As always, so timely and perfect, Sean. I have grappled with the idea of judgment/ego and trying to eliminate it, but, as you pointed out, that cannot be done. Just like we cannot eliminate a storm heading our way. It's happening as part of a physical world. This was wonderfully teased out. Thank you!
Thanks for reading and sharing, Heidi. Yes, the realization that ego is natural and cannot be undone via thought was very helpful to me. Tara Singh talked about this - we don't try to stop birds from singing or clouds from raining. Why try to stop brains from thinking and categorizing and planning? The trick is to be in a new relationship with thought - a holier relationship that's premised on gratitude and extension rather than getting. Which is quite a project!! But I am happy to be working on it, especially with such kind and helpful companions. We do this work together, truly.
I wholeheartedly agree with you , an opinion on something is a judgment ,in my experience many can't understand not having one ,being like the farmer ,I'm so thankful for Acim as it helps my understanding and that I can be grace and peace ,calmness in this world and not be troubled by the constant change of it ,that I can be still and let it move around me
Thanks for reading and sharing, Gail. I am also grateful for ACIM which has helped so much with clarifying my thinking and allowing me to identify more and more with the Holy Spirit, thus freeing me up to create with my brothers and sisters a happier dream. Thank you for being part of that.
Thank you so much Sean, for reminding us again beautifully and effectively that we are not guilty of the judgments appear in our minds and we cannot correct them or undo them ourselves but we are responsible for handing them over to Holy Spirit for undoing and healing. Much gratitude 🙏🙏
You're welcome, Aysin. Thank you for framing it this way: we are not guilty of the judgments that appear in our mind. That is very clear and very important for us to remember, in our ongoing efforts to forgive and love our own selves. Thank you.
The distinction that judgment is an aspect of the dream and NOT something that an ego can stop doing or prevent from happening is helpful to recognize, and more importantly to remember!
I have been working with a forgiveness practice using as my guide the quote, “Forgiveness, on the other hand, is still, and quietly does nothing. It offends no aspect of reality, nor seeks to twist it to appearances it likes. It merely looks, and waits, and judges not.”
When I, Kimberley, step back from the dream, only then can I be still, be quiet, do nothing and let the awareness of the peace of God arise in my experience while I look and wait and judge not.
It’s sticky at times. But when I am able to see myself judging, which is perfectly normal for an ego, and merely witness it happening and NOT judge that this is what is happening in the dream, the peace of God is felt.
Thank you, Kimberley. Yes to all of this. Remembering to give attention - to be coherent, to be intentional, to be present - is hard. As the text says, we are much too tolerant of mind-wandering (T-2.VI.4:6).
One of the challenges for me is not engaging in self-criticism for forgetting. Forgetting happens! There are so many ways that ego sneaks back into its position of judge/jury/executioner, and I don't even see it happening.
And, as you point out, even ego being ego isn't a crisis. The crisis is attaching - getting involved - buying into it. "Making it personal," to borrow a phrase.
The other thing for me is not intellectualizing it - emphasizing the theory of forgiveness rather than the application. There's nothing wrong with theory so long as it guides application - application is strengthened in this way.
But often I slip and make the theory an argument one can agree or disagree with, and then I am back in the lovelessness of "I get it and you don't."
It takes a lot of willingness, especially because the course isn't structured in the same way that, say, Zen is. You do the lessons once and then . . . it's you and the Holy Spirit.
Increasingly I am understanding - without necessarily knowing how exactly to apply it - that it's not really "me and the Holy Spirit" but rather "me and the Holy Spirit" and every relationship I allow "me and the Holy Spirit" to be touched by, enfolded in, entangled with, et cetera.
I am saying something along the lines of, "letting go" is not about isolation or even solitude but is a way of being in relationship with others - and through that relationship/those relationships - creating together a happy dream for all of us, without exception.
