GATHERING 6

NTI is rich in many ways. Occasionally a simple phrase can burst with meaning. There will be times when the “whole thing” will be expressed in a sentence or paragraph. As with many spiritual books you will find a phrase or idea in rereading a section that you never saw before.

Our life experience allows us to see things in new light, and to be aware of ideas that have always been there, but never noticed.

(I would encourage everyone to bring any discoveries described above to class for examination.)(Please notice also that the book, the words, and even the ideas are simply symbols of truth. The Spirit works through these symbols if we allow HIM/HER. Let go of the symbols and even whatever you think they mean, and allow the Spirit to work).

The major theme that flows through NTI, ACIM and other works like them is that we somehow have created and clung to the idea (illusion) of separateness, i.e. That we are separate from God, and we did something to cause that separation. Because we think we did this thing that caused separation (which is impossible) we also carry the illusory burden of guilt which engenders more fear and more punishment.

Through our willingness today, we are working through the illusion of who we think we are (guilty, separate, etc.)

We keyed in on Chap. 11 (27) 1; “All things are revealed to you when you are ready, for when you are no ready, you would not accept them.” 

The question we asked was, “How can I enhance my readiness?”

Meditation. What does meditation do for me?

1. raises my vibrational level and the vibrational level of my thoughts.**

There is a vibration of Oneness that we all have experienced. It is beyond thought. 

Allow yourself to become aware of some of those experiences in your life.

1. enhances a sense of Oneness and eliminates or gives less and less energy to thoughts of separateness. 

We explored the difference between special relationship and Holy relationship. Simply put, Holy relationship makes not distinctions, it is the expression of unconditional love to ALL.

I gave the example of realizing my love for Margo and my grandkids and at first looking at that love as being special. What I came to realize was that Spirit was directing me to love everyone that way.

We also used the “elevator” model: 

Here I am on an elevator. Next to me is a mom and a beautiful little baby just radiating love and peace, I look at them and my heart opens, but then next to me is this smelly homeless person, a man and woman having an angry abusive conversation,   a business man on a phone manipulating a deal. Who do I love? How do I love?

The way Jesus put it in the Old New Testament is that it’s easy to love those who love you, are like you or who fit your scheme of who is loveable. The challenge is to love those who do not fit your mold. I am being asked to love everyone as much as I love that little baby.

1. enhances a sense of quiet. Jesus, who we will explore more in the book of Mark, went into the quiet in order to commune/connect with the Father (Oneness). A great example that Oneness exists “in here” not “out there.” 
2. ACCEPTANCE. I look at this very much like surrender, letting go, allowing the Spirit to do its work.
3. AWARENESS anything we can do to enhance our awareness. Awareness is the basis of making healthy and better choices. Without awareness or being awake, we are simply jacked around by life, we live in victim consciousness without even knowing it.

In speaking of awareness, it might be helpful to use our bodies as a barometer at times. 

I can feel in my body when I am open and when I am closed; when I am contracted and when I am receptive. The same is true for my “heart.” Obviously I don’t mean my physical heart, I am speaking more of my capacity to give and receive love.

I know, even on a physical level, where I am at with this. 

Being shut down is not necessarily a bad thing if I use it as a reminder to open myself again.

When I am aware the choice I have is rather simple, “Does the thought I am thinking or the action I am contemplating open my heat or close it?” “Does it bring me peace or bring me conflict?”

Of course, this is another way of asking “Do I choose love or fear, truth or illusion or light or darkness?” 

(27)continues with v 2-4 which sounds pretty harsh, but is basically telling us to let go of our old ideas. Empty ourselves; enter into what the Buddhists call the “don’t know.” mind, so that we can be filled and lead by Spirit.

 The question came up, does anyone really live that way? Of course Jesus and Buddha came up, but what about ordinary human beings living in a sense of trust, openness and Oneness with God? 

We brought up the example of a lady known as Peace Pilgrim, you might want to check out some information on her.

There are also some other modern day beings who are living in this state of loving detachment. Do any come to mind?
Remember our thoughts about these people are symbols. They are not symbols for who we want to be or who we think we should be. They are symbols for who we really are (we just don’t perceive ourselves that way yet).

(28-30) These verses are a new look at Jesus’ beautiful statement, “Come to me all you who labor and are burdened and I will give you rest.” 

I would encourage you to compare this statement with (28-30).

Let us please keep in mind our purpose: to continue to embrace our ONENESS WITH GOD AND ALL THINGS.

** YOU MIGHT NOTICE THAT ALL OF US TOGETHER HELP TO CREATE THAT KIND OF ENERGY.

NEXT WEEK: Chap. 12-13 We will focus on CHOICE. How we make our choices; what influences our choices, etc.

Peace,

See you soon.

Gerry