Messages & Miracles, ACIM, Lesson 34

One Giant Round of Peace

♡ONE GIANT ROUND OF PEACE♡ Let there be peace within, as it does begin with me.

An awareness on Judgement hit me yesterday while practicing my lessons. After watching a show in which the guest was a woman whom I refer to as 'one that shares a dangerous opinion' (because she whole-heartedly believes what she is writing about and wants to spread the message), began to tout her new book. I realized in that moment, that I was doing exactly what I have been working so hard not to do. Ugggg!

I went back to my lesson, with a renewed understanding. I realized that there are still times that I justify, not only my response or reaction, but MY judgement, based on what I believe.

I still believe this woman to be dangerously opinionated, but remembered that I must respectfully allow her to grow and to learn at her own pace. (The term dangerously opinionated is reserved for those people that share or speak from a place of fear or hate). I can speak out against and rebut her opinions, but I do not have to mock where she is in her growth. I have not walked in her shoes. She is where she is. I can only bless that she be met with awareness and clarity, to open her eyes to a different awareness.

There is enough hatred in this world. We are surely missing the boat on the art of conversation. Respectful conversation of listening, assessing, conversing, challenging or agreeing; assessing, conversing, etc. What interferes all too often is the Ego. We have become so accustomed to being defensive and going into battle, that the first response generally is fear and this brings on attack. This tells me that we are just not that safely rooted in where we stand. I also believe that we have become afraid to change our mind or vary our belief or opinion; or if we do, it may still come back to haunt us years from now, as many others choose not to move forward. I know that place.

Thankfully, I don't go there often anymore.  But as I was made aware today, it is always a process. I have learned to take a step back to seek the balance. Change, with experience and clarity, is a sign of strength. We see it as a weakness.  Change your mind often, as you grow, as you experience more and more. And do so with pride.

I Am Peace

A Course in Miracles~ Lesson 34~ I could see peace instead of this.

The idea for today begins to describe the conditions that prevail in the other way of seeing. Peace of mind is clearly an internal matter. It must begin with your own thoughts, and then extend outward. It is from your peace of mind that a peaceful perception of the world arises.

Three longer practice periods are required for today's exercises. One in the morning, one in the evening, and one at any time in between. This should be done with your eyes closed. It is your inner world to which the lesson of today's idea should be made.

Spend five minutes of mind searching for each of the longer practice periods. Search your mind for fear thoughts, anxiety-provoking situations, "offending" personalities or events, or anything else about which you are harboring unloving thoughts. Note them all casually, repeating the idea for today slowly as you watch them arise in your mind, and let each one go, to be replaced by the next.

The in between time can be done if-ever you feel your peace of mind is threatened in any way. The purpose is to protect yourself from fearful situations throughout the day. If a specific experience arises in your awareness, repeat this to yourself;

I could see peace in this situation instead of what I now see in it.  followed by:
I can replace my feelings of depression, anxiety or worry [or my thoughts about this situation, personality or event] with peace .

Fear comes from a place of unsafety, this awareness helps us to find our place of peace, even within stressful situations. How we create and how we relate. Peace and love <3 LoriLynn 

Messages & Miracles~ACIM~ Lesson 33

There is another way of looking at the world.

Glorious Day♡ To see life differently, with a new pair of eyes; with a vision that seeks to see only through the eyes of love. What would love see? How would love see differently? This is what is waiting to be discovered.

I have always known it, courageously sought it, and often shared it. Thinking differently, setting myself apart; to think as myself, uniquely and with honesty, all the while struggling for safety in a world that we only wish to belong and be a part of something great. So we allow the world around to shape us, to tell us what and where that greatness is.  The box grows thicker and stronger, and, we thought, provided our safety.

And then one day, we are awakened; we catch a glimpse of who we really are. We begin to discover that the greatness lay within us and that it was there all along.  We set forth, then, to learn that it is the box that has captured us, holding us in snug & tight, keeping us from seeing our true self, bringing forth doubt, shame, ridicule, fear, and anger. So the journey beacons loudly; for the journey is deep within, and we know undeniably, that this is where we will discover the truth; deep within our hearts.

We begin to dismantle the box, to break free, knowing that deep within, outside the box, lay our authenticity. Our eagerness to understand; to know, to learn, and to grow, yearns at us, and becomes stronger. We long to once again, to discover & know who we really are; to BE, who we really are. To stand courageously outside the box, in freedom.  