I love what you’ve said, Sean. Particularly with regard to how this giving attention to and practice “sugars out,” as you would say, in relationships. Reading your reply reminds me that the course is simple, and the Holy Spirit is always right here, but the ego likes to complicate it, analyze instead of apply, etc. It feels layered, and I can be so prone to intellectualize or look at individual aspects while disregarding others. I am grateful for you and others who help remind me and help bring me back when I wander off.🙏🏻🌸💕
yes! Ego analyzes and the Holy Spirit just lets go and loves. I have been thinking lately of the subtle layers (speaking of layers) in the ACIM question "would you rather be right or happy," in particular the emphasis on letting go of the right vs. wrong (good vs. bad, perfect vs. good etc) binary as the way to being happy. Just letting the Whole reveal itself instead of fragmenting it into what feels like manageable parts and responding to them individually. In the end, it is my fear of death - of being nothinged - that keeps me from the simple and abundant joy that every moment offers.
I'm grateful as well for those relationships that keep turning us towards healing. We do wander but we are never lost :)
Sean, I have always appreciated the fact that in your communication with us you often come back to the basis of "let us not try to fight or deny this....punish ourselves with guilt over being "insufficient" Course students... and accept the world of illusion as the dream it is..."
I too fall into the trap of judging myself negatively when I forget who I am or speak words of discord, act unkindly, etc. That in and of itself unequivocally does NOT move me toward my purpose of forgiveness and goal of fully accepting Atonement. The world of perception and judgment is what it is. For me, better to think in terms of relinquishment, surrender, freedom from, accepting the ego is there...but laying it aside. And, maybe even more importantly, handing it to the Holy Spirit and listening for correction, Vision, Truth. I often accept but then move on without the change of mind the Holy Spirit brings forth. Lessons then continue to show up for me🙂.
When dealing with drama or strife in my life (even within my own mind) one of my favorite response used to be "Don't ask ME to pick up a gun just because YOU want war". Still an ego based thought, but often moves me toward Spirit. Thank you for sharing your wisdom brother.
Thank you, John. Yeah, that's become a pretty important part of my practice - really just leaning into the dream as it presents itself, and trusting that everything necessary for awakening is inherent. We really do just need to show up.
I appreciate the distinction you are making about turning it over but then moving on before the change of mind has come to pass. That feels important to me, that sense of letting go and then resting in the moment. Like clearing space for the Holy Spirit to work, and then actually letting the Holy Spirit work. Thank you for sharing that; I appreciate it.
I appreciate your reminder that the judgment voice is "noise." Thinking of it as a whining leaf blower, I will eagerly tune it out. And Sean, your title is very dear!
You can’t know how much this has clarified an ongoing dilemma for me and my companion..judgement.
It’s in my mind before I can even acknowledge it and then I harshly judge the judgement or try to justify the judgement, or psychoanalysis the hurt child inside that needs to judge and project. Lol. Whilst some self reflection of the source can be helpful in dissolving the judgement, your reminder that the Holy Spirit (right thinking) has this under control without me being the boss, is encouraging and I thank you for this weeks lesson.
I'm glad it was helpful, Liz. Judging the judgment is such a hard cycle to break! Remembering that I just need to see it is the hard part - I always want to add more steps, as you point out. I want to DO something but the truth is, doing and the judgment are entangled. I really don't get one without the other :) Thank you for reading and being here.
As always, so timely and perfect, Sean. I have grappled with the idea of judgment/ego and trying to eliminate it, but, as you pointed out, that cannot be done. Just like we cannot eliminate a storm heading our way. It's happening as part of a physical world. This was wonderfully teased out. Thank you!
Thanks for reading and sharing, Heidi. Yes, the realization that ego is natural and cannot be undone via thought was very helpful to me. Tara Singh talked about this - we don't try to stop birds from singing or clouds from raining. Why try to stop brains from thinking and categorizing and planning? The trick is to be in a new relationship with thought - a holier relationship that's premised on gratitude and extension rather than getting. Which is quite a project!! But I am happy to be working on it, especially with such kind and helpful companions. We do this work together, truly.
~ Sean
And may I add guidance?
Yes :)
The Holly Spirit’s voice only can be heard if you are quiet.
Be quiet is be out of judgment.
Peace be with you, I give you my peace.
Thank you very much Sean!
You're welcome, Nilsa. Thank you for reading and sharing.
