Dear Sean, In rereading this gem I see how elements of your story are applicable to talkers (and writers?) as well as drivers. I don’t like it when I’m speaking or thinking out loud and someone cuts me off with their own words and thoughts, or doesn’t listen, or doesn’t listen as well as I’d like them to. But I’ve surely cut many people off with my words in this lifetime—sometimes intentionally, even smartassedly, sometimes unknowingly, and at times even recklessly as to cause a mess of a wreck. Likewise, I’ve followed others too closely, riding their bumper if you will, eager to interject whatever pressing opinion I’m compelled to put forth. (Where did attentive listening go?) And in slowing down to look at these matter more closely of late, I realize I’m capable of doing all of this without even opening my mouth! I cut others off in my mind and heart in any number of ways—all the while the small self believing she’s noble for holding her tongue. What a lonely place to bear.
Also, your teaching today reminds me somehow of “To Know the Dark” by Wendell Berry.
Hi, Sean - I’m glad you’re back, or was it me that left? 🤔. Either way, this post makes me remember why I enjoy reading you so much. You really dig into the deeper message of the Course that so many of us miss. Thank you, thank you! ❤️❤️
Thank you for reminding me how CLOSELY I have to watch my mind. And as Michael Singer says, “You CAN watch your mind every second, because you have no problem watching other people’s actions every second.”
Such a raw and honest post! Allowing the dark side is the mastery we all seek. Every day I catch myself in the endless loop of judging how "others" are wrong. My hot button is main stream media propaganda. I guarantee myself narratives from a box on the wall will fuel my anger. My husband must hear my version of terrifying stories about our loss of freedom. I rail righteously against whatever politician is selfishly failing his duties. Only after sufficient venting do I silently reprimand myself for thinking the enemy is "out there". In the moments of enjoyable rant "they" should just be loving and honest like my virtuous self. Then the world would be a beautiful place. Repeatedly I rob myself of peaceful oneness. My judgement is always poison. I rip away any sense of Being the Love I actually KNOW we are. Over and over I tumble into the spiraling abyss of perpetual misery caused by judgement. I fail at "Oneness". I must acknowledge I keep seeing "Other" and believing "Other" is real. So I begin again, recognizing Separation is still my base reality. In dozens of moments weekly I chastise myself for imagining I live in despair because the world is so troubled. The world won't listen to the separate me. I commit violence against "Ourself" through my incessant judgement.
This was so informative and honest. l like the way you have described the multi levels of jealousy when seen with the Holy Spirit and the way in which he makes seeing, such a healing process -
Thank for making me laugh Buddy! "We are communal animals; not killing each other is positive. So yes. Definitely do that." I need this reminder often!
Your 'Me and My Anger' couldn't have come at a better time for me. I've been dealing with a misdiagnosed health issue that nearly killed my body. My anger was overwhelming even though I sprinkled the situation with ACIM forgiveness, like you did with the offending driver. Nope, not gonna' work as long as I see myself in the separation and not the oneness of us all. Sometimes I need a whack with a 2x4 on the side of the head to bring me back to the truth. I thank you Sean for doing just that. I had forgotten that peace is my only goal and I cannot walk in peace unless I hold the hands of all my brothers.
Thank you Sean, you always hit the nail right on the head for me. In the early years of studying ACIM my ego would pat me on the back for being the “better person” bc I forgave. It isn’t as fond of me when the Holy Spirit takes my hand and says “Your brother is your savior bc he is you”. Forgiveness is important yes, but not as important as seeing yourself in everyone else and forgiving yourself.
I wear a wristband that says on one side “choose once again” T-31.Vlll.5 and the other side “I want to see differently” Lesson 28.
Those 2 phrases remind me that I haven’t sinned by being judgmental, it was just an error in my thought system that needs adjusting. Little by little correction leads to sanity and peace. Love to you Sean and thank you for helping us remember.