A Course in Miracles ~ Lesson 33~ There is another way of looking at the world.

Today's idea leads us to recognize that we can shift our perception of the world; in both its outer and inner aspects.

A full five minutes should be devoted to the morning and evening applications. In these practice periods, the idea should be repeated as often as you find comfortable, though unhurried applications are essential. Alternate between surveying your outer and inner perceptions, but without an abrupt sense of shifting.

Merely glance casually around the world you perceive as outside yourself (I see this as outside the box of safety). Then close your eyes and survey your inner thoughts with equal casualness, remaining  uninvolved in both; maintaining a detachment as you repeat the idea throughout the day.

The shorter exercise periods should be as frequent as possible. Specific applications of today's idea should also be made immediately, when any situation arises which tempts you to become disturbed.

For these applications, say: 'There is another way of looking at this.'

It is important to apply today's idea the instant you are aware of distress. It may be necessary to take a minute or so to sit quietly and repeat the idea to yourself several times. Closing your eyes may help you to understand and see.

Breathe in the light♡ breathe in the love♡ breathe in the freedom♡ Lori-Lynn

Messages & Miracles~ACIM~ Lesson 32

I have been experiencing the world with a new awareness lately, more so, these past several days. A very thoughtful mindfulness. Although it has been challenging, I do see my challenges as opportunities for growth. I know that it comes from the experience of lessons in this course.

Ill try and explain it as I can. One of our greatest stresses is often the stress of trying to make another change, to push them through their experience, to move them forward; as we see it. I see this in a new light. Personally, my 'thing' was to try and see various points of view; how others see it, what they may be feeling or have felt. But now, I have challenged myself to just allow and completely respect their point of view, from my eyes, without judgement. To respectfully allow their experience to be. To allow for growth on both sides, with renewed clarity. I don't have to understand completely, I only need to hear what is being said with an openness.

We are not meant to experience sameness. And we constantly change; our minds, our thoughts, our awareness. This is life. To experience continually. To grow continually. So with this, I am in a constant state of trying to invent the world I see. I know and trust that I am being guided, as we all are. Which brings me to today's lesson in Miracles. 

A Course in Miracles~ Lesson 32 'I have invented the world I see.'

Today we are continuing to develop the theme of cause and effect. This clarity takes place as we try to understand and accept that we are not victims of the world in which we see, because we, ourselves, have invented (created) this world.

You can give it up as easily as you have made it up. 

You will see it or not see it, as you so wish.

While you want it, you will see it; when you no longer want it, it will not be there for you to see. 

This might be a little bit tougher for some, not to grasp the idea, but to completely accept and allow it. I do know that it is an area that I get caught in.

The idea for today, like the preceding ones, applies to both our inner and outer worlds, which are actually the same. However, since you see them as different, the practice periods for today will again include two phases, one involving the world you see outside you, and the other the world you see in your mind. In today's exercises, try to introduce the thought that both are in your own imagination.

Begin the practice periods for the morning and evening by repeating the idea for today two or three times while looking around at the world you see as outside yourself. Then close your eyes and look around your inner world. Try to treat them both as equally as possible.

Repeat the idea for today unhurriedly and as often as you wish, as you watch the images your imagination presents to your awareness.

For the two longer practice periods three to five minutes are recommended. To facilitate this, select a time when few distractions are anticipated, and when you yourself feel reasonably ready.  These exercises are also to be continued during the day, as often as possible. The shorter applications consist of repeating the idea slowly, as you note either your inner or outer world. It does not matter which you choose.

The idea for today should also be applied immediately to any situation that may distress you. Apply the idea by telling yourself: I have invented this situation as I see it. 

Be kind and gentle with self; loving who you and where you are; always learning & always discovering. Love, LoriLynn

Messages & Miracles~ ACIM~ Lesson 31

A Horse of Course

A very mindful start to today♡ This Horse brought me awareness, to just be Happy.

I had a big awareness yesterday in regards to gratitude. Perhaps everyone else understood this, but I just 'got it,' so I thought that I would share.

We often are being told to 'give thanks before you've received something' 'ask and give gratitude like you already have it.'  I never understood the concept, perhaps because it is not explained.

We give gratitude before, as we have faith and trust completely that our 'wish' is on its way to us.  It is based on my theory that fear and faith cannot co-exist and I just recognized this!

'I am because we are.' 'How can we be happy when others are sad?'

