“It is your thoughts alone that cause you pain… There is nothing in the world which has the power to make you ill or sad or weak or frail.”  …ACIM

As I like to say about my posts: They’re  mostly about subjects which are not of this world. They’re  about the uncommon. Those things which are hoped for, wished for, and then usually scoffed at and shrugged off as unattainable. In other words, they deviate from the normal thinking of the world.

And I’m so glad they do! For they convey thoughts, perceptions and ideas that come from a different Source. And again, I’m so happy because these different thoughts, perceptions and ideas are teaching me to Take the Road Less Traveled. A Road that’s well lit and steers clear of pain as it leads on to a whole different destination – a destination of Love and Life – not one of fear and death.

Now I ask you; what could be more different from the so-called normal thinking of the world than that expressed in my opening quote? How many can accept the idea, that It’s our thoughts alone that cause us pain?  And who amoung the human population, which is so infatuated with sickness and disease, would believe that, There’s nothing in the world which has the power to make us ill or sad or weak or frail?

I would venture to say, there’s not that many. But even so, the quote does provide some excellent food for thought, and if you’re willing, a whole new way of looking at things. In my view after looking at all the sickness, pain, suffering and the other negativities in this world, it’s time to look for a different road to follow.

Which road we decide to take is completely our own choice. But once we begin looking for signs to help us make that choice, then one road soon becomes a lot brighter than the other. It doesn’t take that much looking before the signs become as clear and readable as those portrayed in this image.

“When you come to the place where the branch in the road is quite apparent, you cannot go ahead You must go either one way or the other.”     …ACIM 

I keep repeating that my posts are mostly about subjects which are not of this world. But now I think the time has come to clarify some things. The first point that should be clarified is this: Even though they promote a Source that’s not of this world, they’re about practical information that, if followed, will improve our everyday lives. They’re meant to help separate ourselves from the negativity and misery of this physical world. And to instill within our minds the idea that we’re not separated from God.

The following description, taken from The Course, is of those who follow the road of the majority: “He seems a sorry figure—weary, worn, in threadbare clothing, and with feet that bleed a little from the rocky road he walks. No one but has identified with him, for everyone who comes here has pursued the path he follows and has felt defeat and hopelessness as he is feeling them. Yet is he really tragic when you see that he is following the way he chose and needs but realize Who walks with him and open up his treasures to be free?”

The road that most of the world is following  is the same road that they’ve been following since the beginning of time. It’s the road into darkness. A road built on a thought system that produces illusions and fear. It leads us from birth, growing up, growing old, sickness and on to death in the end – with fear and illusions as its only guide posts. Again as The Course says about those who are following this road: “…The journey into darkness has been long and cruel, and you have gone deep into it.”  

There are only two roads to choose from, both of which, have as their foundation a complete thought system. But right there is where any similarity ends. The Course explains: His (God’s) thought system is light. The more you approach the center of His thought system, the clearer the light becomes. The closer you come to the foundation of the ego’s thought system, the darker and more obscure becomes the way.

The other road is completely opposite of the one described above. It’s built on a Thought System that produces Light, Hope and Love. It leads away from darkness and toward Light – to Life, not death. Along the way you’ll find joy, happiness, health and all other good and wonderful things as your guide posts. It leads right to the center of God’s thought system – to the heart of Love Itself.

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”    …Lao Tzu

When you arrive at that place where the branch in the road is quite apparent then you must decide which one you’re going to take. But that being said, the first task is to get to that place where it becomes quite apparent. To get anywhere you must take the first step, as Lao Tzu reminds us in the above quote. On this journey into darkness which most humans are on, that first step consists of questioning everything you have learned so far.

The Course puts it this way, “Perceptions are learned, and you are not without a Teacher. Yet your willingness to learn of Him depends on your willingness to question everything  you have learned of yourself.”

We take that first step as soon as we begin asking the basic questions that most every person who comes to this world asks sooner or later, such as: Who am I? What am I? Where am I? Why am I here? How did I get here? Where did I come from? Where am I going? On and on the list goes.

The thing is, most people don’t take the next step. They accept the answers that the ego provides, and by doing so they never advance beyond the first step.

The second step is to call upon your awesome Power of Discernment concerning the answers you’ve received.

You have, in all probability, learned the answers that the ego provides to these questions. And if you’re less than satisfied with what your learning has done for you so far, then it’s time to discern and question everything  you have learned of yourself. 

It’s time to ask; has my learning consistently brought me joy – or has it brought me pain at times? Has it brought me health – or is sickness a regular visitor? Has my learning brought me release from fear – or does fear often accompany me on this way I have chosen? 

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Thanks for visiting, and until next time, think positive – You’ll find that Life is better that way.