In this episode I talk about how and why the laws of physics were made the way they are. And how that relates to all our experiences.https://livebeyondtheillusion.com/spooky-action-at-a-distance/Support the show

In this episode I talk about how and why the laws of physics were made the way they are. And how that relates to all our experiences. <a href="https://livebeyondtheillusion.com/spooky-action-at-a-distance/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://livebeyondtheillusion.com/spooky-action-at-a-distance/</a><a href="https://www.livebeyondtheillusion.com/contribute" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a>

Spooky Action at a Distance

In this episode, Anthony discusses the Course's definition of "forgiveness" - which has nothing to do with forgiving others for what they did to us.https://livebeyondtheillusion.com/acim-lesson-62/Support the show

In this episode, Anthony discusses the Course's definition of "forgiveness" - which has nothing to do with forgiving others for what they did to us. <a href="https://livebeyondtheillusion.com/acim-lesson-62/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://livebeyondtheillusion.com/acim-lesson-62/</a><a href="https://www.livebeyondtheillusion.com/contribute" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a>

Lesson 62 - Forgiveness is my function as the light of the world

In this episode, Anthony discusses why we care about things in the world. For example, why we get joyful or upset when our sports team wins or loses. https://www.livebeyondtheillusion.com/why-do-we-care/ Support the show

In this episode, Anthony discusses why we care about things in the world. For example, why we get joyful or upset when our sports team wins or loses. <a href="https://www.livebeyondtheillusion.com/why-do-we-care/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.livebeyondtheillusion.com/why-do-we-care/ </a><a href="https://www.livebeyondtheillusion.com/contribute" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a>

Why Do We Care?

In Lesson 61 we remember how important our function is and to always be aware of how the ego will try to trip us up. We ARE the light of the world. That IS our only function. That is WHY we are here.https://livebeyondtheillusion.com/acim-lesson-61/Support the show

In Lesson 61 we remember how important our function is and to always be aware of how the ego will try to trip us up. We ARE the light of the world. That IS our only function. That is WHY we are here. <a href="https://livebeyondtheillusion.com/acim-lesson-61/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://livebeyondtheillusion.com/acim-lesson-61/</a> <a href="https://www.livebeyondtheillusion.com/contribute" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a>

Lesson 61 - I am the light of the world

In Lesson 50 we learn about the ego, what it has to offer (hint: not much) and how we can make a different choice and experience perfect peace.https://livebeyondtheillusion.com/acim-lesson-50/Support the show

In Lesson 50 we learn about the ego, what it has to offer (hint: not much) and how we can make a different choice and experience perfect peace. <a href="https://livebeyondtheillusion.com/acim-lesson-50/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://livebeyondtheillusion.com/acim-lesson-50/</a><a href="https://www.livebeyondtheillusion.com/contribute" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a>

Lesson 50 - I am sustained by the love of God

In the episode, Anthony discusses this line from Lesson 281: "I can be hurt by nothing but my thoughts."Support the show

In the episode, Anthony discusses this line from Lesson 281: "I can be hurt by nothing but my thoughts."<a href="https://www.livebeyondtheillusion.com/contribute" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a>

Hurt By Thoughts

In Lesson 49 we learn about the two voice in our mind. One that speaks of fear (the ego) and one that speaks of love (God's voice).https://livebeyondtheillusion.com/acim-lesson-49/Support the show

In Lesson 49 we learn about the two voice in our mind. One that speaks of fear (the ego) and one that speaks of love (God's voice). <a href="https://livebeyondtheillusion.com/acim-lesson-49/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://livebeyondtheillusion.com/acim-lesson-49/</a><a href="https://www.livebeyondtheillusion.com/contribute" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a>

Lesson 49 - God's Voice speaks to me all through the day

In this episode, Anthony shares what we, who buy into the ego thought system, have in common with cult members. Cognitive dissonance.Support the show

In this episode, Anthony shares what we, who buy into the ego thought system, have in common with cult members. Cognitive dissonance.<a href="https://www.livebeyondtheillusion.com/contribute" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a>

What prevents us from choosing peace?

In this episode, Anthony shares some beautiful lines from Lesson 121 and what forgiveness truly means. Support the show

In this episode, Anthony shares some beautiful lines from Lesson 121 and what forgiveness truly means. <a href="https://www.livebeyondtheillusion.com/contribute" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a>

Learning to Forgive

In this episode, Anthony discusses how memory keeps us trapped in the illusion. As well, how we can use memory to help escape from its insincere embrace.Support the show

In this episode, Anthony discusses how memory keeps us trapped in the illusion. As well, how we can use memory to help escape from its insincere embrace.<a href="https://www.livebeyondtheillusion.com/contribute" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a>

The Memory Trap

Each week Anthony shares an inspirational quote from A Course in Miracles along with some brief commentary on what it means and how we can practice the teachings of the Course. You can see all posts and essays on Anthony's site, Live Beyond the Illusion: www.LiveBeyondTheIllusion.com

Thank you for these succinct &amp; highly usable episodes.  They give me another perspective for each lesson.

