense. The new awareness is necessary for growth and I do understand its teaching...so with that I cleared my thoughts and I move forward into today♡

A Course in Miracles~ Lesson 11
 
'My meaningless thoughts are showing me a meaningless world'

This is the first idea we have had that is related to a major phase of the correction process; the reversal of the thinking of the world. And so our journey continues.

Today's idea introduces the concept that our thoughts determine the world you see.  The key to forgiveness lies in this idea. Practice the idea in its initial form, for in this idea is our release.

The practice periods for today's idea are to be undertaken somewhat differently from the previous ones.

Begin with your eyes closed, and repeat the idea slowly to yourself. Then open your eyes and look about, near and  far, up and down,--anywhere. During the minute or so to be spent in using
the idea merely repeat it to yourself, being sure to do so without haste, and with no sense of urgency or effort.

To do these exercises for maximum benefit, the eyes should move from one thing to another fairly rapidly, since they should not linger on anything in particular. The words, however, should be used in an unhurried, even leisurely fashion.

The introduction to this idea, in particular, should be practiced as casually as possible. It contains the foundation for the peace, relaxation and freedom from worry that we are trying to achieve.

On concluding the exercises, close your eyes and repeat the idea once more slowly to yourself.

Three practice periods today will probably be sufficient. However, if there is little or no uneasiness and an inclination to do more, as many as five may be undertaken.

Wishing for peace and a renewal today♡ with love, Lori-Lynn♡♡♡

Messages & Miracles~Lesson 10~ ACIM

As I begin today, I reflect on yesterday, and I do so, I am reminded of my daily lessons. I bring myself back. I want to begin my day by taking a step towards love and peace within. I want to experience all that today has to offer and all the God has to give. So with that, I ask for a day filled with blessings and love, a full day of wonderful experiences of joy and laughter. And I begin my day.

A Lesson in Miracles~ Lesson 10

'My thoughts do not mean anything.'

We have used this one before.  Yes, this is the second time we have used this kind of idea; this time its awareness is slightly different. This time the idea is introduced with "My thoughts" instead of "These thoughts." No link is made overtly with the things around you. The emphasis is now on the lack of reality in what you think you think. This assists in the responsibility of the thought. An awareness, 'is this my thought? Or is it someone else's thought? Any way I look at it, 'My thoughts do not mean anything.' The reason the idea is applicable to all thoughts, is that they are not your real thoughts. They are your interpretation or an experience or reflection of an emotion.

'My thoughts do not mean anything.'

This idea applies to all the thoughts of which you are aware, or become aware in the practice periods.  We have made this distinction before, and will do so again. You will come to an awareness, without doubt, that what you once believed were your thoughts, did not mean anything. This takes me back to, 'how does my thought serve me?' When our thoughts are only in the present, they serve to move us forward, rather than keeping us stuck in a false belief.



This aspect of the correction process began with the idea that the thoughts of which you are aware are meaningless, outside rather than within; and then stressed their past rather than their present status. We are now emphasizing that the presence of these 'thoughts' means that you are not thinking. This is merely another way of repeating our earlier statement that your mind is really a blank slate. To recognize this is to recognize nothingness when you think you see it. As such, it is the prerequisite for vision.

Close your eyes for these exercises, introduce the message by repeating the idea for today quite slowly to yourself. 'My thoughts do not mean anything...' then add: 'this idea will help to release me from all that I now believe.'  This exercise really helped me releasing any stuck or negative energies and moving forward. We often hear or see, 'today is a new day, a new beginning;' these exercises is the how in how to get there; with this thought.

The exercises consist, as before, in searching your mind for all the thoughts that are available to you, without selection or judgement. Try to avoid classification of any kind. In fact, if you find it helpful to do so, you might imagine that you are watching an oddly assorted procession going by, which has little if any personal meaning to you. As each one crosses your mind, say:

My thought about ______ does not mean anything. This idea will help to release me from all that I now believe.
My thought about ______ does not mean anything. This idea will help to release me from all that I now believe.

Today's thought can obviously serve for any thought that distresses you at any time. In addition, five practice periods are recommended, repeating the idea slowly, each involving no more than a minute or so of mind searching. It is not recommended that this time period be extended, and it should be reduced to half a minute or less if you experience discomfort.

this IS the movement that we have been praying for, waiting for. A Shift in awareness. Through love. 
Life Loves Me. Life Blesses Me, with abundance, joy, happiness, peace, wealth, and prosperity. I have all the I need to experience the best life! 

