Changing Lives Through A Course in Miracles from Douglas's blog

As the title implies, An application in Miracles is a teaching device. It teaches us what is real and what is not real, and leads us to the direct experience of our own Inner Teacher.

The Course is arranged in three parts: a text, a workbook for students and a manual for teachers. The written text presents the concepts underlying the Course. The workbook contains 365 daily lessons that offer students the opportunity to apply and feel the concepts on a practical level. The teacher's manual is presented in a question and answer format, addressing typical questions that a student may ask; it also gives a clarification of terms used throughout the Course.

On what it all Began

The Course was published by Sally Schucman and Bill Thetford, two trained and successful Instructors of Mindsets at Columbia University's College of Medical professionals and Cosmetic surgeons in New york city acim. Sally was the scribe for the Course, writing down in shorthand the interior messages she received. Bill tapped out what Sally wrote. It took a total of seven years to complete An application in Miracles, which was first published in 1976 in the united states. Sally wrote additional pamphlets. Her Song of Prayer was published in 1977 and the Gift of God in 1978.

Over the past 34 years, the popularity of a Course in Miracles has exploded and spread worldwide. It has been translated into 16 different dialects and more translations are in the works. All over the world, people gather with other like-minded students to see the Course together in order to better understand the Course's message. In this era of electronic and social media, An application in Miracles can be had in e-book format, on CD, and through iphone Apps. You can interact with other Course students on Facebook, Yahoo Groups, Twitter, and numerous other websites.

Experiencing and enjoying the Course

The Course is designed to be a self-study tool. However, many students find that their first interaction with the material is difficult and overwhelming -- the change in perspective that it offers is contrary to traditional thinking. Taking an starting class with a trained facilitator or teacher allows for a gentler opening to these new ideas and a more fulfilling experience.

There are many classes and courses of study based on the philosophy of a Course in Miracles, and even specific classes on key Course concepts, such as True Forgiveness or Cause and Effect. Such classes give students the chance to feel the theory and application of specific material more deeply. Through such deep experience, many students find the confidence of inner peace and the joy of knowing the Inner Teacher.

"This Course is a beginning, not an end... No more specific lessons are issued, for there is no more need of them. Henceforth, hear but the Voice for God... He will direct your time and efforts, hinting exactly what to do, how to direct your brain, and when to come to Him in silence, asking for His sure direction and His certain Word.