A talk by Anna Powell
at the
MIRACLE CAFE
St. Mary Abbots Centre,
Vicarage Gate, London
W8 4HN
Thursday
28th April 2016
7
to 9.30pm
(doors open 6.45pm)
A Very Simple Course?
The Course keeps telling us how simple it is. The lessons
are simple, salvation is simple, your
part in it is simple. God's
teachers have learned how to be simple (M4
VI).
So why do we find the Course difficult? Why does it take
over a thousand words in convoluted sentences, and a mind-boggling metaphysics,
to teach us 'how to be simple'?
'There is a reason,' says the Course; but it is not talking
about any of the very obvious reasons we have for putting the book down, like the
sheer size of it, or the abstract, concentrated language that is hard enough to
understand. It is not just because the ideas are challenging to believe, and
sound mad if you try to explain them to anyone else; nor that its terms like
'miracles' and 'forgiveness' seem to hark back to an out-dated and
superstitious religious tradition, but then turn out to anticipate concepts
that neuroscientists are only just beginning to explore.
The aim of the Course is simple enough. A mind at peace is
untroubled, practical, light of heart. So that we may experience that for
ourselves, the Course simplifies everything we do and think. It reduces our
endlessly variable, multiple and complex choices to only two. Every second of
every day, we choose between only two selves, only two ways of seeing, only two
emotions, guiding us in two opposite directions.
But it is like the old riddle of the two doorkeepers. One
always tells the truth, and one of them always lies. How do you know the
difference?
We will look at how the Course helps us to distinguish
reality from illusion, giving us a 'problem-solving repertoire' of simple ways
to deal with anything we find
difficult. And we will look at what we find difficult in the Course itself, and
how it helps us to deal with that too.
Sometimes in teaching there is
benefit, particularly after you have gone through what seems theoretical and
far from what the student has already learned, to bring him back to practical
concerns. This we will do today. We will not speak of lofty, world-encompassing
ideas, but dwell instead on benefits to you (W133).
Miracle Cafe Evenings are fun, social gatherings with
buffet-style supper and a monthly speaker. The atmosphere is friendly, personal
and focused on A Course in Miracles. Evenings regularly
include meditation, prayer, live music from talented singer/songwriters,
socialising and networking, PLUS different speakers and activities each month!
·
* Be inspired
·
* Eat delicious food
·
* Browse our bookstall
St. Mary Abbots Centre,
Vicarage Gate, London
W8 4HN
Tube: High Street Kensington, Notting Hill Gate
Buses: 9, 10, 27, 28, 31, 49, 52, 70, 94, 148, 328, 390,
452, C1
Street parking from 6.30pm
Price: £5 cheaper if you book In
advance: £15 with dinner, £12 without.
£5 extra after Tuesday 26th April (2
days prior) and on the door.
Booking: (020) 3538 6163 or admin@miracles.org.uk
Enquiries: (020) 7262 0209 or info@miracles.org.uk
For booking and full details including location map, menu for the evening and information about previous and
forthcoming events see:
