Floating in a circular pool of warm water I gaze up beyond the dark umbrella of Tea Tree branches to the soft green leaves swaying with the breeze above. The blue sky streaked with wisps of morning sea mist rising with the day

The mineral water cradles my limp body as I surrender to the moment. All thoughts are gone; all plans, worries, identity, tasks, dissipate with each warm bubble that tickles my back as it rises to the surface.

Later after a hot rock massage, my headache intensified and my brain foggy; I realize I had let go of my self and let my body and mind surrender to the elements. This I achieved without effort and without meditation.

Last weekend I went along to see and hear Marianne Williamson talk about her message of Love. Her ideas, based upon the book A Course In Miracles (ACIM), stretch the mind beyond the everyday.

One lady in the audience bravely confessed, “I don’t know why I am here today. I don’t understand anything you are saying.” Relentless in her message and passion, Marianne replied, “Well you are here so that says something. But you have a choice now; you can leave, or you can stay, let the words flow over you, and see what comes of that.” She went on to tell us all that these ideas are not beginner level entry into the spiritual ideas, and her message presumes an understanding of the spiritual life.

I have read her book “A Return To Love” that was first published in 1992. This book is her response and explanation of ACIM. Her book provides an accessible explanation of the heftier manuscript.

In the past, I had tried to follow the 365 lessons of the ACIM workbook and after just seven days I felt my mind shift towards uncomfortable craziness. I found it hard to continue. How does one stay grounded and functioning in this world I wonder? And yet I continue to strive and search for that deeper meaning and understanding. I have always been on this path.

Marianne Williamson spoke relentlessly and passionately all day. I felt energized when I left; but I did not feel any closer to grasping these ideas. But as I floated mindlessly in the warm pool of water yesterday, I realize it is possible to surrender to a larger story.