Higherwillingness

Week 1 of 11 weeks of "Giant Strides" from the workbook of A Course in Miracles. Lesson 23: I can escape the from the world I see by giving up attack thoughts. Attack thoughts: what are they all about? -The thought of separation. The imaginary foundation of sin. -Littleness -Attack & Defense are the same: ✨“When you finally realize that thoughts of attack and of being attacked are not different, you will be ready to let the cause go.” [CE W-23.7:4-5]✨ -Superior/Inferior: us & them -Projecting anger or blame -Judgement -Grievances -Suffering (weakness and lack) -Private thoughts, secrets -People pleasing, fear of consequences, wanting love and approval. -Planning (separate interests) -Sickness 🌟

Workbook Practice Group Zoom, 12/28, 6-8pm PT. An overview, deepening and discussion of Workbook lessons 356-Completion. 14. What Am I? [CE W-WI.14:1] 356. Sickness is but another name for sin. Healing is but another name for God. The miracle is thus a call to Him. [CE W-356:1] 357. Truth answers every call we make to God, responding first with miracles, and then returning unto us to be itself. [CE W-357:1] 358. No call to God can be unheard or left unanswered. And of this I can be sure: His answer is the one I really want. [CE W-358:1] 359. God’s answer is some form of peace. All pain is healed; all misery replaced with joy. All prison doors are opened. And all sin is understood as merely a mistake. [CE W-359:1] 360. Peace be to me, the holy Son of God. Peace to my brother, who is one with me. Let all the world be blessed with peace through us. [CE W-360:1] Introduction to Final Lessons [CE W-FL:1] 361-365. This holy instant would I give to You. Be You in charge. For I would follow You, certain that Your direction brings me peace. [CE W-361-365:1] Epilogue 1 This course is a beginning, not an end. [CE [W-Ep:1]-[W-Ep.1]]

An overview, deepening and discussion of Workbook lessons 349-355. 13. What Is a Miracle? [CE W-WI.13:1] 349. Today I let Christ's vision look upon all things for me and judge them not, but give each one a miracle of love instead. [CE W-349:1] 350. Miracles mirror God's eternal love. To offer them is to remember Him, and through His memory to save the world. [CE W-350:1] 14. What Am I? [CE W-WI.14:1] 351. My sinless brother is my guide to peace. My sinful brother is my guide to pain. And which I choose to see I will behold. [CE W-351:1] 352. Judgment and love are opposites. From one come all the sorrows of the world. But from the other comes the peace of God Himself. [CE W-352:1] 353. My eyes, my tongue, my hands, my feet today have but one purpose: to be given Christ to use to bless the world with miracles. [CE W-353:1] 354. We stand together, Christ and I, in peace and certainty of purpose. And in Him is His Creator, as He is in me. [CE W-354:1] 355. There is no end to all the peace and joy, and all the miracles that I will give, when I accept God’s Word. Why not today? [CE W-355:1]

✨Thursday Night Workbook Practice Group Zoom, 12/14/23✨ An overview, deepening and discussion of Workbook lessons 342-348. 13. What Is a Miracle? [CE W-WI.13:1] 342. I let forgiveness rest upon all things, for thus forgiveness will be given me. [CE W-342:1] 343. I am not asked to make a sacrifice to find the mercy and the peace of God. [CE W-343:1] 344. Today I learn the law of love: that what I give my brother is my gift to me. [CE W-344:1] 345. I offer only miracles today, for I would have them be returned to me. [CE W-345:1] 346. Today the peace of God envelops me, and I forget all things except His love. [CE W-346:1] 347. Anger must come from judgment. Judgment is the weapon I would use against myself to keep the miracle away from me. [CE W-347:1] 348. I have no cause for anger or for fear, for You surround me. And in every need that I perceive Your grace suffices me. [CE W-348:1]

An overview, deepening and discussion of Workbook lessons 335-341. 12. What Is the Ego? [CE W-WI.12:1] 335. I choose to see my brother’s sinlessness. [CE W-335:1] 336. Forgiveness lets me know that minds are joined. [CE W-336:1] 337. My sinlessness protects me from all harm. [CE W-337:1] 338. I am affected only by my thoughts. [CE W-338:1] 339. I will receive whatever I request. [CE W-339:1] 340. I can be free of suffering today. [CE W-340:1] 13. What Is a Miracle? [CE W-WI.13:1] 341. I can attack but my own sinlessness, and it is only that which keeps me safe. [CE W-341:1]

