.Introduction to our Course in Miracles Reading Group, Bel Air
facilitated by Dahlia Hirsch M.D. Upper Chesapeake Hospital,
TUESDAYS , 7-8:30 pm
Our format for meetings: (Scroll down to read complete material)
The purpose of the reading group is to study the Course material in a
way that will make it practical for people to experience less fear,
and more love, joy and direction in their lives I hope that the
Course in Miracles reading group will be another way for you
to look at your life, and enable you to experience miracles
every day for you and those around you.
It is my greatest pleasure and honor to be able to facilitate the Course in Miracles reading group. During the past 20 years I have heard from numerous people how much the Course changed their view of life and improved their situations. I am gracious for the companionship in learning and reminding myself how to release fear, and experience peace, joy and direction in my life. I am grateful for the gift of living more in the Now, and less in the past and future. I hope you too will have an easier and lighter journey, filled with laughter and joy by making the Course principles part of your daily life.
Welcome to the study group. If you have any suggestions or needs, please let me know. I have participated in about 10 different meeting groups around the country to learn, and have borrowed some of their formats. I am not a scholar, nor an expert- I do not have the material memorized. I merely study with the group, and the effects on my life have been profound. I do not require participants to prepare for the meetings. Some people do the daily lessons at home, which are highly recommended. Some people read the chapter ahead of time to get an overview. It is nice to have your own book, but this is not mandatory for learning. Whatever capacity you want to participate is supported.
The format of our group when I facilitate is: I allow a short period of time for people who arrive to get acquainted, catch up with each other, be comfortable with each other and exchange news. This bonding has been very much appreciated over time, and I believe helps people to learn. This begins at 7 p.m. An approximate period of 10 to 15 minutes of “mindful meditation” ( YOGA style), to clear our minds and set the stage for open mindedness and learning; to clear our chatter from the frenetic day and experience some peace of mind. I then open the floor for anyone who wants to share a story of how the Course helped them in a specific way during the week, or how it seemed not to help, or if someone wants assistance on how they could have used the course with a particular situation. These examples help all of us over time to apply the principles practically in our lives. Sometimes that will lead to discussion of a topic or a way of approaching issues from a Course in Miracles’ perspective. Then we begin to read where we left off in a chapter. We pause at each paragraph for questions or comments. I notice that this journey of discovery and discussion leads to many “Ahas” for people. It is these discussions that result in great growth for students of the course . It is like math—if you just get the answers and work backwards you will not learn as much as if you try to figure out the different ways to find a solution, and then get the answer. I believe that learning is a form of discovery, and that sometimes knowing the answer isn’t what makes you embrace change, but rather having a sudden inspiration or illumination which comes from the input of different people searching for the same thing. At times we may discuss the teacher’s manual, or lessons if helpful. Input from everyone is helpful and usually a lot of fun. Our learning is serious, yet very light-hearted and laughter is common. You can feel comfortable participating, but it is not necessary.
At the end of the evening we have a short healing prayer for those we know are in need. We close at 8:30 p.m. with a brief circle of intent, which summarizes in some general and specific ways inspired by the work of that evening what we wish to accomplish in our lives. It often incorporates a prayer for peace and love on earth, starting with peace and joy for each of us in our individual lives and experiences.
Several times a year we sponsor special guest speakers on topics. Past topics have included; How to Forgive, Finding Peace in all the Turmoil, Controlling Weight and Other Bad Habits Easily, Releasing Guilt, etc. Once a year we have a social get together, traditionally around the holidays in December. This is a sort of hootenanny- people bring food, instruments, and we sing from song books, dance, eat and drink, and enjoy each other’s company.
Suggestions to improve communication and assistance are always welcomed; that is how we incorporated the meditation which was suggested by a participant and generally embraced 8 years ago. Please address any suggestions to me; I welcome them. I am in attendance to facilitate most weeks; when I am not whoever is present will lead the study group. It may not always follow the same format depending on who leads in my absence. This has always worked perfectly, and often gives another perspective which may be helpful to participants. There are many good facilitators in our group. Things I would like to make clear about this reading group: What time you arrive—you are never late for A Course in Miracles meeting We start at 7pm and do try to end on time- 8:30. You are welcome at any time you get there. How often you attend- Come whenever you can and want to. You are always welcome. Some people come often and regularly, others when their schedules allow, others when they feel they need it most, etc. etc. There is always something to be learned, in a small or large group How much should you prepare —Our group is open to all people that want help. We are here to learn, each at our own pace and there is always something to be learned, even in reviewing—learning is a layered process. No preparation is necessary, although you may want to do the daily lessons, and read the chapter in advance. Newcomers are always welcomed. You may not understand everything right away; don’t worry. Those who attend regularly help remind themselves and reinforce how they wish to experience life. Money- All free, because of gracious contributions.
The Course reading group and library of tapes and CDs are FREE. Speaker series is free. Snacks are free. Contributions are welcomed at the end of the session, or tax deductible contributions can be made to Upper Chesapeake Health Foundation, for ACIM. Upper Chesapeake graciously contributes the space. Welcome to the study group. If you have any suggestions or needs, or questions, please let me know. Dahlia Hirsch M.D.410-676-9691
