I could see peace instead of this.
This is a great lesson. It is a continuation of yesterday’s lesson, There is another way of looking at the world.
Today’s lesson shows you what that “other” way of seeing is:
I could see peace instead of this.
You can love the world, absolutely. You don’t even need a reason. You can just love everyone around you, starting today. What have you got to lose? What reason do you have for holding back? What are you protecting? What are you afraid of?
You can absolutely love the world, your neighbor and your enemy … starting right now.
What reason could you possibly have for holding on to conflict?
When you look at it reasonably like this, you will see that conflict is actually a childish temper tantrum. It’s a bratty kid’s game.
It’s for bullies.
Look at it. Look at the way you turn your back at some people and POUT and scream and kick and yell.
It’s what 2-year olds do.
We are told as children to behave, to share, and to play nicely … and then we grow up to steal, lie, cheat and kill. What the hell happened here??
When you look at it in this way, you will be very appalled by your behavior.
I’m speaking from deep personal experience here.
I used to be in therapy in NYC – in the 90s – because I had a ton of problems. All imagined, of course, but still. I was totally depressed. I drank every day. Mostly I couldn’t stop whining about an ex-boyfriend, and I couldn’t move on. And then one day a light bulb when off in my head and voice said, loud & clear: GROW UP!!!
Grow up? Grow up? How dare you tell me, to grow up! How dare you suggest I am acting like a child! I work in publishing. I have a good job. I pay my bills on time. I am kind and loyal and generous and good. I am respected by many. Grow up?
After the initial shock, I started laughing.
It was time to put my toys away. And believe me, I had lots of them! Anger, judgment, guilt, jealousy, worry, anxiety and fear. These are toys children play with.
So today’s lesson is asking you to see every situation differently. Look at what you are doing. Ask yourself what you want.
Most people will tell you they want to be happy or they want to be at peace.
So, what are you waiting for then?
If you want to be happy, why do you cling to fear? If you want to be at peace, why do you still keep a wall between you and your brother? If you want to feel joy, why do you sulk and pout and sit in your room depressed?
In my experience, the best way to start living a life of joy and purpose is to start being truly helpful. To begin extending yourself to others.
Reach out. Help someone. Open your heart. Open your mind. Shine your light.
Peace is available IMMEDIATELY as you change your mind. You’ll see a new way of thinking, seeing and behaving … and then that peace automatically extends itself.
I was reading Chapter 8 again last night and it says “If you use the body for attack, it is harmful to you. If you use it only to reach the minds of those who believe they are bodies, and teach them through the body that this is not so, you will understand the power of the mind that is in you.”
Isn’t that amazing? You are not trying to get rid of your body, you are not trying to make it disappear, you are not even trying to transform it. You are simply changing the way you think about yourself, other people, and the world. Now the body simply becomes a useful tool – a vehicle of communication – for the Holy Spirit. That He can extend His light and love THROUGH you to reach other minds.
I love it.
I’m getting lots of great messages lately in my email box. If you want to start extending your light and reaching out to other minds, feel free to post your stories and insights as comments here on this website, in the comment section. Feel free to leave your email addresses and websites if you want others to contact you. Reach out. Feel free to inspire people. Feel free to use this website to teach and reach out to others, and to share your experiences of how your life is changing through the practice of the lessons in A Course in Miracles.
Gorgeous for God is a statement about YOU.
I’ll be on ACIM Gather Radio today at 2pm EST today if you are interested, also broadcasting from Paltalk.com from the ACIM Gather Room.
Also, there are daily audio lessons for you to listen to every day here on Gorgeous for God. They are mostly short and sweet – 10 minutes at most – and you can click the blue Talkshoe box in the right sidebar to listen.
Facebook comments:
Lisa, I love this website. Every time I read it, a miracle occurs in my life. I am on Chapter 20, II. And on lesson 89. Yet I still read your website because the earlier lessons are so meaningful. They are repeated over and over again in later lessons. My miracle for today is that I am experiencing more Peace in my life than ever before! My fears are gone as well as my anxiety, and depression. I still haven’t stopped taking anti-depressants, but know that I will eventually be able to let them go too! What a miracle you are….thanks for your thoughts and gentleness that come through your words. I feel them, everyday.
Lisa, I’m glad I found you! I’ve been going through your site reading about you and your experiences. It’s very inspiring. Great work!
hey lisa,
i love this post. it’s time to grow up and put away toys it is no sacrifice. my toys have been self hatred, self sabotage and so on. now is the time to grow up/into my granduer in God. so funny the STOP IT forgiveness practice comes to mind right now. bent on sabotage?….STOP IT. STOP IT STOP IT STOP IT. My mind is part of Gods, I am very holy.
Love,
Lee