• Thursday Night Workbook Practice Group Zoom, 11/30, 6-8pm PT. An overview, deepening and discussion of Workbook lessons 328-332. Part II 11. What Is Creation? [CE W-WI.11:1] 328. I choose the second place to gain the first. [CE W-328:1] 329. I have already chosen what You will. [CE W-329:1] 330. I will not hurt myself again today. [CE W-330:1] 12. What Is the Ego? [CE W-WI.12:1] 331. There is no conflict, for my will is Yours. [CE W-331:1] 332. Fear binds the world. Forgiveness sets it free. [CE W-332:1] 333. Forgiveness ends the dream of conflict here. [CE W-333:1] 334. Today I claim the gifts forgiveness gives. [CE W-334:1]

As we launch into Thanksgiving weekend, we'll combine the ideas in Week 47 of the Workbook with a light, yet incredibly insightful film, with profound metaphysical overtones. It's a 1998 classic featuring Jim Carrey, called The Truman Show! This will be a fun journey, and a deep dive into exciting topics that can seem sometimes difficult to approach. Have you ever noticed "a glitch in the matrix”? Perhaps you’ve experienced what A Course In Miracles calls an “out of pattern time interval"? Somehow many of us suspect the world isn’t real, yet questions can seem to linger… Like how can the world be an illusion when it feels so real, down to the finest details and nuances? If it’s all fake, who staged this grand theatre and why does it seem so serious?… The desire to waken and be free can’t be left unfulfilled. Once we feel the call, we can distract ourselves for only so long before we reach an essential turning point-- where we are willing to face all our fears and be free!!

• Thursday Night Workbook Practice Group Zoom, 11/16, 6-8pm PT. An overview, deepening and discussion of Workbook lessons 314-320. Part II 10. What Is the Last Judgment? [CE W-WI.10:1] 314. I seek a future different from the past. [CE W-314:1] 315. All gifts my brothers give belong to me. [CE W-315:1] 316. All gifts I give my brothers are my own. [CE W-316:1] 317. I follow in the way appointed me. [CE W-317:1]] 318. In me salvation’s means and end are one. [CE W-318:1] 319. I came for the salvation of the world. [CE W-319:1] 320. My Father gives all power unto me. [CE W-320:1]

• Thursday Night Workbook Practice Group Zoom, 11/9, 6-8pm PT. An overview, deepening and discussion of Workbook lessons 307-313. Part II 9. What Is the Second Coming? [CE W-WI.9:1] 307. Conflicting wishes cannot be my will. [CE W-307:1] 308. This instant is the only time there is. [CE W-308:1] 309. I will not fear to look within today. [CE W-309:1] 310. In fearlessness and love I spend today. [CE W-310:1] 10. What Is the Last Judgment? [CE W-WI.10:1] 311. I judge all things as I would have them be. [CE W-311:1] 312. I see all things as I would have them be. [CE W-312:1] 313. Now let a new perception come to me. [CE W-313:1]

• Thursday Night Workbook Practice Group Zoom, 11/2/23. An overview, deepening and discussion of Workbook lessons 300-306. Part II 9. What Is the Second Coming? [CE W-WI.9:1] 300. Only an instant does this world endure. [CE W-300:1] 301. And God Himself shall wipe away all tears. [CE W-301:1] 302. Where darkness was I look upon the light. [CE W-302:1] 303. The holy Christ is born in me today. [CE W-303:1] 304. Let not my world obscure the sight of Christ. [CE W-304:1] 305. There is a peace that Christ bestows on us. [CE W-305:1] 306. The gift of Christ is all I seek today. [CE W-306:1]

• Thursday Night Workbook Practice Group Zoom, 10/26, 6-8pm PT. An overview, deepening and discussion of Workbook lessons 293-299. Part II 8. What Is the Real World? [CE W-WI.8:1] 293. All fear is past and only love is here. [CE W-293:1] 294. My body is a wholly neutral thing. [CE W-294:1] 295. The Holy Spirit looks through me today. [CE W-295:1] 296. The Holy Spirit speaks through me today. [CE W-296:1] 297. Forgiveness is the only gift I give. [CE W-297:1] 298. I love You, Father, and I love Your Son. [CE W-298:1] 299. Eternal holiness abides in me. [CE W-299:1]