Well "crafted"

I love this podcast. Each episode is the perfect example of quality over quantity because they’re each short but also powerful, life changing &amp; eye-opening. Thank you for your amazing work my brother!

This is an incredible podcast!

Each week Anthony shares an inspirational quote from A Course in Miracles along with some brief commentary on what it means and how we can practice the teachings of the Course. You can see all posts and essays on Anthony's site, Live Beyond the Illusion: <a href="http://www.LiveBeyondTheIllusion.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.LiveBeyondTheIllusion.com</a>

ACIM Inspiration with Anthony Gold

As we’ve discussed before, seeing in the course is not what our eyes see. Rather, it’s the meaning we give what our eyes see - and what our ears hear, and what all our other senses inform us about.And the meaning we give things is based on which teacher we’ve chosen in our mind: ego or spirit. We’re always choosing one or the other.The ego will always judge and give everything a meaning from the perspective of lack. Is what my eyes are seeing (for instance) helpful or harmful to me? If helpful, I’ll call it good, otherwise, I’ll judge it another way. There is no ambivalence from the ego because it is always judging.Conversely, from spirit, there is no judgment. None whatsoever. And without judgment, we can’t experience any differences between anyone or anything. And that we can experience is the love that unites everything.That’s why A Course in Miracles says “all things I think I see reflect ideas”.The ideas that are reflected are the ideas contained within the mind we’ve chosen.What ideas are in the ego mind? Sin, guilt, fear, lack, separation, and pain. And that’s exactly what we experience when we choose the ego.What ideas are in the mind of spirit? Only love. Without exception.Support the show

As we’ve discussed before, seeing in the course is not what our eyes see. Rather, it’s the meaning we give what our eyes see - and what our ears hear, and what all our other senses inform us about. And the meaning we give things is based on which teacher we’ve chosen in our mind: ego or spirit. We’re always choosing one or the other. The ego will always judge and give everything a meaning from the perspective of lack. Is what my eyes are seeing (for instance) helpful or harmful to me? If helpful, I’ll call it good, otherwise, I’ll judge it another way. There is no ambivalence from the ego because it is always judging. Conversely, from spirit, there is no judgment. None whatsoever. And without judgment, we can’t experience any differences between anyone or anything. And that we can experience is the love that unites everything. That’s why A Course in Miracles says “all things I think I see reflect ideas”. The ideas that are reflected are the ideas contained within the mind we’ve chosen. What ideas are in the ego mind? Sin, guilt, fear, lack, separation, and pain. And that’s exactly what we experience when we choose the ego. What ideas are in the mind of spirit? Only love. Without exception.<a href="https://www.livebeyondtheillusion.com/contribute" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a>

How to Change What We See

The beginning of this lessons explains why we don’t know what’s best - for ourselves or for anyone else."In no situation that arises do you realize the outcome that would make you happy. Therefore, you have no guide to appropriate action, and no way of judging the result. What you do is determined by your perception of the situation, and that perception is wrong."The reason our perception of any and every situation is wrong is because we’ve chosen the ego as our guide. The course teaches us that in every moment we are either choosing the mind of ego or spirit.The ego always leads to the perception of separation, differences, and conditional emotions: I’m happy because such-and-such; I’m upset due to this-and-that.The mind of spirit always leads to the experience of peace, and our response is always one of love. This lesson is teaching us that by realizing that we don’t perceive our own best interests, we can finally be taught what they are.https://livebeyondtheillusion.com/acim-lesson-24/Support the show

The beginning of this lessons explains why we don’t know what’s best - for ourselves or for anyone else. "In no situation that arises do you realize the outcome that would make you happy. Therefore, you have no guide to appropriate action, and no way of judging the result. What you do is determined by your perception of the situation, and that perception is wrong." The reason our perception of any and every situation is wrong is because we’ve chosen the ego as our guide. The course teaches us that in every moment we are either choosing the mind of ego or spirit. The ego always leads to the perception of separation, differences, and conditional emotions: I’m happy because such-and-such; I’m upset due to this-and-that. The mind of spirit always leads to the experience of peace, and our response is always one of love. This lesson is teaching us that by realizing that we don’t perceive our own best interests, we can finally be taught what they are. <a href="https://livebeyondtheillusion.com/acim-lesson-24/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://livebeyondtheillusion.com/acim-lesson-24/</a><a href="https://www.livebeyondtheillusion.com/contribute" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a>

Lesson 24: I do not perceive my own best interests

In this lesson, we’re now getting specific.From the last lesson we learned that when we have chosen the ego mind, the meaning we give what our eyes see will always be some form of lack and fear.But when we change to the mind of spirit, we no longer judge what we see and instead experience the peaceful oneness in everything.This lesson uses the example of a table and teaches us that when we say “above all else I want to see this table differently” that we are “making a commitment to withdraw our preconceived ideas about the table, and open our mind to what it is, and what it is for.”In the course words, we are “letting its purpose [the purpose of the table] be revealed to us, instead of placing our own judgment upon it.”And that’s what true seeing is all about. Stepping out of the mind of judgment and letting the infinite oneness of everything reveal itself to us.https://livebeyondtheillusion.com/acim-lesson-28/Support the show

