Changes

===Dialogue===

===Dialogue===

===='''''[[Body]]''''', '''''[[Health]]''''', '''''[[ACIM]]'''''====

===='''''[[Body]]''''', '''''[[Health]]''''', '''''[[ACIM]]'''''====

T: The first question I have is regarding my background in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_Science Christian Science]. I'm having trouble [[understanding]] what I [[perceive]] to be a [[contradictory]] [[emphasis]] in books like [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keys_to_the_Scriptures Keys to the Scriptures] and [[A Course in Miracles]] with [[books]] like the [[Urantia Book]]. On the one hand, Christian Science and [[ACIM]] seem to emphasize to me a very high level of [[understanding]] of a [[spiritual]] world, and seem to denounce the reality of a [[materialistic]] world. Yet books like [[Kryon]]'s book and the [[Urantia Book]] seem to indulge in endless [[speculation]] about [[energy]] [[forces]] and material forces. The involvement that S has with the [[healing]] energies, including her involvement with the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flower_essences flower essences] and the [http://www.healing-journeys-energy.com/Crystals-Creating-Gem-Elixirs.html#axzz1mJv8UEpQ gem elixers], imply these are crucial to her background in [[spiritual evolution]] and her understanding of [[healing]]. Can you [[clarify]] some of this for me?

T: The first question I have is regarding my background in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_Science Christian Science]. I'm having trouble [[understanding]] what I [[perceive]] to be a [[contradictory]] [[emphasis]] in books like [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keys_to_the_Scriptures Keys to the Scriptures] and [[A Course in Miracles]] with [[books]] like the [[Urantia Book]]. On the one hand, Christian Science and [[ACIM]] seem to emphasize to me a very high level of [[understanding]] of a [[spiritual]] world, and seem to denounce the reality of a [[materialistic]] world. Yet books like [[Kryon]]'s book and the [[Urantia Book]] seem to indulge in endless [[speculation]] about [[energy]] [[forces]] and material forces. The involvement that S has with the [[healing]] energies, including her involvement with the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flower_essences flower essences] and the [https://www.healing-journeys-energy.com/Crystals-Creating-Gem-Elixirs.html#axzz1mJv8UEpQ gem elixers], imply these are crucial to her background in [[spiritual evolution]] and her understanding of [[healing]]. Can you [[clarify]] some of this for me?

Olfana: You [[touch]] upon issues of great importance. We [[understand]] your [[confusion]] regarding these many [[questions]]. Let us digress for a moment. Can you allow the use of [[symbolism]], symbolic [[images]], to help you, perhaps, to [[comprehend]]?

Olfana: You [[touch]] upon issues of great importance. We [[understand]] your [[confusion]] regarding these many [[questions]]. Let us digress for a moment. Can you allow the use of [[symbolism]], symbolic [[images]], to help you, perhaps, to [[comprehend]]?

T: Yes.

T: Yes.

Olfana: Your [[consciousness]] is not only [[connected]] to this [[physical]] [[being]]. Much of your [[perceptions]] of your [[consciousness]] as limited to this body is [[illusory]], just as the rock appearing [[magnified]] is an illusion of light [[waves]] affected by the [[water]]. Lessons learned from the [[perspective]] of being in the [[body]] are a [[necessary]] part of your experience in this lifetime. However, you are indeed, so much more than what the body [[appears]] to limit you to, that teachings such as [[ACIM|the Course]], or the [[doctrines]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_Science Christian Science], [[encourage]] you to expand your [[perceptions]] past these body [[limitations]]. True [[essence]] of the rock is not [[modified]] by these perceptual changes caused by different [[viewpoints]] of it. Just so, your [[being]] is not limited by body perceptions. Higher [[truths]] [[surrounding]] the complete make-up of your [[being]] are not fully understood or widely taught on [[your planet]]. I might say, you have seen the rock from many different [[angles]] in the this cylinder of water. But, thus far, you have not reached in, and pulled out the rock, in order to gaze upon it, [[alone]]. The water surrounding this rock is [[representative]] of the many [[illusions]] or [[beliefs]] that exist in your philosophical doctrines. [[ACIM]] [[encourages]] you, as does the work of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Baker_Eddy Mary Baker Eddy], to see that these [[illusions]] can be [[penetrated]], and, through [[inspiration]], a clearer [[perspective]]--perception--of the true [[entity]] that you are, can be [[discovered]]. However, [[Dogma|doctrinaire]] [[interpretations]] that the body has no [[existence]] on the [[physical]] [[plane]] are also incorrectly stated--perceived.  

