Awake With Jevon: Discovering Guides That Point The Way

Jevon Perra
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  • SPIRITUALITY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Jevon Perra is on the search for guides that point the way to Awakening, classically called Enlightenment. Discover these guides' real life stories of physical, emotional, mental and spiritual healing and how you can partake in the same.

  1. 2D AGO

    Open Minded to Be Free - ACIM - Manual for Teachers

    The Nature of Successful Relationships: Jevon Perra stated that good relationships require a sacrifice of individual needs and wants for something greater. Brian Genovese commented that they are single because they do not know anyone who would accept their commitments to activities like "Valley" or the "state of the city" without feeling infringed upon.**Introduction to Open-Mindedness in *A Course in Miracles***: Jevon Perra confirmed they were ready to begin the discussion from the "Manual for Teachers" section of *A Course in Miracles*, focusing on the final characteristic, "Open-mindedness". Brian Genovese read that open-mindedness is the last attribute the teacher of God acquires and is easily understood in its relation to forgiveness, as it invites God's teacher into the mind by lacking judgment.Open-Mindedness, Forgiveness, and Perception: Brian Genovese noted that open-mindedness permits the Son of God to be judged by the voice of God and allows for the extension of the Christ image. Jevon Perra explained that open-mindedness allows for a shift to seeing through Christ's eyes, which perceives sameness, instead of the ego's eyes, which perceives difference. They further discussed how forgiveness is the final goal of the curriculum and is synonymous with letting go of one's perceptions and judgments, making everything appear "newness and joy".The Theme of Letting Go of Judgment and Appreciating Life: Jevon Perra discussed how letting go of judgment allows for the realization that current life "sparkles" and is perfect, referencing a comparison to appreciating a small life like that in the Shire from *Lord of the Rings*. Brian Genovese commented that they missed having small children around.The Concept of Atonement and Identity: Brian Genovese read that the list of God's teachers' attributes does not include things like love, sinlessness, or perfection because those are the Son of God's inheritance. Jevon Perra explained that these are not attributes but are part of identity, and atonement is the experience of the "holy moment" of completion and realizing sameness with others.The Nature of Identity and the Ego's Need for Definition: Jevon Perra explained that thinking of oneself as a body or personality prevents understanding identity, which is the "big question" the course points toward. They discussed that the act of defining, labeling, and using words is an ego act that creates separation, such as calling someone a friend or an enemy.Meditation as a Letting Go Process: Jevon Perra described meditation as an amplifier for the practice of being at peace and a process of letting go of the mind's attempt to judge everything, including one's own performance in meditation. They noted that the realization that one's thoughts are not truly their own is a "wild thought," suggesting the personality is merely a script or mask having the experience of a separate life.Personal Struggles with Overthinking and Control: kristen shared that they are dealing with a life-changing struggle, noting that overthinking and the desire to control the outcome has been difficult. kristen provided an example of this struggle, explaining they have taken on the responsibility of caring for their husband's troubled child, leading to projections of negative outcomes.Attachment as the Source of Suffering: Jevon Perra affirmed that stress comes from the belief that one must control the outcome, defining this control as attachment, which is the source of all suffering. They added that the opposite, believing one "cannot have" a specific bad outcome, is also a form of attachment. Brian Genovese noted that placing blame on others for not following one's rules is a way to alleviate personal responsibility.Open-Mindedness in Conflict and Experience: Jevon Perra explained that constantly trying to control oneself or others (e.g., "I have to be more peaceful") is synonymous with attachment, and attachment leads to being "stuck" in an unpreferred experience. Jevon Perra provided an example of their son's intense emotional outbursts, noting that responding with an "open heart" and love, rather than an attack, causes the child to melt and is an example of open-mindedness.The Necessity of Letting Go of Personal Agenda: Jevon Perra proposed that true experience of one's identity—love, sinlessness, and eternal truth—requires letting go of the ego's layers of judgments and perceptions, which they call one's "agenda". Soo Kim found it tricky to let go of goals and aspirations, questioning why they should make an effort without a spiritual goal.Loving the Pursuit and the Suffering: Jevon Perra suggested that people love the pursuit of their goals and the experience of suffering as much as peace and joy, because both are defined, isolated ego experiences. The Holy Spirit, according to Jevon Perra, sees "beauty from ashes," meaning that circumstances do not need to change to be loved; one only needs to let go of judgment.Perception and the Pain of Attachment: Brian Genovese questioned whether participants treat their lives as a gift from God or if they are focused on achieving an agenda. Jevon Perra concluded that attachment, or the belief that external changes will bring happiness, is the impulse not to be happy now and leads to a life of pain.Flow State as Doing Without Attachment: Jevon Perra discussed that doing, or being in the flow state, without attachment to the result, is a high state of existence, citing how writers like Stephen King let their characters dictate the plot. Soo Kim questioned how a flow state can be defined without an outcome, to which Jevon Perra responded that flow is simply giving oneself to the action without thinking about it, such as a child fingerpainting.Letting Go as a Prerequisite for a Happy Outcome: Jevon Perra noted that attachment to a particular outcome derails the flow state, citing an example of working with AI technology. They concluded that having a happy outcome requires letting go of attachment and allowing the "bad thing" to happen. Brian Genovese commented that it is a blessing to be around people going through hardship because they may need the tools and ways of thinking available to others.Coping Mechanisms for Youth: Brian Genovese suggests that new perspectives and different approaches are necessary when previous methods have resulted in poor outcomes for youth. They emphasize that for children, issues such as sleep patterns and diet are critical factors, often overlooked due to "chaos and commotion" in their daily lives. Jevon Perra concurs that while these factors would help, they are based on the presupposition of a good outcome versus a bad outcome.Detachment from Goals and Personal Peace: Jevon Perra clarifies that their peace and contentment are not related to their attached goals, even when those goals are positive. They explain that true peace is found in the degree of unattachment one maintains while pursuing their goals, noting that attachment to a goal, even a good one, can lead to suffering. Soo Kim emphasizes that this includes the goal of achieving peace and contentment itself, which Jevon Perra confirms as the "tricky part".Impact of External Factors on Contentment: Soo Kim notes that the introduction of another person into one's home, bringing problems, patterns, and physical clutter, would likely not be helpful to one's peace and contentment. Jevon Perra states that their own peace or contentment comes from forgiveness and letting go, regardless of whether others "act right or don't act right". They mention that more difficult situations can be more rewarding in the personality's world, as people seek a balance between the surprise of difference and the security of sameness.Acceptance and Spiritual Practice: Jevon Perra defines acceptance as the core of spiritual practice, whether one is accepting too much sameness or too much variability in life. They conclude that one should accept what they have, be thankful, and pursue what they want, believing that whatever occurs is perfect because it is part of their destiny, even if the personality does not know its own best interest.Current Circumstances and Best Interests: Jevon Perra asserts that everyone currently possesses what they need and require, and they actually have their own best interest in the present moment. They suggest that if a person dislikes their current situation, it is likely highlighting the one thing hindering them from the contentment they already possess. Brian Genovese expresses that being in the current environment is "perfect" because it keeps them open-minded.