~ Sean
Beautifully written Sean 🪷💚
Thank you Tricia - hope all is well - and thank you for being here
~ Sean
I wholeheartedly agree with you , an opinion on something is a judgment ,in my experience many can't understand not having one ,being like the farmer ,I'm so thankful for Acim as it helps my understanding and that I can be grace and peace ,calmness in this world and not be troubled by the constant change of it ,that I can be still and let it move around me
Thanks for reading and sharing, Gail. I am also grateful for ACIM which has helped so much with clarifying my thinking and allowing me to identify more and more with the Holy Spirit, thus freeing me up to create with my brothers and sisters a happier dream. Thank you for being part of that.
~ Sean
Thank you so much Sean, for reminding us again beautifully and effectively that we are not guilty of the judgments appear in our minds and we cannot correct them or undo them ourselves but we are responsible for handing them over to Holy Spirit for undoing and healing. Much gratitude 🙏🙏
You're welcome, Aysin. Thank you for framing it this way: we are not guilty of the judgments that appear in our mind. That is very clear and very important for us to remember, in our ongoing efforts to forgive and love our own selves. Thank you.
~ Sean
The distinction that judgment is an aspect of the dream and NOT something that an ego can stop doing or prevent from happening is helpful to recognize, and more importantly to remember!
I have been working with a forgiveness practice using as my guide the quote, “Forgiveness, on the other hand, is still, and quietly does nothing. It offends no aspect of reality, nor seeks to twist it to appearances it likes. It merely looks, and waits, and judges not.”
When I, Kimberley, step back from the dream, only then can I be still, be quiet, do nothing and let the awareness of the peace of God arise in my experience while I look and wait and judge not.
It’s sticky at times. But when I am able to see myself judging, which is perfectly normal for an ego, and merely witness it happening and NOT judge that this is what is happening in the dream, the peace of God is felt.
Thank you for your words and wisdom, Sean.🌸
Thank you, Kimberley. Yes to all of this. Remembering to give attention - to be coherent, to be intentional, to be present - is hard. As the text says, we are much too tolerant of mind-wandering (T-2.VI.4:6).
One of the challenges for me is not engaging in self-criticism for forgetting. Forgetting happens! There are so many ways that ego sneaks back into its position of judge/jury/executioner, and I don't even see it happening.
And, as you point out, even ego being ego isn't a crisis. The crisis is attaching - getting involved - buying into it. "Making it personal," to borrow a phrase.
The other thing for me is not intellectualizing it - emphasizing the theory of forgiveness rather than the application. There's nothing wrong with theory so long as it guides application - application is strengthened in this way.
But often I slip and make the theory an argument one can agree or disagree with, and then I am back in the lovelessness of "I get it and you don't."
It takes a lot of willingness, especially because the course isn't structured in the same way that, say, Zen is. You do the lessons once and then . . . it's you and the Holy Spirit.
Increasingly I am understanding - without necessarily knowing how exactly to apply it - that it's not really "me and the Holy Spirit" but rather "me and the Holy Spirit" and every relationship I allow "me and the Holy Spirit" to be touched by, enfolded in, entangled with, et cetera.
I am saying something along the lines of, "letting go" is not about isolation or even solitude but is a way of being in relationship with others - and through that relationship/those relationships - creating together a happy dream for all of us, without exception.
Thanks for sharing and being here, Kimberley.
~ Sean
I love what you’ve said, Sean. Particularly with regard to how this giving attention to and practice “sugars out,” as you would say, in relationships. Reading your reply reminds me that the course is simple, and the Holy Spirit is always right here, but the ego likes to complicate it, analyze instead of apply, etc. It feels layered, and I can be so prone to intellectualize or look at individual aspects while disregarding others. I am grateful for you and others who help remind me and help bring me back when I wander off.🙏🏻🌸💕
yes! Ego analyzes and the Holy Spirit just lets go and loves. I have been thinking lately of the subtle layers (speaking of layers) in the ACIM question "would you rather be right or happy," in particular the emphasis on letting go of the right vs. wrong (good vs. bad, perfect vs. good etc) binary as the way to being happy. Just letting the Whole reveal itself instead of fragmenting it into what feels like manageable parts and responding to them individually. In the end, it is my fear of death - of being nothinged - that keeps me from the simple and abundant joy that every moment offers.
