“Here, they call you crazy. But in India, if you wake up one day and say, I just discovered I can talk to God, they’ll laugh and say, “Congratulations! What took you so long?”—Alan Watts
In case, you hadn’t noticed, there’s a lot of noise out there. So many podcasts. So many books and teachers and workshops. So many competing factions claiming their news is fact while the other guy’s news is a bunch of reindeer do-do.
It’s all a bunch of rehashed tropes stuck like old gum to the bottom of my shoe.
Surely there has to be a better method for separating the Divine Signal from the cultural din. Surely there’s an easier way to access the 24/7 Voice promised by the Course in Miracles?
I wanted something new, something true.
And that’s when I heard about this crazy practice that was used in the early days of Alcoholic Anonymous. Long before the Big Book debuted, Bill W. and Dr. Bob, the founders of A.A., engaged in a morning ritual they called The Two-Way.
On a daily basis, using a pen and spiral notebook, they personally consulted with what millions of folks in 12-step programs today call their Higher Power. In fact, the meetings which are now the heart of 12-step programs were considered secondary to this daily get-together with the Dude.
In the end, Bill W. concluded the Two-Way was a tad bit too woo-woo (probably not his exact words) for general consumption so it was omitted from the final draft of the Big Book.
Being rather fond of woo-woo, I decided—what the heck! Why not conduct my own experiment with the Two-Way?
What did I have to lose? I hadn’t felt that “Oh wow! Oh wow! Oh wow!” feeling for awhile. My spiritual practice seemed to be flatlined. What if the Two-Way could provide a way to tune in to a Higher Signal?
In the early months of my experiment, there was lots of gentle solace, lots of healing messages such as “Ya know, Pammy Sue, you’re really okay. Despite how you sometimes feel, you’ve always been deeply loved and wholly cherished.” It was reiterated that Taz is happy, on fire with love and that whatever twinges of guilt I might still harbor should be wiped away. Like now.
Eventually, I started getting bits of incredible insight, brilliant ideas and, as you can probably tell from recent blog posts, a game-changing new outlook. To say this odd, mystical practice has enlivened me is an understatement.
I’m sorta like Tigger, bouncing out of bed, eager to learn what new ideas will be dished up today.
The experiment is proving that when it comes to the joy and aliveness of spirituality, I was only scratching the surface.
So since you’ve asked and since you seem to be eager to give this new experiment-o-mine a whirl, it goes like this:
It starts with the following hypothesis: Anybody who wants can have a two-way conversation with their Source. Anybody who’s willing to open their mind and pick up a pen will be rewarded with an intimate, personal connection with something a whole lot bigger than themselves.
The time frame for the experiment is thirty days because a) it takes a while to get the hang of it and b) it’ll probably take that long for you to trust it. Eventually, the voice will start telling you stuff that’s so uncanny, so valuable that you’ll never stop. I mean, we’re talking consultations with the Universe.
Here are the simple steps:
- Set aside 10-15 minutes each morning before the day starts crowding in.
- Get a journal (I once did a Ted X Talk on how a 25-cent notebook was the most important book in my library.)
- Read something inspirational, a short passage, anything that touches your soul. No big surprise — I usually read a page from the Course in Miracles.
- Spend a couple minutes in silence, reminding yourself that you are about to have a chat with the most holy, loving, wisest (albeit disembodied) voice in the world.
- Using your imagination (this was something Carl Jung suggested to Bill W) and allow the voice to speak. Father Bill W, the AA historian I mentioned, suggests starting with a term of endearment. My Cosmic Concierge, for example, often calls me sweet little Pammy Sue.
- Then let the words flow. Simply listen. And write.
You’ll probably doubt what’s being said at first and that’s okay. Just keep going. Just keep using your imagination.
I’ll probably add some instructions in the coming days. But for now, just remember, it is virtually impossible to do it wrong.
I’d love to hear from you in the comments section below.
Here’s to love and surrender and experiencing deep peace and joy.
#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)
157 Responses
I will give it a try Pam
Awesome!