    58 min

  2. 6D AGO

    You Find What You Seek - Faithfulness - ACIM - Manual for Teachers

    Introduction to the Topic of Faithfulness: The discussion shifted to continuing the study of the characteristics of God for God's teachers. Jevon Perra identified that they were starting with "faithfulness," which is the ninth characteristic in the manual for teachers.Reading and Interpretation of Faithfulness: Brian Genovese read the passage defining faithfulness as the measure of a teacher's advancement and their complete trust in the word of God to "set all things right". Jevon Perra summarized that true faithfulness involves reversing the world's thinking entirely by surrendering all problems, not just some, to one answer.Application of Faithfulness to Daily Life: Jevon Perra admitted that while it is easy to discuss spiritual lessons, it is hard to apply them to daily life, noting they struggle with compartmentalizing spiritual principles away from "real world" issues like money or family stress. They recognized that attachment to any outcome brings suffering, and true faithfulness means trusting that all things are perfect. Soo Kim then joined the meeting.Challenges of Implementing Faithfulness: Brian Genovese commented that using these enlightened concepts in daily activities is the tough part, especially the concept of faithfulness. Jevon Perra pointed out that whether faithfulness is easy or tricky is determined by the individual, and they noted that Brian Genovese appeared easygoing on the outside but admitted to struggling internally.Personal Growth and Letting Go of Judgments: Jevon Perra shared that as they get older, their problems are not as deep, and they are increasingly able to catch themself in moments of stress and let go of judgments. They concluded that fulfillment and peace come from faithfulness, which involves letting go of resistance to how things are, even though struggle is inherent to physical existence.The Necessity of Drama and Struggle: Jevon Perra emphasized that nobody wants a life or a movie without challenge or suffering, which is necessary for a good story. Jevon Perra shared that a mistake in a novel they wrote was not including an antagonist, because drama is essential for a better story.Relating Personal Drama to Conflict: The conversation turned to the issue of personal drama, which Jevon Perra noted they try to avoid and often judges in others, leading to their own suffering. Jevon Perra provided the example of marital conflicts, which can escalate from a small issue, like a misplaced toothbrush, into a battle of disrespect and attacks.Addressing Family Conflict and Judgment: Jevon Perra shared a personal conflict with their mother, who they feel persistently takes advantage of them, leading to feelings of anger and frustration. They questioned why they hold on to the suffering-inducing judgment that their mother should have the capacity to do things for herself.Discussing Manipulation and Lack of Forgiveness: Brian Genovese related to Jevon Perra's experience, describing growing up with a depressive mother who knew how to manipulate their emotions. Brian Genovese shared that the childhood experience of walking on eggshells and being afraid to speak led them to cut their mother out of their life for the last 15 years, preventing her from ever knowing their daughter. Jevon Perra connected the lack of forgiveness to the belief in separation and noted that these irritations are "gifts" that reveal inner errors.Weakness and Strength Translation to Career: Jevon Perra observed that Brian Genovese's greatest strength—being gentle, kind, and considerate—can also be a weakness, making it difficult for them to aggressively pursue their goals. Brian Genovese acknowledged that this translated into their professional career, where they initially sought security over freedom but eventually forgave their mother and transitioned to real estate, which offered the freedom to volunteer and help others, an action they always felt they needed to do.The Futility of Seeking External Change: Jevon Perra concluded that suffering is not resolved by changing one's environment, job, or people, noting their recent experience of resigning from a job for freedom, only to find themself working harder. They realized that attachment to a better past or future state is part of the cycle of self-judgment.Deepening the Definition of Faithfulness: Brian Genovese read the concluding passage on faithfulness, which describes it as consistent, wholly honest, unswerving, full of trust, gentle, joyous, and tolerant. The passage concludes that faithfulness, which implies the acceptance of God's word, rests in quiet certainty on that alone to which all faithfulness is due.Separation vs. Connection and Identity: Jevon Perra discussed the difference between heaven (connectedness with God) and hell (separation), noting that the world one sees depends on whether they are using Christ's vision or their own. Jevon Perra illustrated how identity is often based on superficial comparison, using examples of moving from California to Missouri and then to Orange County, where their sense of self-worth fluctuated based on where they were relative to others. They concluded that their ability to feel good has nothing to do with external circumstances because their identity is not that of a human in a body, but an eternal being who chose this experience.Resistance and Atonement: Jevon Perra stated that when they perceive an "unpushable boulder" that they must move, they experience stress and resistance. The only work to be done is letting go of resistance and judgment, a process called atonement, which is the recognition that the work is already done and there is no need to hold on to any grievances.Enlightenment and the Non-Person: Soo Kim introduced a concept from a meditation teacher that a "person" can never achieve enlightenment, because believing one is a person is already a form of separation. Soo Kim noted that the goal is to let go of the person and "pop into that state of enlightenment". Soo Kim observed that the ego tries to hijack and take credit for spiritual progress, which reinforces the personhood.Recognition vs. Service: Brian Genovese added that people often join volunteer groups for recognition, wanting credit for the work they do. Brian Genovese asserted that service should be for the greater good and to accomplish good works, not for personal recognition. Jevon Perra connected the desire for recognition to the belief that one is a separate "person".Ego Struggle with Status Change: Jevon Perra shared their personal ego struggle with a recent change in status, moving from president of their company to a sales representative with an office in a storage closet. Jevon Perra noted the irony that this demotion was what they wanted but that their ego struggled with the worse-looking business card and inability to feel superior in conversations.Self-Validation and Spiritual Bypassing: Soo Kim related to the desire for self-sufficiency and the feeling of unfairness when others receive more praise. Soo Kim emphasized the importance of self-validation and pointed out the danger of spiritual bypassing, questioning whether they are in a body or if the body is in them.The Body as a Fragmented Consciousness: Jevon Perra proposed a different perspective: the body is *in* the self, not the self *in* the body. Jevon Perra presented the analogy of consciousness as a powerful, shattered mirror, with the individual being one isolated fragment that lowered its awareness to experience separateness, demonstrating an "incredible amount of control".Acceptance and the Inevitable Script: Jevon Perra concluded that this perspective makes the individual completely separate from the character's script, enabling the character to be faithful, patient, and defenseless, even if the character's personality is always "sketchy". They stated that enlightenment might not change the things that they judge, and the suffering person will never be changed.Life as a Dream or Simulation: Brian Genovese furthered the discussion by questioning if their current reality is another dream, similar to the dream world entered during sleep. Jevon Perra agreed, citing Elon Musk's high probability assessment that this is a simulation or "base reality".The Appeal of Drama in the Simulation: Jevon Perra noted that the most popular video games are not focused on "hugging," but on conflict, stealing, and conquering, demonstrating a human preference for drama. They reflected on the hypocrisy of accepting drama in movies and games but rejecting it in their own life and with their family, which leads to suffering.Closing and Future Topic: Brian Genovese expressed that the discussion had "open[ed] another chamber" in their mind. The meeting concluded with the agreement to discuss "open-mindedness" next time.

