What Prevents Us From Choosing Peace? ACIM Inspiration With Anthony Gold podcast

3:25

In this episode I talk about how and why the laws of physics were made the way they are. And how that relates to all our experiences. https://livebeyondtheillusion.com/spooky-action-at-a-distance/ Support the show

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Lesson 62 - Forgiveness is my function as the light of the world 2:16

4 years ago2:16

2:16

In this episode, Anthony discusses the Course's definition of "forgiveness" - which has nothing to do with forgiving others for what they did to us. https://livebeyondtheillusion.com/acim-lesson-62/ Support the show

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Why Do We Care? 2:54

4 years ago2:54

2:54

In this episode, Anthony discusses why we care about things in the world. For example, why we get joyful or upset when our sports team wins or loses. https://www.livebeyondtheillusion.com/why-do-we-care/ Support the show

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Lesson 61 - I am the light of the world 2:21

4 years ago2:21

2:21

In Lesson 61 we remember how important our function is and to always be aware of how the ego will try to trip us up. We ARE the light of the world. That IS our only function. That is WHY we are here. https://livebeyondtheillusion.com/acim-lesson-61/ Support the show

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Lesson 50 - I am sustained by the love of God 2:27

4 years ago2:27

2:27

In Lesson 50 we learn about the ego, what it has to offer (hint: not much) and how we can make a different choice and experience perfect peace. https://livebeyondtheillusion.com/acim-lesson-50/ Support the show

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Hurt By Thoughts 2:02

4 years ago2:02

2:02

In the episode, Anthony discusses this line from Lesson 281: "I can be hurt by nothing but my thoughts." Support the show

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Lesson 49 - God's Voice speaks to me all through the day 2:08

4 years ago2:08

2:08

In Lesson 49 we learn about the two voice in our mind. One that speaks of fear (the ego) and one that speaks of love (God's voice). https://livebeyondtheillusion.com/acim-lesson-49/ Support the show

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What prevents us from choosing peace? 2:50

4 years ago2:50

2:50

In this episode, Anthony shares what we, who buy into the ego thought system, have in common with cult members. Cognitive dissonance. Support the show

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Learning to Forgive 1:47

4 years ago1:47

1:47

In this episode, Anthony shares some beautiful lines from Lesson 121 and what forgiveness truly means. Support the show

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The Memory Trap 1:43

5 years ago1:43

1:43

In this episode, Anthony discusses how memory keeps us trapped in the illusion. As well, how we can use memory to help escape from its insincere embrace. Support the show

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Working With Past Trauma 1:56

5 years ago1:56

1:56

In this episode, Anthony discusses overcoming past trauma and how well-meaning advice can often be non-loving. Support the show

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How Quickly We Forget 3:00

5 years ago3:00

3:00

In this episode, Anthony explores the nature of seeing every problem as it truly is, leading to an escape from all pain. Support the show

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The Case for Gentleness 2:59

5 years ago2:59

2:59

In this episode, Anthony discusses gentleness and how, in every moment, we can make the choice for the peace. Support the show

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Using Time to Transcend Time 2:55

5 years ago2:55

2:55

In this episode, Anthony presents a devilish experiment surrounding the parable of the Good Samaritan. He also discusses the nature of time and techniques we can use to help us practice our lessons of growth and forgiveness. Support the show

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On Self-Awareness and Awakening 3:09

5 years ago3:09

3:09

In this episode, Anthony discusses the nature of self and explores practices we can leverage to help us become more self aware and peaceful. Support the show

ACIM Inspiration with Anthony Gold

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On Self-Acceptance 3:19

5 years ago3:19

3:19

In this episode, Anthony discusses self-rejection, self-acceptance, and practices we can use to become channels for peace. Support the show

ACIM Inspiration with Anthony Gold

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Stroke of Insight 3:49

5 years ago3:49

3:49

In this episode, Anthony discusses the distinction between brain and mind -- and the real alternatives we choose between. Our choice in the mind directly correlates with our experience of either peace or pain. Support the show

ACIM Inspiration with Anthony Gold

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Lesson 48 - There is nothing to fear. 2:10

5 years ago2:10

2:10

In Lesson 48 we learn that all our fear - despite everything going on in the world - comes from our choice for the ego. And we can make a different choice. https://livebeyondtheillusion.com/acim-lesson-48/ Support the show