Dear Sean, In rereading this gem I see how elements of your story are applicable to talkers (and writers?) as well as drivers. I don’t like it when I’m speaking or thinking out loud and someone cuts me off with their own words and thoughts, or doesn’t listen, or doesn’t listen as well as I’d like them to. But I’ve surely cut many people off with my words in this lifetime—sometimes intentionally, even smartassedly, sometimes unknowingly, and at times even recklessly as to cause a mess of a wreck. Likewise, I’ve followed others too closely, riding their bumper if you will, eager to interject whatever pressing opinion I’m compelled to put forth. (Where did attentive listening go?) And in slowing down to look at these matter more closely of late, I realize I’m capable of doing all of this without even opening my mouth! I cut others off in my mind and heart in any number of ways—all the while the small self believing she’s noble for holding her tongue. What a lonely place to bear.
Also, your teaching today reminds me somehow of “To Know the Dark” by Wendell Berry.
With love and well wishes,
Susanna.
Hi, Sean - I’m glad you’re back, or was it me that left? 🤔. Either way, this post makes me remember why I enjoy reading you so much. You really dig into the deeper message of the Course that so many of us miss. Thank you, thank you! ❤️❤️
Thank you for reminding me how CLOSELY I have to watch my mind. And as Michael Singer says, “You CAN watch your mind every second, because you have no problem watching other people’s actions every second.”
Such a raw and honest post! Allowing the dark side is the mastery we all seek. Every day I catch myself in the endless loop of judging how "others" are wrong. My hot button is main stream media propaganda. I guarantee myself narratives from a box on the wall will fuel my anger. My husband must hear my version of terrifying stories about our loss of freedom. I rail righteously against whatever politician is selfishly failing his duties. Only after sufficient venting do I silently reprimand myself for thinking the enemy is "out there". In the moments of enjoyable rant "they" should just be loving and honest like my virtuous self. Then the world would be a beautiful place. Repeatedly I rob myself of peaceful oneness. My judgement is always poison. I rip away any sense of Being the Love I actually KNOW we are. Over and over I tumble into the spiraling abyss of perpetual misery caused by judgement. I fail at "Oneness". I must acknowledge I keep seeing "Other" and believing "Other" is real. So I begin again, recognizing Separation is still my base reality. In dozens of moments weekly I chastise myself for imagining I live in despair because the world is so troubled. The world won't listen to the separate me. I commit violence against "Ourself" through my incessant judgement.
Ahah. The ego at it again - "It wasn’t forgiveness - it was rage hiding its motives." Thanks for the consistent reminders Sean.
This was so informative and honest. l like the way you have described the multi levels of jealousy when seen with the Holy Spirit and the way in which he makes seeing, such a healing process -
because it is done with love.
Jayney
What an impactful, healing post.
Praise be to God🙏
Thank you ! That was very helpful!
Thank for making me laugh Buddy! "We are communal animals; not killing each other is positive. So yes. Definitely do that." I need this reminder often!
Your 'Me and My Anger' couldn't have come at a better time for me. I've been dealing with a misdiagnosed health issue that nearly killed my body. My anger was overwhelming even though I sprinkled the situation with ACIM forgiveness, like you did with the offending driver. Nope, not gonna' work as long as I see myself in the separation and not the oneness of us all. Sometimes I need a whack with a 2x4 on the side of the head to bring me back to the truth. I thank you Sean for doing just that. I had forgotten that peace is my only goal and I cannot walk in peace unless I hold the hands of all my brothers.
Thank you Sean, you always hit the nail right on the head for me. In the early years of studying ACIM my ego would pat me on the back for being the “better person” bc I forgave. It isn’t as fond of me when the Holy Spirit takes my hand and says “Your brother is your savior bc he is you”. Forgiveness is important yes, but not as important as seeing yourself in everyone else and forgiving yourself.
I wear a wristband that says on one side “choose once again” T-31.Vlll.5 and the other side “I want to see differently” Lesson 28.
Those 2 phrases remind me that I haven’t sinned by being judgmental, it was just an error in my thought system that needs adjusting. Little by little correction leads to sanity and peace. Love to you Sean and thank you for helping us remember.