At our A Course in Miracles class the other night, we read a paragraph that refers to “stores where people buy an endless list of things they do not need.” That sentence jumped out at me for a couple of reasons.
First, because it’s one of the most concrete sentences in the Course‘s mind-bending 31 chapters.
And second, because we’re in the holiday season, when a lot of us have been spending a fair amount of time in those stores.
The Course makes the point that the things we buy not only aren’t going to make us happy—they’re actually robbing us of true joy. No matter how delighted I might be to get a juicer with lots of attachments, or how much fun my husband Bob would have with a night-vision camera to see what’s really going on with the critters on our front porch while we’re asleep, those things are just distractions.
What will make us happy, the Course says, is to remember the sanity and safety of Spirit within us. That true peace is always available, the Course says, even though we forget.
So, I’m thinking…what if I made out a different kind of holiday wish list—one that has no mention of a juicer?
It seemed like it would be time well spent, so here’s what I put together. What would be on your list?
1. Peace of mind. Remembering to ask for my fear-based thoughts to be healed in every moment so I can experience love instead.
2. Remembrance of the light within myself and everyone on the planet. Meeting myself and others with acceptance rather than judgment.
3. Remembering that we are never alone. We have divine guidance and help available 24/7…we just have to ask.
4. Healing of the fear-based thoughts in myself and others that create attack, violence, racism, hatred, and attachment to old hurts. Seeing every moment as an opportunity for forgiveness rather than fear.
5. An expanded capacity to be compassionate and warm-hearted. I defer to the Dalai Lama on this one. “We need to encourage an understanding that inner peace comes from relying on human values like love, compassion, tolerance, and honesty” he writes, “and that peace in the world relies on individuals finding inner peace.”
I have to say, making out that list alone feels like joy. And in a season of gift-giving, just think of what a gift your holiday list will be to you, your family, and the world.
Happy holidays!