ACIM Inspiration with Anthony Gold

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Lesson 47 - God is the strength in which I trust. 1:38

5 years ago1:38

1:38

In Lesson 47 we learn where true strength resides, as well as practice exercises for reaching that place of peace. https://livebeyondtheillusion.com/acim-lesson-47/ Support the show

ACIM Inspiration with Anthony Gold

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Lesson 46 - God is the Love in which I forgive. 1:28

5 years ago1:28

1:28

In Lesson 46 we learn this provocative definition of forgiveness: nothing and no one needs to be forgiven, because nothing happened. https://livebeyondtheillusion.com/acim-lesson-46/ Support the show

ACIM Inspiration with Anthony Gold

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Lesson 45 - God is the Mind with which I think. 1:58

5 years ago1:58

1:58

In Lesson 45 we learn that the source of all thought comes from our mind. When we choose the mind of peace, all our thoughts will be loving, peaceful and inclusive. https://livebeyondtheillusion.com/acim-lesson-45/ Support the show

ACIM Inspiration with Anthony Gold

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Lesson 44 - God is the light in which I see. 1:44

5 years ago1:44

1:44

In Lesson 44 we learn that light and seeing - as we’ve come to understand those concepts - are actually their opposites. True seeing comes from within. https://livebeyondtheillusion.com/acim-lesson-44/ Support the show

ACIM Inspiration with Anthony Gold

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Lesson 43 - God is my Source. I cannot see apart from Him. 1:41

5 years ago1:41

1:41

In Lesson 43 we learn that when we are looking with the ego as our teacher - which, if we’re honest, is most of the time, then what we see is not reality, but rather delusion. https://livebeyondtheillusion.com/acim-lesson-43/ Support the show

ACIM Inspiration with Anthony Gold

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Lesson 42 - God is my strength. Vision is His gift. 1:25

5 years ago1:25

1:25

In Lesson 42, we learn that success is this course is guaranteed. Not through any strength of will of our own. But rather through the power of our source - to which we are always connected. https://livebeyondtheillusion.com/acim-lesson-42/ Support the show

ACIM Inspiration with Anthony Gold

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Lesson 41 - God goes with me wherever I go 2:28

5 years ago2:28

2:28

In Lesson 41, we learn that deep within is the remedy for everything that troubles us. We’re learning to connect with our source. https://livebeyondtheillusion.com/acim-lesson-41/ Support the show

ACIM Inspiration with Anthony Gold

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Lesson 40 - I am blessed as a Son of God 1:35

5 years ago1:35

1:35

In Lesson 40, we learn about why this lesson focuses more on reminding us to do the lesson that it does on actually describing the lesson. https://livebeyondtheillusion.com/acim-lesson-40/ Support the show

ACIM Inspiration with Anthony Gold

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How to Overlook Sin 2:23

5 years ago2:23

2:23

In this episode, Anthony talks about why traditional mechanisms to overlook sin don’t work and how we can truly see beyond error in a way that actually works. https://acimlife.com/how-to-overlook-sin Support the show

ACIM Inspiration with Anthony Gold

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Lesson 39 - My holiness is my salvation 1:52

5 years ago1:52

1:52

Our guilt runs much deeper than we might imagine. And it's the cause of all our suffering. But there is a way to escape it. https://livebeyondtheillusion.com/acim-lesson-39/ Support the show

ACIM Inspiration with Anthony Gold

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Lesson 38 - There is nothing my holiness cannot do. 1:47

5 years ago1:47

1:47

From the vantage point of the right mind of spirit, we experientially understand that there is nothing our holiness cannot do. https://livebeyondtheillusion.com/acim-lesson-38/ Support the show

ACIM Inspiration with Anthony Gold

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How Wrong I Am - Especially When I'm Right 1:35

5 years ago1:35

1:35

As much as I think my judgment is correct - especially when its based on logic, experience, and a strong gut feel - my intention is far from loving. Support the show

ACIM Inspiration with Anthony Gold

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A Simple Technique to Move Beyond Judgment 1:32

5 years ago1:32

1:32

Charity is a way of looking at another as if he had already gone far beyond his actual accomplishments in time. Support the show

ACIM Inspiration with Anthony Gold

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Lesson 37: My holiness blesses the world 1:16