I knew it!!! This is an awesome practice. The results are usually so loving and unexpected and helpful…I could go on.
Loving and unexpected–the perfect description.
Dear Pam
I have for 40 years wrote the word love in a beautiful blank very large book. Now as a grandmother of 7, under the age of 7, I continue my love writing, mixed in with some thoughts. I do write with pen, then use coloured pencils to colour the word Love. I have many “put up with situations in my life.” But with constant practise I am able to remain sane. AKA HOPEFUL, that this truly is a loving planet.
You are suggestion a great practise. Thank you
With respect
Marianne
In Canada
Marianne, this is a beautiful practice.
What a fabulous practice! Thank you for sharing. And, yes, it is truly a loving planet.
Thank you so much for sharing this with us, Pam! I’m so looking forward to starting this daily practice!
One question, I type faster than I write with a pen and I wondered, do you think it would make a difference to type daily versus writing in a notebook? THANKS!
I believe in doing everything however you want to do it. I believe the official two-way suggests doing it by hand. But, again, make this YOUR practice.
I’ve been doing something like this for 30-odd years now and yes, it’s the most helpful possible practice. At first, I used to check every message YES/NO? with a pendulum, but eventually, I just could feel when I’m “in the flow” and relax into it. I don’t do it every day, unless I’m going through really tough times and I need that extra guidance, but I quite often do it now for an hour or more. I’m often awake at 3am (insomnia) and I’ve found that’s a wonderful time to connect because the mind-energy around in the environment is mostly asleep. And -In my experience – it just keeps on being more and more mind-blowing. Best wishes for your future amazement and astoundedness!
I love the idea of future amazement and astoundedness. Thanks !!!
Good morning Pam and thank you again for providing brilliant insights. I have been a member of the fellowship of AA for 30 years and had never heard of this practise. I will be using it and passing it on to my fellow members for sure. This comes at a very opportune moment as one of my siblings is between life and death in hospital and the prognosi isn’t good. I need all the help I can get. Thank God for the fellowship and the lifelong friends I made there and thank God for the gift of you, Pammy Sue
Evidently lots of AA groups have never heard of it. I’ve heard that in Akron, where Doctor Bob lived, they still practice it. But as Bill W. said, he later regretted they took it out of the final draft, because it proved so effective.
I really love
Yes, you do!!! We all do…we’re just not aware of it sometimes.
Thanks Pam for reminding me of this simple thing. I did this every morning for years, but life got in the way. Guess what? Thanks to you I’m starting again today!
Welcome back!!!
Does the writing have to be in a notebook…can it be on a laptop?
I’ve been doing it for years on my laptop.
Totally up to you. That’s always my answer.
I’ve been doing this for years before writing my blog each morning – your books are one of my muses. My main addition needs to be handwritten instead of typing on a computer – from the heart to the hand to the page. Once you get the hang of it, it’s basically like you’re taking dictation from the Heavens.
DUNN! No wonder your write such beautiful essays!
I’ll give this a go. All my conversations with The Dude have felt rather one-sided so far. Would be great to get a tangible response
Try it for 30 days. And use your imagination! Eventually you’ll get very tangible responses.
Thank you, Pam, I never knew about the “Two Way Prayer” morning ritual. What a fruitful spiritual practice gift!
Yes, listening is so important.
Something pulled me to click on this post in my Twitter/X feed. I usually don’t see you there. This is meant for me to try. I am in the middle of writing a book and was wondering how to connect to get God’s guidance on what to write. That was quite a fast response! Thank you.
That’s how it works, my friend!
This is a great reminder, I was doing this for a while and loved being told you are loved etc. 30 days sounds like divine timing to me. Thank you!
You are DEFINITELY loved!!
Yayyyy!!!! 🥳Can’t wait to get started 🤩Let’s Gooo!!! 🎉
Go team!!!
Oh Boyyyy! GULP!
Ya mean it’s that simple?
I meditate every morning; I’ll start writing immediately after to see what comes.
I can’t wait to feel like TIGGER too!
Love and Blessings!
Tiggers R Us!!!!
