“The art of thought invites the experience of the new thought system by being willing to replace the old with the new. While this will at first be a learned activity, and as such have its moments of seeming difficulty, it is learned only in the sense of your practicing the mindfulness that will allow the memory of it to return to you. (Treatises of A Course of Love: Treatise on the Art of Thought, 5.13)”
Affirmation: “May I understand the art of thought today.”
Reflections:
1 – No Longer Struggle
When we practice the art of thought, we do not furrow our brow and study hard. We read almost as though we were reading a story, for the pleasure. We learn, therefore, effortlessly. We no longer struggle to gain concepts. We let the meaning be shown to us by gentle means. We do not negate the idea that maybe revelation is showing us the way. Revelation is not always recognized for what it is. And A Course of Love indicates that it is with us more and more as we walk further along the pathway to Christ-consciousness.
2 – Gestures of Love
We respond to our outer environment when we practice the art of thought. We do not take responsibility for others, but we do try to alleviate their needs. Again, this is not a struggle, but simply gestures of love.
3 – Observation
And we learn by observation of ourselves and others. Observation is the new way of learning in this new world we are on the verge of entering. We observe, we reflect, and we come to understand. Again, this is all effortless.
4 – Gain a Whole New World
Can so much be had for so little? Can we gain a whole new world in such effortless ways? Indeed, we can, for the pathway is not one of struggle any longer. We walk into the sunlight, prompted by intuition, feelings, insight–any means of guidance that comes to us. We are not alone. That is a primary message. We never have to do all of this work of salvation unaided. Indeed, salvation is not work at all, but the most glorious child’s play possible (paraphrased from A Course in Miracles, which says that salvation is a game that happy children play).
Prayer:
Dear Father/Mother,
I would spend today in a relaxed mind and heart, listening for Your guidance and knowing that it will come when I have stilled myself so that I can hear. Thank You for being here for me. May I observe this world in a new way of thinking, by observation rather than intense study. May I no longer be tempted to struggle through my days. You do not mean this for me.
Help all of my brothers and sisters to have a good day. You mean for all of our days to be good, even the ones that have some pain in them. Pain in the present moment simply doesn’t occur; we are always seeing the past in our pain. May pain never been turned by our minds into suffering. You would choose for all of Your children to rest in Your blessings, to receive Your ease, and to solve any and all problems, with Your help, that have presented themselves and may be causing pain. Guide us to know what to do when faced with less-than-desirable life circumstances. May our stress remain low and our spirits high.
Thank You for Your presence, always, in our lives.
Amen.
MIRACLES EACH DAY 