My second mindful morningness. Too much in the world has been so sad of late. Responses to Donald Trumps entering the Presidency race have made this more so for me. Why has being rich in money become the most important part of our existence. It's not even about being rich, it's about being the richest. I am all for the experience of making money and enjoying life's finest experiences. But we have to look at the cost. Of what we have lost or left behind. There is little integrity of product or production, as long as we close our eyes, we won't see, therefore, know, what is going on. We are loosing much of what being human is, just for profit margins.

I do know that I am a dreamer... I only hope for a Balance. and Happiness... is that too much? And then I am brought back to Lesson 31. Life is Grand♡

A Course in Miracles, Lesson 31~ I am not the victim of the world I see.

Today's idea is the introduction to your declaration of release. Again, the idea should be applied to both the world you see without and the world you see within. In applying the idea, we will use a form of practice which will be used more and more, with changes as indicated.

Generally speaking, the form includes two aspects, one in which you apply the idea on a more
sustained basis, and the other consisting of frequent applications of the idea throughout the day.
Two longer periods of practice with the idea for today are needed, one in the morning and one at night. Three to five minutes for each of these are recommended. During that time, look about you slowly while repeating the idea two or three times. Then close your eyes, and apply the same idea to your inner world. You will escape from both together, for the inner is the cause of the outer.

As you survey your inner world, merely let whatever thoughts cross your mind come into your awareness, each to be considered for a moment, and then replaced by the next. Try not to establish any kind of hierarchy among them. Watch them come and go as dispassionately as possible. Do not dwell on any one in particular, but try to let the stream move on evenly and calmly, without any special investment on your part. As you sit and quietly watch your thoughts, repeat today's idea to yourself as often as you care to, but with no sense of hurry.

In addition, repeat the idea for today as often as possible during the day. Remind yourself that you are making a declaration of independence in the name of your own freedom. And in your freedom lies the freedom of the world.

How Grand Live Is... Have a beautiful day♡LoriLynn♡

Messages & Miracles~ACIM~ Lesson 30

A Calm & Gentle, but Giant Leap

Yesterday's awareness taught me about being nondiscriminatory, which is why it is so important. To show us to be thankful for everything, because all are gifts.

Today we are taken to a place by giant leap; a calm & gentle, but Giant leap.

A Course in Miracles~ Lesson 30

God is in everything I see because God is in my mind.

The idea for today is the springboard for vision; from this idea the world open up before you, You will look upon it and see what you have never seen before. Nor will what you saw before be even faintly visible to you.

Today we are trying to use a new kind of projection. We are trying to see in the world what is in our minds, and what we want to recognize is there.  That is the fundamental difference between vision and the way you see.

Today's idea should be applied as often as possible throughout the day. Whenever you have a moment or so, repeat it to yourself slowly, looking about you, and trying to realize that the idea applies to everything you do see now, or could see now if it were within the range of your sight.

Real vision is not limited to concepts such as 'near' or 'far.' To help you begin to get used to this idea, try to think of things beyond your present range, as well as those you can actually see, as you apply today's idea.  

Real vision is not only unlimited by space & distance, 

but it does not depend on the body's eyes at all.

The mind is its only source. To aid in helping you to become more accustomed to this idea as well, devote several practice periods to applying today's idea with your eyes closed, using whatever subjects come to mind, and looking within rather than without. Today's idea applies equally to both.

Have a loving and joyful day, LoriLynn

Messages & Miracles~ ACIM~ Lesson 29

A Sunrise brings the beauty of a new day

Hello today! Well, yesterday's lesson was somewhat more challenging for me, as I have always been very conscious of seeing things differently. 'The many shades of Lori's mind,' I believe my husband would say. So as a review it confused me, if that makes any sense.  I repeated the phrase over and over again, using the simpler things, such as a chair, coat rack, the signs, etc, feeling a bit silly. But it did bring me to understand on a more basic level. The lesson's purpose is to bring a new awareness to pre-judgment and ego, of which, I, too, must be held accountable. Having been the main challenge of the past 5 years of my studies, I was grateful for a new perspective. Always grateful. So with this...

A Sunrise brings the beauty of a new day♡ A Course in Miracles~ Lesson 29~ BIG SMILES ALL AROUND~ and LOTS of Love~

God is in everything I see.

The idea for today explains why you can see all purpose in everything. It explains why nothing is separate, by itself or in itself.

Today's idea is the whole basis for vision.