Thank you Pam
I’ve started this practice consistently for about 3 months now. The wisdom that comes through is profound! I don’t know what I’m writing when I start and I close my notebook and can’t wait to read what was written that evening when I get home. Just started the 5 minute centering last week before doing so and it really helps to clear the thoughts before I start. I look forward to more insights you have coming!
Also Looking forward to reading the course in miracles! I attempted the original texts and found it to complicated! I’ll order your book this afternoon.
Thank you for keeping me on my path with your books and blog!
Cindy
You are so very welcome!
This is so exciting. I had no idea that it existed. I can’t wait to try it. Thanks so much.
Let me know!
Thank you! This is fun and exciting!
Just do it!! Or better just let the light flow through the pen 🙂
I gave it a try today. The big dude gave me some foundation rules 🙂 Love it!!!
That’s so perfect. The foundation rules might be different for everyone. It’s a personal thing.
Hi Pam!
Not to be Johnny Raincloud but I did a program Your Year of Miracles several years ago and Marci Shimoff and Dr Sue Morter suggested this.
So I tried it for a month and everything my voice said ended up being rubbish.
Clearing I was doing something wrong? It was like I was just writing down stuff I wanted to hear not necessarily any true guidance from Source??
I’m game to try again but any pointers to avoid the last results would be appreciated!! I really want to get this because I do believe it can work.
Thank you so much, you’re the best and if you and everyone else here are getting such awesomeness then so can I!!
Happy day and much love to you and everyone else on this amazing journey!!
Hi Hilary–I would suggest using your imagination. We limit ourselves so much and to work that muscle, it helps to use a bit of creativity. Or better yet, ask the Voice.
Joining you dear Pammy Sue❤️💫
Awesome!!!!
my spiritual reading was from the way of mastery. I opened randomly to a page that took me to a meditation to a tune to God perfect
And the writing came very easily. Thank you. I’m in for at least 30 days. Lots of love
So glad to hear it. I’m a big Way of Mastery fan, as well.
Thank you Pam! I’m in! I’ve been in Elizabeth Gilbert’s Letter from Love group and this is very similar. Have I been doing it every day? Ummmmmm. I’m committing to NOW!
Someone else just told me about Elizabeth Gilbert’s Letter from Love. I’ve since subscribed. How fabulous!!!!
Yes Yes Yes YES! I’ll grab a journal from my stockpile of new, inexpensive journals for things such as this and see what comes after my daily sojourn with ACIM (I’m on year 2 – decided to read the workbook first in year 1 and now I’m reading the text. WOW! I hope the more I read about ditching the EGO the better I will listen!)
Thanks a million for this share Pam! Thank you, thank you, thank you (hands in prayer).
I keep a stockpile, too. And I love the ACIM text, as well.
It’s funny because I’m doing this daily meditation with Dr. Dispenza and one of the things that I wanted was a mystical experience… well here comes Pam Grout & answers what I asked!!! Thank you so much Pam, I got my notebook now is time to get to writing starting tomorrow morning….
I also started your Course in Miracles practice 2 days ago and this seems like an awesome compliment to that…. So again thanks Pam!!!
Great minds do think alike!
I’m in, I’ve had success from automatic writing in the past. We were just talking in our Possibility Posse group about experiencing Joy and so many “practices” surfaced. I noted the word, practice! yes, 30 days, then 30 more, then 30 more! Thanks so much
Yea, practice doesn’t seem like the exact right word. More like playtime with a friend.
Pam, you are our spiritual cheerleader! As Course followers since 1987, my husband and I are also experiencing the 2-Way communication link. Your kind, funny, exuberant messages help to both lift us and ground us..reminding us of who we really are. You have become a part of our daily repertoire
.
So happy to be part of your daily repertoire!
YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES!!!
I’m on it!!!
Thank you for this!
Excited for it ALLLL!
With GREAT LOVE!
Kate
YES!! YES!! YES!!!!!!!!!!
Love you, Pam. I did your Course in Miracles Experiment for a year, and it changed my life. Last September I had to have life altering surgery (I know why I created it!) I have found it difficult to get back in the habit of journaling each morning. This is just the jump start I need. Thank you, thank you, thank you. You make my life more joyful!