    47 min

  3. MAR 2

    True Generosity - you can't give what's real away - ACIM - Manual for Teachers

    Introduction of Generosity (Characteristic Seven): Jevon Perra confirmed the group was reading from the "Manual for Teachers," specifically focusing on the seventh characteristic, generosity. Soo Kim volunteered to read the text defining generosity, which is noted to have a special meaning for the "teacher of God" that is contrary to the world's usual meaning.Definition of Generosity in the Context of the Text: The text defines the world's generosity as "giving away in the sense of giving up," while for the teacher of God, it means "giving away in order to keep". The concept of generosity rests ultimately on trust. The true meaning is considered alien to worldly thinking due to its clear reversal of the world's perspective.Discussion on Keeping Through Giving: Jevon Perra elaborated that non-physical things, such as love, compassion, creativity, curiosity, and courage, are kept through the act of giving them away. Giving away non-physical items is presented as a non-zero-sum game, unlike the physical world where giving away a dollar results in a loss of that dollar.Generosity and True Self-Interest: The text states that the teacher of God is generous out of self-interest, but this does not refer to the world's definition of self, as anything they cannot give away is considered valueless. This self-interest relates to the true self, which seeks abundance, connection, and forgiveness, in contrast to the separate self which operates under a zero-sum game.Atonement and the Recognition of Perfection: Jevon Perra discussed atonement as the recognition of one's inherent perfection and connection, noting it is not about paying a price for sins. Suffering in the perceived world is considered inevitable, but resistance to suffering is what causes pain.Generosity, Trust, and Transcendence: Brian Genovese agreed that trust and giving lead to a feeling of lightness and transcendence, citing the example of the yogi Yogananda. Jevon Perra noted that the search for spiritual achievement can itself become another path of separation if it focuses on external forms.Critique of Religious Structures and Artificial Experiences: Jevon Perra discussed how structures are built around genuine spiritual experiences to keep them alive, referencing figures like Joseph Smith and Muhammad. They argued that trying to artificially transfer someone else's connection with God diminishes the authentic, personal experience.Introduction of Patience (Characteristic Eight): Following the discussion on generosity, the group moved on to the eighth characteristic, patience. Soo Kim read that patience is natural to the teacher of God because they are certain of the outcome, even if the timing is unknown, allowing them to wait without anxiety.Patience and the Illusion of Achievement: Jevon Perra discussed how the world, where the desired outcome has not yet happened, is a world of anxiety because one feels the need to achieve and search. They concluded that the game of life is not about achievement, but about noticing the dynamic that achievement never truly brings lasting contentment.The Illusion of Happiness and Wanting: kristen and Jevon Perra discussed how happiness is often a fleeting sensation of wanting that is temporarily satiated before the desire returns. The concept of contentment is defined as the lack of wants.Noticing and Releasing Anxiety: Jevon Perra explained that the key to moving past these struggles is to notice one's own patterns and to practice releasing inner tension, often through meditative breathing exercises. Jevon Perra stressed that all suffering is self-imposed and is caused by clinging to things one believes are necessary for protection or survival.

    49 min

  4. FEB 28

    Unstoppable Defencelessness - ACIM - Manual for Teachers

    Transition to Study Material: Joy: Jevon Perra announced the group was moving on to the topic of "joy" in their manual, "Manual for Teachers". Jevon Perra and Brian Genovese briefly sang a song with lyrics about having joy in their heart.Soo Kim’s Status and Return: Soo Kim joined the call, apologizing for being on mute, and shared that they are doing okay and are finished with midterms for the week. Jevon Perra acknowledged that Soo Kim is managing a difficult schedule of full-time school and full-time work.Reading and Analysis of "Joy": Jevon Perra read a passage stating that joy is the "inevitable result of gentleness," which was the previous week's characteristic, and that gentleness makes harm and fear impossible. Jevon Perra connected the text to a spiritual concept that the joyous cannot suffer, referencing a verse about the sinless having no pain. They elaborated that suffering is linked to identifying with the physical body or the character, and that striving and difficulty, while necessary for the physical world, are also the destiny of a character that believes they are separate.God’s Teachers and the Purpose of Salvation: The reading continued, affirming that God’s teachers trust in God and are protected from harm, with joy serving as their song of