“When you really look at something ordinary, it becomes extraordinary.” –The Zen of Seeing
Yesterday, on a walking tour of Cadiz, we saw the ruins of a Roman theater built in 1st century BC. Seating some ten thousand spectators, it is considered to be the largest Roman theater ever built.
The thing that most floored me is that it wasn’t “discovered” until 1980. So for centuries, people have been walking over it, walking around it, walking by it never suspecting it was there. To be fair, a 13th century fortress was built on top of it. But still. The largest ever built!!!
It made me think of all the ginormous beautiful things we so often walk by, the miracles we so blithely fail to notice. How we build fortresses from our many grievances that obscure the radiant presence that is right here, available at all times, no matter what’s going on, no matter where we are.
That’s why the Course in Miracles talks incessantly about forgiveness. That it’s really the only way to finally see “the giant Roman Theater.”
Every grievance, every brother we refuse to forgive, every time we think life should be different than it is creates a fortress against the life that pours through us. Every certainty, every “but it really shouldn’t be happening” blocks the truth—that life is just so precious, that people are incredibly kind and that miracles are happening all around us.
My greatest desire is to let it all go, to surrender to this extraordinary moment. Right now. Right here.
#222 Forever!
Pam Grout is the author of 20 books including E-Squared, E-Cubed, Thank & Grow Rich and her latest book, The Course in Miracles Experiment: A Starter Kit for Rewiring Your Mind (And Therefore Your World)
28 Responses
Beautifully written Pam. And I couldn’t agree more.seeing the extraordinary in the ordinary is a wondrous and heartfelt way to live. 💗
The only rational way to live. Not to mention the most fun.
Thank you yet again, dearest Pam, for this pointer to experiencing the preciousness of life, of noticing what is. I am so grateful for you. 💗
And I am grateful for all you readers who keep responding to my musings.
Love you Pam!!!! We all get caught up in our struggle through life instead of the joy of living…. Thanks for always shining your light.
Thank you!! Love you, too!
Thank you, Pam. As always you bless us, bringing enlightenment to the day: a fresh approach to discerning the divine in what seems ordinary through forgiveness, keeping us on track! Enjoy your time in Spain! Love you. Love you! Thank you!
Love you. Thank you, too!
Beautiful! Thank you!
De nada, as we say here in Cadiz.
My bonus dad just died a few days ago of cancer that could have, should have, been treated when it was recognized last year. There is an underlying current in me that wants to blame someone for his senseless death. But I also know in my heart and through ACIM teachings that my grievances will bring no glory or relief. So, thank you, again, for the reminder to see Love.
That is so beautifully said. Our grievances will never bring glory or relief. Thank you!
As always, perfect timing!! 🙏🏼♥️
Thank you. I appreciate you in more ways than you can imagine.
Why thank you, sweet Vilma!!
Thank you for your inspirational emails Pam showing me how you found your light in our world after all you have been through. Thank you thank you!!💖
The light is so obvious (in everyone) once you start to look. Thank you for your kind words.
There was a quote in a huge box covering the article & the box couldn’t be moved, so I was unable to read the article. Very frustratiing.
Hmmm. That’s really odd. Sorry. It doesn’t look that way on my computer.
yes
Si! Si! Si!
So, so, so very true. I am in the process of replacing my current motor vehicle, which was totalled in an accident last week. This article is spot-on in helping me keep my focus on the positive aspects of this experience. Thank you for all that you are and all that you do. Blessings.
Blessings to you, too!
I love this imagery, Pam, and the wisdom that goes with it. Thank you! Gracias <3
Oh Mony, it is only because of you and Alberto that Jim and I are having this wonderful experience. We are forever indebted!
As you have pointed out, there is much emphasis on the concept of forgiveness as the Course presents it. I was just pondering the implications of one such passage (from chapter 27) the other day:
“Forgiveness is not yet a power known as wholly free of limits. Yet it sets no limits you have chosen to impose. Forgiveness is the means by which the truth is represented temporarily.
That’s quite an incredible story! I wonder what other amazing creations are out there (or within us) that are buried under centuries (or years) of rubble (negative beliefs) just waiting to be discovered. Thank you dear Pam for your words of wisdom that remind us that life is indeed precious and that when we let go and surrender to the present moment it is easier to see the miracles all around us. Amen! 🌷🦋☀️🌏❄️🌺
Amazing isn’t it!!! Thank you for writing and keeping us all engaged and on the path of love and forgiveness 💕
Dear Wonderful. That analogy is in the pantheon of the best ever <3