• Thursday Night Workbook Practice Group Zoom, 10/19, 6-8pm PT. An overview, deepening and discussion of Workbook lessons 286-292. Exercises and meditations..... Part II 7. What is the Holy Spirit? [CE W-WI.7:1] 286. The hush of Heaven holds my heart today. [CE W-286:1] 287. You are my goal, my Father. Only You. [CE W-287:1] 288.Let me forget my brother’s past today. [CE W-288:1] 289. The past is over. It can touch me not. [CE W-289:1] 290. My present happiness is all I see. [CE W-290:1] 8. What Is the Real World? [CE W-WI.8:1] 291. This is a day of stillness and of peace. [CE W-291:1] 292. A happy outcome to all things is sure. [CE W-292:1]

Join us for a mind blowing, evocative and epic movie with ACIM commentary and Keynote: ✨Contact ✨- with Jodie Foster, Matthew McConaughey, and James Woods. This film is a thrilling ride into the light of higher purpose and deeper listening. It depicts the earnestness and determination that is required in our search for truth... Clearly showing us the importance of formulating a clear goal, keeping it in mind, and persevering until it is reached. And we’ll see how the desire for meaningful contact with what lies beyond, must include meaningful communication with those around us, regardless of our seeming differences. ✨For those of us who have been practicing the daily lessons from the Workbook of A COURSE IN MIRACLES: This class will inspire renewed commitment and increased zeal, to continue our practical application of the workbook lessons through the holidays with God’s strength carrying us into the new year... ✨ The take home value of our movie watching will be reflected in these wonderful ACIM themes: 1. Listening is always answered. (We can always listen more deeply.) Listening and following is a happy way of life, which takes willingness and perseverance, yet brings profound peace and meaning. 2. Collaboration is essential, but must be intelligently guided in order to reveal the truth. 3. Recognizing we truly don’t know anything, is to recognize a grand Intuitive Intelligence that knows perfectly what is best for everyone, in each of our decisions. In deepest listening, grace and love, Brian and Alexandra✨💞✨ New and experienced ACIM students - If you'd like to be added to our monthly movie announcement email list send an email to miraclesarenatural@gmail.com With Add me to Movie Watching through the Lens of ACIM email list in the subject line.

• Thursday Night Workbook Practice Group Zoom, 10/12, 6-8pm PT - an overview, deepening and discussion of Workbook lessons 279-285. Part II 7. What is the Holy Spirit? [CE W-WI.7:1] 279. Creation’s freedom promises my own. [CE W-279:1] 280. What limits can I lay upon God’s Son? [CE W-280:1] 281. I can be hurt by nothing but my thoughts. [CE W-281:1] 282. I will not be afraid of love today. [CE W-282:1] 283. My true identity abides in You. [CE W-283:1] 284. I can elect to change all thoughts that hurt. [CE W-284:1] 285. .My holiness shines bright and clear today. [CE W-285:1]

• Thursday Night Workbook Practice Group Zoom, 10/5, 6-8pm PT - an overview, deepening and discussion of Workbook lessons 272-278. Part II 6. What Is the Christ? 272. How can illusions satisfy God’s Son? [CE W-272:1] 273. The stillness of the peace of God is mine. [CE W-273:1] 274. Today belongs to love. Let me not fear. [CE W-274:1] 275. God’s healing Voice protects all things today. [CE W-275:1] 276. The Word of God is given me to speak. [CE W-276:1] 277. Let me not bind Your Son with laws I made. [CE W-277:1] 278. If I am bound, my Father is not free. [CE W-278:1]

• Thursday Night Workbook Practice Group Zoom, 9/28, 6-8pm PT - an overview, deepening and discussion of Workbook lessons 265-271. Part II 5. What Is the Body? 265. Creation’s gentleness is all I see. [CE W-265:1] 266. My holy Self abides in you, God’s Son. [CE W-266:1] 267. My heart is beating in the peace of God. [CE W-267:1] 268. Let all things be exactly as they are. [CE W-268:1] 269. My sight goes forth to look upon Christ’s face. [CE W-269:1] 270. I will not use the body’s eyes today. [CE W-270:1] 6. What Is the Christ? 271. Christ’s is the vision I will use today. [CE W-271:1]

• Thursday Night Workbook Practice Group Zoom, 9/21, 6-8pm PT - an overview & deepening. We'll use exercises and interactive discussion of Workbook lessons 258-264. Part II 4. What Is Sin? 258. Let me remember that my goal is God. 259. Let me remember that there is no sin. 260. Let me remember God created me. 5. What Is the Body? 261. God is my refuge and security. 262. Let me perceive no differences today. 263. My holy vision sees all things as pure. 264. I am surrounded by the love of God.

