Posing a question . . .
By John on Oct 29, 2008 in Ponder This
Is it possible to find lasting peace and happiness during difficult, uncertain times? The answer is yes. Now please stay tuned for my next blog . . . OK. Just kidding!
A better way to phrase the question is: How does one find lasting peace and happiness during difficult, uncertain times? Of course, peace and happiness are not tangible. You can’t pick them up and clench them in your hand. Master Teachers have explained that happiness is a state of mind and has little to do with what “happens.” In other words, lasting peace and happiness are not found by pursuing worldly goals like fame and fortune. You might say, “But John, I would love to be rich and famous.” My response would be, “Yes, but your happiness will last only a short time.” There’s a long list of rich and famous people who struggle with addictions, depression, and thoughts of suicide—think Hollywood.
Remember the Country-Western song which points out that looking for love in all the wrong places simply leads to heartache and suffering? In the same way, it’s futile to look in the wrong places for peace and happiness. They are not found “outside” in a busy, hectic world. They are found “inside” a quiet, still mind. Prayer, reflection, and meditation are the means to attaining tranquility and contentment. The details are thoroughly covered in my book Truth’s Pathway to Peace and Happiness.
Much of the material I present is based on the teachings found in A Course in Miracles. Please take a few minutes to reflect on the following Course quotations:
- Be in the world, not of the world.
- Those who see themselves as whole make no demands.
- I who want peace can find it only by complete forgiveness.
- Be not afraid. God is not fear; God is love.
- With love in me, I have no need except to extend it.
- God’s will for me is perfect happiness.
- I am entitled to receive miracles.
- Let me be still and listen to the truth.
- I have forgotten who I am, for I have mistaken the body for myself.
- I will step back and let God lead the way.
- This day I choose to spend in perfect peace.
- The past is over. It cannot touch me.
- This instant is the only time there is.
- In the moment you forget to judge someone, healing occurs.
- No call to God can be left unheard or left unanswered.
Perhaps some of these quotations make sense, while others are confusing. That’s normal, so don’t be discouraged. I suspect that you feel “in your heart” the wisdom present in these messages—even if it’s difficult to fully grasp. Truth’s Pathway to Peace and Happiness provides an easily followed, step-by-step introduction to the profound lessons taught by history’s most beloved Master Teachers. My book is perfect for those who seek lasting peace and happiness during difficult, uncertain times. I invite you to read it, and to share its uplifting message of love and reality.
Glory to God in the highest!
John
2 Comment(s)
By bobbie harris on Nov 11, 2008 | Reply
John,
I have a comment about the 4th bullet point from the bottom:
THE PAST IS OVER. IT CANNOT TOUCH ME.
Isn’t that what a lot of people are haunted by … their past, their regrets or things they have had to get through. How do you say the past cannot touch me?
Isn’t it natural to be impacted by what your childhood was like or your life experiences you have lived through. What do you say to that?
Why don’t you write a post about that.
By John on Nov 12, 2008 | Reply
Bobbie,
It’s true that we are all shaped by our past experiences. That is natural. However, we should not cling to anger or guilt connected to events which happened in the past. We must forgive and let go of past grievances. We must live in the present moment of NOW–the only time that we ever have. The past is over. It cannot touch me. Don’t allow pain from past experiences to linger and spoil the peace that can be found NOW through forgiveness.
John