Second chances
Have you ever noticed that as soon as you make a mental declaration that you’ve conquered a situation for good or that you’ll never do “such and such” again – the universe promptly gives you an opportunity to prove it? For example, you vow that you will never again disclose private information about someone else and, soon after, you find yourself in a very tempting situation. Or you resolve to have the courage to stand up and admit it the next time you make a mistake at work and, right after that, you make a huge one!
But, if we don’t revisit these challenges, can we really be sure we’ve conquered them?
Recently I’ve been practicing a new kind of forgiveness that I’ve learned through studying A Course in Miracles. (I’ll talk more about that later.) I’ve been able to successfully apply this seemingly radical form of forgiveness in many situations in my life, resulting in tremendous inner peace. I’d like to boast that I’m getting better at it but there’s still this one relative (who lives very far away) that I mentally struggle with. That’s OK. I don’t have to interact with her very often. And I’m sure the universe will give me a chance to work it out when the time is right.
Oh! I just got the news . . . . . .
she’s coming to town.
Let your spirit soar!
Paula
Spirit Rising Ministries 
Wow I can totally relate- looking to hear how it all works out. Would love to know if you are studying the Course in Miracles on your own or with other- always have been intrigued by that book but have yet to buy.
Carol
Hi Carol,
I’m studying A Course in Miracles on my own (I tend to do things like that “solo”) but I’d love to talk to someone else who is a serious student of the course. I’m finding it life-transforming! I strongly suggest that you read “The Disappearance of the Universe” by Gary Renard. BEFORE studying the course. Many people, including myself, have found that it definitely paves the way to a much deeper understanding of and success with the course. I tried doing the course a few years ago, without reading the other book and didn’t get very far. Guess the time is right now, because I’m over two months into the year long course and loving every minute of it. (I would lone Gary’s book to you but I reference it almost daily.)
For those of you unfamiliar with it, A Course In Miracles is a 365 day, self-study course with an accompanying, lengthy text and a manual for teachers, all supposedly channeled from Jesus. It doesn’t matter whether or not you believe where the material came from. What matters is if it resonates with you. When I began the course I didn’t think I agreed with ANY of it! In fact, I have never read anything that rocked my boat and turned everything I thought I knew upside down like the course did. And yet, my inner voice said, “Keep going . . . keep going.” It said, “Consider the possibility that there’s something I don’t, the knowing of which will transform my life.”
If I could only keep one book out of my extensive library of self-help books, it would be A Course in Miracles.
Yes, I have noticed that. So much so that I feel that I’m playing the lead role in the movie Ground Hog Day.
I keep getting the lesson, and when I feel I’ve learned the lesson another challenge presents itself in a different form and I’m re-learning / re-enforcing the lesson learned yet again.
I don’t like it. I want it over with. I don’t want to keep struggling against the same current. But, you’re right. How do I know I’ve learned the lesson unless I’m put to the test – again. (sigh)
My most important lesson/challenge has centered around my sense of self, valuing my own uniqueness. I have/had a habit of losing myself in relationships especially those with men. I thought I had conquered that challenge years ago though. Finally, my self-confidence was intact and I was moving through life making decisions that were in my best interest as opposed to be swallowed up in relationships. Then, the challenge presented itself again. It was so subtle it was ingenious. I never knew what hit me. And, again I found myself climbing out of the same familiar hole that I had to struggle to climb out of before.
I’ve concluded it is one of my life lessons. I do hope I learn it so that I don’t have to repeat it.
: )