May today be the blessing that is intended along your journey, LoriLynn xxxxoooo

Messages & Miracles~ACIM~Lesson 9

Today was a day filled. And a day to reflect. I awoke from a rather confusing dream this morning. It actually caused me to feel drained & tired. A pull, perhaps, from the universe reminding me to slow down; it's time to learn. I had much to accomplish and accomplish I did, I did so, at a nice pace. There really was no hurry, nor is there ever, this is something that we choose.

Out with the old, in with the new, which typically takes us back to that place of reflection. My lessons for today brought a sense of peace; from the reflections of my lessons in the Course of Miracles.  In the meantime, I received an A+ for yesterdays lesson!

'I see nothing as it is now.'

The wonderment of awareness beacons me further along the journey♡This, and the truths of the past week, allowed me to stay focused and in the present. The practices in A Course in Miracles start us off by understanding our memories; offering to show us how to use them. Memories are merely a tool. They are just thoughts. We, all too often choose to believe them, in their sincerity & integrity; and we give them more fire. Memories are thoughts that we are manifesting in the now, and as each moment goes on, they  become increasingly more untrue, the reality of them more vague. We begin to add our own 'twist' to them, add anothers point of view; our co-workers, our friends, family, even strangers. It's important to remember that they draw into our reality from their memories of similar (and not so similar experiences.), which only serves to add more fuel to the fire. Our past becomes more alive with greater fear, anger, guilt, or shame.

It is important, that if it is something that has hurt us in any way, to allow yourself to grieve; grieve until you come to a place where your power exists and take it back. The change begins when we set the Intention to Grieve Solution-based. I do know, from my experience and teachings, that once we change our awareness of what is happening to us, change our vibrational frequency, that we draw more of same into our lives. If we raise our vibration to acceptance, love, forgiveness, & strength at the end of our 'hurt,' we face the world with this frequency and strength. Suddenly, we are the victor rather than the victim!

Driving in the truck, as I looked at the beauty of my surroundings, I reminded myself of this, over and over. What I discovered was that although I was 'tired,' I did not have to be grumpy. I did not had to feed the tired. I did not have to go to a place of self pity or doubt.  I just allowed myself to be fully gentle and accepting of my thoughts, feelings, and ideas, and always in the present. 'Back to the Present,' is an exercise that I teach, and this time I relearned in a whole new way. I experienced new surrounding everywhere I went; calmly, from a place of love. My vibrational frequency was accepting. 

'I see nothing as it is now.'

This idea follows a new awareness from the two preceding ones. Although you are able to accept the concept on an intellectual level; it is unlikely that it's full impact will mean much to you yet.

Know that understanding is not necessary at this point. In fact, the opposite is true; the recognition that you do not understand is a prerequisite for undoing your false ideas.

These exercises are concerned with practice, not with understanding.  It is difficult for the untrained mind to believe that what it seems to picture is not there. This idea can be quite disturbing, and may be met with active resistance in any number of forms. Yet that does not preclude applying it. Its application is all that is required for this (or any other exercises). Each small step will clear a little of the darkness away.

Understanding will come, to lighten every corner of the mind that has been cleared of the debris that darkens it.

These exercises, for which three or four practice periods are sufficient, involve looking about you and applying the idea for the day to whatever you see. Remembering the need for its indiscriminate application, and the essential rule of excluding nothing.  For example:

I do not see this typewriter as it is now.
I do not see this telephone as it is now.
I do not see this arm as it is now.

Begin with things that are nearest you, and then extend the range outward:

I do not see that coat rack as it is now.
I do not see that door as it is now.
I do not see that face as it is now.

If we 'firmly' see something; a situation, person, thing, experience, only as it is, we take away its opportunity to change. 

It is emphasized again that while complete inclusion should not be attempted, specific exclusion must be avoided. Be sure you are honest with yourself in making this distinction.

The day is before me♡a wonderment at that♡Life loves me♡Life blesses me with the greatest of abundance; love, joy, happiness, peace within & around. Lori-Lynn xxxooo

Messages & Miracles~Lesson 8 ~ ACIM

Wow! this has certainly been some amazing journey! An incredible Shift in Awareness to the Gift of this Present Moment of Mindfulness ♡ But also new understanding & more so, a confirmation of my teaching; an accountability to my self, my destiny, my future; my accountability to others as well. I open up more each day.