thanks. The material suggests that Christ looks on them in thanks as well, noting Christ’s need for them is as great as their need for Christ, and how "joyous is it to share the purpose of salvation".The Nature of God, Jesus, and Christ: Jevon Perra initiated a discussion about the distinction between God, Jesus, and Christ, spurred by a question from their eight-year-old about how the world kept going when Jesus was on Earth. Brian Genovese suggested that God puts things on autopilot, while Soo Kim offered the analogy of a dream, asking who takes care of the body while one is dreaming. The conversation shifted to the idea that science is beginning to align with spiritual explanations, but Jevon Perra criticized that current medical science can still cause harm.Spiral Dynamics and Expanding Identity: Jevon Perra introduced the concept of Spiral Dynamics, describing it as a framework for human social development from individuals striving for survival to expanding groups like families, villages, regions, and eventually countries. Jevon Perra noted that while people can expand their identity to include more and more individuals, there is always a tendency to define an "other" or an "enemy".God as Impersonal and Non-Dualism: Jevon Perra postulated that Jesus was an example of God incarnate, but that God is an impersonal, ever-present source, not a person. This perspective suggests that a person is a separate individual, whereas God is everything, including the good, the bad, and the indifferent. Brian Genovese agreed that "we label everything," and the non-dual explanation suggests there are no things or labels.Self-Realization and Character in the Dream: The speakers discussed that the character in the dream who remembers God is no different from anyone else, and every manifestation, including a rock, is "God stuff". They briefly discussed concepts related to a system of ladders or levels of consciousness and the idea that animals may operate as a group consciousness.Reading and Analysis of "Defenselessness": Soo Kim read the next passage, "Defenselessness," which states that God's teachers are simple and have "no dreams that need defense against the truth". The text concludes that laying down defenses does not bring danger but safety, peace, joy, and God.Defense as Attack and the Illusion of Guilt: Jevon Perra equated defense with attack, explaining that guilty people often see judgment and offense everywhere, and angry people constantly dish out attacks, which they often rationalize as defense or correcting what is right. Brian Genovese supported this idea, noting that people who feel the need to be right are often wrong and trying to defend the ego.Astrology, Defense Mode, and Internal State: Soo Kim provided an example from their class where a peer became defensive while discussing Western versus Vedic astrology, insisting that Vedic astrology was the only accurate system and attempting to make up explanations when confronted with conflicting data. Jevon Perra suggested that in such engagement, the most important thing is one’s internal state, specifically whether they view the other person as a "beautiful expression of God" or an "imbecile".Pity versus Perfection and Separation: Soo Kim wondered if pity could be a step toward compassion, which Jevon Perra suggested is a step on a "continuum of resonance" towards the much higher resonance of seeing everyone as perfect. They concluded that pity is still a judgment and an expression of separation, where one views themselves as "better" than the person they are pitying.Time as a Construct and Limited Perception: Jevon Perra discussed the concept of time as a construct of diminished perception, a linear progression that creates the experience of a separate person. They stated that the reality of defenselessness is realizing that the contrived reality is "all not real" and that there is literally nothing to defend, including ideas like spiritual architecture.The Importance of Buoyancy and Letting Go of Resistance: Jevon Perra emphasized that the main source of suffering is the belief that one can get something wrong or change past moments. They concluded that their mantra is "it’s okay," and that the "looser" they hold the world and other people, the higher their resonance becomes because they are not adding resistance, which allows their natural buoyancy to take over.Attraction of Lower Frequencies and Poking Judgments: The speakers discussed how people operating at lower frequency levels tend to be attracted to those with higher resonance, sometimes trying to pull them down, like “crabs in a bucket”. Jevon Perra explained that an outside accusation only triggers a defensive response if it pokes at one's own internal belief systems and judgments.Conclusion on Freedom and Contentment: Jevon Perra finalized the conversation by asserting that defense is an attack because it acknowledges that the threatening thing is real. The ultimate goal is to recognize one cannot be hurt or lose because they "are it all," and the experience of life is about engaging without constraints, seeking freedom. They concluded by discussing the next topic, "Generosity".

