Without projection
there can be no anger, but it is also true, that without extension there can be
no love. -- "A Gift of Peace, Selections From 'A
Course in Miracles'" at p. 52
I had to ponder what the difference to me is in "projection" and "extension." I think of projection as a negative, as not attached to me, a throwing out; I think of extension as a positive, attached, a reaching out.
We are warned about projecting our outcomes and are encouraged to extend a hand to a fellow in need.
It's a real ah-ha to read that "without projection there can be no anger." But, really, aren't all feelings either projected or extended? Hate, a hard negative feeling, even when we think we are holding it within us, is flowing, seeping, projecting outward. Distrust, envy, jealousy...all the fears in fact. They form the basis of anger, and all are projected outward, at someone, something...and sometimes even ourselves. That's when they feel like they have a life of their own, walk up and slap us upside the head.
A similar process goes on with love, the basis of which is joy, gratitude, forgiveness, et al. Except that when we're feeling any of those, it doesn't enter our mind to hold those goodies in...each extends itself without our thought or effort. The best part is each draws the same back to us.
The book goes on to say: Accept only loving thoughts in others and regard everything else as an appeal for help.
I had to ponder what the difference to me is in "projection" and "extension." I think of projection as a negative, as not attached to me, a throwing out; I think of extension as a positive, attached, a reaching out.
We are warned about projecting our outcomes and are encouraged to extend a hand to a fellow in need.
It's a real ah-ha to read that "without projection there can be no anger." But, really, aren't all feelings either projected or extended? Hate, a hard negative feeling, even when we think we are holding it within us, is flowing, seeping, projecting outward. Distrust, envy, jealousy...all the fears in fact. They form the basis of anger, and all are projected outward, at someone, something...and sometimes even ourselves. That's when they feel like they have a life of their own, walk up and slap us upside the head.
A similar process goes on with love, the basis of which is joy, gratitude, forgiveness, et al. Except that when we're feeling any of those, it doesn't enter our mind to hold those goodies in...each extends itself without our thought or effort. The best part is each draws the same back to us.
The book goes on to say: Accept only loving thoughts in others and regard everything else as an appeal for help.
Now there's a high bar to aim for...but why not? A low bar
doesn't even require that we aim...we just trip over that. I do know if I set
that as my goal, I'll immediately fail. It is to hold it as my goal...then I'll
return to it ever so often and be amazed that I've gotten an inch or so ahead
of where I was.
Another cliché: It's hard by the yard, it's a cinch by the inch! I love those things.
Thank you.
Another cliché: It's hard by the yard, it's a cinch by the inch! I love those things.
Thank you.
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