In this lesson, we’re now getting specific. From the last lesson we learned that when we have chosen the ego mind, the meaning we give what our eyes see will always be some form of lack and fear. But when we change to the mind of spirit, we no longer judge what we see and instead experience the peaceful oneness in everything. This lesson uses the example of a table and teaches us that when we say “above all else I want to see this table differently” that we are “making a commitment to withdraw our preconceived ideas about the table, and open our mind to what it is, and what it is for.” In the course words, we are “letting its purpose [the purpose of the table] be revealed to us, instead of placing our own judgment upon it.” And that’s what true seeing is all about. Stepping out of the mind of judgment and letting the infinite oneness of everything reveal itself to us. <a href="https://livebeyondtheillusion.com/acim-lesson-28/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://livebeyondtheillusion.com/acim-lesson-28/</a><a href="https://www.livebeyondtheillusion.com/contribute" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a>

Lesson 28: Above all else I want to see things differently

This lesson asks us to search our mind for anger. And it introduces a very challenging thought: there is no difference between a mild twinge of annoyance and murderous rage.The reason they are the same is because they are both the result of the choosing the ego mind. We think there is a hierarchy - rage being “worse” than annoyance. But everything of the ego is a projection of sin, guilt, and fear - regardless of the form it takes.So as this lesson asks us to focus on a willingness to see things differently, what it means is that we recognize that any negative thought - regardless of its intensity - is of the ego. And if we want to see differently, then we need to choose a different teacher - namely, choosing against the mind of the ego and for the mind of spirit.https://livebeyondtheillusion.com/acim-lesson-21/Support the show

This lesson asks us to search our mind for anger. And it introduces a very challenging thought: there is no difference between a mild twinge of annoyance and murderous rage. The reason they are the same is because they are both the result of the choosing the ego mind. We think there is a hierarchy - rage being “worse” than annoyance. But everything of the ego is a projection of sin, guilt, and fear - regardless of the form it takes. So as this lesson asks us to focus on a willingness to see things differently, what it means is that we recognize that any negative thought - regardless of its intensity - is of the ego. And if we want to see differently, then we need to choose a different teacher - namely, choosing against the mind of the ego and for the mind of spirit. <a href="https://livebeyondtheillusion.com/acim-lesson-21/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://livebeyondtheillusion.com/acim-lesson-21/</a><a href="https://www.livebeyondtheillusion.com/contribute" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a>

Lesson 21: I am determined to see things differently

It’s tempting to believe that the key to happiness lies in having our needs met. Whether that’s financial, health, relationship, reputation, or whatever - getting those needs fully met will lead to the joy we desperately desire.But that belief - and the seeking for such fulfillment in the expectation that happiness will follow - leads us no where. It actually leads us into exactly what we don’t want. Which is more and more seeking but not finding what we truly want.There’s an old adage that says “when the student is ready, the teacher appears.” Meaning: when we’re ready to let go of our limiting beliefs about the world, then we will understand the path to true peace.This line from A Course in Miracles helps frame the concept: “Those who would see will see.” And we are all “those who WOULD see” - once we open up that little willingness to let go of our ego beliefs that happiness is outside us.Our practice for today is to channel that “little willingness” into returning to our mind, observing all our limiting ego beliefs, and asking for help to see them through the eyes of love.Support the show

It’s tempting to believe that the key to happiness lies in having our needs met. Whether that’s financial, health, relationship, reputation, or whatever - getting those needs fully met will lead to the joy we desperately desire.But that belief - and the seeking for such fulfillment in the expectation that happiness will follow - leads us no where. It actually leads us into exactly what we don’t want. Which is more and more seeking but not finding what we truly want.There’s an old adage that says “when the student is ready, the teacher appears.” Meaning: when we’re ready to let go of our limiting beliefs about the world, then we will understand the path to true peace.This line from A Course in Miracles helps frame the concept: “Those who would see will see.” And we are all “those who WOULD see” - once we open up that little willingness to let go of our ego beliefs that happiness is outside us.Our practice for today is to channel that “little willingness” into returning to our mind, observing all our limiting ego beliefs, and asking for help to see them through the eyes of love.<a href="https://www.livebeyondtheillusion.com/contribute" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a>

Those who would see will see

Whenever we find ourselves judging anything, that's a reminder that we aren’t seeing the holiness that envelops everything around us. In which case, we can make a different choice in our mind and experience a completely different outcome.https://livebeyondtheillusion.com/acim-lesson-36/Support the show

Whenever we find ourselves judging anything, that's a reminder that we aren’t seeing the holiness that envelops everything around us. In which case, we can make a different choice in our mind and experience a completely different outcome. <a href="https://livebeyondtheillusion.com/acim-lesson-36/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://livebeyondtheillusion.com/acim-lesson-36/</a><a href="https://www.livebeyondtheillusion.com/contribute" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a>

