Leprechauns, pots of gold and other crazy mad beliefs

“It’s not what you don’t know that kills you, it’s what you know for sure that just ain’t true.”
–Mark Twain

If you’re a parent, your kids have undoubtedly accused you of T.M.I. It stands for “too much information.”

In ACIM Lesson 76 (I am under no laws but Gods), we learn that not only have we have picked up T.M.I, but that most of it is T.M.F.I. (too much false information).

In this lesson, we examine the strange and twisted laws to which we are bound. The Course calls it insanity to believe we must obey the “laws” of medicine, of economics, of health. To think we would starve without stacks of green paper strips and piles of metal discs is the height of madness.

These ridiculous laws play a big role in how we experience life. They’re like the kitchen junk drawer that’s filled with a bunch of forgotten items: a dried up magic marker, rusty scissors, old birthday cards from people you don’t even remember and keys that probably used to open something although you’re not sure what.

This lesson offers freedom. It asks that we clean out the junk drawer, that we examine the mad beliefs that run our lives. Here are a couple I’ve decided to abandon:

1. “It’s necessary to get 8 hours of sleep.”

Who came up with that figure? It certainly wasn’t Thomas Edison who liked to boast that he slept but three or four hours a night and that he sometimes worked for 72 hours straight. The Course in Miracles makes it very clear that the only thing that makes us tired is our thoughts. And, of course, our commitment to the mad belief that you MUST get eight hours of sleep.
That particular belief, of course, has been perpetuated by the pharmaceutical industry that has made a killing out of our mad beliefs.

I prefer this belief: “I always get the right amount of sleep.”

2. “If you’re overweight, you should diet.”

Ahhhhh, right? Whoever started that particular rumor should be marched to the guillotine. Dieting only resets your metabolism lower. It should be obvious to all of us that diets DO NOT WORK!! Except for the diet industry that has made billions off that big, fat lie.

I prefer this belief: “I can eat whatever I want and maintain a perfect weight.”

3. “It’s imperative to work your ass off if you want to get ahead.”

Over the years, this belief has self-replicated, mutated and spread throughout our culture. It’s so pervasive that many of us abandon our natural creativity in its service.

I prefer this belief: “The more fun I have in my work, the more money I make.”

The list of laws that hold us prisoner is long indeed.

That’s why today I am repeating (in my head, not out loud) over and over again: I am under no laws but Gods.

Wouldn’t be surprised if I even find that pot of gold.

Top of the morning, afternoon and evening to you on this extraordinarily epic Saint Patty’s day!

Pam Grout is the author of 19 books including E-Squared, E-Cubed, Thank & Grow Rich and her new book, Art & Soul,Reloaded: A Year-Long Apprenticeship to Summon the Muses and Ignite Your Daring, Audacious, Creative Side.