You may find this idea very difficult to grasp at this point. You may find it silly, irreverent, senseless, funny and even objectionable. Certainly God is not in a table, for example, as you see it. Yet we emphasized yesterday that a table shares the purpose of the universe. And what shares the purpose of the universe shares the purpose of its Creator.

Try then, today, to begin to learn how to look on all things with love, appreciation and open-mindedness. Nothing is as it appears to you. Its holy purpose stands beyond your range. When vision has shown you the holiness that lights up the world, you will understand today's idea perfectly. And you will not understand how you could ever have found it difficult.

Our six two-minute practice periods for today should follow a now familiar pattern: Begin with repeating the idea to yourself, and then apply it to randomly chosen subjects about you, naming each one specifically. Try to avoid the tendency toward self-directed selection, which may be particularly
tempting in connection with today's idea because of its wholly alien nature.

Remember that any order you impose is equally alien to reality. Your list of subjects should therefore be as free of self-selection as possible.

For example, a suitable list might include:
God is in this coat hanger.
God is in this magazine.
God is in this finger.
God is in this lamp.
God is in that body.
God is in that door.
God is in that waste basket.

In addition to the assigned practice periods, repeat the idea for today at least once an hour, looking slowly about you as you say the words unhurriedly to yourself. At least once or twice, you should experience a sense of restfulness as you do this.

God is in everything I see♡LoriLynn Koke

Messages & Miracles~ ACIM~ Lesson 28

Determination♡ Rachel 

I understand that I often say, Breathe, or Just Breathe, but I truly believe that within that breath is the state of calm and awareness. It's the place that we allow ourselves to 'halt' the action around or within us to bring us back to the moment.

This is so important in our fast paced, technological & instant world. Because of this, I do believe, we have forgotten that decisions, thoughts, ideas, actions & reactions, should reflect who we are at our core. With that, I begin my day, with a slow, deep, relaxing  breath within... and exhale.

Centered, grounded & grateful to be alive once again; I give gratitude for all that I have. I give gratitude for the beauty and love that surrounds me. And this takes me to a new day of miracles. 

A Course in Miracles~ Lesson 28~

♡♡How can one not be EXCITED about 28♡♡

Above all else I want to see things differently.    ♡Yesssssss♡

Today we are really giving specific application to the idea for yesterday. In these practice periods, you will be making a series of definite commitments. The question of whether you will keep them in the future is not our concern at this time. If you are willing at least to make them now, you have started on the way to keeping them. We are still at the beginning, the learning stage of change.

You may wonder why it is important to say, for example, "Above all else I want to see this table differently." In itself it is not important at all. Yet what is by itself? And what does "in itself" mean? This reflects how we see things 'for granted' right now.

When you have seen one thing differently, you will see all things differently.

When you say, "Above all else I want to see this table differently," you are making a commitment to withdraw your preconceived ideas about the table, and open your mind to what it is, and what it is for. You are not defining it in past terms. You are asking what it is, rather than telling it what it is. You
are not limiting its purpose to your little personal thoughts. You will not question what you have already defined.

The purpose of these exercises is to ask questions and receive the answers. In saying,

"Above all else I want to see this table differently," you are committing yourself to seeing. 

This is not an exclusive commitment. It is a commitment that applies to the table just as much as to anything else, neither more nor less.

You could gain vision from just that table, if you would withdraw all your own ideas from it, and look upon it with a completely open mind. It has something to show you; something beautiful and clean and of infinite value, full of happiness and hope. Hidden under all your ideas about it is its real purpose, the purpose it shares with all the universe.

In using the table as a subject for applying the idea for today, you are therefore really asking to see the purpose of the universe. You will be making this same request of each subject that you use in the practice periods. And you are making a commitment to each of them to let its purpose be revealed to you, instead of placing your own judgment upon it.

We will have six two-minute practice periods today, in which the idea for the day is stated first, and then applied to whatever you see about you. Not only should the subjects be chosen randomly, but each one should be accorded equal sincerity as today's idea is applied to it, in an attempt to
acknowledge the equal value of them all in their contribution to your seeing.

As usual, the applications should include the name of the subject your eyes happen to light on, and you should rest your eyes on it while saying:

Above all else I want to see this ______ differently.

Each application should be made quite slowly, and as thoughtfully as possible. There is no hurry.

Our Eyes are opening wider with awareness ♡ the time has come to see the Beauty in Every Minute, the Miracle in every Breath♡ Lori-Lynn