A Return to Love Workshop: The Basics of A Course in Miracles

by Marianne Williamson

On July 1-3, 2011, Marianne Williamson taught a workshop on A Course in Miracles in Los Angeles, California.

The topic of the weekend was how miracles — shifts in thinking from fear to love — make all the difference in how we live and how we feel. Learning to think differently -- to stand psychologically and emotionally on a different ground of being -- is the spiritual journey from anxiety to inner peace.

This audio workshop deals with practical issues such as: How do we make the switch from fear to love? What are the practical keys? What makes a miracle happen? What makes forgiveness more than just a word, what does it offer us, and how do we do it? Where do our relationships fit in? Why are they often painful, and how can they be miraculous instead? In what way is our relationship to God the key to our success in the world? How do we find inner peace, and help create peace in the world around us?

Genres: Audiobook, Personal Development, Spirituality, Self Help, Nonfiction, Psychology

Audio CD

First published December 1, 1996

About the author

Marianne Williamson is an internationally acclaimed lecturer, activist, and author with six New York Times bestsellers. Her books include Tears to Triumph, A Return to Love, A Year of Miracles, The Law of Divine Compensation, The Gift of Change, The Age of Miracles, Everyday Grace, A Woman's Worth, Illuminata, and A Course in Weight Loss. She has been a popular guest on television programs such as Oprah and Good Morning America.

Reviews

[Mohammed Irfan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I learned somethings, but her language was as difficult as the course itself. nevertheless, some of the insights resonated with me.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good introduction to ACourse in Miracles.

[Chelsea Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marianne does an excellent job at finding spiritual solutions for real world issues (insecurities, weight issues, depression, etc.)

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first read Marianne Williamson's A RETURN TO LOVE more than 30 years ago. For me, this was (and still is) the most life changing book I have ever read. I came across this audio book which is a weekend seminar she taught years ago. It's a wonderful experience (although she does repeat "Does that make sense?" a few too many times). I do think it's a nice refresher on the course but I felt reading her books had more impact for me.

[Mely · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was really insightful a little too prayer vibe for me but I like the message it was nice and she’s very spiritual which I’m like so I like the message especially about ego and how that really is our issue when it comes to people and things

[Jessica Sellers · Rating 5 out of 5]

The change we’re looking for is in our own head
When we think with love, life is peaceful, that is the meaning of heaven
Without, life is painful = meaning of hell
Only love is real, opposite is fear
Something amazing happens when we surrender and just love. We melt in another world a realm of power already in us the world changes when we change, the world softens when we soften, the world loves us when we choose to love the world. Surrender means the decision to stop fighting the world and love it instead it is a gentle liberation from pain
We’re simply asked to shift focus to take on a more gentle perception, that’s all God needs. Just one sincere surrender moment when love matters more than anything and we know that nothing else really matters at all.
That’s when we create miracles, miracles occur naturally as an expression of love.

Forgiveness is the choice to see people as they are now

To condemn another is to condemn ourselves

When we attack back we initiate a war that can never be won

People deserve our love because of who God created them to be

Anger is the result of uncommunicated feelings
It’s very important to have a safe space for fighting

The unhealthiest thing to do with anger is to deny we have it. The miraculous perspective is not to pretend we’re not angry but rather to say I’m angry but I’m willing not to be Dear God please show me what it is I’m not seeing

The most effective way to teach a child is not Don’t do this, it’s DO this

Conflicted behavior cannot bring peace only bring more conflict

This world is a dysfunction. However, we can use every experience to grow. Forgiveness is the only path that leads out of hell. As we love, we shall be released from pain and as we deny love we shall remain in pain. Each of us have different fears and different manifestations of fear but all of us are saved by the same technique a call to God to save our lives by salvaging our minds. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For love is the kingdom, and love is the glory and love is the power forever and ever.

In everything, spread love. Put love first in everything. The key to a successful career is realizing that it’s not separate from the rest of your life but rather is an extension of your most basic self and your most basic self is love.

