Chapter 1: The Decision to Begin — A Course in Miracles Allegory
Chapter Overview
The opening chapter introduces the Seeker at the moment his spiritual awakening begins. A subtle inner guidance calls him forward, leading him through symbolic experiences that echo the teachings of A Course in Miracles. This chapter sets the foundation for his journey of forgiveness, healing, and self-discovery.
CHAPTER 1: THE DECISION TO BEGIN
One day, as the Seeker wandered through a land constantly covered in heavy clouds and dark mist, he wondered to himself why he stayed in such a place. It was utterly miserable where he lived in the Land of Illusion. Sure, there were moments of happiness, but they were few and far between and never seemed to last.
Overall, he found he was completely fed up and tired of the place. He had been living in the Land of Illusion so long that all he could recall about his homeland, was a vague feeling that he had made some sort of mistake in leaving there and wanted to return home. He wanted to make a new decision—another choice—he wanted to leave the Land of Illusion though he did not remember where “home” was.
“I must have decided wrongly, because I am not at peace.
I made the decision myself, but I can also decide otherwise.
I want to decide otherwise, because I want to be at peace.
I do not feel guilty, because the Holy Spirit will undo all the consequences of my wrong decision if I will let Him.
I choose to let Him, by allowing Him to decide for God for me.”
(ACIM T-5:VII.6:7-11)
The problem was, he was unsure of which path to take. And then, just as he was wondering this question to himself, he felt a small inner nudge, almost imperceptible, but it was enough. This quiet, unassuming Inner Voice whispered to him, through wordless, soft inspiration,
“Take the path of Love.”
“Who are you?” wondered the seeker, for he had never heard this Voice within himself before. Perhaps the decision he had made, had triggered it? But the Voice did not speak again. He wondered if it was his imagination, but then, even if it was, it seemed like good advice.
And so, the Seeker began his journey from the Land of Illusion to find his home, the land of Heavenly Truth.
As with going on any long journey, a bag must be packed with necessities. The Seeker realized with some trepidation that he had accumulated quite a lot of heavy belongings during his time living in the Land of Illusion. He also realized that since he had no intention of coming back to this place, he had better take everything he valued.
The bag he packed was enormous, and he could scarcely bear the weight of it upon his back. It was indeed so great a burden, he gave it the name,
Guilt.
As the Seeker left his home and wandered into the wilderness, he sought a path to take. And soon he met a fellow traveler, named
Light Worker.
Light Worker: Hello there fellow friend! How are you? You look lost, and that is not good considering your heavy burden. Lost ones travel far and long.
Seeker: I am looking for the best path away from the Land of Illusion. Do you know which I should take?
Light Worker: Well, it would be in your best interest to first put down your heavy burden. Then the way is fast and light. How did you come to gather so much it nearly breaks your back?
Seeker: I learned how to fill my bag of Guilt from an old book I read and carry with me even now. It is said to be a guide for right living, though I find it a bit confusing. In it, I read that I am a guilty sinner and not worthy of God’s Love. And this burden has caused me much suffering, for I feel separate from the very God and the Love I long for.
Light Worker: Well, I know of One Who can help you put that burden down, for as it is now, you cannot part with it. A burden like that does not dislodge easily. You will need help, and it is along your way.
Seeker: Yes, please, tell me the way!
Light Worker: Do you see that faint light, way up ahead, through the mist and dark clouds?
Seeker: I do not. How can I see it?
Light Worker: Simply look beyond the mist and dark clouds. Do not pay them any heed. Look past, and you will see a small glimmering.
Seeker: Yes! I can see it faintly now.
Light Worker: Good! All you must do then, is keep your eye on that light. And once you arrive, there will be another Who will help you further.
Seeker: Thank you! You have been most helpful dear stranger. Would you travel with me then?
Light Worker: I am no stranger to you, but brother to all. And I am sorry dear friend, my path leads here within the Land of Illusion for a while longer, for there are more such as yourself who need help in finding their way.
And so, the Seeker pressed on towards the light, though quite a distance appeared between himself and it.
Not long after he began plodding down his new path, he heard footsteps following behind him, gaining on him. Soon, he found himself in the company of two people from the Land of Illusions: Doubt and Disbelief. They peppered him with questions, trying to turn him back, though his journey was none of their business.
Doubt: Why are you bothering to leave the Land of Illusion? Worse could be waiting for you on the other side of the shadows that surround our land.
Seeker: I am at a point where I do not care, even if it is worse. I am willing to take the risk, I am that tired of the Land of Illusion.
Disbelief: But how can you be sure you will find better? Where is your proof there is anything else?
Seeker: I have no physical proof of better or anything at all, but I at least have to try and see what I can find out for myself. I only know I do not want to stay where I have been.
Disbelief: You have my curiosity. Perhaps I could come along with you on this journey?
Seeker: You may if you are up for it. We go towards that light in the distance. What we will find when we get there, I do not know. But Light Worker told me of it, and so I must trust he knows of what he speaks, for he is from that land.
Doubt: I have no desire to go on such a foolish journey. My home is here in the Land of Illusion and here is where I shall stay. I fear you both are about to waste your time on a fruitless journey for nothing.
And so, the two went on together and fell into conversation about what their journey would bring them.
Disbelief: I would like to know more about where it is you are going. What is it you hope to find that is better than what we had in the Land of Illusion?
Seeker: I hope to find peace, but not the kind of peace that comes and goes, such as in the Land of Illusion. I desire peace that has no end. This is what I heard can be found where we are going.
Disbelief: And what is the name of this place?
Seeker: The land of Heavenly Truth. It is far beyond even the light we are headed towards, and I do not know the way after we reach the light, but Light Worker told me there would be another Who could help us further once we reach Him.
Disbelief: Peace with no end certainly sounds nice. What else? Is there more?
Seeker: Oh yes! Quite a lot more. There is eternal life as well. And boundless joy.
Disbelief: Go on, is there yet more?
Seeker: Indeed! There is abundance for all, in a way that no one experiences lack of any kind. And love. So much love that the heart never feels lonely again.
Disbelief: I am liking what I hear! Gladly then, I will go with you to this place, whatever the cost, whatever the obstacle. Let us hurry with all our strength to get there all the faster!
Seeker: I am going as fast as I can. It is this burden that weighs me down so that I can hardly keep pace with you. I long to be rid of it, but again, I know it will not come off my back until I find my way to the light and the One Who knows how to lift it from me.
Continue the Journey…
If this opening chapter spoke to your heart, the full journey awaits. Walk with the Seeker through heavenly realms, shadow landscapes, redemption encounters, and the final union with the Christed Self.
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About the Author (Beth Geer)
Beth Geer is a long-time student and teacher of A Course in Miracles, known for her Holy Spirit–channeled messages and her ability to translate ACIM principles into living, breathing spiritual practice. Through her books, YouTube teachings, and Monthly Miracle Minded Messages, Beth guides seekers toward forgiveness, inner peace, and awakening to Love.
She is the author of:
…And numerous channeled Holy Spirit writings that continue to uplift and heal hearts around the world.
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