5 years ago1:16

1:16

When we choose the mind of spirit, our bodies take on the holy purpose of channeling love and recognizing the sameness in everything. https://livebeyondtheillusion.com/acim-lesson-37/ Support the show

ACIM Inspiration with Anthony Gold

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Lesson 36: My holiness envelops everything I see 1:15

5 years ago1:15

1:15

Whenever we find ourselves judging anything, that's a reminder that we aren’t seeing the holiness that envelops everything around us. In which case, we can make a different choice in our mind and experience a completely different outcome. https://livebeyondtheillusion.com/acim-lesson-36/ Support the show…

ACIM Inspiration with Anthony Gold

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The Value of Giving Up Competition 1:44

5 years ago1:44

1:44

When I first started in the business world, I was taught (and I believed) that the pie was limited. If I didn’t take my slice, then someone else would. For instance, each year there was a limited pool of money for salary raises. Every dollar one person received meant there was one less for everyone else. Only a certain percentage of people could be rated a one - which was the top rating. This obviously cultivated a culture of competition. And while it may have produced increased output, it certainly led to a fair amount of disgruntlement. Yet this is the way much of the world works. And it’s intentional. Not just to drive conflict, but to keep us rooted in a mindset of lack and limitation. Even if we get what we want, there’s a part of us that knows deep down it’s at the expense of someone else. The guilt grows - often unconsciously - creating a gnawing sense of fear of losing whatever we’ve gained. Gain and loss teeter on the world’s precarious balance scale. But there’s another way of existing in the world - a different mindset - that leads to a completely different experience. Consider this quote from A Course in Miracles : “What your brother loses you have lost, and what he gains is what is given you .” When we see others as one with us - a shared purpose to awaken from a dream of hell - then all sense of judgment, competition, and lack melt away. And in their place is a quiet, gentle peace that embraces everyone. Support the show…

ACIM Inspiration with Anthony Gold

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Lesson 35: My mind is part of God’s. I am very holy. 1:23

5 years ago1:23

1:23

In this lesson, we are asked to search our mind for how we see ourselves. For instance, we might say: *I see myself as imposed on. I see myself as depressed. I see myself as failing.* Or, *I see myself as charitable. I see myself as victorious.* And so on. And then what we’re taught is that those are all unreal. We only believe we are those things because we’ve surrounded ourselves with an environment that seems to prove it. In other words, we made it all up. All our experiences, day-in and day-out, are intentionally architected to lead us to these images of ourselves - either positive or negative - so that we never question their source. And by staying out of the mind - or mind-less - we continue to reinforce this false identity. This lesson is helping us understand what real vision will show us. It describes our true identity, which is that our mind is part of God’s and that every one of us is very holy. https://livebeyondtheillusion.com/acim-lesson-35/ Support the show…

ACIM Inspiration with Anthony Gold

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Lesson 34: I could see peace instead of this 1:55

5 years ago1:55

1:55

This is one of the most commonly practiced lessons in the workbook. The reason is that it can be used in every single situation in which we’re upset. On the surface, it’s hard to imagine how we could see peace in the midst of a challenging experience - especially if we are clearly being victimized. How could I see peace when this awful thing is happening to me? But what this lesson is teaching us - and these lines are right at the beginning of the lesson - is that “peace of mind is an internal matter. It must begin with your thoughts and then extend outward. It is from your peace of mind that a peaceful perception of the world arises.” Consider the metaphor of a movie theater. When we’re watching a movie that is particularly well-written, acted, directed, and produced - we get sucked in to the characters and the script. So much so that our emotions resonate with the drama. We totally forget that the real us is sitting in the movie theater. In the same way, we’ve gotten totally sucked in to the drama of what we call life. So much so that we’ve forgotten it is not real. That it’s just a dream. And that’s what the Course means by “I could see peace instead of this.” It’s the recognition that the real me is sitting in the movie theater - so to speak - watching an incredibly engaging movie. As we practice returning to our mind (or, sticking with our metaphor, returning our awareness to the movie theater) - then we can use this helpful lesson any time we’re feeling depressed, anxious, or upset by remembering, “I could see peace instead of this.” https://livebeyondtheillusion.com/acim-lesson-34/ Support the show…

ACIM Inspiration with Anthony Gold

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How I Succeeded in Business Yet Failed In Life 2:02