Olfana: Your [[consciousness]] is not only [[connected]] to this [[physical]] [[being]]. Much of your [[perceptions]] of your [[consciousness]] as limited to this body is [[illusory]], just as the rock appearing [[magnified]] is an illusion of light [[waves]] affected by the [[water]]. Lessons learned from the [[perspective]] of being in the [[body]] are a [[necessary]] part of your experience in this lifetime. However, you are indeed, so much more than what the body [[appears]] to limit you to, that teachings such as [[ACIM|the Course]], or the [[doctrines]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_Science Christian Science], [[encourage]] you to expand your [[perceptions]] past these body [[limitations]]. True [[essence]] of the rock is not [[modified]] by these perceptual changes caused by different [[viewpoints]] of it. Just so, your [[being]] is not limited by body perceptions. Higher [[truths]] [[surrounding]] the complete make-up of your [[being]] are not fully understood or widely taught on [[your planet]]. I might say, you have seen the rock from many different [[angles]] in the this cylinder of water. But, thus far, you have not reached in, and pulled out the rock, in order to gaze upon it, [[alone]]. The water surrounding this rock is [[representative]] of the many [[illusions]] or [[beliefs]] that exist in your philosophical doctrines. [[ACIM]] [[encourages]] you, as does the work of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Baker_Eddy Mary Baker Eddy], to see that these [[illusions]] can be [[penetrated]], and, through [[inspiration]], a clearer [[perspective]]--perception--of the true [[entity]] that you are, can be [[discovered]]. However, [[Dogma|doctrinaire]] [[interpretations]] that the body has no [[existence]] on the [[physical]] [[plane]] are also incorrectly stated--perceived.  

You cannot deny that one is seeing an [[aspect]] of the rock, even when viewed through [[water]]. Just so, seeing the [[body]] as a physical [[entity]] has some [[accuracy]]. [[Adjustments]] to the vibrational [[manifestation]] of your entity can indeed take place. And physical imbalances do occur. These teachings of such matters as flower essences, energy transmissions, and [[adjustments]] are appropriate to one level of [[perception]] of your being. You are not removed from the water yet! Therefore, within the boundaries of this [[perception]], the body needs to be dealt with. Indeed, the time comes when you are truly released from any [[limiting]] [[perceptions]] of your being as connected to a [[physical]] [[manifestation]]. But, it is the [[ideal]] which is striven for in [[ACIM]] or the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_Science Christian Science] teachings. Those who can release themselves from [[illusions]] of body boundaries can indeed create new [[perceptions]] of themselves--healed perceptions of themselves. But most [[mortals]] need to begin their [[comprehension]] of themselves at a level much more connected to the [[physical]] world. In the Course, [[Jesus]] says, "If taking a pill allows you to feel less [[anxious]], then, by all means, take this pill." There is much [[truth]] in this teaching. It encourages you to see that leaving behind your [[illusions]] of the [[body]] is a [[process]] that builds toward a final moment of [[clarity]]--just as one realizes by shifting [[positions]] and observing the rock, that these [[changing]] [[perceptions]] of the rock in the water are more the result of the water, than the rock. That moment of [[clarity]] liberates you to reach in and remove the rock from the water, to see it [[free]] of the substance which [[clouded]] your true [[perception]] of it! Just so, your release from illusions [[surrounding]] the body will come at the point you choose to remove your perceptions of your [[being]] from the body, which seems to contain it. We [[hope]] our attempt to elucidate your concerns regarding these issues has been helpful. We thank you for your patient [[attention]].

You cannot deny that one is seeing an [[aspect]] of the rock, even when viewed through [[water]]. Just so, seeing the [[body]] as a physical [[entity]] has some [[accuracy]]. [[Adjustments]] to the vibrational [[manifestation]] of your entity can indeed take place. And physical imbalances do occur. These teachings of such matters as flower essences, energy transmissions, and [[adjustments]] are appropriate to one level of [[perception]] of your being. You are not removed from the water yet! Therefore, within the boundaries of this [[perception]], the body needs to be dealt with. Indeed, the time comes when you are truly released from any [[limiting]] [[perceptions]] of your being as connected to a [[physical]] [[manifestation]]. But, it is the [[ideal]] which is striven for in [[ACIM]] or the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_Science Christian Science] teachings. Those who can release themselves from [[illusions]] of body boundaries can indeed create new [[perceptions]] of themselves--healed perceptions of themselves. But most [[mortals]] need to begin their [[comprehension]] of themselves at a level much more connected to the [[physical]] world. In the Course, [[Jesus]] says, "If taking a pill allows you to feel less [[anxious]], then, by all means, take this pill." There is much [[truth]] in this teaching. It encourages you to see that leaving behind your [[illusions]] of the [[body]] is a [[process]] that builds toward a final moment of [[clarity]]--just as one realizes by shifting [[positions]] and observing the rock, that these [[changing]] [[perceptions]] of the rock in the water are more the result of the water, than the rock. That moment of [[clarity]] liberates you to reach in and remove the rock from the water, to see it [[free]] of the substance which [[clouded]] your true [[perception]] of it! Just so, your release from illusions [[surrounding]] the body will come at the point you choose to remove your perceptions of your [[being]] from the body, which seems to contain it. We [[hope]] our attempt to elucidate your concerns regarding these issues has been helpful. We thank you for your patient [[attention]].

