Reading through some of the great stories on the forgiveness page makes me think of that particular instant in our day when that lightening-like thought crosses our mind: “I could actually see this differently and feel better about it.” Let’s call it a moment of “Whoa!” Or perhaps even better, the moment of “Haa…” because it leaves us feeling so much more peaceful. Just Haa…with a comfortable breath behind it.
It’s that instant in which the attention suddenly shifts from the outside to the inside and the thoughts are just there… “It’s not really this person/event/circumstance that’s making me feel this way. I came here not really feeling totally peaceful inside. What he said/what just happened simply triggered something inside me and brought that lack of peace to the surface. Hey, look at that. I guess peace can be my choice after all.”
Hmm.
Bernard: Reading your post about woo I remembered Jamie`s woo post some weeks ago, and thinking about them I remembered one of Jamie´s classes. He was explaining there about symbols, telling us that if we, for example, have Ken as a teacher is because we made first the decision in the mind for Jesus or the Holy Spirit, and now Ken is the symbol of that decision.
Thinking of woo, I would like to see it this way: woo is not something that reminds us to make another choice, but the outcome or symbol of my mind making another choice. I am going to try to explain it. My mind´s D.M. turns for help to Jesus of HS, and chooses a symbol in order to experience its decision. If everything comes from my mind, then the symbols I call woo must come from the mind, too. My mind is so terrified of its power that chooses a symbol that apparently helps it to make the right choice, but the choice was already done when we witness the symbol of woo. Now, there could be right minded woo and wrong minded woo– the woo that gives more reality and power to the dream. But finally, as you said in another post, what´s the problem?
Our only function, as Jamie very well said in a past class: “is learning to listen to the static to finally allow the music to rush in. So we can use the woo as any other thing in the world to see what is in my mind in that moment. So I agree with you, instead of revere woo we simply “Just say Haa…with a comfortable breath behind it”. Is it very crazy to see it this way? What do you think about it?
Lisi, I like your thinking very much on this question, and you said it quite beautifully, too. I think we can certainly “use the woo as any other thing in the world to see what is in my mind.” I can hear Ken’s words in what you say, “Purpose is everything – what is it for?” We could always use ‘woo’ which means a seemingly bizarre event that we give special non-logical meaning to (my definition) to point us back toward the mind’s choices.
I have a friend who made a relation decision based on ‘woo’. The zip code of her village contained the same numbers as this guy’s birthday, his name was the same as her street, and on and on. She invested herself so thoroughly in this relationship that when it fell apart she was in a very delicate situation. Now, since then other woo has come along (since this is the way she functions) and she is using it instead to find kindness within herself, instead of to make outer decisions. She is using more kindly and constructively to see how she can release her self-judgments and find that she is loved.
Ultimately she could use these tiny outside symbols (butterflies, stones in the shape of hearts, feathers…) to remind her of an inner reality that is much more powerful and real than any outside symbol or event. Then when she happens upon one of these woo symbols it will be like bumping into an old and familiar friend, without the heavy significance it had before. Just a symbol within a dream, but a symbol of kindness and forgiveness, much the same as a book, really. I think the idea is always not to make too much of a big deal out of it. We make a big deal out of Love, not its symbol. By definition (there is no hierarchy of illusions) absolutely anything can lead us back Home. Because there is nothing there before our eyes except our interpretations. That is only ever what we are looking at and what we are relating to. We only ever relate to an interpretation based on our purpose, never to ‘reality’.
your last pondering felt great to read. I have had woos coming at me big time, and each of them was a reminder to let me see that i AM safe, i AM loved, all IS OK even if it fear tells me otherwise.
As I have come to trust this more and me, the woos are less. But I still have some really sweet and great ones…and just now I remeber a nice olne: I was teaching a group, we were five, and this eas in the yeasr when i was into shamanism. I had them make a symbol in clay of something they saw they was finished wiht in their lives, and then i took them hiking up a steep trail behind my house to a ritual place I had i the wood. When we got up there, I got out a box of matches to light a fire. And on the matches was a sweet drawing by my daughter:5 persons walking up a steep trail, and the text: “climb every mountain” – and the next sentence which I havce forgotten now -( please tell me, it is from Sound of music.)
Thats when we smile VERY much and say YESS – and when i know I am not alone in deciding what to do.
Thanks Bernard for your answer. It really completes what I was thinking yesterday. Symbols are symbols and are symbols, as Ken often reminds us. So…”We make a big deal out of Love, not its symbol.” Loved it. Woos and any other symbol, as great as they could appeared to us, are only crumbs as Jamie pointed in one of his posts.
Lots of hugs and love, Lisi
Lisi, you remind me that I wanted to add in the my pondering above that I follow Jamie’s line of thinking on woo, that it should not preoccupy our thoughts, but just be something that happens or doesn’t. Woo never happens to me, but I don’t have the impression that I miss it, either. Many weird things might still happen to us here during our lifetimes. After all, ‘life’ itself is a weird event. Many things will happen that we don’t fully understand in this world, in regards to its goings-on, its complexities. But that is all just the background secenery to the real work we’re trying to do. It would always be a mistake (please do not read any judgment into this) to make a big deal about any of these events or symbols that cross our path. That would only just delay us from coming into the ‘Whoa!’ of realizing it’s all going on inside, nothing important has happened outside; and then the ‘Haa…!’ in which we feel the deep relief that all things real are being taken care of perfectly by One who knows how to do His Job perfectly. Our being taken care of does not issue from the symbols we cross along our path (which we put there) but the reassurance that our mind is still contained within its loving Source.
