A Course in Miracles Monk

Testimonials submitted by people who have had one-on-one sessions or subscribed to classes…

“Listening to Jamie’s classes have brought my understanding of ACIM/Ken’s teachings to a much deeper level. Jamie has a gentle way of getting past my ego’s defenses and learning on a deep level has been the result.”–Barry B. New Hampshire, USA (02/03/10)

I scheduled my first session with Jamie because I had a big decision in my life to make. I knew what I wanted to do, but felt a great deal of fear and guilt over it. Jamie was firstly calm and caring just as he is during his weekly classes. Not much can get past him and he is able to cut through the crap to get to the issue with true precision. He gently, steadily, and consistently helped me to find the content behind the form. He helped me to see the purpose of the issue. And when I did, I was then clear in my mind about what to do. Ultimately, he helped to facilitate a quiet space so I could hear Jesus more clearly. That’s really what he does. But he does it in a way that is warm, kind, funny, gentle, steady, and safe. The sessions were so helpful that I felt more regular sessions would likely benefit my overall ACIM practice and journey home. This indeed proved to be true. During a session, I get insights and awareness and “oh, I get it” moments. And then in the days that follow, the process continues to unfold and integrate. I have a strange feeling that Jamie is giving “power to the peel”. I feel that the onion is now peeling more steadily and consistently. And possibly faster. It’s nice! So, I can definitely highly recommend to anyone a session with Jamie. And ideally, if you can schedule regular, recurring sessions — whether every week, every other week, or monthly — please, please consider it. Anything that gets us Home faster is a good thing. And Jamie is certainly most helpful. : ) ~ Lisa, WA, USA (12/06/09)

Hi Emm : ) Well I just finished my session with Jamie and it was a massive massive massive help!!…Here is a little message for Jamie: Hey Jamie, OH my goodness — what a relief our session has been to me!!!! I think you got a little insight into my misinterpretations and the suffering that they have caused so thanks SO much for clearing it up for me!…now I feel like I might just have a bit more head-space to learn the Course better and therefore try and apply it. But as you said, a normal life is where it’s at, so I’m looking forward to the many adventures ahead! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!! Many many blessings and thank you for offering these phone sessions — was a real big help. p.s. I feel like im getting my life back so thanks : ) ~ Joe from Australia (12/03/09)

I had my first session with Jamie last week, and it was filled with surprises.  I was hoping for some clarity, from a Course perspective, about what has been going on in my life.  Jamie’s gentle advice was incredibly helpful, and filled with practical pearls that I have been using each day.  What I did not expect, however, was that we would spend half the session laughing together.  It was amazing. ~ Sarah W., USA (09/29/09)

Jamie is sneaky….he holds a space in which Love’s presence sneaks up on you, and before you know it….clarity and peace are palpable. Effortlessly. I noticed in working with him that the ego was looking for the big bells and whistles, and mystical phenomena, and while it was off looking for that, the still small voice moved in, and took over. I was touched by the session in a really soft and subtle way, and I noticed the still small voice more often in the days following our session. His gentleness has a way of removing the blocks to the awareness of Love’s presence without all the familiar defences coming up. ~ Christine Wushke, Okotoks, Alberta, Canada (08/18/09)

I love the fact that in your blog and classes you don’t make it out that you are some Guru or something but just someone who is sharing their journey of  their study and practice of the Course (and clearly you have a deep understanding of it which helps us all at the same time). ~ Joe P., Australia (08/17/09)

The monk’s writings, teaching and advice are a breath of fresh air. I’ve been a student of ACIM for almost 10 years and have seldom resorted to other teachers than Dr. Ken Wapnick when it comes to getting my Course education. But finding this ‘bruddher’ has been a joy, a blessing and gift. His work is loving, true to the Course and inspiring, plus funny on top of all that! If I truly told you how much I appreciate this Monk, I’d fill a page, so I’ll stop here. Just know that you will get a thousand percent return in whatever you put into this Monastery. We are truly fortunate and blessed to have him share his path with us. ~ Lucia Espinosa, GA, USA

Dear Monk: For me it was refreshing to find your blog and it is now refreshing to be part of the Monastery via the Oratory. Since I discovered the Course (about 12 years ago) I always study it through the glasses of Ken Wapnick (for me, until now the only teacher of the Course). Now I can say that Ken has help and very good help with a teacher like you. I think a lot of Course students appreciate all your efforts and the humorous and always understandable teachings. Thanks again. ~ Elizabeth Damm, B.C.S. MEX.