==Session 3==

==Session 3==

===Lesson===

===Lesson===

===='''''[[Mercy]]'''''====

===='''''[[Mercy]]'''''====

Now, we turn our [[attention]] to a lesson on [[mercy]]. “Mercy falleth like the rain.” How often this [[symbol]] of mercy [[flowing]] down upon our lives is used. This an appropriate [[image]], for [[God]]’s [[mercy]] showers down upon us unannounced, just as the [[spring]] rains refresh the flowers. This nourishment of His [[Love]], indeed, increases our [[growth]]. [[Mercy]] comes as a part of the [[natural]] [[pattern]] of growth, just as the rains nourish the flowers. The [[turmoil]], the [[challenge]], the difficulties of [[life]], are like the [[winds]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/March March] which buffet the new [[growth]] of spring. After these [[winds]], come the gentle rains, which cause blossoming to occur. We also recover from the [[experience]] of [[defeat]], demoralization, and [[thoughts]] of [[failure]], by the reviving [[energy]] of [[God]]’s love, which [[strengthens]] our resolve to continue on in [[life]]. This [[mercy]] from the Father allows for [[change]] in our lives, which opens up new [[possibilities]] of [[choice]] and [[direction]]. The [[waters]] [[flowing]] from the [[sky]] are indeed an [[image]] of this [[merciful]] love flowing down upon the [[events]] of life, causing new [[growth]] to come forth in our [[souls]] with this [[infusion]] of changed [[opportunities]]. Mercy alters [[attitudes]], [[feelings]], and [[beliefs]] also. When the cold winds of life’s [[difficulties]] buffet and sweep us into attitudes of [[fear]] and defensive [[protection]], again the rains of God’s [[mercy]] soften the [[earth]] and allow for new [[growth]] to move through our [[beings]], opening our [[minds]] to changed [[direction]], new [[goals]], and safe [[possibilities]]. This, then, defines [[mercy]] as the power of [[change]], the possibility of [[forgiveness]] of yourself and [[others]], the possibility of [[trust]] rising anew in your [[soul]], the [[attitude]] of hopefulness and resolve to attempt again those things which have thus far meant [[defeat]]. Mercy provides forbearance in your [[emotional]] make-up. It is [[God]]’s way of allowing [[transformation]] to continue in your lives when you would otherwise [[feel]] [[defeated]]. Mercy may be passed on from [[God]], through you, to others. You become a means by which His [[mercy]] can [[manifest]] itself in others’ lives. These times when you feel moved to [[mercy]] in your [[attitude]] toward others, never [[doubt]] that this is [[the Father]] working through you. Make yourself available to him as a conduit for this [[beautiful]] [[possibility]] of merciful [[change]]!