If it is not serving your highest power, it's holding you back. It, is you. Your thoughts that you feed, rather than the Integrity of your Spirit♡ for most of us, the teaching began at a very young age. The time has come to create new memories, new ideas, new thoughts; of only the loving kind.

Workbook Lesson 8~ 'My mind is preoccupied with past thoughts.'

This idea is, of course, the reason why you see only the past. No one really sees anything. He sees only his thoughts projected outward.

Make sense? The mind's preoccupation with the past is the cause of the misconception about time from which our seeing suffers. It's time to grasp onto the present moment, the present thought, which is the only time there is.

The mind does understand time, and cannot, in fact, understand anything.

The one wholly true thought one can hold about the past is that it is not here. To think about it at all is therefore to think about illusions. Very few have realized what is actually entailed in picturing the past or in anticipating the future. The mind is actually blank when it does this. We create it from the best of our memory, usually from our emotions, of any given situation/experience/person.

The purpose of the exercises for today is to begin to train your mind to recognize when it is not really thinking at all.

While thoughtless ideas preoccupy your mind, the truth is blocked. Recognizing that your mind has been merely blank, rather than believing that it is filled with real ideas, is the first step to opening the way to vision.

The exercises for today should be done with eyes closed. This is because you actually cannot see anything, and it is easier to recognize that no matter how vividly you may picture a thought, you are not seeing anything. With as little investment as possible, search your mind for the usual minute or so, merely noting the thoughts you find there.

Name each one by the central figure or theme it contains, and pass on to the next. Introduce the practice period by saying:

'I seem to be thinking about ______.  Then name each of your thoughts specifically, for example;
I seem to be thinking about [name of a person], about [name of an object], about [name of an emotion], and so on, concluding at the end of the mind-searching period with:

and continue with, 'But my mind is preoccupied with past thoughts.'

This can be done four or five times during the day, unless you find it irritates you. If you find it trying, three or four times is sufficient. You might find it helpful, however, to include your irritation, or any emotion that the idea for today may induce, in the mind searching itself.

Happy Trails today, it's a Brand New Day <3 Much Love, Lori 

Messages & Miracles~Lesson Seven~ACIM

Calm of breath, I begin today♡ Yesterday I was grateful for my tools. I used yesterdays awareness only once and it really helped me to balance my thoughts of worry. Simply saying, 'this thought has no meaning to me,' provided me a mindfulness that stopped it dead in its tracks. New reflection♡ That make me happy♡

A Course in Miracles, Lesson Seven, 'I see only the past.'

This idea may be difficult to believe, if it is a new one to you, yet it is the rationale for all of the preceding ones....

It is the reason why nothing that you see means anything.
It is the reason why you have given everything you see all the meaning that it has for you.
It is the reason why you do not understand anything you see.
It is the reason why your thoughts do not mean anything, and why they are like the things you see.
It is the reason why you are never upset for the reason you think.
It is the reason why you are upset because you see something that is not there.

It begins to make complete sense.
Old ideas about time can be difficult to change, because everything we have been taught to believe is rooted in time. It's survival in your reality depends on you not learning these new ideas about it; believing or knowing that you can learn or create a different memory... continually♡throughout your entire lifetime!

This is precisely why we need new ideas about time. This first time idea is not really as strange as it may sound at first.

Look at a cup, for example. What

thoughts come to mind? Do you see a cup, or are you merely reviewing your past experiences of picking up a cup, being thirsty, drinking from a cup, feeling the rim of a cup against your lips, having breakfast and so on? Are not your aesthetic reactions to the cup, too, based on past experiences? How else would you know whether or not this kind of cup will break if you drop it? What do you know about this cup except what you learned in the past? You would have no idea what this cup is, except for your past learning. Do you, then, really see it? Conscious Awareness.

Look around.... this is equally true of everythung you see/look at. Acknowledge this with everything you look at by applying the idea for today; indiscriminately to whatever catches your eye. For example:

I see only the past in this pencil.
I see only the past in this shoe.
I see only the past in this hand.
I see only the past in that body.
I see only the past in that face.

Do not linger over any one thing in particular and remember to omit nothing specifically. Glance briefly at each subject, and then move on to the next. Three or four practice periods, each to last a minute or so, will be enough.

Take delight in your ♡Journey♡ Be Kind, beginning with self♡ Lori-Lynnxxxxx)))

Life Loves Me♡
Life Blesses me♡
Abundance♡Joy♡Happiness♡Prosperity♡