    53 min

  5. FEB 23

    Gentleness - When everything is your gift from God. ACIM - Manual for Teachers

    Reflection on Non-Judgment: The conversation shifted to a check-in on the previous week's practice of not judging, which was generally positive, prompting Soo Kim to ask for clarification on the difference between judgment and discernment. Jevon Perra initially requested a pause for the conversation to organize, noting Denise Darlene's quick start, but the discussion soon moved forward, focusing on these key spiritual concepts.Distinction Between Judgment and Discernment: Denise Darlene proposed that discernment and wisdom are the same, suggesting that judgment stems from fear and lacks peace, often involving labels and coming from the ego. Wisdom and discernment, conversely, come from love and result in peace. Jevon Perra cautioned that a form of discernment could still be rooted in fear, using the concept to create separation or a feeling of superiority.Peace as an Indicator for Wisdom: Denise Darlene maintained that if guidance is coming from a place of peace, it is wisdom guided by the Holy Spirit, which is a core concept in the Course in Miracles. Jevon Perra agreed that the presence of peace, love, and joy serves as an indicator of alignment, while experiences outside of peace, such as anger or frustration, signal alignment with the ego. Jevon Perra shared a personal anecdote of growing up in a religious family that misused "discernment" to enforce fear, highlighting that the resulting lack of peace was a clear sign they needed to leave the environment, demonstrating true discernment.Discussion on the Show Quantum Leap: Jevon Perra used the plot of the television show Quantum Leap as a metaphor for consciousness and purpose, where the character Sam Beckett leaps into different bodies to accomplish missions they do not remember. Brian Genovese, who loves the show, clarified that the mission is to set right what once went wrong, and once accomplished, the character leaps to the next adventure. Jevon Perra connected the show’s themes to the idea that we are consciousness having an experience, which Brian Genovese agreed is a much deeper concept than people realize.Peace as a Guide and Awareness of Attachment: Denise Darlene restated the initial card's message that truth will correct all errors and that peace is the guide indicating alignment with the Holy Spirit. Jevon Perra noted that they can quickly tell when they are not in peace, which is always due to some attachment or idea of separation they are unwilling to let go of. They affirmed that the work involves bringing in and finding the truth to create the experience of peace.Clarification of "Truth": Soo Kim challenged the phrase "self-truth," suggesting that the focus should be on capital "T" Truth, representing non-duality, oneness, and unity, which is the voice of the Holy Spirit. Denise Darlene agreed that this pursuit of Truth often feels like death or betrayal, but confirms that this feeling is an indication they are on the right track.Reading from Manual for Teachers on Gentleness: The group decided to continue reading the "Manual for Teachers" from the Course in Miracles, focusing on the section "Gentleness". Soo Kim read that harm is impossible for God's teachers because it is the outcome of judgment and the denial of learning, making the Holy Spirit's lessons impossible to learn. Jevon Perra related the concept to a play, suggesting that consciousness is neither the hero nor the villain, and that believing in harming or saving is an attachment.The Strength of Gentleness: Soo Kim continued the reading, emphasizing that God's teachers are wholly gentle because gentleness is the strength needed for salvation to become easy. Jevon Perra described gentleness through the analogy of kindly waking a child from a nightmare, where the gentle voice of the Holy Spirit calls them out of the illusion. Jevon Perra offered a personal example of practicing gentleness in a relationship through non-resistance, which involved maintaining a state of "No, honey, it's okay" to diffuse conflict.Gentleness, Non-Resistance, and the Pain Body: Brian Genovese affirmed that Jevon Perra's non-resistance was successful because it denied the other person's ego the energy it sought to feed its "pain body," a concept also discussed by Eckhart Tolle. Denise Darlene added that kindness, not judgment or punishment, is what leads to repentance, echoing Christian scripture and the power of non-resistance in situations of conflict. Denise Darlene recounted an experience with their critical mother, noting that quiet non-engagement eventually exhausts the criticism, making them a less favorable person to complain