Much love,
Ronnie
Jumpstarts are my thing.
Oh, thank you for this reminder. It was probably TEN years ago that I lead a small group (all from recovery circles) and we journaled this way. The results? Refreshing new perspectives full of gusto!! Time to do it again! I welcome nudges from the Universe and how it speaks so fabulously through you! Much love! 🩷
Debby Handrich
Refreshing new perspectives full of gusto!!! Perfect!!!
Hi Pam,
Hi Pam, and a huge thank you for always being a fun breezy spiritual source of inspiration in my life. I have been having these written conversations of and on for a few years and committed to being on the page daily with who I call Wild G (aka Wild Grace) right after I do a cold plunge in the creek outside my home. Talk about clearing ones head! Thank you, Pam for all you offer to my life and the world. Much love. Melanie Maure
Thanks, Melanie! I love Wild G. One more to add to my collection!
What an excellent practice. Thank you I will start tomorrow morning for my 30 days. This sounds like a fun upcoming project..listening!
I’m through talking so much. Listening is much more rewarding!
Being a planner and preparer by nature, I watched all the videos and read through the handouts on the TWP site. I was quite surprised by how little I knew about the history of AA. Fascinating stuff! This practice sounds interesting, and I’m eager to give it a 30-day trial run beginning tomorrow morning. The “term of endearment” I will use has already presented itself to me, which I take as a very positive sign. Thank you for bring this to our attention, Pam, and happy weekend to you!
So glad your term of endearment popped right up–definitely a good omen!
Sweet Little Pammy Sue…I just finished day one! Wow! A lot was said! I wanted to share a line that came out in the very middle of the dialog. It said, “We love Pam too!” I hope this tickles you as much as it did me!!!
That’s hilarious!
Hey, I’m almost doing this already! For the past 97 days, I’ve been reading your Course In Miracles Experiment, then listening to a short daily Carol How video to summarize and make sense of the lesson. After that, I jump in the shower and all the crazy cool ideas pop into my head! Maybe I’ll sit and write ✍️ for 10 minutes before the shower! 😍
Showers are fertile ground for crazy cool ideas!
The biggest fear that comes up for me is that it will be as simple as you describe, and He will talk to me…
I’m on… thank you!
And all you’ll hear is whispers of LOVE.
Thank you, Pam! i will start tomorrow.
Woo-hoo!!!
I love you, Pam!
I love you, Sheila!
Okay, I’m in! Will start tomorrow morning before my 7:15am impulsively purchased Saturday morning SoulCyle class. I’m psyched!!! Thanks as always, Pam and friends. xoxo
Have fun at SoulCycle! And psyched it good!
Thank you Pam, I am all in!! I started this morning and received my first message. What a beautiful way to start the day. 🌅Sending love to you and all of us on this 30 day adventure. I can’t wait to see what tomorrow will bring. ❤️
It just keeps getting better!
Honest to Dog. I get this. love ya! Cindy
Honest to Dog—I LOVE this!!
I am in!!!! Beginning tomorrow, my first 15 minutes are “slated!” Got my pen and notebook ready to roll. 🥰
Enjoy!
Yes!
Indeed!
Thank you so much for sharing Pam. I’m so excited because I literally asked for this connection two days ago. I said to my Mom and Husband I just want to get advice from God. This is crazy. Thank you😘
I used to say, Why doesn’t God work in neon? Who knew it was this easy!!!
I’m starting tomorrow am. Pen and notebook on the nightstand ready for me! Thanks for the inspiration and encouragement
Rah-rah-sis-boom-bah!
Well it sounds just like how the Conversations With God books started. I never thought to do it myself! Duh.
Yes! I was thinking of Neale Donald Walsch when I read this post. Great minds! 🙂
It’s funny. We always think it’s the other guy. It’s us!!!!
ooooo. ok so i write to my hp? or i write what i think my hp is trying to say to me?
rebeccaamis@yahoo.com
Just listen! It’ll all become clear.