Lesson 36: My holiness envelops everything I see

A great technique for starting the morning is to decide for a happy day.When I first heard of this concept many years ago, I thought it was silly. “What do you mean, decide for a happy day? How do you decide something like that?”My confusion was due to the belief that the quality of my day had less to do with me and much more to do with what was going on around me. If circumstances went the way I wanted, then I would be happy. Otherwise I would be disappointed, frustrated, angry, sad, or whatever.But when I came to realize that happiness is a choice, not a consequence - then my life changed.The choice for happiness is within. But it’s not some woo woo, self-delusional, positive-vibe mantra. No amount of words we chant to ourselves will make us happy.Rather, it’s the choice to no longer side with our ego mind. Which in practice looks like seeing everyone the same. Recognizing there are no meaningful differences between any of us. No exclusions.I love this passage from A Course in Miracles: “Your judgment has been lifted from the world by your decision for a happy day.”Letting go of judgment - of ourselves and everyone else - and seeing the love that unites everything is the choice for a happy day.Support the show

A great technique for starting the morning is to decide for a happy day. When I first heard of this concept many years ago, I thought it was silly. “What do you mean, decide for a happy day? How do you decide something like that?” My confusion was due to the belief that the quality of my day had less to do with me and much more to do with what was going on around me. If circumstances went the way I wanted, then I would be happy. Otherwise I would be disappointed, frustrated, angry, sad, or whatever. But when I came to realize that happiness is a choice, not a consequence - then my life changed. The choice for happiness is within. But it’s not some woo woo, self-delusional, positive-vibe mantra. No amount of words we chant to ourselves will make us happy. Rather, it’s the choice to no longer side with our ego mind. Which in practice looks like seeing everyone the same. Recognizing there are no meaningful differences between any of us. No exclusions. I love this passage from A Course in Miracles: “Your judgment has been lifted from the world by your decision for a happy day.” Letting go of judgment - of ourselves and everyone else - and seeing the love that unites everything is the choice for a happy day.<a href="https://www.livebeyondtheillusion.com/contribute" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a>

How to Choose a Happy Day

One of the most serene sentences in A Course in Miracles - one that is so calming and empowering is this: "If you knew Who walks beside you on the way that you have chosen, fear would be impossible." Imagine how amazing that would feel - a life with no fear!Support the show

One of the most serene sentences in A Course in Miracles - one that is so calming and empowering is this: "If you knew Who walks beside you on the way that you have chosen, fear would be impossible." Imagine how amazing that would feel - a life with no fear!<a href="https://www.livebeyondtheillusion.com/contribute" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a>

If You Knew Who Walked Beside You

Year ends and year beginnings are times many people think about goals and what they want to accomplish in the coming weeks and months.And goals essentially suggest that there is a desired state we haven’t yet achieved - but with careful planning and execution, we can make it happen.But as we think about what will bring us happiness, we want to be sure we are looking in the right place. If we think that a certain level of money, health, societal position, family relationships, or anything else external to our core being-ness will bring us joy, then we will be disappointed.Consider these lines from the Course: “Seek not outside yourself. For it will fail, and you will weep each time an idol falls.”Nothing external will ever bring us lasting joy. Temporary satisfaction at best, but often at the cost of increased fear.Instead, we’re encouraged to return to the “stately calm within” - which is our choosing the mind of spirit instead of the ego.That’s where our true treasure resides, and that’s where we remember our connection with the infinite.Support the show

Year ends and year beginnings are times many people think about goals and what they want to accomplish in the coming weeks and months. And goals essentially suggest that there is a desired state we haven’t yet achieved - but with careful planning and execution, we can make it happen. But as we think about what will bring us happiness, we want to be sure we are looking in the right place. If we think that a certain level of money, health, societal position, family relationships, or anything else external to our core being-ness will bring us joy, then we will be disappointed. Consider these lines from the Course: “Seek not outside yourself. For it will fail, and you will weep each time an idol falls.” Nothing external will ever bring us lasting joy. Temporary satisfaction at best, but often at the cost of increased fear. Instead, we’re encouraged to return to the “stately calm within” - which is our choosing the mind of spirit instead of the ego. That’s where our true treasure resides, and that’s where we remember our connection with the infinite.<a href="https://www.livebeyondtheillusion.com/contribute" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a>

Seek Not Outside Yourself

I remember being surprised the first few times I attended cocktail parties and networking events. The first question people always seemed to ask one another was, “What do you do?”Of all the things we could ask a human being we just met for the first time, why would it be “What do you do?” Obviously simplicity and cultural norms play a role, but there’s also an ego aspect behind it. We want to see how this other person compares to our ideals (and to ourselves).I much prefer asking people, “What is it that you’re passionate about?” The ensuing conversation is much more engaging.But even deeper than passion is what each of us is at our core. And by “is” I don’t mean job title or societal position. Rather, “who” are you?It’s so difficult to dive into that question for ourselves or others. We typically stop at some familial role or professional title. But at our core - who we really are - is love.This line from A Course in Miracles sums it up perfectly: “Love, which created me, is what I am.”Imagine what it would be like truly seeing who you - and everyone - really are.Support the show