A session with Jamie will change your life. His knowledge of A Course in Miracles combined with his heartfelt commitment to allow the love to flow through him, will result in a level of spiritual growth that permeates every aspect of the student’s life. A session with Jamie is an opportunity to feel the power and strength of the love we all have within us. ~ J.E. Farnham, FL., USA

I would like to share what I feel when I am in session with Jamie. Instantly, there is a sensation of being enveloped in the love of Jesus. My mind lightens up, and I start to understand my own questions. I also feel very playful, and we laugh a lot. I might also feel complete terror – but the times I have felt that, I have been able to get to the feeling beneath the terror – and that has been very very valuable. ~ Nunny Nina in Norway

I have had the privilege of meeting our Monk in person, as well as many email exchanges. His kindness, wisdom, generosity and answers to my questions have been most helpful to me on this path. Because of my resistance, I need extra help besides my personal study of ACIM. Monk is a form of the extra help that Jesus promises in ACIM that we will “…never be left comfortless….” I am so grateful for him in a way that words would never be able to express. His Love will come through no matter what form one chooses to communicate with him. My gratitude and love for him is beyond anything of this world. ~ m’anonymous, USA

For several years, I’ve considered the experience of trying to find an ACIM study group in hopes of deepening my understanding of the Course. My geographic location hasn’t been conducive to that…but no matter, I have found something better than a study group…the ACIM Monk Classes via the Oratory of the Quiet Heart! I say “better” because stories abound about study groups that often are the blind leading the blind. ACIM Monk leads the classes through pertinent Course topics and answers questions submitted by participants. “Better” also because I can download the recorded class onto my ipod and listen all week or two or three…on my commute to work. With each new class, Jamie gently and wisely explores the question, including comments and questions from live participants, injecting humor along the way. I think I’ve found a home away from Home. ~ Laura The Toddler Student Kansas

One of the kindest, warmest and most insightful persons I know. Such a rare combination of modesty, patience and understanding, with terrific humour, clarity of thought and intelligence. A very giving man. ~ C. Smith, Fife, Scotland

Jamie has devoted his life to ACIM scholarship and it shows. He combines his knowledge with patience, generosity and an hysterical wit that reminds me why I did the Course in the first place. Jamie is relentlessly devoted to anyone he encounters, so if that’s you, you are in good hands. ~ Katie Jane Wennechuk, Calion, AR

The Monk is a reassuring presence in my life on the Course in Miracles path. His constant devotion to teaching and bringing clarity to my questions is unwavering and the humour and fun with which these messages are transcribed makes reading his teachings a joy. The acimmonk website has become a place of worship, and the 1:1 teaching I have received from the monk over the years has been more valuable than words can describe, serving to lead me back onto the spiritual path when my ego, misunderstandings and doubts have tempted me to give up. ~ Lucie Freeborn, UK

In my experience, Jamie is the same in class or private email as in his blog. He shares his Course and personal wisdom with integrity, love and humor. During my connections with him I feel I have been gently coaxed back into the right mind. Offered yet another chance to choose love instead of fear. ~ Cynthia, Sister of the Oratory, NH, USA

I’ve been fortunate to have the opportunity to have an e-mail session with Jamie during a particularly stressful period in my life. His kind words and insights allowed me to look at my situation from a different perspective, and helped loosen up some of my stubborn beliefs by gently nudging me in the right direction. His combination of wisdom and wit make his writing enjoyable to read, and I would highly recommend anybody with questions regarding their personal lives or their understanding of ACIM principles to try out the services that Jamie is offering. I will surely continue to take advantage of this valuable resource and look forward to my next opportunity to have a session. ~ Brian H. – Montreal, QC, Canada

I have been able to attend Jamie’s weekly classes for over three years. His classes are just simply lots more of what I love about his posts — clarification, examples, wit, kindness, and love. His style of teaching is just so comfortable and comforting. I might miss my favorite TV show, but I don’t miss his classes. I learn so much each and every time and have a really great time doing it. Most, if not every, class has a goodly amount of laughter so the people who choose to listen to his recordings might very likely find themselves laughing right along with him, and those of us lucky enough to be in class that day. ~ Lyla Lett, USA

Being able to participate in spirit in acimmonk’s classes by way of tape is a gift that keeps on giving. I am gently nudged to laugh at myself as I am reminded to choose once again the voice of the Holy Spirit and forgive myself when deciding for ego — and not to feel guilty. Jamie is a gentle, loving example of a teacher who shares his light and love to help me on my journey to the home I never left. ~ Anne TN, USA

