I just love A Course in Miracles (ACiM), and I thought these passages from Lesson 135 might be useful for all of us “over-doers” and “over-thinkers.” These ideas help me to let go of my incessant planning, and rely on the “plans” of a power wiser than I am!
My Summary of Lesson 135: “If I defend myself, I am attacked.”
Our self-made plans are defenses to keep our body safe. We mistakenly believe that our body is our only reality, and if it is hurt, we cease to exist. So, we must constantly protect it through our own fear-driven efforts.
In truth, we are spirit; the body is merely a communication device while we’re on earth. In each moment, we can release our plans for bodily safety, and instead choose Love’s/God’s will.
Lesson 135: “If I defend myself, I am attacked.” (Excerpts)
(If you wish, replace “God” “He” “Him” etc. with “Love” or your own name for a Higher Power.)
What could you not accept, if you but knew that everything that happens, all events, past, present and to come, are gently planned by One Whose only purpose is your good? Perhaps you have misunderstood His plan, for He would never offer pain to you. But your defenses did not let you see His loving blessing shine in every step you ever took.
A healed mind does not plan. It carries out the plans that it receives through listening to wisdom that is not its own. It waits until it has been taught what should be done, and then proceeds to do it. It does not depend upon itself for anything except its adequacy to fulfill the plans assigned to it. It is secure in certainty that obstacles can not impede its progress to accomplishment of any goal that serves the greater plan established for the good of everyone.
Your present trust in Him is the defense that promises a future undisturbed, without a trace of sorrow, and with joy that constantly increases, as this life becomes a holy instant, set in time, but heeding only immortality. Let no defenses but your present trust direct the future, and this life becomes a meaningful encounter with the truth that only your defenses would conceal.
What Happens When We Release Our Defenses?
Without defenses, you become a light which Heaven gratefully acknowledges to be its own. And it will lead you on in ways appointed for your happiness according to the ancient plan, begun when time was born. Your followers will join their light with yours, and it will be increased until the world is lighted up with joy.
Nothing but that. If there are plans to make, you will be told of them. They may not be the plans you thought were needed, nor indeed the answers to the problems which you thought confronted you. But they are answers to another kind of question, which remains unanswered yet in need of answering until the Answer comes to you at last.
How Do I Present Myself to Spirit?
You give up nothing in these times today when, undefended, you present yourself to your Creator as you really are. He has remembered you. Now is the light of hope reborn in you, for now you come without defense, to learn the part for you within the plan of God. What little plans or magical beliefs can still have value, when you have received your function from the Voice for God Himself?
PLEASE TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK. DOES THIS RING TRUE FOR YOU? OR DO YOU SEE THINGS DIFFERENTLY?
Gigi Langer has been sober 35 years, and holds a PhD in Psychological Studies in Education from Stanford University. Formerly crowned the “Queen of Worry,” Gigi resigned her post many years ago and now lives happily in Florida with her husband, Peter and her cat Murphy.
My award-winning book, 50 Ways to Worry Less Now, describes how to reject the faulty thinking leading to addiction, dysfunctional relationships, perfectionism, and worry about loved ones. Check out the practical directions, personal stories, and other helpful growth tools. Amazon: 4.8 stars (Buy Discounted Paperback, e-book, OR audiobook HERE
Hi Gigi! I understand CIM much more when you break it down 🙂