I remember being surprised the first few times I attended cocktail parties and networking events. The first question people always seemed to ask one another was, “What do you do?”Of all the things we could ask a human being we just met for the first time, why would it be “What do you do?” Obviously simplicity and cultural norms play a role, but there’s also an ego aspect behind it. We want to see how this other person compares to our ideals (and to ourselves).I much prefer asking people, “What is it that you’re passionate about?” The ensuing conversation is much more engaging.But even deeper than passion is what each of us is at our core. And by “is” I don’t mean job title or societal position. Rather, “who” are you?It’s so difficult to dive into that question for ourselves or others. We typically stop at some familial role or professional title. But at our core - who we really are - is love.This line from A Course in Miracles sums it up perfectly: “Love, which created me, is what I am.”Imagine what it would be like truly seeing who you - and everyone - really are.<a href="https://www.livebeyondtheillusion.com/contribute" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a>

Love, which created me, is what I am

“The ego analyzes; the Holy Spirit accepts.” That is today's inspiration from A Course in Miracles.When I encounter a problem that I care about - whether that be in the world at large or specifically in my or a loved one’s body - my ego is all over it. How did this happen? Who or what is responsible? What needs to be done to fix it? How can we ensure this doesn’t happen again?I’m clearly coming from a place of judgment. Judging that the experience is not how it ought to be - based on my clear understanding of what should be. But if we step back and look at it objectively, it’s really the height of arrogance to think that I know what is best for any given situation.Conversely, from the right mind of Spirit, there is no judgment. Simply an acceptance of what is. And from this place of calm, non-judgmental is-ness flows whatever is most helpful for the situation. If there are words I need to speak or actions I need to take, they will come through with no sense of strain and no vested interest in a specific outcome.In every circumstance we encounter - especially ones we consider to be stressful or troublesome - we’d be wise to choose against the ego mind of judgment and expectation of what should be and instead choose the Spirit mind of peace. The result is pure tranquility and joy.Support the show

“The ego analyzes; the Holy Spirit accepts.” That is today's inspiration from A Course in Miracles. When I encounter a problem that I care about - whether that be in the world at large or specifically in my or a loved one’s body - my ego is all over it. How did this happen? Who or what is responsible? What needs to be done to fix it? How can we ensure this doesn’t happen again? I’m clearly coming from a place of judgment. Judging that the experience is not how it ought to be - based on my clear understanding of what should be. But if we step back and look at it objectively, it’s really the height of arrogance to think that I know what is best for any given situation. Conversely, from the right mind of Spirit, there is no judgment. Simply an acceptance of what is. And from this place of calm, non-judgmental is-ness flows whatever is most helpful for the situation. If there are words I need to speak or actions I need to take, they will come through with no sense of strain and no vested interest in a specific outcome. In every circumstance we encounter - especially ones we consider to be stressful or troublesome - we’d be wise to choose against the ego mind of judgment and expectation of what should be and instead choose the Spirit mind of peace. The result is pure tranquility and joy.<a href="https://www.livebeyondtheillusion.com/contribute" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a>

The Ego Analyzes; The Holy Spirit Accepts

Whenever I would get disappointed or frustrated with someone, I was convinced it had to do with their lack of skill or motivation. Why aren’t they getting this? How can this be so hard? This should have been done by now.Likewise, if I was angry with someone, clearly they did something wrong or inappropriate, and my response was more than justified.It took me a long time to realize that all my negative emotions had absolutely nothing to do with other people. They were simply a screen or mirror onto which I was projecting what was inside of me. It was so subtle, yet so powerful. Because not only was I convinced that other people were responsible for my lack of peace, but each time I projected such thinking, I was reinforcing it in myself.Which brings us to today’s thought from A Course in Miracles, which is this: “What you perceive in others you are strengthening in yourself.”Support the show

Whenever I would get disappointed or frustrated with someone, I was convinced it had to do with their lack of skill or motivation. Why aren’t they getting this? How can this be so hard? This should have been done by now. Likewise, if I was angry with someone, clearly they did something wrong or inappropriate, and my response was more than justified. It took me a long time to realize that all my negative emotions had absolutely nothing to do with other people. They were simply a screen or mirror onto which I was projecting what was inside of me. It was so subtle, yet so powerful. Because not only was I convinced that other people were responsible for my lack of peace, but each time I projected such thinking, I was reinforcing it in myself. Which brings us to today’s thought from A Course in Miracles, which is this: “What you perceive in others you are strengthening in yourself.”<a href="https://www.livebeyondtheillusion.com/contribute" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a>

