Ask Amy: What Is the Mind?

Q:  According to the Course, the mind is not the brain because the brain is a body part and we are not our bodies.  But how do we think if not with the brain?  What is the mind?

A:  Your question cuts to the core of the metaphysics of A Course in Miracles.  What is beyond the body that can comprehend the message of ACIM?  And who is reading the Course if not you, the person, encased in a body complete with a brain?

There is no way to actually explain or pinpoint the mind because it is formless and beyond the deliberate limits the ego has set on human comprehension.  “Problems that have no meaning cannot be resolved within the framework they are set.” (W-96.3:1)

Having said that, it is a major turning point in the life of every Course student when she or he realizes that Jesus is always addressing the mind — not each of us as people.

ACIM uses the term “mind” in three ways: ego mind (wrong-mind), God Mind (One Mind), and the decision-making part of the mind that has free will and choose to follow the Holy Spirit’s guidance (right-mind).  The ego dreamt up the body and its brain as a symbol of separation to keep us unaware of our Source, God’s Unified Mind.  Ego thinking is dualistic and based on opposites, contradictions, comparisons, judgment, guilt and attack.

But the Holy Spirit can translate what the ego has made and give it a loving purpose.  “Yet God created One Who has the power to translate in form the wholly formless.  … Only forgiveness can relieve the mind of thinking that the body is its home.” (W-192)

Throughout the Course, Jesus is addressing our power of decision as a right-mind, not as a person with an ego-brain, to stop deluding ourselves about our true Identity.  When we “remove the blocks to the awareness of Love’s presence” (ACIM Intro) it is revealed that we are a formless Oneness joined as One.

Whereas the brain is tangible, the mind is abstract, meaning it is not a physical entity.  “Complete abstraction is the natural condition of the mind.” (W-161)  Over and over, Jesus tells us that “Ideas leave not their Source.” and “You are as God created you.”  Somewhere inside we all know, “I am as God created me.”  That knowing is what led you to ACIM.  That knowing is what is reading this column right now.  That knowing is helping you awaken to your true Identity.

“A sleeping mind must waken, as it sees its own perfection mirroring the Lord of life so perfectly it fades into what is reflected there. … the wakened mind is one that knows its Source, its Self, its Holiness.” (W-167)

The answer to your question lies in your willingness to not know anything as a person.  Step back and let the Holy Spirit lead the way.  Lesson 45 teaches, “God is the Mind with which I think” and asks, “Where, then, are your real thoughts?” … We will have to look for them in your mind, because that is where they are.”

God Thoughts are not based on memory or language — they are extensions of love equally shared with all.  You, your One Self, is God’s Thought.

I invite you, right now, into your One Self.  Be willing to trust the Holy Spirit completely in this moment.  Allow your attention to shift from ego-brain to One Mind.  In this holy instant discover your mind is within the Heart of God where it has always been.

For more on this subject, watch Metaphysics of A Course in Miracles on YouTube.

“On this side of the bridge to timelessness you understand nothing.  But as you step lightly across it, upheld by timelessness, you are directed straight to the Heart of God.  That knowing is helping you awaken to your true Identity.” (W-167)

This Q&A appears in the Ask Amy column from the Nov-Dec 2014 issue of Miracles magazine.  Miracles is a well-loved  staple in the ACIM community.  To get a subscription, email [email protected] or call 845-496-9089.  To ask Amy a question, email miracles (at) amytorresacim (dot) com