Documentary Dying to know with ACIM commentary and pauses... ✨Class Themes✨ 1. To soften and lighten our hearts around the taboo topic of dying. 2. To appreciate the value of mind training in our lives, as preparation for forgiving the world, and peacefully letting go of the self concept long before our last breath… Mind training is preparation for finally laying the body aside in happiness, gentleness and mercy. 3. To inspire gratitude for those mighty companions we meet and who share a holy purpose with us, and take the journey with us. What is Death? Keynote teachings on death from A COURSE IN MIRACLES. What is the value of mind training? Opening our hearts to the unknown with trust and safety. From Specialness to Holiness. Finding a holy purpose in life.

4. What is Sin? Trust, choosing to see rightly. 251. I am in need of nothing but the truth. 252. The Son of God is my identity. 253. My Self is ruler of the universe. * 254. Let every voice but God’s be still in me.* 255. This day I choose to spend in perfect peace.* 256. God is the only goal I have today. 257. Let me remember what my purpose is. * *Discussions and exercises

What is the World? Exercise with lesson 250: Let me not see myself as limited. Discussion about safety: 244. I am in danger nowhere in the world. 245. Your peace is with me Father I am safe. Discussion about honoring the Father through seeing our brothers as our Self. Exercise and discussion about whatever suffers is not a part of me.

The world is false perception. It's our thoughts! We begin with lesson 243 - Today I will judge nothing that occurs. We explore this with an old Chinese Proverb that we’ve adapted to make you smile and to set us up for our exercise… Since we don’t have enough information to judge anything accurately… How does this change your perception of what seems to be dangerous or concerning? 237. Now would I be as God created me. 238. On my decision all salvation rests. 239. The glory of my Father is my own. 240. Fear is not justified in any form. 241. This holy instant is salvation come. Inspired visualization - the sunrise of salvation. Guided forgiveness exercise - I desire this holy instant for myself, that I may share it with you, whom I love. How does it feel that you have the power to forgive your brother and save the world in this instant, not some future date?

Exercises, discussions and keynote slides. The timeless relationship with the Father. The practical, prayerful relationship with the Father. The peace of the Father in hearts and throughout the day. Returning to peace more quickly when we falter. Nothing needing to be different in our lives bf we give our lives to God to run. The commonality and depth of our last seven lessons on the theme of God: Lesson 230 is about finding the peace of God. Lesson 231 is about remembering God and his love. Lesson 232 is about God being in our mind all day long. Lesson 233 is about God running our lives. Lesson 234 is about anticipating the time when we reunite to God. Lesson 235 is about God willing our salvation and the liberating power of that. Lesson 236 is about deciding to hand over our mind to Spirit, so it can do God’s will.

Miracle principle 33 "Miracles honor a person because he is lovable." Receiving God's promise in prayer. 3 principles of prayer. Waiting for the Father in stillness. Stillness as an expectant, confident waiting. Exercises and and discussions from lessons 225, 223, 226, 227 Inspiratons from the introduction to part II.

Review of last 3 lessons in Part I: 198. Only my condemnation injures me. 199. I am not a body. I am free. 200. There is no peace except the peace of God. Going through discomfort until we find the nourishment. Continuing to work with our mind training throughout the day. Following the Spirit's plan and releasing our own. What needs no defense? Forgiveness is still and quietly does nothing.

ACIM Movie Gathering (Powder) Keynote slides and Commentary with Brian & Alexandra. Themes: *The longing to return home. *Healing the fear of God and the idea of abandonment by God. *Healing the idea of being unfairly treated or falsely accused. *True innocence and the end of projection. *Coming into the function of healing, and forgiveness of all attack thougths. *Answering the longing of the heart.