What You Perceive in Others You Are Strengthening in Yourself

Have you ever wondered what you should be doing? I don’t mean specifically what projects you should be working on for your job or your family. But more generally, what you should be doing with life.I remember thinking a lot as a kid, “What am I here for? What is my purpose in life?” Then I got consumed with school, career, relationships, and all those sorts of things. But behind it all, I felt this tug of “what should I be doing?”I remember the first time I read the line in A Course in Miracles that says “I need do nothing.” And it was such a liberating thought.Not because it means that we should sit around idle all day simply navel gazing and catering to various whims. But rather, by focusing on what I should or should not be doing, I’m making the body real - making it front and center in my life.By letting go of the compulsion to doing, we can return to our mind where we find what the Course calls “the ultimate release”. When we choose against the ego mind, our body simply becomes a vessel for channeling love. And then we’ll find ourselves doing whatever is most helpful for every situation we’re in - with no sense of strain and no sense of “I need to do this”.So our practice for today is to try catching ourselves feeling that attachment to doing. The simple observation returns us to the realm of wondrous peace.Support the show

Have you ever wondered what you should be doing? I don’t mean specifically what projects you should be working on for your job or your family. But more generally, what you should be doing with life.I remember thinking a lot as a kid, “What am I here for? What is my purpose in life?” Then I got consumed with school, career, relationships, and all those sorts of things. But behind it all, I felt this tug of “what should I be doing?”I remember the first time I read the line in A Course in Miracles that says “I need do nothing.” And it was such a liberating thought.Not because it means that we should sit around idle all day simply navel gazing and catering to various whims. But rather, by focusing on what I should or should not be doing, I’m making the body real - making it front and center in my life.By letting go of the compulsion to doing, we can return to our mind where we find what the Course calls “the ultimate release”. When we choose against the ego mind, our body simply becomes a vessel for channeling love. And then we’ll find ourselves doing whatever is most helpful for every situation we’re in - with no sense of strain and no sense of “I need to do this”.So our practice for today is to try catching ourselves feeling that attachment to doing. The simple observation returns us to the realm of wondrous peace.<a href="https://www.livebeyondtheillusion.com/contribute" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a>

You need do nothing

All our sense of struggle and discontentment comes from choosing our ego mind. Of course, the ego would have us believe otherwise. From the ego’s perspective, suffering is the result of living in this world, interacting with other people, and dealing with the limitations of our body. But that isn’t true.This powerful line from A Course in Miracles sums it up: “Pain is an ego illusion."Support the show

All our sense of struggle and discontentment comes from choosing our ego mind. Of course, the ego would have us believe otherwise. From the ego’s perspective, suffering is the result of living in this world, interacting with other people, and dealing with the limitations of our body. But that isn’t true. This powerful line from A Course in Miracles sums it up: “Pain is an ego illusion."<a href="https://www.livebeyondtheillusion.com/contribute" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a>

Pain is an Ego Illusion

Today let’s unpack anger a bit.Every one of us feels justified in our anger. Meaning that when we get angry, we feel there is a good reason for it.Somebody did or said something they shouldn’t have. A situation didn’t work out the way we wanted it to. Or maybe we even got angry at ourselves for our own misstep.The why we’re angry doesn’t really matter. What matters is that we are angry.This question from A Course in Miracles makes it so clear: “When you are angry, is it not because someone has failed to fill the function you allotted him?”The key phrase in this question is “the function you allotted him.”We allotted a function to another person, and they didn’t fulfill their function.And that’s why we’re angry.I really has much less to do with them and everything to do with us. We set them up.When we stop allotting functions to others, we have no grounds for any judgment, especially anger.The key is not tying our sense of peace and wellbeing with what others say and do. People will always trip and fall - as will we.But when we can instead see everyone (including ourselves) through the judgment-free lens of love, we’ll never feel anger again.Support the show

Today let’s unpack anger a bit. Every one of us feels justified in our anger. Meaning that when we get angry, we feel there is a good reason for it. Somebody did or said something they shouldn’t have. A situation didn’t work out the way we wanted it to. Or maybe we even got angry at ourselves for our own misstep. The why we’re angry doesn’t really matter. What matters is that we are angry. This question from A Course in Miracles makes it so clear: “When you are angry, is it not because someone has failed to fill the function you allotted him?” The key phrase in this question is “the function you allotted him.” We allotted a function to another person, and they didn’t fulfill their function. And that’s why we’re angry. I really has much less to do with them and everything to do with us. We set them up. When we stop allotting functions to others, we have no grounds for any judgment, especially anger. The key is not tying our sense of peace and wellbeing with what others say and do. People will always trip and fall - as will we. But when we can instead see everyone (including ourselves) through the judgment-free lens of love, we’ll never feel anger again.<a href="https://www.livebeyondtheillusion.com/contribute" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a>

Escape From Anger

This is one of those mind-bending, framework shattering statements in A Course in Miracles: “There is no world apart from what you wish.”What we experience as the real world seems so objectively “out there”. We believe the world exists as a solid foundation apart from and independent of us. We are born into that world, live a certain number of days experiencing varying amounts of pain and preferably pleasure. And then we die; our bodies decomposing back into the world.But our perspective is wrong. We set it all up.As the Course goes on to say: “There is no world apart from what you wish, and herein lies your ultimate release. Change but your mind on what you want to see, and all the world must change accordingly.”Everything we experience comes from the choice we make in the mind (not the brain). When we return our awareness to our mind, then we can recognize whether we’re choosing the ego mind or the mind of presence. And if we don’t like what we’re experiencing, we simply choose again.Support the show

