Losing My Friends
Do I Have to Let Go of Friendship on the Spiritual Path? — Q&A with David Hoffmeister of the Living Miracles Community
Question: I shared my enthusiasm for my spiritual awakening with some friends and now I wonder whether this was a good idea. I have been met with fear and judgment. I am open to hearing anything you have to say on this subject.
David Hoffmeister: Many of your close friends will not understand the direction the Spirit is leading you in. Using the metaphor of a deck of cards, as you let the Spirit “deal,” the witnesses that show up in your experience will reflect your new purpose. You will seem to be a wayshower to those who cling to the thinking of the world.
Your mind is loosening from what it believed about time, including the past and thus everything of the world. In A Course in Miracles (ACIM), Christ teaches: “I am under no laws but God’s,” (W-76.1), and “friendship” is listed as one of the ego’s make-believe “laws.” This undoing of the ego can seem a bit disorienting when it comes to friendships and associations. The mind loosens from loving in a “special” way and opens to loving as God loves, in a universal way.
Question: I understand… I feel that is true. My love has grown in a way I couldn’t have imagined and I know it will continue to deepen and expand. As far as friendships, I see the truth in what you are saying. I don’t try to hold on to the idea that everyone is going to accept or understand the path that I am on. The reactions of the world will not influence my decision because I know I am led by Spirit and I have made an eternal commitment.
David Hoffmeister: Yes, and it all comes back to the clearing and purification of one’s own perception. “People” act out the wishes of the mind, as if they are external to the mind. Those who act out doubt thoughts should be offered love and gratitude for bringing into awareness what is still believed unconsciously. As they come up, all doubt thoughts can be released forever.
Question: When you say “People act out the wishes of the mind as if they are external to the mind,” what exactly does that mean?
David Hoffmeister: The realization of enlightenment comes first with the realization that there is only one mind instead of private, separate, “minds” with “private thoughts.” Persons are symbols of what is believed, and that is why to forgive one person completely brings release to the one mind, and thus all are healed as one. ACIM puts it this way: “When I am healed I am not healed alone.” W-137.14:3 One mind is whole and complete, and the doubt (ego) about wholeness and oneness is what made the dualistic world of separation. The belief in separation makes it seem as if there is something “outside” or “external” to our one mind.
Question: Yes, it is becoming clearer. Thank you. Everyday I see more and more how the world is a trap for the mind. I really appreciate your love and attention during this time. I know we are all part of the one mind but I still like to say thank you.
David Hoffmeister: I am with you all the way, for we share the same Self, the same identity in Christ. It is our joy to rejoice together.