I first began to hear about A Course In Miracles through authors like Marianne Williamson, Eckhart Tolle, and Wayne Dyer. After checking the book out of my local library, I quickly realized it was not the type of book I could read in a few weeks! Quite honestly, I was overwhelmed just looking at it. And then a few months after returning the book to the library, it came up again in conversation with a friend of mine.

For some reason, that was the final push I needed to order my own copy of the book and dive in. Having studied comparative world religions in college, I considered myself a spiritual explorer. I grew up in the Christian faith, in a Congregational church that focused on Jesus’ message of love. And yet, in general, I felt disconnected and uncomfortable (at times even angry and ashamed) with many aspects of how I saw Christianity being lived in the world. I spent many years seeking to find a spiritual path that spoke to my heart. I felt I had finally found that with A Course In Miracles.

I began my studies with A Course In Miracles in 2007. For 5 years I studied it on my own, including practicing the Workbook lessons. I also joined a discussion group. Although I learned so much in this time, and appreciated the relationships I developed in the group I attended, I began to develop a sense of feeling disconnected and uncomfortable with many aspects of the Course community and what I realize now are some of the many “misconceptions” of the Course. I returned to exploring other paths, like the Toltec Way of Life, Buddhism, Sufism, and Contemplative Christianity, while still keeping with my own study and practice of the Course.

Towards the end of 2018, I discovered the Circle of Atonement and the Complete and Annotated Edition (CE) of A Course In Miracles. This edition has been a game changer for me. It’s hard to explain, but I felt more at ease with it. It seemed more relatable and more understandable. My understanding and practice has deepened. I feel like this version of the book, combined with the approach of the Circle of Atonement organization, supports me in learning what it truly means to be “in the world, but not of the world.” How to hold a deep knowing of who I am, and at the same time live in and engage with the world in a way that is aligned with Spirit.

My study and practice with the Course has been, and continues to be, a transformative journey for me. This is what led me to become a certified study group leader for the Text of A Course In Miracles, Complete and Annotated Edition (CE) through the Circle of Atonement. I also currently serve as the Prayer Ministry Leader, and am exploring the path of being a Course-based teacher and healer.