Thank you. #222
222 to you!
Pam I am ready and willing!! Today will be DAY 1 of my 30 day ‘two-way’ chat with the Divine Love xo I notice that I still harbour remnents of guilt, fully understanding it isnt the true me. I look forward to the process of opening up to the exquisite life force within us all to wipe away all mistaken identity and bask in the love of my truth!! YUmmmm x Have a wonderful weekend and thankyou for all you do x
That guilt will all be displaced by the Divine Love!!!
Thankyou dear Pammy Sue 😁
This is going to be a fun and fascinating experiment. I am excited to see what comes forth from ‘The Wise Guy’ within. 😊 Just to clarify, rather than writing down a question and then awaiting an answer, as soon as we start writing it is as though those words are coming straight from The Dude. Is that right? So, for example, the first words on my page might be “dear Jen Jen, good morning to you on this crisp, clear autumn morning in your part of the world. I just wanted to let you know that you are deeply loved….” Etc. (‘Jen Jen’ is a nickname a number of my friends give me, so it’s a term of endearment that The Dude might use.) Ok, taking a deep breath and getting ready to dive into this new practise tomorrow morning. Thank you Pam! I’m getting excited! 😄💃🥳❤️
Jen-Jen! I love it! It’ll be personal to you. So however you want to do it!
Hi Pam, I loved your email today! You are right on! I wrote a book in 1997 entitled: Yes, God Speaks To Women, Too! A message of health, healing, and hope. I was alone in my home for the first time ever! I spoke to God asking questions and the responses came immediately! At first I thought I must be making it up. But, I kept asking and writing down the answers. I was writing a book without any kind of outline or idea where I was going with it. I just kept asking whatever questions came up. It was awesome! I always got answers. Sometimes I thought the response was wrong and I changed it in my writing. Then a couple pages later I would discover that God was right and I went back and wrote the original answer from God. God was neither male nor female. It took me less than a month to finish the book! I self published it. I have never marketed it but many people have bought it and written to me about how it changed their lives. My Mom was about 80 years old when I wrote it. She read my book! She loved it and told all her friends and anyone she met about it. When they bought it, she had me sign it. When she gave it to the person who bought it, she said, “now, be sure you read it!” I got phone calls and emails from the over 75 crowd who told me they always knew God was loving and it made them feel so good to read my book! I never thought that would happen! So, definitely, have that conversation! Everyday! If you are interested in Yes, God Speaks to Women, too! let me know! You are awesome and doing so much good in the world. Thank You! Love and hugs, Linda LeClaire
Congrats!!!
I am so excited to begin!!!
Me, too!
Love this! I followed the book Angel Speake, by 2 sisters about 20 years ago and wrote faithfully every day filling up maybe 15 or 20 notebooks! But unfortunately I got out of the practice. This is a great reminder for me and I am going start again, along with my other morning meditation practices. Thank you Pam!
Also great to get a reminder!
I am so excited my friend Lauren sent me your way! I love reading your story and your insights. I am going to try this as I am connected, but this will take me in deeper. Keep being a light holder to us all!
We’re all light holders for each other. All of us!
I will refrain from belting out, in my best Buddy Holly impression, “Pammy Sue, Pammy Sue, Oh how hedgehogs yearn for you…” Have a beautiful and blessed weekend! {{Hedgehugs}}
Hi Buddy Holly! Great song!! Thanks!!!
Did it!!! AMAZING! I love it!!! God is good. And, so are you sweet little Pammy Sue. Thank you!
Thanks!
I’ll start tomorrow morning. I’m fairly in touch with spirit, but being recently retired I could use some guidance on where to go next. I’ll let you know what I hear.
Can’t wait!
This is awesome. Mike Dooley (I actually connected to your blog and materials through him) is in the middle of a series of workshops on channeling with Sara and the Council that talks of something similar. I love the synchronicity and parallels in the Universe. When your spirit is ready, the Universe pours out abundantly.
Indeed it does. Tell Mike I say howdy!