I'm grateful as well for those relationships that keep turning us towards healing. We do wander but we are never lost :)
~ Sean
WOW!
Thanks Sean😊
You're welcome, Yvette - thanks for reading & being here.
~ Sean
Sean, I have always appreciated the fact that in your communication with us you often come back to the basis of "let us not try to fight or deny this....punish ourselves with guilt over being "insufficient" Course students... and accept the world of illusion as the dream it is..."
I too fall into the trap of judging myself negatively when I forget who I am or speak words of discord, act unkindly, etc. That in and of itself unequivocally does NOT move me toward my purpose of forgiveness and goal of fully accepting Atonement. The world of perception and judgment is what it is. For me, better to think in terms of relinquishment, surrender, freedom from, accepting the ego is there...but laying it aside. And, maybe even more importantly, handing it to the Holy Spirit and listening for correction, Vision, Truth. I often accept but then move on without the change of mind the Holy Spirit brings forth. Lessons then continue to show up for me🙂.
When dealing with drama or strife in my life (even within my own mind) one of my favorite response used to be "Don't ask ME to pick up a gun just because YOU want war". Still an ego based thought, but often moves me toward Spirit. Thank you for sharing your wisdom brother.
John
Thank you, John. Yeah, that's become a pretty important part of my practice - really just leaning into the dream as it presents itself, and trusting that everything necessary for awakening is inherent. We really do just need to show up.
I appreciate the distinction you are making about turning it over but then moving on before the change of mind has come to pass. That feels important to me, that sense of letting go and then resting in the moment. Like clearing space for the Holy Spirit to work, and then actually letting the Holy Spirit work. Thank you for sharing that; I appreciate it.
Appreciate you being here, John. Thank you.
~ Sean
Thank you Sean, and maitrī.
You're welcome, Kristie. Thank you for reading and sharing. I'm grateful for such good company.
~ Sean
I appreciate your reminder that the judgment voice is "noise." Thinking of it as a whining leaf blower, I will eagerly tune it out. And Sean, your title is very dear!
Thanks, Deborah - to be honest, I liked the title too :) I wanted a word that wasn't "Kingdom" and that sprang to mind. Thank you for noticing!
Sean
You can’t know how much this has clarified an ongoing dilemma for me and my companion..judgement.
It’s in my mind before I can even acknowledge it and then I harshly judge the judgement or try to justify the judgement, or psychoanalysis the hurt child inside that needs to judge and project. Lol. Whilst some self reflection of the source can be helpful in dissolving the judgement, your reminder that the Holy Spirit (right thinking) has this under control without me being the boss, is encouraging and I thank you for this weeks lesson.
Really look forward to each one. 🙏
I'm glad it was helpful, Liz. Judging the judgment is such a hard cycle to break! Remembering that I just need to see it is the hard part - I always want to add more steps, as you point out. I want to DO something but the truth is, doing and the judgment are entangled. I really don't get one without the other :) Thank you for reading and being here.
~ Sean
And I thought i was just over sensitive Thanks again Sean for lifting the weight off my shoulders
You're welcome, Sean. Thanks for being here. I hope all is well on your end.
~ Sean
ACIM is an awesome course. Thanks Sean for sharing your experiences with the course . It is sooooo helpful (and timely)
You're welcome, Frank. Thanks for reading and sharing. It is an awesome course!
~ Sean
❤️
An amazingly, direct article that provided much clarity !! Thank you Sean. 🙏
You're welcome, Glenda. Thank you for reading and sharing.
~ Sean
Thank you.
You're welcome, Silvanus. Thank you for sharing and reading.
~ Sean
Thanks again Sean. What to judge why to judge who to judge how to judge sheesh I think I’ll give it to the Holy Spirit.
Amen! The Holy Spirit is so happy to take all the noise and distraction and just . . . let it drift away. Very grateful for that!
I hope you're well, Jack - good to hear from you.
~ Sean