5 years ago2:02

2:02

I used to measure my success as a businessperson by how well I could outsmart the market and competition. Armed with sufficient data and an understanding of human nature, it wasn’t too hard to create winning solutions. Yet I wasn’t happy. Instead, I was filled with dread and anxiousness. The source of which would elude me for many, many years. I eventual learned that what I valued as one of my most finely-honed skills was actually my biggest deterrent. And that’s judgment. My ability to judge everything around me - and myself - to such a degree is what enabled me to navigate the business world. If I had a chip on my shoulder, I would prove a naysayer wrong. If I could accurately judge a company’s weakness - which really meant I was judging the people behind the company - then I’d know how it could be fixed. And if I judged myself with enough criticism, I’d be able to generate enough motivational fuel to keep me working 100-hour weeks for years on end. Judgment was the best arrow in my quiver. And it made me miserable. I might have been smart, but I was definitely not wise. I really love this line from A Course in Miracles : “Wisdom is not judgment; it is the relinquishment of judgment.” By letting go of judgment - which doesn’t mean letting go of analysis - but by letting go of the emotional, psychological, value-based judgment of myself and others, an extraordinary weight was lifted from my shoulders. There is nothing more freeing, more sublime, and more joyful than the release of all judgment. It’s a practice worth cultivating over and over. Support the show…

ACIM Inspiration with Anthony Gold

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Lesson 33: There is another way of looking at the world 1:29

5 years ago1:29

1:29

Looking is one of the most prominent themes in A Course in Miracles . In fact, the book could easily be called "A Course in Looking." But, like so many other things in the Course, there is another interpretation for the concept. Looking does not mean seeing with our eyes. In the same way, vision is not about what our eyes see. Looking has everything to do with observing our thoughts - and, ultimately, understanding our mind. Or, more specifically, which mind we've chosen. So, today's lesson of there being another way of looking at the world means that we carefully consider our thoughts regarding whatever we see with our eyes (or any other experiences our senses report to us). It is our thoughts that lead to the emotions we experience. So as we practice paying attention to our thoughts, we get back to the source of how we feel in every moment. Whenever we're not happy or not at peace, this lesson is telling us that there's another way of looking - which in this case would mean looking with our right mind instead of looking with our ego. Our thoughts will always tell us which mind we've chosen. So let's practice paying attention to our thoughts in order to have more peaceful experiences. https://livebeyondtheillusion.com/acim-lesson-33/ Support the show…

ACIM Inspiration with Anthony Gold

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The Best Way to Make Tough Decisions 1:39

5 years ago1:39

1:39

Whenever I needed to make a tough decision, I would weigh the various pieces of data I had in order to drive to what I felt was the best conclusion. If the topic was something I considered to be substantial in nature, then I would often create a pro/con list for each choice I was considering. That would help me rank the better options over the lesser ones. And if I still couldn't come up with a final decision, then I would go with my gut. So how has that worked out for me? Well, in retrospect, despite my seemingly scientific, objective approach - I've made some pretty bad decisions. The reason is that I wasn't really being objective. More like selectively objective. My judgment of how I wanted things to turn out always crowded out the voice that knew better. It's not our brains that think and decide. It is our mind. Of which we have two choices: the ego mind and the mind of spirit. The Course teaches us that "the mind is the mechanism of decision." Whenever we judge or have a vested interest in the outcome, then we've chosen the ego mind. And our decisions will always lead us deeper into pain. As my choices often did. But when we choose the mind of spirit, the most helpful direction automatically flows through us with a guilt-free sense of ease. There's no better, more peaceful way to make any decisions. Support the show…

ACIM Inspiration with Anthony Gold

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Lesson 32: I have invented the world I see 1:33

5 years ago1:33

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Just when we thought it couldn't get any more challenging than yesterday's lesson - which was "I am not a victim of the world I see" - comes this lesson. There are multiple layers to this concept that the world isn't real. On the metaphysical level is the idea that in reality, we are at home in heaven. There's isn't even a "we" since heaven is a state of undifferentiated oneness, infinite love. But even on the level of the illusion - where we believe we are - this lesson truly means what it says. The world we experience is a shadow - or an effect. The cause is the mind. Said another way, what we experience in the world is the result of which mind we've chosen - either ego or spirit. When we chose the ego mind, we experience a world of pain, suffering, and perhaps temporary, conditional joy that will eventually end. But when we choose the mind of spirit, we experience a world of shared interests, calmness, and a freedom from conflict. And as we'll learn in upcoming lessons, by practicing returning to our right mind we can lessen the time between pain and peace. https://livebeyondtheillusion.com/acim-lesson-32/ Support the show…