Nina, an interesting story. I particularly liked when you said, “each of them was a reminder to let me see that i AM safe, i AM loved, all IS OK even if it fear tells me otherwise.” Nice reminder.
Today I had a nice Haa moment. I have always in my life liked to “keep things”, in order– that´s my justification– to have them at hand when I need them. And I keep and keep and keep, always thinking that probably in the future I will need them. But behind all this scenario I always had a “safety” feeling doing this.
Today it was a cleaning day. (I live in the country and that is one of my justifications to always want to have everything at hand. The city is not far away, about 20 miles, and I go almost daily, but nonetheless I feel safe if I have everything at hand).
This morning, when I stood in front of the cupboard and saw all that stuff, I felt overwhelmed and asked myself: “all these things, safe from what????
And in that moment the answer was immediate: “From God”. I said: “Gulp!” and began my task. I threw away all sort of things, but in a moment I paused because something different was happening. I was throwing away a lot of things without a sense of grief. In the past when I cleaned,I just re-accommodated all things again, and perhaps, sometimes I threw away one or two very useless things.
But this morning I was happily throwing and throwing and throwing away a lot of things. In that moment the Haa moment arrived. Maybe this is a symbol that maybe, just maybe I am a little less afraid of Jesus and I am a little more willing to give him or at least look with him all my dark stuff. Maybe is a symbol I am a little more willing to begin to throw away little by little all my dark and sinister stuff. Just maybe. But it was nice.
Lots of hugs and love, Lisi
Lisi, how wonderful is that to read.
I have a Haa-moment to:
lately I have had an inner ice-cold, like really being in icecold water, trapped. Looking at it with J was not helpful, but then i got the idea to extend Love to it – which means to me that I in reality was allowing Jesus to love that icecold part. And i saw how just looking before, when the agneda was to “look to get rid of” – it never worked – but when I look now, AND get the idea to allow H.S./Love/Me as love to be extended to it in my mind, the healing is almost instantaneous: this trickling warmth seeps in and ternsions leave.
I have had nightmares lately of insane people in my bed, and believe that those “soul-memories” live within that icecold fear – and instead of “remembering” anything at all, I juts notice the cold and bless it in this way, and it feels SO blessed, such an opoortunity to allow the Love to do it for me. AAAH!
I really enjoyed that story about house-cleaning, Lisi. Your words, “Maybe this is a symbol that maybe, just maybe I am a little less afraid of Jesus and I am a little more willing to give him or at least look with him all my dark stuff.” Just lovely.
Nina, I think your extending love to your fears sounds like a great way of reducing the obstacle to remembering love’s presence. Whatever the form it takes, if the technique helps reduce the fear and sense of judgment, and brings you back to a sense of peace and quiet and safety, then I think it must be taking you to a right-minded place. I remember Ken saying on a number of occassions in his recordings that we can take Jesus as our brother, or any other symbol of Love, as long as it represents a Love that is not of this world. It took me a long time to be able to accept Jesus as this symbol for me.
I like that idea more and more, the moment of “Haa…”, now that I see how it works in your lives.
Lisi, I did a similar cleaning last year. I saw all the stuff I threw away as the “..blocks to the awareness of love’s presence…”(Introduction) but I just got it on a deeper level that I put those blocks there when I read your lines ” all these things,safe from what???…answer…”From God” thanks for sharing.
Lisi I really loved your post that begins with -” Today I had a nice Haa moment.”
You are an inspiration Lisi with your humility and honesty and understatement…
What a wonderful healing experience….and it brings to mind an experience i had recently..
I had not long been back from my wonderful trip to America, when i decided to thoroughly spring clean my dwelling from top to bottom… I love everything to be in order and nice and tidy too but i usually live in a mess and have had to patiently listen to my family over the years beginning with my husband and and continuing with all my children, trying to teach me to clean up as i go along….It`s like they think i just dont understand that [rolls eyes}
Now i often have top to bottom cleaning frenzies but they dont usually last… hehehe…. and this one might not either… it doesnt really matter… but i did learning something big this time….
So i was sitting there gazing around at my sparkingly clean caravan, everything in its place and reflected that now that i have met Ken, I have nothing on my To Do list. Nothing else interests me … i dont really care whether i learn to play my ukulele or not.. There`s nothing i really want to buy, do, see. I have everything i need and want in “life”.
I have a secure pension. I dont have to work. I have no health problems and no relationship problems.
Amidst the inner panic that i watched rising out of the quiet, i suddenly realized that i keep my surroundings untidy to ensure that there is always something on my To Do list…… to purposely keep me away from Love.
We all have different forms of procrastinating is all.
.” There is nothing more painful or more vicious in our experience than the repeated choice for separation.”
