Miracle Impulses

J.B. asked: Can you better explain this very long sentence on page 16?...104 The confusion of miracle impulses with physical impulses is a major source of perceptual distortion because it induces, rather than straightens out, the basic level confusion which underlies the perception of all those who seek happiness with the instruments of this world.

Certainly! In this sentence, A Course in Miracles is explaining that there is a major source of perceptual distortion that arises when we confuse the impulses of miracles with physical impulses.

A miracle impulse is a shift in perception that allows us to see beyond the limitations of the physical world and into the realm of spiritual truth. It is a moment of clarity that enables us to connect with our inner wisdom and the power of love that is always available to us.

On the other hand, physical impulses are desires or cravings that arise from our physical body, such as the desire for food, sex, or material possessions. These impulses are based on the belief that our happiness and well-being depend on satisfying the needs of our physical body.

The confusion of these two types of impulses, according to the Course, is a major source of perceptual distortion. This is because it leads us to believe that our physical desires and needs are more important than our spiritual well-being. It perpetuates the basic level confusion that underlies the perception of all those who seek happiness with the instruments of this world.

In other words, when we confuse miracle impulses with physical impulses, we are reinforcing the belief that our happiness and fulfillment come from external sources, rather than from within. This keeps us trapped in the cycle of seeking satisfaction through the gratification of physical desires, which ultimately leads to disappointment and disillusionment.

The Course teaches that true happiness and fulfillment come from aligning ourselves with the power of love and connecting with our inner wisdom. When we can see beyond the limitations of the physical world and tap into the power of miracles, we can experience a profound shift in our perception of reality, and a deep sense of inner peace and joy.

J.B. Follow up question: so can I go without eating and be OK?

While the Course teaches that our physical needs and desires are not the ultimate source of our happiness and fulfillment, it does not suggest that we should neglect or ignore our physical well-being. The body is an important tool for our spiritual growth and expression, and taking care of it is an essential part of our overall health and well-being.

It is important to strike a balance between our physical needs and our spiritual goals. This means listening to our body's needs and taking care of it through proper nutrition, exercise, and rest, while also cultivating our spiritual practice and aligning ourselves with the power of love and miracles.

Ultimately, the Course teaches that we are not limited by our physical body or our physical circumstances, and that we have the power to transcend the limitations of the physical world through our connection with the Holy Spirit. However, this does not mean that we should neglect or mistreat our body, as it is an important tool for our spiritual growth and expression in the world.

J.B. Follow up question: So in the Bible when Jesus said "I have food you know nothing about" wasn't he refusing to eat?

In the Bible, there is a passage in the Gospel of John (4:32) where Jesus says, "I have food to eat that you know nothing about." This statement is often interpreted as a metaphor for the spiritual sustenance that Jesus received from his connection with God, rather than a refusal to eat physical food.

In the context of the passage, Jesus is speaking with his disciples after his encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well. The disciples had gone into town to buy food, and when they returned, they urged Jesus to eat. However, Jesus responds with the statement, "I have food to eat that you know nothing about."

Some biblical scholars interpret this statement to mean that Jesus was emphasizing the importance of spiritual sustenance over physical sustenance. Jesus was pointing to the deeper source of nourishment that he received from his connection with God, rather than relying solely on physical food for sustenance.

However, it is worth noting that the statement does not necessarily mean that Jesus was refusing to eat physical food altogether. In other parts of the Bible, there are references to Jesus eating and drinking with his disciples and other people. So, it is possible that he was simply highlighting the importance of spiritual nourishment in addition to physical nourishment.

Overall, the passage in the Gospel of John is open to interpretation, and the exact meaning of Jesus' statement may vary depending on one's perspective and understanding of the Bible.