ACIM Inspiration with Anthony Gold

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Lesson 31: I am not the victim of the world I see 1:28

5 years ago1:28

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This is yet another very challenging concept that is so hard to accept. What this lesson is teaching is that the world - and other people - cannot victimize us. One of the more popular lines in the Course is this: "Beware the temptation to perceive yourself unfairly treated." And then it goes on to say, "You cannot be unfairly treated." Clearly we experience ourselves as being unfairly treated. We have plenty of examples and lots of people who will agree with us. But that's the point of grievances - their purpose is to keep us mindless. To keep us looking for solutions in the world: by trying to make other people or situations change. When we recognize how this works, we can begin the undoing process. There's a line in this lesson that reads, "The inner is the cause of the outer." In other words, what's going on in our mind is what causes our experiences out in the world. So if we want to change how we feel, then we need to return our awareness to our mind, and make the choice against victimization and instead make the choice for peace. https://livebeyondtheillusion.com/acim-lesson-31/ Support the show…

ACIM Inspiration with Anthony Gold

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How to Effectively Deal With Our Problems 1:43

5 years ago1:43

1:43

Going through life has taught us plenty about grievances. All the times we’ve been trampled by the world can leave us weary. Bank account not where we’d like it to be. Bodily health not ideal. Family challenges that seem to regularly persist. Relationship problems. Fear or anxiety about the future. Anger or regret or shame over the past. The list goes on and on. Just when one problem seems to be solved, another one quickly takes its place. But what we’re missing is this: our pain is not coming from all those things going on in the world and our body. Rather, our pain comes from holding grievances. Consider this line from A Course in Miracles : “He who holds grievances denies he was created by love.” It might seem very hard to believe, but letting go of grievances in our mind returns us to a place to peace. And a helpful thought to remember is this: our goal is not be without grievances - that would be nearly impossible for us as bodies in the world - but rather, our goal is not to have any [grievances] that we want to keep. So the next time we catch ourselves in the grip of fear or pain, we can remember our connection to infinite love and say to the grievance, “No thank you - I don’t want to hold on to you any longer.” And then we gently let it go. Support the show…

ACIM Inspiration with Anthony Gold

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Lesson 30: God is in everything I see because God is in my mind 1:36

5 years ago1:36

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This is a very radical concept to those of us who grew up in any western religious culture. “God is in my mind.” We think of God as some powerful entity residing in Heaven who brought the universe into existence and somehow oversees the goings-on of various things - perhaps even including the fate of our lives and the entrance criteria into Heaven. But what if we have it all wrong? A Course in Miracles (and many other spiritual thought systems) teach that God is not an entity. Just try imagining the concept of infinite love. We can’t. We use words to approximate an indescribable state of never-ending bliss. And the way we can experience a glimpse of that wonder is by returning to our right mind - which is a reflection of that incredible state. In fact, everything we experience in the world is a projection of what we’ve chosen in our mind with our thoughts. And by closely watching our thoughts, we can tell whether we’ve chosen our ego mind - which will always show us a world of pain and lack and fear. Or if we’ve chosen our right mind - in which case we’ll see infinite love - or God - in everything. https://livebeyondtheillusion.com/acim-lesson-30/ Support the show…

ACIM Inspiration with Anthony Gold

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Lesson 29: God is in everything I see 1:00

5 years ago1:00

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This is such a beautiful lesson. Like many of the lessons we’ve studied so far, and many yet to come, it is difficult to accept. “What do you mean, ‘God is in this table?” In fact, the lesson suggests we will likely find the idea not only hard to grasp but even silly and senseless. But what we are asked to do is “to begin learning how to look on all things with love, appreciation and open-mindedness.” The fact is, we don’t see things as they are now - we only see them through our filter of judgment. But as we practice seeing the infinite oneness in everything, we will find our judgment lessening and peace increasing. https://livebeyondtheillusion.com/acim-lesson-29/ Support the show…

ACIM Inspiration with Anthony Gold

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How to Change What We See 1:42

5 years ago1:42