WOW the timing of this! I’m about to start a daily energy practice from the book ‘The Healing Code’ and it involves prayer. I think this daily practice you talk about will help me a LOT…Thank You Pam!⚘️
It will! It will!
Thanks Pam! I started the conversation this evening, I couldn’t wait, God knows how when I make up my mind to do something, I “get on with it!” We’re having a nice chat already! God has a great sense of humor!
Such a great sense of humor!
Today was day 1. Thank you for this practice, I’m excited and a little nervous. The love that came through has me feeling all tingly.
OHHH—love feeling tingly!
I believe you are my gift. I believe these “instructions “ are what I have been asking/waiting you. Thank you for giving me a gift of a lifetime.
My pleasure! Happy to throw out a gazillion lifelines.
Okay, the timing of this is unreal! But is it?!? Lol. I did it this morning..and thought it was going to be hard. It was so easy and I could not write fast enough as the tears streamed down my face. Thank you so much for this!
So amazing! Cleansing tears!!!
Mucho Gracias Pamie Sue. This does seem a little woo woo, but I’m kind of in a low place & WTH, what do have to lose? A couple experiments from your other books produced some weird unexpected & unexplainable results… So here we go !!!
The Woo-wooier the better for me!
Woo Woo Works Well 😂. Let’s do this!
Here we go!
Do you just write all your thoughts down, like doing Morning Pages?
I’m noticing a combo–sorta like being addressed and sorta like stream of consciousness.
You are the best. Thank you for being in my life. I love you
And I love you!!
You’re my inspiration in my content writing journey.
Beautiful!!
If you’re stumped on how to start (like me), the link to twowayprayer.org that Pam included has several videos and downloads to clarify.
Thanks, Tanya, for pointing that out!
You said to read something inspirational. Your post and the comments worked for me. You are truly inspiring Pam and so is the feedback on your page. thank you!
Thanks, Diane!
Wow, Sweet Little Pammy Sue! Thank you for this!!!!!! My first day following the “rules” ☺ – yesterday – was wonderfully successful! It still takes my breath away!!! Thank you for ALL you do for this World, and especially for your Fans!!!!
It is my pleasure!
Thank You for sharing this. Will be starting tomorrow. No more delaying my connection!!
The connection can’t be delayed. But our awareness can be limited.
The Two Way Prayer that was included in your post was so helpful! I had been doing a similar practice since the 80’s; it became less potent after many years and I gradually stopped doing it. The “workshop” reinvigorated my practice and I’m so glad to be doing it again. Thanks so much for the inspiration!! For the last two years I’ve also been reading both the original ACIM and your book which really helped me get past all the words I couldn’t relate with and often causes me to dance and or laugh. I also look forward to reading your blogs! Many Thanks for sharing your generous, joyful, inspiring spirit!! Much Love, Kathleen
Thank you!!
Thank you for sharing this! I’m definitely going to give it a try – xoxo
Have fun!
This sounds right up
My alley! Start tomorrow morning!💗
I save your blogs to open and read when I can be wholly present and soak in every juicy word. So since your blog blitz it’s taken me a bit to get to this one. I’m so excited I can barely contain myself. I’m also reading this on the day of the great eclipse, which seems kinda woo-woo like the universe is telling me, “okay, on this day of national lights out (I’m in Michigan) I’m going to drop some real light!” Wow, love it! Since I listen to most of your books- when I run, walk, mow the lawn, drive, I can hear your voice right now 😎~ Cathy
Interesting about doing the journal to let the Voice speak . I do auto magic writing – wow- that was a typo but am now going to use “auto magic” instead of automatic! Wow! So perfect. I laugh.
Been doing it since my sister passed in 2020 and have several booklets filled. When I reread them I am in awe as it’s certainly not things I knew or would say.
Thanks for your articles.
Dearest Pam, thanks for posting this refresher course on the one-on-one conversation. I’ve enjoyed this from day one, and can’t believe how good it feels to be back in touch with my Best Friend. Thank you for all you do; you influence all the good more than you even realize! You have really made a significant change in my life and attitude!
With blessings and love,
Karen (aka Bluejay)