Three Types of Course Students
I have observed at least three different types of Course students:
Casual – These students come to the Course with firmly established beliefs, which can be anything from traditionally religious to eclectically New Age. They do not study the Course in depth. Rather, they take from it that which validates what they already believe and disregard that which conflicts with what they already believe. They often lead others to the Course by showing them the books or inviting them to study groups.
Practical – These students use the Course to better their life in the world. They tend to enjoy the Workbook and have a hard time with the Text. They love the effect that practicing the Course has on their relationships most of all. They are not so much seeking for Truth, but rather seeking to dream a better dream.
Awakening – These students love the whole Course and are hungry for it. They want the Truth because it is the Truth. They see the Course as the path to lead them there. They do not always recognize this about themselves and try to be more like the practical students, but “something” keeps nudging them deeper into the Course. They tend to be the most conflicted students, simultaneously uncomfortable and dedicated. They have much more profound experiences than either the casual or practical students and therefore experience a degree of inner peace the others do not.
Which type of student are you?
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Casual – These students come to the Course with firmly established beliefs, which can be anything from traditionally religious to eclectically New Age. They do not study the Course in depth. Rather, they take from it that which validates what they already believe and disregard that which conflicts with what they already believe. They often lead others to the Course by showing them the books or inviting them to study groups.
Practical – These students use the Course to better their life in the world. They tend to enjoy the Workbook and have a hard time with the Text. They love the effect that practicing the Course has on their relationships most of all. They are not so much seeking for Truth, but rather seeking to dream a better dream.
Awakening – These students love the whole Course and are hungry for it. They want the Truth because it is the Truth. They see the Course as the path to lead them there. They do not always recognize this about themselves and try to be more like the practical students, but “something” keeps nudging them deeper into the Course. They tend to be the most conflicted students, simultaneously uncomfortable and dedicated. They have much more profound experiences than either the casual or practical students and therefore experience a degree of inner peace the others do not.
Which type of student are you?
www.acimmentor.com
Comments
A practical student asked endless questions, enabling me to teach myself the Course.
Yeah, "something" keeps nudging me deeper into the Course.
I was really angry for 9 years after picking up ACIM. But I had experiences of true joy in the midst of that.
There is no "supposed to" with regard to what you think, do, or say. That implies a "right" or "wrong" way, which implies that guilt is possible. This may be what is paralyzing you. There is what is helpful, but you can only be guided by the Holy Spirit when you are moving - thinking, doing, saying. So don't censor yourself. Live naturally and bring the Holy Spirit with you. You will probably be in a neutral state most of the time. But when your peace is disturbed or you are confused it is time to turn to the Holy Spirit - "how should I think about this?" "what, if anything, should I do here?" "what, if anything, should I say here?" The "should" in these statements mean in regards to what is helpful for your peace of mind, not what is "right" or "wrong".