to.The Choice Between Separation and Christ's Vision: Jevon Perra summarized the two ways of seeing the world: the world of separation, sin, and guilt (ego's perception), and Christ's vision (heaven on earth), which sees abundance, connection, and love. Jevon Perra stated that one cannot hold both visions simultaneously and that giving up the "games" of separation is necessary to see the wholeness that is already present. Denise Darlene emphasized that the difficult work of letting go of these egoic games is the difference between awakening and staying asleep, which involves the critical step of disciplining the mind to replace lies with truth.The Journey of Awakening and the "Happier Dream": Jevon Perra questioned the duration required for awareness, referencing a quote from I Am That that enlightenment could be instant upon belief. Denise Darlene shared their current status as having achieved a "happier dream" but not yet fully embodying the truth, acknowledging that they are closer than ever. Denise Darlene cautioned against the "holy instant system" without prior ego dismantling, noting that their son’s experience of God’s presence resulted in a painful psychosis upon returning to the body, necessitating a subsequent learning path.Experiences as Lessons and the Use of Medicine Journeys: The group discussed the idea that experiences labeled as "bad" are often lessons chosen by a greater part of the self. Jevon Perra expanded this to include anything that is resisted, including medicine journeys if used as escapism. Denise Darlene noted that their experience with medicine journeys has been for self-discovery—revealing subconscious beliefs and traumas—not for escape, and that post-journey work is still required for change. Soo Kim acknowledged that while medicine is intended for this deep work, some people use it to reinforce delusions or escape pain.Reincarnation and the Goal of the Course in Miracles: Denise Darlene inquired if the Course in Miracles discusses reincarnation, to which Jevon Perra replied that its premise is to "save time," implying the avoidance of doing the cycle of life again and again. The discussion touched upon the concept of the individual spirit returning to God like a wave merging back into the ocean, challenging the notion of maintaining individuality after death. Soo Kim noted that the concept of reincarnation is sometimes twisted in cultures like India to justify judgment or social hierarchy, calling others "stupid" due to perceived past lives.The Afterlife and Frequency of Vibration: The conversation turned to the nature of individuality after death and the "great reset button" that death provides. Jevon Perra recommended the near-death experience book Backwards by Nancy Danison, explaining that the afterlife location is determined by one's current vibrational frequency and that the choice to hold onto a low frequency can result in hellish experiences. Jevon Perra explained that one's body is a filter that lowers frequency, and after death, the frequency raises, allowing for experiences of what is called heaven, though perception can still be filtered by egoic beliefs.Conclusion on Gentleness and Non-Judgment: Denise Darlene reiterated a key takeaway from the reading: "harm is the outcome of judgment," meaning that taking offense stems from a judgment of the situation, not the neutral facts of what happened. The solution involves replacing judgment with compassion, seeing others' challenging behavior as the limited maturity of a wounded child. Jevon Perra shared a practical application of this, noting that viewing their mother as an "insane" or "crazy lady" they could help, rather than as an entitled person taking advantage of them, made the interaction bearable.Reflecting on Kindness and Empathy: Jevon Perra shared a story from their childhood about an accidental encounter at Disneyland where an adult's anger instantly turned to empathy and service upon seeing them in a wheelchair, illustrating how perception immediately shifts based on the recognized state of the other. The group affirmed the power of recognizing that others are often in a "mental wheelchair".Final Thoughts and Self-Inquiry: Denise Darlene concluded with the initial affirmation that when not experiencing peace, they are experiencing the effects of a lie, encouraging self-inquiry to discover the underlying lie or judgment. Soo Kim asked if their previous challenge to Brian Genovese about "self-truth" was a violation of gentleness, but Brian Genovese clarified that it was helpful for clarification and not perceived as judgmental. Jevon Perra ended the session by stating that they are always revealing their judgments or their love and acceptance.

