The Problem/The Solution
The Problem: We have taken on a personalized identity separate from Source and chosen to believe that we are this self we made up. This is the cause of all suffering.
The Solution: The undoing of our belief in this nonexistent personalized self. Once we undo the ego, what is left is our true Self. We remember what we are, Spirit, and where we are, Heaven. Problem solved.
The miracle does nothing. All it does is to undo.(T28.I.1)
In other words, the miracle, or right-minded thought, undoes our idea of what and where we are. The Course is filled with miracles, or right-minded thoughts, that if we accept them, will support us in undoing the ego. But the study and acceptance of the Course’s philosophy must be coupled with a Holy Spirit directed application in the world to undo the ego. This is what the Jesus lifetime modeled. No matter what seemed to be happening, he was able to remember that his personalized self, or anything “happening” to it, did not exist.
The Course says that this is a required course, that everyone will take it and our only choice is how long it will take us to complete it. That means that everyone will eventually learn that this individualized self, that we think we are, IS NOT REAL. Why? Because that is what God wants and contrary to the ego’s belief, He is Boss and what He says goes. If we remembered what we were, we would realize that is what we want too. Also, there is the little matter of it being the Truth.
So how do we undo the ego? How do we undo the personalized self? This can be a tricky proposition because as long as we are “here”, some part of us must want to be the special, separated self and will view any attempt at undoing as a mortal threat. This is why a close coaching relationship with the Holy Spirit is essential. He might direct us to do, say or think things that are uncomfortable. But the purpose, or “the what for”, of His instruction will always be the undoing of the ego. Remember that the purpose, or “the what for”, of the ego’s instruction is always to make the personalized selves we made seem real.
If our goal is to make our personal identity insignificant, we can look at our lives and see how close we are to our goal. It is no easy task in this world screaming for individuality and specialness to achieve ego undoing. How are you making your made up self real? Do you want to undo your made up self and get home to God? If we will invite Him, the Holy Spirit will coach us through the challenging task of undoing our ego. Eventually we will all remember that this tiny mad idea, this self we made, was never real and we will laugh. How soon we laugh is up to us.
Forgiveness is acquired. It is not inherent in the mind, which cannot sin. As sin is an idea you taught yourself, forgiveness must be learned by you as well, but from a Teacher other than yourself, Who represents the other Self in you. Through Him you learn how to forgive the self you think you made, and let it disappear. Thus you return your mind as one to Him Who is your Self, and Who can never sin.(W121.6)