Life reminded me, once again, of the peace that comes from loosening my grip on the steering wheel. Not literally the one on my car, but metaphorically, when I release the need to control or plan every last detail. This weekend, I hosted 8 lovely miracle workers from around the country for a mini A Course in Miracles Retreat. I could not be more pleased with the way everything unfolded. Any concerns I had about coordinating activities for 8 people for 4 days fell away as Spirit worked out all the details for us.
Despite recent news stories, each participant arrived safely with no significant delays or lost luggage. I’m so grateful that two of the participants decided to rent cars for the weekend so transportation was not an issue. Half of the group arrived Thursday afternoon, but with other preparations on my mind, I had not given much thought to dinner that first night. As we sat in the hotel lobby discussing options, nothing I suggested felt right. Then I remembered to close my eyes and ask for guidance. Suddenly, the Indian restaurant where my dear friends took me to dinner the day I moved to Sarasota popped into my head. When I suggested it, one of the participants said, “You just read my mind! I love to try Indian food when I travel.” The rest of the group agreed, so the 4 of them enjoyed their first meal in Sarasota at the same place where I enjoyed my first meal as a Sarasota resident almost one year ago. How appropriate!
That experience set the tone for the rest of the weekend. Everything flowed seamlessly from one moment to the next without much effort or planning on my part. There was one scheduled event. I rented a classroom at Unity of Sarasota on Saturday where we could gather for “A Day of Miracles.” Over the past few months, while reading the Course, I have been jotting down certain sections that felt like they would be beneficial to read together. I also envisioned some “Family Constellations” style exercises to go along with those sections so we could each have an experience of the teachings. Although we only had time to cover half of the material I prepared, I trust the sections we read and the exercises we did were the right ones. Each experience built upon the last. I had envisioned us walking the labyrinth on Unity’s campus to close our day, so we read the last section and did our final releasing exercise outside. I couldn’t have planned all the healing and miraculous events that happened that day if I tried! Once again, it was a powerful testament to what’s possible when I get out of the way and allow Spirit to direct the flow.
After “A Day of Miracles,” we went to my favorite Italian restaurant in Sarasota. I can honestly say they make some of the most delicious pizza I have ever tasted. The restaurant is not far from the beach, so I thought we could enjoy a spectacular sunset after dinner. Since that final exercise took longer than I anticipated, we were cutting it close to eat and get to the beach before sunset. My preference is to sit outside, but since sunset was happening in just over an hour, the first available table seemed like a better option. I was a little disappointed when we were seated inside, but our table was in the front of the restaurant next to floor-to-ceiling windows so it was almost like being outside. Shortly after we ordered, the skies opened up and sheets of rain came pouring down on the guests seated outside. They scrambled for cover as we comfortably sat inside finishing our pizza. I’m glad I didn’t get my preference!
That night, we missed the deluge, but unfortunately, we also missed the sunset. By the time we paid the bill and got to the beach, the sun had already disappeared below the horizon. However, we were in such a peaceful state of mind nobody was upset by this. We were still able to enjoy the breathtaking colors illuminating the sky and the calming sound of the rolling waves. The whole scene felt very surreal and dreamlike, which was quite appropriate for a group of Course students. No matter when I visit these gorgeous beaches, I always feel like I’ve stepped into a watercolor painting. This night was no different. It was the perfect way to end “A Day of Miracles.”
Not surprisingly, the rest of our time together flowed with the same ease and grace. It was a big endeavor, but I am deeply grateful that I followed guidance to put this event together. Thank you to those in our weekly ACIM Zoom Group who planted the seed for this in-person event to grow into fruition. And thank you to each of the participants who made the trip to Florida and added their miracle-mindedness which allowed everything to flow so beautifully. Not only was it a great reminder to trust the flow, but I know for sure that my capacity to give and receive love has forever been expanded.
Are you having a difficult time trusting the flow? Is the ego trying to take away your peace with incessant worry about every possible detail? It would be my great honor to help you pull the plug on the ego and reconnect with the guidance of Spirit during a series of Spiritual Coaching Sessions or a private Family Constellations Session. Both are powerful ways to gain tools to help you make a different choice. Please look around my website for more information and to book a session.
This week, go ahead and make plans. Just leave room for Spirit to work some miracles.
…you believe that without the ego, all would be chaos. Yet I assure you that without the ego, all would be love.
A Course in Miracles ~ T-15.V.1:6-7