    50 min

  6. FEB 20

    Judging is Self-Deception - ACIM - Manual for Teachers

    Starting the Manual for Teachers Reading: Jevon Perra and Denise Darlene discussed how the lessons and teachings from the course can seep in over time without systematic study. Jevon Perra announced they would be reading "Tolerance," the third characteristic of God's teachers, starting on page 12 of the Manual for Teachers.Reading and Discussion on Tolerance and Judgment: Jevon Perra read that God’s teachers do not judge, as judgment implies a lack of trust and self-deception. Jevon Perra observed that judgment assumes a position one does not have and that without judgment, all things are equally acceptable. Jevon Perra connected the deception to separation and the "zero sum game" mentality, where their gain means someone else's loss.Judgment and Ego Control: Denise Darlene proposed that judgment is a form of control by the ego, which seeks safety by determining if something is good or bad. Denise Darlene emphasized that everything is neutral and that judging separates one from their "best interest," citing the card, "I do not perceive my own best interest". Brian Genovese connected judging to concepts of good and evil, noting their sensitivity to bullying and instinct to fight injustice.Neutrality and Best Interests: Denise Darlene asked Brian Genovese to consider if the act of bullying could be a neutral event that ultimately provides a gift for the person being bullied. Brian Genovese acknowledged that their experience of being bullied gave them empathy, suggesting the event, while difficult at the time, resulted in a valuable lesson. Denise Darlene concluded that if they do not know their own best interest, they cannot possibly know someone else's best interest, suggesting that intervening in harm should be done without hatred or fear.The Gift of Reality and Trust in the Creator: Jevon Perra suggested that preference is similar to judging, as it separates one from the "gift of reality". Jevon Perra discussed that every experience is potentially a gift and a teaching from the creator, even the "bad ones," which were chosen in an ultimate sense. The discussion shifted to the concept of resting in God, which Jevon Perra stated is their daily reminder.Suffering and The Character: Jevon Perra reflected on how the ego can cause suffering and separation from contentment regardless of what the "character" is doing, such as when they are too frustrated or lost in the character. Jevon Perra brought up the concept of fighting for what one wants "like you're right, but listen like you're wrong," suggesting a lack of attachment to the outcome. Jevon Perra used the example of their spouse, Carolyn, getting upset during games like Monopoly or Catan, demonstrating the pain of attachment to winning.Lowering Expectations: Denise Darlene related the concept of non-attachment to lowering expectations, noting that one's response to events reveals if they have expectations. Denise Darlene described practicing non-attachment, particularly when ordering food or traveling with their spouse, Joe, by holding their day loosely and using the Course in Miracles prayer: "What would you have me do? Where would you have me go? What would you have me say? And to whom?".Enneagram and Attachment: Denise Darlene brought up their son, Charlie, who is an Enneagram Seven, noting that Sevens constantly plan for an "amazing, incredible experience" and therefore live with tremendous disappointment because life is not Disneyland every day. Jevon Perra shared a story where Charlie cried hysterically because they were going to Starbucks for treats instead of Dunkin’ Donuts, illustrating Charlie’s attachment to a specific outcome.Applying Non-Attachment to Daily Life: Jevon Perra observed that not everyone has the luxury of being contemplative, but they can still apply the principles of non-attachment and curiosity in a 9-to-5 job by trusting God in all outcomes. Denise Darlene affirmed this, stating one can have a checklist but needs to hold it loosely, using their son Jonathan's house remodeling project as an example of having to continually adapt to unexpected challenges and interruptions.Idols and Undivided Devotion: Denise Darlene used Jevon Perra's anxiety about Carolyn not being "okay" to point out that they had placed Carolyn on a throne as an idol, suggesting they were relating to them as God. Denise Darlene explained that God desires undivided devotion and recognition, stating that the "many gods" or idols we create "wreck our life" because we try to serve them. Denise Darlene then read from Neville Goddard's collection on Christian mysticism to define the "Word" as a desire seeking embodiment and the "I am" as the only reality.The Power of "I Am": The reading explained that to realize one's desire, the awareness ("I am") must agree with the desire, which results in the birth of the desired outcome. Denise Darlene concluded that Jevon Perra was trying to borrow peace and worth from Carolyn instead of cultivating it within themself through the truth of the "I am". Brian Genovese shared that they record their "I ams" and play them for themself before bed as a consistent practice to improve awareness.Managing Stress and Finding Resistance: Denise Darlene discussed using visual reminders and making the claim "I am the opposite of that" when a disturbance occurs. Jevon Perra shared that when they carry stress, often related to making money, they find the pain in their body, typically their chest or the back of their head. Jevon Perra noted that during meditation, they can feel the resistance and determine when they have been able to let everything go.The Practice of Releasing Resistance and Embracing Emptiness: Jevon Perra described a personal practice involving stopping, noticing resistance, and reminding themself that "it's okay" to release whatever anxiety or fear is present. They noted that releasing this resistance creates an "emptiness" which, paradoxically, is a "free, content" and "open" feeling where they are complete with the "nothing" that gives rise to everything. The personal struggle is figuring out how to engage in daily life and pursue goals from this free, content place, even though they recognize they could technically maintain the feeling all day long.Seeking the Kingdom of Heaven First: Denise Darlene offered a perspective based on the scripture, "seek first the kingdom of heaven," suggesting that living in a spiritual dimension is counterintuitive to the human experience, which is primarily based on fear and control. They related that the spiritual path demands a shift in priorities, recalling a time when they realized their relationship with their spouse, Joe, had taken precedence over their relationship with God, illustrating that making a person one's "god" could lead to terrible suffering if that person were lost. The emphasis should be on abiding in God first, rather than using God only as a tool when difficulties arise.The Path of Trust and Relinquishing Control: Denise Darlene explained that trust is necessary when pursuing the spiritual path, which often requires confronting situations where it seems "there isn't enough" to encourage faith growth. They noted that people often must reach the end of their own resources before turning to God, likening this to the experience of the prodigal son. Brian Genovese agreed that releasing expectations is crucial to letting things flow, noting that the fight-or-flight instinct is an ingrained human trait that makes it difficult to embrace faith and release control.Mistrust and Misplaced Dependency: Denise Darlene stated that the degree of difficulty in laying down control is proportional to the degree one has made themself God over things like income. They shared a personal experience where they had misplaced trust in their first husband as the "god of the roof over our head," only to realize they did not trust God to be their financial provider until their husband's life was threatened. When they finally asked God for help, their pastor immediately called them to offer $5,000 a month to maintain their lifestyle while their husband was in recovery.The Importance of Speaking and Asking: Brian Genovese affirmed that one must actively put their needs out there and speak them out to God because God does not read minds. They concluded that while help and good things will happen, they rarely occur within the timeframe people desire. Denise Darlene agreed, emphasizing that such occurrences are always at the perfect time and that navigating the path of trust can become a "fun game to play".

