Holistic Arkansas Support for those on a spiritual path or alternative lifestyle Page

Support for those on a spiritual path or alternative lifestyle
by True Alisandre, E-RYT, LMT

After studying A Course in Miracles (ACIM), I’m convinced that the concepts and practices contained within this system of spiritual growth & healing are some of the most powerful on the planet. With 55 years combined practicing yoga and massage therapy, I feel that A Course in Miracles provides what we really need at this time in Earth’s history. That is, inclusive ideas and universally simple practices that anyone can carry out in just a few minutes each day.

To be a Teacher of God (ACIM says are knowingly or unknowingly), just do the following each day:

Arise with the Thought of God

Experience moments of joy throughout the day

Reflect on God upon retiring.

By living in such a manner, we radiate who we really are --a beloved creation of a Beloved Creator. One of my favorite quotations from the Course is “Health is inner peace! At a gathering this spring, I offered this thought as part of a yoga practice:

Go within yourself for only 30 seconds each day and seek peace -- the peace within you!

Such action has been called meditation in the yoga tradition. After pursuing mind expansion (and what I thought was emotional freedom) as a young man through street drugs, I found that going within and becoming still, really worked -- and with no negative side effects!

During my studies of the Course in Miracles. along with presentations that have taken me to many places in the United States, as well as to the Philippines, I have found these sessions to be excellent group support in the tradition of a 12-Step group. These two groups differ in that in a Course group has an agreed upon premise. That foundation is that the answer to our problems isn’t found in the world, but within ourselves, and in how we look at the world.

Looking upon our world through the eyes of Spirit gives us an attitude of acceptance, whereas a perspective of judgment and criticism that comes from our ego’s past only keeps us in the proverbial “squirrel-cage” of guilt, anger, fear, and potentially violence.

The 365 daily lessons and 600+ pages of text contained within the Course in Miracles can be studied solo, yet since some of the concepts are so different from commonly held beliefs, that it is easier to identify the blame game, and to begin taking personal responsibility in the presence of a group.

As a resource to help you on your path of spirituality, I will share my personal awareness of weekly Course in Miracle groups in the Central Arkansas area:

Tuesdays

5:30 - 7:00/7:30
217 S. Johnson, Little Rock. This group studies mainly the lessons, and last from an hour and a half to two hours. Call Cindy at (501) 912-9490 for more information.

Wednesdays

6:00 - 6:50 p.m. Unity Church on Reservoir Road. a group just started in March, is randomly studying the three books: the Text, the Workbook, and the Teachers Manual, along with an inspiring time of sharing among approximately 9 members.

7:00 p.m. - Unity Center of Truth, 5025 Church Road (off Lawson Road in SW Little Rock)- The Course in Miracles group at this location has been meeting for nearly 15 years. A regular group of about six to ten people attend this group, and it has just finished reading the text.

Other Locations in Arkansas to find the Course in Miracles

For Mother Earth store, Norfork. Norfork, AR. and the other is held at the Unity of the Ozarks in Midway on Wed. @ 4 pm. There are other Course groups meeting in cities such as Fayetteville, and elsewhere in the state, and these groups can sometimes be found by going to "ACIM" on an Internet search and checking the national and international directories. Community Miracles Center & Miracles Distribution Center are two such directories.

Finally, remember that the Course says in its pages that it is one version of the universal course which states: God’s creation is guiltless, it is as God created it. Also, another key principle is that the Course doesn’t aim at teaching the meaning of Love, but in removing the blocks to the awareness of Love’s presence.