August 2022 Week 3

“Every expression is either one of love or a cry for healing and help. Remembering this simplifies how we experience life. The most difficult of circumstances reveals a far simpler lesson than we might imagine when it is perceived through loving eyes and a forgiving heart. Embracing this truth doesn’t come easily at first. Maybe we can accept it in a few situations. A friend’s put-down or the bus drivers rude remark can be overlooked. But the more serious circumstances require our willingness to suspend all judgement and offer only forgiveness instead. With time and practice this will become easier. I will quietly think through an action before I take it today. I will ask myself, Is this action loving?” - this text is from a daily reflection book I have on A Course in Miracles and I flagged it last week to talk about this week and of course, once again, it is more relevant in my life that ever - crazy how that happens lol!!!
Our Klesha (suffering) this month is Avidya, or ignorance, spiritual ignorance. And our intention - I am committed to connecting with my real self - is an invitation for us daily to do something to connect with our real true self and our version of G O D (religious, Great Out Doors or anything other than you!). Summer is busy for many of us and full of opportunities to fragment ourselves and our energy towards different people and circumstances (please listen to the meditations this month for more on this!). How are you doing so far - do you feel “spiritually ignorant”, not connected to your real self?
I spoke in meditation this week of my weekend of family guests that pulled me out of myself at times. I am grateful that I was able to take the time early morning to connect with myself and my God, but I will be honest there were moments that as a friend asked me: “are you proud of who you are and the choices you have made?” and I teared up and answered, no. Sadly, I allowed others pokes and jabs make me question who I am. The gift is that yesterday after the weekend was over I filled myself up with friends, spiritual connections, 2 meditations, an ocean dip and some self reflection. My goal this year is more self love, so here is the lesson and the work for me. Yes, I am not perfect but can I accept myself, warts and all, as human and fallible so I can continue to move in the direction of the self love and acceptance that I want and that I deserve? My promise to all of you, is yes I will try!
I love the last line of the quote above: “I will quietly think through an action before I take it today. I will ask myself, Is this action loving?” In other words, is this action coming from my true self, have I quieted myself before the day begins and given myself and others the gift of pause that our studies offers us? Can I have the non judgmental awareness of my perfectly, imperfect self that I teach to all of you?? This work is truly amazing, I hope you are able to take the time to study along with me, as always thank you for allowing me to teach you so I can continue to learn!