    1h 3m

  7. FEB 16

    Only the Honest can be Content -ACIM. manual for teachers

    Reference Material for the Course: The speakers briefly discussed related literature, with Jevon Perra mentioning Ken Wapnick's commentary as a great resource, identifying them as the original editor. They also agreed that the book The Disappearance of the Universe is an amazing starting point for anyone engaging with the material, as it provides a valuable take on the course's concepts. Transition to the Lesson on Honesty: Jevon Perra introduced the current lesson from the Manual for Teachers, focusing on the topic of honesty, following the previous section on the development of trust. The conversation began with the principle that all other desirable traits rest on trust, allowing one to see the value in honesty. Scarcity and Trust: Jevon Perra related the concept of trust to personal struggles, specifically describing falling into "scarcity death loops" where they feel the need to constantly work and achieve to ensure things will be okay. This activity is viewed as a source of separation and anxiety, which Brian Genovese resonated with, sharing a similar tendency toward self-torture despite achieving success. Honesty as Consistency and Integrity: The speakers defined honesty as consistency, meaning there is no conflict between what one says, thinks, or does, and no word or thought opposes another. Jevon Perra connected this definition to the concept of integrity, using the analogy of structural integrity in construction to illustrate being aligned and capable of handling stress. Integrity in Personal and Business Conduct: The discussion explored how integrity, or internal alignment, could exist even in people who are unpleasant, as illustrated by Brian Genovese's anecdote about their grandfather's practice of expressing negative thoughts to prevent health issues. Jevon Perra extended this idea to business, noting the importance of clear intentions, even when they are exploitative, contrasting this with dishonest business practices like undisclosed loan points. Ethics, Morality, and Non-Dualism: Jevon Perra contrasted ethics and morality—which are defined by rules for being a "good person" that change over time and place—with a non-dual perspective, which posits there is only one game and one player. In this non-dual view, the apparent universe requires roles like "takers" and "givers" for the drama game to exist, chosen by consciousness itself. Honesty with Self and the Illusion of Separation: Jevon Perra returned to the idea of honesty being self-deception, which is the root of conflict and anxiety when one's actions contradict their stated trust in a higher power. The belief in one's separate body and the resultant fear of death or scarcity is what causes suffering, although the true self is eternal. The Mind of God and the "Mad Idea" of Separation: Jevon Perra further detailed the non-dual concept of consciousness projecting the universe as a "step-down" of pure power, allowing for the experience of being a separate person. This separation originated from the "crazy mad idea" in the mind of God about what it would be like to not be one, leading to the projection of guilt, sin, and death. Contentment Through Acceptance and Trust: The final segment focused on achieving contentment by accepting life exactly as it is, trusting that it is what the true self or God desires. Jevon Perra argued that true contentment comes from letting go of striving and desire, which allows one to change the entire world because the world is a projection of the one mind.

    43 min

  8. FEB 14

    Teacher is the Learner ACIM

    Teacher is the Learner ACIM

    47 min
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Jevon Perra is on the search for guides that point the way to Awakening, classically called Enlightenment. Discover these guides' real life stories of physical, emotional, mental and spiritual healing and how you can partake in the same.

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