This is one of those mind-bending, framework shattering statements in A Course in Miracles: “There is no world apart from what you wish.” What we experience as the real world seems so objectively “out there”. We believe the world exists as a solid foundation apart from and independent of us. We are born into that world, live a certain number of days experiencing varying amounts of pain and preferably pleasure. And then we die; our bodies decomposing back into the world. But our perspective is wrong. We set it all up. As the Course goes on to say: “There is no world apart from what you wish, and herein lies your ultimate release. Change but your mind on what you want to see, and all the world must change accordingly.” Everything we experience comes from the choice we make in the mind (not the brain). When we return our awareness to our mind, then we can recognize whether we’re choosing the ego mind or the mind of presence. And if we don’t like what we’re experiencing, we simply choose again.<a href="https://www.livebeyondtheillusion.com/contribute" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a>

There is no world apart from what you wish

When I first started in the business world, I was taught (and I believed) that the pie was limited. If I didn’t take my slice, then someone else would.For instance, each year there was a limited pool of money for salary raises. Every dollar one person received meant there was one less for everyone else. Only a certain percentage of people could be rated a one - which was the top rating.This obviously cultivated a culture of competition.And while it may have produced increased output, it certainly led to a fair amount of disgruntlement.Yet this is the way much of the world works.And it’s intentional. Not just to drive conflict, but to keep us rooted in a mindset of lack and limitation. Even if we get what we want, there’s a part of us that knows deep down it’s at the expense of someone else. The guilt grows - often unconsciously - creating a gnawing sense of fear of losing whatever we’ve gained.Gain and loss teeter on the world’s precarious balance scale.But there’s another way of existing in the world - a different mindset - that leads to a completely different experience.Consider this quote from A Course in Miracles: “What your brother loses you have lost, and what he gains is what is given you.”When we see others as one with us - a shared purpose to awaken from a dream of hell - then all sense of judgment, competition, and lack melt away. And in their place is a quiet, gentle peace that embraces everyone.Support the show

When I first started in the business world, I was taught (and I believed) that the pie was limited. If I didn’t take my slice, then someone else would. For instance, each year there was a limited pool of money for salary raises. Every dollar one person received meant there was one less for everyone else. Only a certain percentage of people could be rated a one - which was the top rating. This obviously cultivated a culture of competition. And while it may have produced increased output, it certainly led to a fair amount of disgruntlement. Yet this is the way much of the world works. And it’s intentional. Not just to drive conflict, but to keep us rooted in a mindset of lack and limitation. Even if we get what we want, there’s a part of us that knows deep down it’s at the expense of someone else. The guilt grows - often unconsciously - creating a gnawing sense of fear of losing whatever we’ve gained. Gain and loss teeter on the world’s precarious balance scale. But there’s another way of existing in the world - a different mindset - that leads to a completely different experience. Consider this quote from A Course in Miracles: “What your brother loses you have lost, and what he gains is what is given you.” When we see others as one with us - a shared purpose to awaken from a dream of hell - then all sense of judgment, competition, and lack melt away. And in their place is a quiet, gentle peace that embraces everyone.<a href="https://www.livebeyondtheillusion.com/contribute" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a>

The Value of Giving Up Competition

How powerful are thoughts? They are the source of everything we experience.Reality, as we understand it, is nothing but an interpretation of what we believe is going on around us. Much like Plato’s cave dwellers, mirrored in the words of A Course in Miracles, “Your thoughts determine the world you see.”The Course goes on to say, “Everything you see is the result of your thoughts. Life is thought.”Have you ever known someone who continually radiated a sense of inner joy and peace? They are kind with a gentle smile that beams through every encounter. Their happiness has nothing to do with any measure of “worldly success”. In fact, their lives are often the antithesis of what the world would call “rich” or “successful”.Yet there’s no escaping their infectious level of joy.They’ve discovered “the secret”. Everything we experience is the result of our thoughts.That’s why the Course - and every other non-dualistic thought system - encourages us to honestly, and gently, look at what we’re thinking. “It is with your thoughts, then, that we must work, if your perception of the world is to be changed.”The key is shifting awareness from the daily drama back to the source of thought, which is our mind’s decision for one of two thought systems: ego or presence. The ego mind leads to thoughts of good/bad, attack/defense, victim/victimizer, and other forms of lack, duality, and suffering.The mind of presence leads to nothing but thoughts of love, peace, and shared purpose. Our eyes no longer stop on externals such as individual bodies and personalities but go beyond form into the love that unites us all. We see in everyone either an extension of love or a crying out for it. And our response becomes a channel of love in its most helpful form for the situation.This is what it feels like in the presence of those who’ve discovered that life is thought. They understand these lines from the Course: “My holy brother, think of this awhile: The world you see does nothing. It has no effects at all. It merely represents your thoughts.”It is our thoughts alone that cause us pain. And it is our thoughts alone that can bring us joy.So in those times when we aren’t blissfully happy, let’s remember that we’ve temporarily chosen the source of painful thoughts - which is the ego mind. And then we can return our awareness to the decision making mind and make a different choice.Support the show

