Review: Taking time out of a day to reflect
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 06 16, 2014
At the end of Margaret Curley Sanborn's book there is a bit about her background, not the usual resume material, but her reasons for writing this book. They deserve reading: They called me `an old soul" when I was a very young child. While I don't know about that, I certainly wasn't typical. Raised in a devout Catholic family, I sought answers to worldly questions through my religion by the time I was 5. Unfortunately, what I was taught conflicted greatly with what I experienced. As a result I was plagued by angst about who my Creator was and what possible purpose my life and this world could have. But I was also hard working and I buried myself in a career that while never satisfying my spiritual questions provided a handy distraction through volume of time required. Life events provoked more seeking as I approached my thirties. I doubt that was an accident. Nor was the sudden thought I had one night that I should read `A Course in Miracles'. Although I had heard of it I didn't know what it was, or what it said. I did know that it was a book. Having read it, numerous times now, I can say that it's definitely not for everyone. It was most definitely for me. Every question I had that could not be answered was answered in those pages. Initially, I couldn't remember what I had read once I closed the book, but while I was reading it I simply knew at a level beyond words that I was experiencing the Truth at last. Those Truths have reformed and informed my view of this world, my life and purpose. I have been freed.'The book, as the title suggests, is an offering of an inspirational thought for each day of the year, each quotation being accompanied by a brief comment from the author. She explains before the book opens that she has substituted the word `Creator' for `God' in order to appeal to those who are of other religious beliefs to enjoy the experience. A couple of `days' thoughts follow:Day 33What have you criticized today? Each critical thought separates you from Love and Oneness. You are Love. Be that.Retrace your day. What was the first critical thought you had today? When you woke up were you critical about yourself or your appearance, about the day ahead, about someone you would encounter? That first critical thought brings you directly back to the Ego's thought system. You will stay there until you consciously change your mind.Day 281Your Ego's lies are powerful only if you believe in them. They are nothing in the face of who you really are. Seek your Creator. Know your Truth.Paper tigers only look scary until you blow on them. Your Ego will send you both fun and fear to keep you believing in its world. When it comes to fear, it won't be so scary if you align yourself with your Creator. Nothing in this Ego-world can harm who you really are. You are much more powerful than you know.Books such as this are often overlooked in favor of reading poetry or running to the computer. Sanborn's suggestion is a healthy one - pause, read, reflect, and find some quiet peace. Grady Harp, June 14