Now, we turn our [[attention]] to a lesson on [[mercy]]. “Mercy falleth like the rain.” How often this [[symbol]] of mercy [[flowing]] down upon our lives is used. This an appropriate [[image]], for [[God]]’s [[mercy]] showers down upon us unannounced, just as the [[spring]] rains refresh the flowers. This nourishment of His [[Love]], indeed, increases our [[growth]]. [[Mercy]] comes as a part of the [[natural]] [[pattern]] of growth, just as the rains nourish the flowers. The [[turmoil]], the [[challenge]], the difficulties of [[life]], are like the [[winds]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/March March] which buffet the new [[growth]] of spring. After these [[winds]], come the gentle rains, which cause blossoming to occur. We also recover from the [[experience]] of [[defeat]], demoralization, and [[thoughts]] of [[failure]], by the reviving [[energy]] of [[God]]’s love, which [[strengthens]] our resolve to continue on in [[life]]. This [[mercy]] from the Father allows for [[change]] in our lives, which opens up new [[possibilities]] of [[choice]] and [[direction]]. The [[waters]] [[flowing]] from the [[sky]] are indeed an [[image]] of this [[merciful]] love flowing down upon the [[events]] of life, causing new [[growth]] to come forth in our [[souls]] with this [[infusion]] of changed [[opportunities]]. Mercy alters [[attitudes]], [[feelings]], and [[beliefs]] also. When the cold winds of life’s [[difficulties]] buffet and sweep us into attitudes of [[fear]] and defensive [[protection]], again the rains of God’s [[mercy]] soften the [[earth]] and allow for new [[growth]] to move through our [[beings]], opening our [[minds]] to changed [[direction]], new [[goals]], and safe [[possibilities]]. This, then, defines [[mercy]] as the power of [[change]], the possibility of [[forgiveness]] of yourself and [[others]], the possibility of [[trust]] rising anew in your [[soul]], the [[attitude]] of hopefulness and resolve to attempt again those things which have thus far meant [[defeat]]. Mercy provides forbearance in your [[emotional]] make-up. It is [[God]]’s way of allowing [[transformation]] to continue in your lives when you would otherwise [[feel]] [[defeated]]. Mercy may be passed on from [[God]], through you, to others. You become a means by which His [[mercy]] can [[manifest]] itself in others’ lives. These times when you feel moved to [[mercy]] in your [[attitude]] toward others, never [[doubt]] that this is [[the Father]] working through you. Make yourself available to him as a conduit for this [[beautiful]] [[possibility]] of merciful [[change]]!

==Session 10==

==Session 10==

===Lesson===

===Lesson===

===='''''[[Patience]]'''''====

===='''''[[Patience]]'''''====

Tarkas: [[Patience]] is a [[virtue]] so [[desired]] by those of you who [[struggle]] with the [[difficulties]] of [[life]]. Patient [[actions]] are those which evoke a sense of [[relationship]] between you and those you wish to [[synchronize]] your [[efforts]] with. [[Imagine]] the image of those who work as a team gliding those [[beautiful]] boats...[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sculling racing sculls]...used by men at [[institutions]] such as [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harvard_University Harvard], where they have teams which row together. [[Imagine]] the [[development]] of [[patience]] and [[coordination]] which comes from such an [[effort]], working with your teammates to [[synchronize]] and coordinate the [[efforts]] that you make to move with the water. Patient actions are those which develop such a sense of [[consciousness]]--that your [[efforts]], synchronized with those of others, will cause the entire [[activity]] to move with more [[quality]], synchronized effort, and [[power]] of the combined [[energy]] working in unison. There is a laying aside of one's own [[agenda]], or sense of [[timing]], in this [[effort]]. You become [[conscious]] of your role as a team member. This [[patient]] sense of activity also [[recognizes]] the efforts of those around you as [[coordinated]] with you. You see their [[desire]] to work with you, not making the [[judgment]] that they are the [[adversary]], to be somehow [[conquered]] or subjugated to your own sense of [[timing]]. Now consider [[patience]] from the broader [[perspective]] of God's [[timing]]. When you allow yourself to see that the best outworking of [[events]] comes with [[guidance]] from [[God]], then you hold lightly to your [[plan]], your [[expectations]] of how things may go. It is not an [[abandonment]] of your schedule. It is merely an open-minded [[attitude]] that perhaps alterations to your [[timing]] schedule are [[the Father]]'s; and therefore, most [[welcome]] in the [[events]] of your life.  

Tarkas: [[Patience]] is a [[virtue]] so [[desired]] by those of you who [[struggle]] with the [[difficulties]] of [[life]]. Patient [[actions]] are those which evoke a sense of [[relationship]] between you and those you wish to [[synchronize]] your [[efforts]] with. [[Imagine]] the image of those who work as a team gliding those [[beautiful]] boats...[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sculling racing sculls]...used by men at [[institutions]] such as [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harvard_University Harvard], where they have teams which row together. [[Imagine]] the [[development]] of [[patience]] and [[coordination]] which comes from such an [[effort]], working with your teammates to [[synchronize]] and coordinate the [[efforts]] that you make to move with the water. Patient actions are those which develop such a sense of [[consciousness]]--that your [[efforts]], synchronized with those of others, will cause the entire [[activity]] to move with more [[quality]], synchronized effort, and [[power]] of the combined [[energy]] working in unison. There is a laying aside of one's own [[agenda]], or sense of [[timing]], in this [[effort]]. You become [[conscious]] of your role as a team member. This [[patient]] sense of activity also [[recognizes]] the efforts of those around you as [[coordinated]] with you. You see their [[desire]] to work with you, not making the [[judgment]] that they are the [[adversary]], to be somehow [[conquered]] or subjugated to your own sense of [[timing]]. Now consider [[patience]] from the broader [[perspective]] of God's [[timing]]. When you allow yourself to see that the best outworking of [[events]] comes with [[guidance]] from [[God]], then you hold lightly to your [[plan]], your [[expectations]] of how things may go. It is not an [[abandonment]] of your schedule. It is merely an open-minded [[attitude]] that perhaps alterations to your [[timing]] schedule are [[the Father]]'s; and therefore, most [[welcome]] in the [[events]] of your life.  

