There are a number of little gems in this section. The point is to learn to recognize and enjoy the process of creation. Jeshua says that, “Consciousness is your sandbox and you are creating castles. You have simply forgotten to enjoy them.” I do truly relate to that. I have taken everything very seriously and the ego must love that. As A Course in Miracles says, “Into eternity, where all is one, there crept a tiny, mad idea, at which the Son of God remembered not to laugh.” There are many references to laughter in the Course, but somehow I dodged them all as I contemplated my terrible mistake and all its painful effects.
Can I learn to relax, to know that I am safe, to know that I am God’s Son and this can never change? God is not afraid for me nor is he disappointed in me. He is delighted at my playfulness, and if I want to play at being serious, He is fine with that too. It is only I who suffers by this choice, and even that is only temporary and easily discarded by simply making another decision. That is the point of these simple exercises. They give me the opportunity to try on a different mask, to write a different act to my play and see how I like it.
Another gem in this section talks about my fear of what others will think. Jeshua says, “Who cares! For the opinions of others mean nothing, unless of course, you want them to mean something.” I delighted in these words from the moment I read them. It was like having someone hand me the keys to my chains. Jeshua gave me permission not to care. At the same time, he reminded me that caring was simply a choice, a decision that I had made. I make that decision if I want to, but if I do I will experience the effects. Every event is perfectly neutral until I give it some meaning. All meaning everything has for me is completely my responsibility and therefore completely in my control.
Jeshua ends this lesson by telling us to “…engage in the exercises with great zeal, with great joy, and above all, with great outrageous playfulness!” Not so long ago I would heaved a great sigh here because I did not know how to have fun, and I felt the resistance of fear at the thought. I am learning to let go of the seriousness that has governed my life and while I may not yet have decided to be completely free, I am really considering doing so. I am practicing in little ways and am learning to want joy and fun.
All quotes are used by kind permission of the Shanti Christo Foundation. To buy a copy of this profound book visit their website at www.shantichristo.com. I invite your thoughts and comments.