By Karen Van Allen
One of the challenges in my life shows up as depression. I tried the conventional approach of getting to the root cause of my sadness. Maybe I could find a medical solution, make a change in my diet or lifestyle. I did learn what triggers an episode and tried an assortment of medications, but I still had to walk through the dark days. The experience did not change; I was just an informed, depressed person.
A Course in Miracles (ACIM) says, “The opposite of joy is depression. When your learning promotes depression instead of joy, you cannot be listening to God’s joyous Teacher and learning His lessons.” (T-8.VII.13.1-2).
What are the lessons that I have failed to learn? Lesson 193 answers this question, “These are the lessons God would have you learn. His Will reflects them all, and they reflect His loving kindness to the Son He loves. Each lesson has a central thought, the same in all of them. The form alone is changed, with different circumstances and events; with different characters and different themes, apparent but not real. They are the same fundamental content. It is this: Forgive, and you will see this differently.” Now I have a place to begin, and I ask to be shown the dark shadows that need to be brought to the light.
Forgiveness work is like climbing out of the gaping hole of depression. It feels like I was in a tunnel and have found the way to the surface. I am ready for the next step because I am not content to be on the ground level; I want to get to the top of the mountain.
ACIM says, “This is a year of joy, in which your listening will increase, and peace will grow with its increase.” (T-16.II.7.1). 2020 is the year that I resolve to focus on hearing God’s Voice. I will let go of stories that are taking up space in my mind; I will be faster to forgive; I will try to stay in the present moment and not worry about the future; and I will spend more time in meditation. I’m all in. Would you like to join me on this journey and create more joy in your life?
If you want to learn more about creating a life of joy, consider attending A Course in Miracles study group. We meet in the Education Bldg. on Monday nights from 6:30-8:00 pm. New and continuing students welcome.