If something makes our heart sing that’s God’s way of telling us it’s a contribution he wants us to make. Sharing our gifts makes us happy

Who are you not to be amazing. When we let our light shine we empower others to do the same

[Pam Mcmahon · Rating 4 out of 5]

As my friend so rightly pointed out, a study of ACIM is more profoundly experienced in a group. After all, this is the fundamental essence of relationships and humanity, this miracle of unconditional, unbounded love. We must relate! While not a long term study group, this workshop, led by Marianne Williamson, sort of popped up on my radar screen for this particular time and place in my study of The Course from a completely unrelated encounter, as I was viewing a Facebook friend's post about her (Marianne Williamson) recent candidacy for California's 33rd District US. Congressional seat. Funny how these things work. Her style is transparent and authentic; she suffers no fools but in the most loving way, while fully acknowledging her own struggles and shortcomings. She has wonderful gravitas, combined with such delightful humor and, to my delight, not just an occasional irreverence. For me, this is from where love emanates. So timely for me at this point in my study.

[K.R. Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gave this a 5 star rating even though I had to keep an open mind and I didn't expect it to be 100% gospel-perfect. That said, it had many good, life-changing truths that had a profound impact on me and was the perfect answer to my prayer of what I yet lack (which is a lot more than I thought--isn't it always? Haha). Anyway, it was the first time I had ever heard of "A Course in Miracles" and I might just want to look at the book of the 365 exercises.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Phenomenal! I'm so glad that I listened to this at a time when I needed it and was open to receiving it. Marianne Williamson is an incredibly insightful speaker, and I highly recommend this for anyone who is looking to become the highest version of him/herself.

[Seawitch · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good follow up to my re-read of The Untethered Soul. It all sounds so simple until you get cut off on the highway by someone driving like a maniac;)

[Nicole Ambrosino · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book literally changed my life.

[Eleanor Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to capture the essence of the book you will need to listen to it.

AudioBook format:
A Return to Love Workshop: The Basics of A Course in Miracles with Marianne Williamson

I love Marianne, and this CD was no let down - I have already listened to it once, and will be listening again. What I love about her, is she pulls no punches. She tells it how it is, and doesn't always tell you what you want to hear, but certainly tells you what you need to hear. Her delivery is enthusiastic and vibrant. This is a wonderful workshop recording. The sound quality is excellent. I have to say there is something profoundly beautiful in this workshop. I must be at the right place in my life to receive this message. Through the years I have listened to a variety of spiritual teachers...some traditional Christian and some they would label "new age". In all teachings I try to hear the truth to which they point. This workshop does a beautiful job of helping you if you have been stuck in un-forgiveness and guilt. I did not find this workshop to be "new age" over the top. I found it brought me much closer to the love of God. I appreciate this workshop it has been such a blessing to me. This recording is one that I will keep handy and listen as often as my soul needs a comforting reminder that LOVE works better than fear.

[Sonia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't read A Course in Miracles, but this recording of Marianne Williamson's workshop on ACIM makes it feel very accessible and has inspired me to read the original and do the workbook. It was helpful to hear Marianne explain how to apply the ACIM lessons to everyday life. It some ways it all feels very simple, but of course theory is always easier than real world application. It's important to remember the value of daily practice. You don't just learn the lesson and become enlightened. ACIM does, however, provide a great framework for doing the work that helps you live a life of peace and equanimity.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was ugly crying by page three, in an airport, in my flight attendant uniform. I had to hide out in a bathroom stall. ¹

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome!

[Kaisu Koskelin · Rating 1 out of 5]

This person is running for president. And I thought Trump was bad. Oh lord. O tempora o mores. We’re doomed.

[Tarek Omran · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful book

[Jade Robertson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I struggled with the Language in this both appreciated the underlying msgs but the heavy focus on god and religion kept feeling like a hard sell

[Shirley Mattson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Need everything to help grasp the concept of ACIM its difficult to follow this daily without anyone to talk to about it. This book is helpful.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

TASK 29: A book with “love” in the title

I wish I could listen to this every day. Helped me reignite my spiritual side, and underscores the need for constant work and learning. Powerful and inspirational, you can never have too much of the course.