How powerful are thoughts? They are the source of everything we experience.Reality, as we understand it, is nothing but an interpretation of what we believe is going on around us. Much like Plato’s cave dwellers, mirrored in the words of A Course in Miracles, “Your thoughts determine the world you see.”The Course goes on to say, “Everything you see is the result of your thoughts. Life is thought.”Have you ever known someone who continually radiated a sense of inner joy and peace? They are kind with a gentle smile that beams through every encounter. Their happiness has nothing to do with any measure of “worldly success”. In fact, their lives are often the antithesis of what the world would call “rich” or “successful”.Yet there’s no escaping their infectious level of joy.They’ve discovered “the secret”. Everything we experience is the result of our thoughts.That’s why the Course - and every other non-dualistic thought system - encourages us to honestly, and gently, look at what we’re thinking. “It is with your thoughts, then, that we must work, if your perception of the world is to be changed.”The key is shifting awareness from the daily drama back to the source of thought, which is our mind’s decision for one of two thought systems: ego or presence. The ego mind leads to thoughts of good/bad, attack/defense, victim/victimizer, and other forms of lack, duality, and suffering.The mind of presence leads to nothing but thoughts of love, peace, and shared purpose. Our eyes no longer stop on externals such as individual bodies and personalities but go beyond form into the love that unites us all. We see in everyone either an extension of love or a crying out for it. And our response becomes a channel of love in its most helpful form for the situation.This is what it feels like in the presence of those who’ve discovered that life is thought. They understand these lines from the Course: “My holy brother, think of this awhile: The world you see does nothing. It has no effects at all. It merely represents your thoughts.”It is our thoughts alone that cause us pain. And it is our thoughts alone that can bring us joy.So in those times when we aren’t blissfully happy, let’s remember that we’ve temporarily chosen the source of painful thoughts - which is the ego mind. And then we can return our awareness to the decision making mind and make a different choice.<a href="https://www.livebeyondtheillusion.com/contribute" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a>

Life Is Thought

In this lesson, we’re asked to say to ourself the following thoughts:I see only the perishable.I see nothing that will last.What I see is not real.What I see is a form of vengeance.Is this the world I really want to see?Thankfully, as we’ve been learning in these lessons, we can see differently. We can see from “above the battleground” as the Course says.From this perspective, we don’t feel any negative emotions. In fact, all we experience is peace - and what we see is either love being extended or love being called out for.We realize, as this lessons points out, “All that you fear does not exist.”https://livebeyondtheillusion.com/acim-lesson-22/Support the show

In this lesson, we’re asked to say to ourself the following thoughts: I see only the perishable. I see nothing that will last. What I see is not real. What I see is a form of vengeance. Is this the world I really want to see? Thankfully, as we’ve been learning in these lessons, we can see differently. We can see from “above the battleground” as the Course says. From this perspective, we don’t feel any negative emotions. In fact, all we experience is peace - and what we see is either love being extended or love being called out for. We realize, as this lessons points out, “All that you fear does not exist.” <a href="https://livebeyondtheillusion.com/acim-lesson-22/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://livebeyondtheillusion.com/acim-lesson-22/</a><a href="https://www.livebeyondtheillusion.com/contribute" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a>

Lesson 22: What I see is a form of vengeance

Fear is perhaps the most predominant emotion we experience. Much of our lives are spent either avoiding fear or striving toward goals we believe will reduce fear.If we honestly assess our daily motivations and thoughts, we’ll discover that fear plays a central role in much of our physical and mental activity.But it doesn’t exist. As A Course in Miracles so powerfully states, “Fear is not real.” We made it up, as a means to prove that we are unique, autonomous selves and that we can suffer.Yet while we believe fear is real and substantial, it won’t help us at all to simply pretend that it doesn’t exist. The most helpful thing we can do is recognize that we are indeed choosing fear, that it doesn’t feel very good, and that there must be another way of looking at this.That “little willingness” to see our lives from a different perspective is the opening of the doorway to peace.Support the show

Fear is perhaps the most predominant emotion we experience. Much of our lives are spent either avoiding fear or striving toward goals we believe will reduce fear.If we honestly assess our daily motivations and thoughts, we’ll discover that fear plays a central role in much of our physical and mental activity.But it doesn’t exist. As A Course in Miracles so powerfully states, “Fear is not real.” We made it up, as a means to prove that we are unique, autonomous selves and that we can suffer.Yet while we believe fear is real and substantial, it won’t help us at all to simply pretend that it doesn’t exist. The most helpful thing we can do is recognize that we are indeed choosing fear, that it doesn’t feel very good, and that there must be another way of looking at this.That “little willingness” to see our lives from a different perspective is the opening of the doorway to peace.<a href="https://www.livebeyondtheillusion.com/contribute" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a>

Fear is not real

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