Out of the Box

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March 23, 2007 at 17:15:55

Out of the Box

by Dan Joseph Page 3 of 3 page(s)

http://www.awakeningpath.com

But those are meaningless opinions. They are as valueless as externally-directed criticism. "Questioning" them is the basis for many approaches in cognitive therapy – and many other inner healing techniques.

It’s a radical step to let this all go. However, in order to truly exit the box, we need to un-value the entire span of human opinion. We need to clear room for the inflow of true love and acceptance – an experience that completely transcends the realm of personal opinion.

Clearing the Box
As I sketched this out, the final step became clear. In order to fully step out of the box(es), we need to accept a fundamental truth. This idea is the basis of not only A Course in Miracles, but many other spiritual teachings.

Here is what really clears the box:

God’s opinion of me is meaningful. -- God’s opinion of other people is meaningful.
God’s opinion of other people is meaningful. -- God’s opinion of me is meaningful.

Another way to say this is:

We are inherently, fundamentally loved and worthy.
We are granted infinite approval.
We are completely acceptable.

Where is the value of human opinion, if this is true? Human opinion (either externally- or self-directed) becomes a silly game, like blowing smoke clouds to block the sun. We are forgiven, innocent, and loved – this is a fundamental teaching of A Course in Miracles. And it is also the focus of all truly helpful psychotherapy.

In order to fully accept this idea, we need to let it enter every corner of the mind – every aspect of perception. We can’t cling to our negative opinions toward others, while trying to be free of their opinions toward us. We can’t harbor self-rejecting, self-critical thoughts while trying to be loving and accepting of others. It all has to go, all together.

This is a goal to which I aspire. It takes practice; it’s not an attitude that always comes naturally. But what a great relief it is to be free of human opinion, and receive instead the unconditional, perfectly accepting love of God. All we need do is step out of the box.

http://www.DanJoseph.com

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www.DanJoseph.com

Dan Joseph has been writing about the connection between spirituality and psychology for the past ten years. He is the author of two books: "Inspired by Miracles" and "Inner Healing."

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