I am not a body. I am free.
For I am still as God created me.
Bodies are limitations on our function and identity. They are not inherently problematic; the problem arises when we think we are bodies, and accept their limitations as our own. Then, suddenly, we are faced with sickness, death and pain. Then, suddenly, we are faced with the burdens imposed on us by the need to survive in a world of scarcity. Then we have to compete with one another rather than cooperate.
None of this needs to be so! Yet become trapped by our confusion. For all intents and purposes, we are bodies.
A Course in Miracles teaches us that the way out of confusion is through clarification. We learn what is true – bit by bit we learn this – and slowly discard what is false. In time, we build up a new thought system that allows us to more readily remember what Creation is, and what creating is (T-4.VI.5:3).
We are liberated unto remembering we were never “trapped” in the first place. And it all begins with remembering out intimate connection to God.
I am God’s Son. Be still, my mind, and think a moment upon this. And then return to earth, without confusion as to what my Father loves forever as His Son (W-pI.219.1:3-5).
The suggestion is that if we enter the space of stillness and reflect deeply on the promise that we are not separate from God because of what God is and we are, then we will pierce our ignorance, undo the illusion, and no longer be constrained by either.
Hence both this sequence of lessons and the second part of the Workbook, which encourages us to give our attention to just this reflection. It’s like if you study music for a long time – reading, studying, practicing – you are very devoted, very disciplined – and then one day your teacher says, now just play and gives you no other instructions. Find out what happens!
We are being invited to the direct encounter with God that was promised us early in the Workbook (T-1.VII.5:7)). One form that encounter takes is the realization – which we have been repeating these past few days and lessons – “I am not a body/I am free” (W-pI.219.1:6-7). We are making a clear and unequivocal statement about our identity, buttressing it with the equally clear – and beautiful – statement that our freedom from suffering, pain and death can be fully realized because we remain precisely as God created us (W-pI.291.1:8).
Today we are vigilant and clear. Today we speak a bold truth and hold it in our mind like a lantern on a high hill, so that we might not be lost, and might call those around us to relationship. Our Creator and Creation will abide no less.
