On a deeper level, the course (along with also reading Jem Bendell’s latest book at the same time) has finally given me the motivation to take seriously my spiritual perspective and to find peace or rest with where I am at, and where the world is at. I am no longer arguing with reality, with what is, on any level. I have dropped my forceful mind and I have surrendered the idea that I am in charge of my life or that I am making things happen or directing existence in any way. For me this is the acceptance I was seeking, and it was always already here. I have exhausted all my seeking, and surrendered to life as it is. I don’t mind what happens and I am not judging myself or anyone else – and it is a blessed relief.
A human being is a part of the whole, called by us Universe, a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings as something separated from the rest --- a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole nature in its beauty.
Albert Einstein