Thoughts that Illuminate
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My Thoughts are Causing my Distress
Legend has it that when Einstein was asked by a reporter: "What, in your opinion is the most important
question you can ask?" Einstein thought for a bit then replied, "I think the most important question that
you can ask is, 'Is the universe a friendly place?' This is the first and most basic question all people must
answer for themselves” Why is this most important question to ask? Because what you believe about
the universe (is it friendly or unfriendly) will determine what kind of universe it is for you. We can find
this answer written in ACIM; “Every thought you have either brings peace or war; either love or fear.” (W.#16.3:
1)
This idea that our minds are powerful and how we direct our minds determines our experience is an old
idea that is gaining new attention. In the Gospel of Thomas it is written: (106) Jesus said, "When you
make the two (thoughts and experience) one, you will become the sons of man, and when you say,
'Mountain, move away,' it will move away." In modern science we see it expressed this way: “Belief is the
“program’ that creates patterns in reality.” (Gregg Braden) or “The universe may be nothing more than
a giant hologram created by the mind." (David Bohm, physicist). What is the guiding force in all that we
see and experience? It is our choice in what we believe (think).
Recently I saw the movie “The Soloist”. In this movie, we meet the main character on the streets of Los
Angeles playing masterfully the violin. His amazing musical talent combined with his homeless status
intrigues a Los Angeles Times reporter. He wants to find the “story” behind this oxymoron; such talent
surely would be seen not in the Lamp District but on a stage filled with other great musicians. His story
leads us to discover that the man who creates beautiful music also hears voices that disturb his peace. In
one scene he is sitting with his head in his hands in agony listening and believing the voice in his mind that
says “You are of no consequence”. This scene had such an impact on me. I went home and reflected on
it.
I wrote in my journal “This is what I believe about myself.” As soon as I locked into this thought, the
emotions of anguish and hopelessness began to take hold. But before I could travel too far down the
rabbit hole, I heard another Voice say, “You suffer because you believe this thought ‘I am of no
consequence’. Give this thought to Me and I will purify it.” I experienced immediate relief and gratitude.
I did not need to know what the purified thought was because as soon as I heard the Voice for God I
felt only love. This experience reinforced for me the Course’s teaching that we have 2 voices in which
we can listen to. Each one guides our thoughts, but to different ideas of who we are. The ego's voice
said, “You are of no consequence”. I believed this thought and thereby began to suffer. The Holy Spirit’s
Voice said, “This is not so”. When I believed this thought all suffering was gone.
Einstein, Jesus in the Gospel of Thomas , Jesus in ACIM and modern scientist are all saying the same thing:
Our minds are powerful and it is what your mind chooses to believe is true that determines your
experience of the world (universe). “Your ability to direct your thinking as you choose is part of its power”. (T.
7.VI.2:6) How do you know which direction you have chosen? It will be apparent by your experience.
The Holy Spirit’s thoughts lead to peace and joy. The ego’s thoughts lead to pain and sorrow. It is our
choice which one we listen to and believe. Therefore, it is our choice what we experience.
What steps can we take to learn to listen to the Holy Spirit's Voice? We can begin to question the
thoughts that pass through our minds. What beliefs am I suffering from? Am I willing to allow them to
pass by without believing them? Will I allow another voice to speak on behalf of my innocence and value
established by God? When you find yourself believing an ego thought, try changing your direction.
Direct your thoughts away from disturbing thoughts and toward thoughts that heal. I have found the
easiest way to do this is by asking a simple question when I am suffering from my thoughts. I ask the
Holy Spirit, “Is this so?” and wait for His loving reply. The Holy Spirit only needs a moment of your
attention. With the slightest of invitations, He will replace this thought with one that reflects love.
“Let us be glad that you will see what you believe, and that it has been given you to change what you believe. (T-
31.III.6:1)
Written by: Patti Fields