“
Winnie, that reminds me of what every silent retreat-participant experiences – either in a convent or in silent Zen-meditation or – or – anything – the fear of silence, and peace – and the big space of don’t know what to do in this space, and no control –
and when the old monsters may come up to the surface, how do we greet them? who is my teacher?
Dear Winnie: Thanks for sharing this. It´s always great to confirm what Jesus repeats about a thousand times in the Course “We are just one and the same”. It´s really wonderful to confirm it. While I was reading your post a sense of togetherness invaded me. Thanks and this really hit: “There is nothing more painful or more vicious in our experience than the repeated choice for separation”.
Lots of hugs and love my sister, Lisi
I had a nice Haa! moment this morning while doing my daily lesson. I am doing the workbook this time with the companion of Ken´s, Journey through the W.K. and it has been an incredible aid for me in the sense of maintaining my vigilance around the day using the lesson of the day. It´s a good adventure.
Well, the last past days were really difficult in so many ways that today I awoke with the thought that I was sick and tired of all this. I washed my faced and went to the sofa to read my lesson. It asks for a quiet moment reflecting on: My mind holds only what I think with God”. Almost at the end of the practice I heard the thought, clear and neat: “All that this Course is about is honesty. Nothing that you are feeling or experiencing comes from the outside. You put it there, then, is it not madness to blame it?”
Probably I have read about this a lot of times but today I felt it sunk in.
Hugs and love to all villagers,
Lisi
Lisi, my ego uses tha fact that I have put all the junk here as a darn good reason to judge it: what an extremely idiotic thing to do – putting this shxt here – well and now you have to stew in it. I so wish that I could see the madness in it, but right now, I can’t – and that is waht I am forgiving. Phew.
Worst thing is that I hear it(most often) AND believe it – and knowing that this story of “me” is soo sought to be preserved, is a wonder to the part of me who just want to melt into Love.
AND I remember a post i wrote here not long ago – being exactly where you are Lisi, and L O V I N G it – now it seems like W H AT???
what a BIG split this seems – but seen with the eyes of Love, I have put that perception there too, to take my hope away…ahhh. Looking at that decision with kindness too.
Hi Winnie. I can so relate to your “to do” thoughts, and we share a similar lifestyle. I also have a secure income and a messy RV…although my mess is usually due to my reluctance (still) to get rid of “stuff” that I know I don’t need. Some of it has been just hanging around for over a year now, and I still hold onto it!
I go back and forth on the need to do something. At times I feel totally blessed that there is nothing I really need to do….at least not in the moment. Then that guilt wants to creep in and chastise me for things like not being productive, wasting time, not being vigilant enough in seeking out service opportunities, etc. etc.
It really is a perfect example, I think, of my inner peace being subject to which voice I choose to listen to. The sound of silence can be either scary or soothing….my choice.
blessings
zenbear
whoa zenbear…. you seek out service opportunities? not me no way… i hate being of service to others…what? i`m not kidding… When people ask me to dinner, i always say,” Do i have to help with the dishes afterwards?”……..and as for big acts of service, I am clear that i do not want or need to do any, other than my family obligations.
As for being productive – i have no desire to be and no guilt over not being. When people ask me what i do – i like to say “nothing … it`s what i do best “” Then we all giggle and they never guess i`m serious……ok my naughty self is showing…. {Damn ! and i`m trying so hard to behave}
But, it`s not as if i sit and meditate or have major spiritual conversations with God. I just potter and ponder and very kindly allow myself the freedom to do whatever i like. I dont ever push myself.
I am clear that i am 100% selfish and i`m so okay with that. I trust in the process and all that i see before my eyes is a meld of softness.
Silence never scares me but then i never seek it. It just lovingly creeps up and wraps itself around me to feel like the hug of a thousand friends.
Winnie.
When I think in terms of being of service to others, what I am reminding myself is that giving and receiving are the same thing, that the more I share love, the more I get. So I’d have to say it is essentially a selfish impulse, even when I do “good deeds” without taking credit for them.
As for the rest of your pondering…I can absolutely relate. There are times when I feel like I “should” be doing something more or something else; and then I get to quietly observe myself and be reminded that “shoulding” on myself is strictly a wrong-minded thought.
We also seem to share a comfort with contemplation. While I sometimes meditate for various lengths of time, more often I am content with silent contemplation….and as often as not, have no idea what I’m actually contemplating!
However…..today I must visit the dentist, and I’m having some difficulty with maintaining my peace of mind.
blessings
zb
Zenbear – hope your teefs don’t hurt too much. Someone pondered recently about a visit to the dentist which went well. Maybe a message above? Anyway, thinking of you in the dentist’s chair today…
Winnie, this was beautiful: “Silence never scares me but then i never seek it. It just lovingly creeps up and wraps itself around me to feel like the hug of a thousand friends.”
And you are being so terribly well-behaved! We’ll have to make an exception to our good behavior rule and just lash out once or twice, maybe. Otherwise people will get the wrong idea and think we’re always so sedate. If only they knew what we’ve been up to elsewhere… But this is a new and pristine place, and we’ll see how we can guide it along in a wonderful direction. Thanks for everything.