07.10.16 Unity and A Course in Miracles, Paul Hasselbeck

Summary

In this powerful discussion, the speaker explores the integration of Unity principles and *A Course in Miracles*, focusing on the shared themes of divine nature, the power of thought, and the ego's role in shaping our reality. Emphasizing love as the central force, they highlight practical applications such as the Twelve Powers of Unity and the use of affirmations and denials to overcome the ego. With a focus on self-awareness, the speaker encourages living these teachings daily, urging individuals to be their best Christ-like selves and embody love in every situation, transcending both spiritual and worldly obstacles.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker shares a favorite affirmation: 'It's another beautiful day of my consciousness,' emphasizing the power of consciousness in daily life.
• 😀 The speaker discusses their eight-year journey to write a book that bridges Unity teachings and *A Course in Miracles*, highlighting personal responsibility in creating change.
• 😀 Unity and *A Course in Miracles* both teach that God is absolute good, present everywhere, and that the divine is not limited to separate parts but is omnipresent.
• 😀 Human beings are seen as inherently good with a divine spark within them, as both Unity and *A Course in Miracles* emphasize the Christ nature within everyone.
• 😀 The power of thought is central to both teachings: Unity emphasizes that all experiences begin with thought, and *A Course in Miracles* stresses that what we accept into our minds becomes real for us.
• 😀 The ego is discussed as an aspect of the self that can either be a hindrance or a helpful tool depending on how it is used, with Unity seeing it as a neutral force and *A Course in Miracles* viewing it negatively.
• 😀 The speaker notes that in Unity, the body is not directly created by God but is an expression of consciousness, contrasting with *A Course in Miracles*' view of the body as a symbol of separation.
• 😀 The Twelve Powers in Unity are innate abilities to manifest the Christ nature, with the speaker advocating for a more practical and granular understanding of these powers to apply them effectively.
• 😀 Both Unity and *A Course in Miracles* stress the importance of living the truth one understands, not just intellectually grasping it, but applying it in daily life.
• 😀 The speaker emphasizes the importance of focusing on being the best Christ-like version of oneself, asserting that this transcends other spiritual practices and leads to a more harmonious life.
• 😀 In response to global turmoil, the speaker discusses 'chemicalization,' where old beliefs are stirred up as divine love surges into the world, encouraging people to remain focused on love and unity.
• 😀 The core teaching of both Unity and *A Course in Miracles* is that everything is either an expression of love or a call for love, and our response should always be love.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the speaker's discussion?

The speaker focuses on blending the teachings of Unity and A Course in Miracles, emphasizing the divine nature of human beings, the role of the ego, and the importance of living from a place of love and self-awareness.

Why does the speaker mention that the ego is both negative and supportive?

The speaker explains that in Unity, the ego is viewed as both a limiting force (the adverse ego) and a supportive one. The supportive aspect of the ego connects us to divine consciousness and serves as a doorway for divine treasures to pass into our awareness.

How do Unity and A Course in Miracles differ in their views on the body?

A Course in Miracles views the body as a symbol of separation and not created by God, while Unity sees the body as an expression of consciousness, created by divine ideas. Unity believes that the body is a self-renewing organism influenced by our thoughts.

What is the significance of affirmations and denials in the teachings presented?

Both Unity and A Course in Miracles use affirmations and denials as tools for shifting beliefs. Affirmations reinforce positive truths, while denials challenge negative beliefs, helping individuals align with their divine nature and higher consciousness.

What does the speaker mean by 'everything is either love or a call for love'?

The speaker highlights that all actions and experiences can be seen as expressions of love or as a call for love. This principle encourages responding to all situations with love, which is central to both Unity and A Course in Miracles teachings.

How does the concept of 'chemicalization' relate to the world’s current challenges?

The speaker explains that 'chemicalization' occurs when new truths stir up discomfort by challenging old beliefs. The turmoil in the world, like shootings and conflicts, is seen as evidence of this divine love surge, which is triggering these deep transformations.

What is the 'one thing' that the speaker emphasizes as most important?

The speaker stresses that being the best Christ-like version of oneself is the most important thing to focus on. By embodying love and spiritual truth, other concerns (like astrology, karma, or tarot) become less relevant.

How does Unity view the divine within humans?

Unity teaches that every human being has a spark of divinity within them, often referred to as the Christ spirit. This essence is inherently good, and by acknowledging and living from this divine nature, individuals can manifest their highest potential.

What role do the '12 Powers' play in Unity teachings?

The '12 Powers' in Unity are innate abilities that help individuals manifest their Christ-like nature. These powers, when applied at a granular level, can help clear the ego’s limiting beliefs and empower individuals to live in alignment with divine truth.

What advice does the speaker give for spiritual growth?

The speaker advises individuals to focus on proving the truths of Unity and A Course in Miracles for themselves. By integrating these teachings into daily life, individuals can grow spiritually, undo limiting ego beliefs, and live from their divine nature.