[[Patience]] requires a gentleness in your [[attitude]], a willingness to allow for [[quiet]] moments of [[contemplation]]. This gives [[opportunities]] for your [[Thought Adjuster]] to speak to you, to impress you with an expanded [[perspective]] of how you [[perceive]] [[events]]. Then there is the patience you show to yourself. This can be a great [[challenge]] at times. We can be so harsh in our [[judgment]] of our own [[efforts]]. This is not of [[God]]. The [[angry]], insistent [[voice]] saying, "This is not enough.” “This fails.” “This is inadequate." This is not [[God]] [[speaking]] within you! This voice comes from [[pain]], [[rejection]], the inability to see you in your full [[capacity]]. Do not allow this [[voice]] to speak for you. It is indeed a spirit [[poison]] which [[contaminates]] all that it [[touches]]. Let yourself realize that [[patience]] cultivates an [[attitude]] of good [[humor]] toward yourself and others. It is the [[desire]] to see your flaws, and others,' as the [[weaknesses]] that create the [[challenge]] for you and others in life. It is as if [[God]] has put these [[vulnerabilities]] into our [[natures]] with the [[intention]] of allowing us to remain [[humble]], and at the same time, recognize more clearly that we all, indeed, have [[growth]] yet to accomplish in our [[ascendant careers]]. You do not [[reject]] a blossom whose petals are only partially open. You say, "Ah, there is [[beauty]] in this flower and more beauty to come as it continues to open to the [[light]]." Take this [[attitude]] with your own closed petals. Say, "There is beauty here yet covered. But in [[time]], with [[growth]], this beauty will be [[exposed]] to the light." This is an attitude of [[patience]]. If you can offer [[patience]] to the growth of a flower, [[imagine]] the quality of patience offered by [[the Father]] toward you as another of his [[beautiful]], blooming creations! Does this hearten you to think of this example?

[[Patience]] requires a gentleness in your [[attitude]], a willingness to allow for [[quiet]] moments of [[contemplation]]. This gives [[opportunities]] for your [[Thought Adjuster]] to speak to you, to impress you with an expanded [[perspective]] of how you [[perceive]] [[events]]. Then there is the patience you show to yourself. This can be a great [[challenge]] at times. We can be so harsh in our [[judgment]] of our own [[efforts]]. This is not of [[God]]. The [[angry]], insistent [[voice]] saying, "This is not enough.” “This fails.” “This is inadequate." This is not [[God]] [[speaking]] within you! This voice comes from [[pain]], [[rejection]], the inability to see you in your full [[capacity]]. Do not allow this [[voice]] to speak for you. It is indeed a spirit [[poison]] which [[contaminates]] all that it [[touches]]. Let yourself realize that [[patience]] cultivates an [[attitude]] of good [[humor]] toward yourself and others. It is the [[desire]] to see your flaws, and others,' as the [[weaknesses]] that create the [[challenge]] for you and others in life. It is as if [[God]] has put these [[vulnerabilities]] into our [[natures]] with the [[intention]] of allowing us to remain [[humble]], and at the same time, recognize more clearly that we all, indeed, have [[growth]] yet to accomplish in our [[ascendant careers]]. You do not [[reject]] a blossom whose petals are only partially open. You say, "Ah, there is [[beauty]] in this flower and more beauty to come as it continues to open to the [[light]]." Take this [[attitude]] with your own closed petals. Say, "There is beauty here yet covered. But in [[time]], with [[growth]], this beauty will be [[exposed]] to the light." This is an attitude of [[patience]]. If you can offer [[patience]] to the growth of a flower, [[imagine]] the quality of patience offered by [[the Father]] toward you as another of his [[beautiful]], blooming creations! Does this hearten you to think of this example?