It's the end of December as I write this.
I'm sitting in quiet contemplation, getting ready to welcome in the New Year with wide, open arms.
Instead of resolutions, I've made one, solid commitment.
I won't ask this year to be better than the last.
By this point in my life, I know my happiness doesn't depend on things "going right". It depends on me thinking right.
It's up to ME to make this year happy and good. And the instructions for doing that are stamped right into the numbers—then gift-wrapped in a wink from the Cosmos.
2020
Perfect vision.
A Course In Miracles calls this "Christ Vision".
Which really just means a shift in perception. And not a religious one, but a psychological one.
Because most of what we "see" in the world is filtered through the warped lens of our limiting beliefs—concepts that were shaped by painful experiences and social conditioning.
Very few of us see life circumstances objectively.
Instead, we apply layers of judgement and irrational thinking to most of what we encounter—resisting Life's guidance because we can't recognize that the current experience is helping us get exactly to where we need to be.
If you don't believe me, try this.
The next time you're upset by a comment or turn of events, ask yourself this simple question:
"What am I making this mean?"
You'll start to see (as I did) that your mind applies its own interpretation to the information your eyes and ears are delivering to your brain.
You might also find (as I did) that many of your interpretations are painful ones.
If they are, take note! Because the way you FEEL is an indicator of the thought system behind your interpretation.
Do you feel scared?
Small?
Unworthy?
Victimized?
Ashamed?
Belittled?
Whoops. Sounds like your vision is being obscured by a Mind Mistake!
And I know how awful this feels. It's what A Course In Miracles calls HELL.
But please remember that Heaven and Hell are just states of mind.
Hell is created by looking through the lens of lack, separation, competition and scarcity.
ACIM call this the Ego—the part of the mind that truly believes we're alone and can't comprehend the matrix of connection and possibility that exists for us all.
The Ego focuses on problems that have no solution and uses attack methods to feel less afraid and more in control.
Heaven, on the other hand, is created by a Higher Awareness that's rooted in wholeness, health, connection and abundance for all.
ACIM calls this Christ Consciousness.
I'll admit that I've struggled with this term (I'm not a Christian), but I understand that the Course isn't referring to a person or even a personality. It's referring to a way of seeing the world.
This is something I can get behind because this kind of vision transports you to a place that feels healthy and good.
When I put on the glasses of Christ Consciousness, I'm able to see through every single one of the perceived problems the ego creates.
I encourage you to try it.
Does it feel that Life is working against you? Put on your glasses! You'll suddenly be able to see all the love and support that's been flowing to you.
Do you feel left out and abandoned? Put on your glasses! You'll instantly see arms outstretched to you wherever you go.
Your vision is a choice and so is mine.
Let's remind each other that we always have the ability to see and experience HEAVEN instead of Hell.
When something looks bleak and hopeless, let's take out our glasses and put them on together.
Let's look at the situation through Christ's eyes.
Let's view it, just for a moment, without lack, separation, struggle, or competition.
I'm certain that what we'll see is a gift, instead of a burden.
And with that perfect vision, we'll also see a world that's full of love and miracles.
Sending you so much love and wishing you a very HAPPY new year!
"This world is full of miracles. They stand in shining silence next to every dream of pain and suffering."
ACIM | Chapter 28 | Page 595