Dear ACIMMONK, Your leadership, wise advice, enthusiasm, and attention to my endeavors have impressed me. Ayn Rand wrote that a person should be altruistic only by choice, not by society’s. You are beyond giving of yourself — your rich help is automatic. What a wonderful world this would be if we had multitudes like you. I owe you a lot and intend to pay you for countless favors, but I know such a concept doesn’t cross your pristine mind. Did I forget generous, skillful, creative? You’re those for sure. ~ Jerry Askeroth, USA

One  morning over my oatmeal I saw a little announcement  about an ACIM study group.  That  sounded just right. I was looking for God and also for friends since I had just moved.  Actually I had been doggedly looking for God for many many years in all the latest New Age stuff that came out. But nothing ever satisfied me.  I had lived just outside of NYC  for many many years and I knew that those New Age materials were not telling it like it really was.  I had read parts of the Course  about 15 years ago and didn’t really get it.  I didn’t find iambic pentameter easy to read and I didn’t like what I thought were all the references to Christianity,  but I had kept the book.  But to get back to the main story, I took my book down from the shelf and off I went to that study group.  Well, I loved the very first class.  Monk  was warm and friendly, and I was very intrigued by what he was explaining about the Course.  It made sense, terrific sense, and no matter what came up in our discussions it still made sense.  That weekly class has changed my life.  When I met Monk I was so very anxious, depressed, and fearful and had been most of my adult life.  I felt like my life was a nightmare in so many ways.  I worried that I might be going insane.  Monk helped me understand what ACIM is saying and patiently helped me apply it to my life.  I did what Monk said and I got relief while being assured that I would eventually choose peace.  I was so so grateful.  It is wonderful for all of us that Monk is so kind and loving and funny and witty.  But let’s be honest.  What I needed was to understand the Course and learn how to apply to my life each and every day in every situation.  And Monk is so adept at that.  I would have never ever gotten this by just reading the book.  I needed to have someone who could answer questions that directly  pertained to my life so I could see how it was all the same even when I kept thinking that I have a challenge that can’t possibly be covered in the Course.  Week by week Monk has clarified and explained with every day examples or examples from my own life what the Course is saying and how to practice it in my situation.  The way I view my life is so very different now.  I find that I still “forget” what Monk says and have to have things repeated.  And Monk always finds a way to patiently bring the concepts to my awareness again with easy and interesting examples. Without his guidance and support, I know I would have misunderstood so many concepts and would not be experiencing the peace that I have today. ~ Anonymous, USA

Jamie brings a clarity to the Course that is fresh and unique. I find his wit really shakes up my wandering thoughts and I’m able to reflect on my own experience with what he writes about. The commentary he shares from Temecula is priceless! – JD, NB, Canada

The very first class I had with Jamie in November of 2005, I was astonished at his understanding of ACIM. Someone of his wisdom and clarity is usually much older and not nearly so cute! I found that he never deviated from what The Course said and would stay with you in explaining a paticular concept until your inquiry was satisfied. After attending weekly classes for almost four years now, I find that the insights and laughs I get from sitting in his class are still so very enriching to my life! I have seen him grow from being an outstanding teacher, to being an even more outstanding teacher! Although he has grown in his teachings, he continues to repeat the same things from The Course over and over, but it always seems to have a different flavor, sometimes appearing as if it was the first time he said it! (Accounting, I suppose, for my unbelievable resistance.) I’ve learned tho, life has a part to play through me and it’s like Jamie showed up in my life to help me know how to live within that part and have union and harmony with it. Like it says in The Course “This is a course in how to know yourself.” Jamie does a great job in teaching just how to do this and how to be ok with what you uncover about yourself. He is so original and funny with his metaphors and with the connections he makes with world events and everyday events with the concepts of The Course. His humor is rich in humanness and his laughter is contagious. He’s helped me many times to see ‘the problem’ as it is instead of the way I’ve set it up. It gets to be pretty funny at times and then pretty ridiculous which makes it even more funny! You cannot be ‘out of harmony’ long with Jamie forever pointing you to the love that you are, which he always (patiently) points out is patiently waiting for our acceptance. He is truly a teacher of truth and so important, I believe, is his honesty, in that in everyday life situations he practices what he teaches, and it’s so helpful and often very amusing when he shares one of his human experiences in class, which he often does. I find it very beneficial and a real delight to experience his energy! I’m very grateful to have him in my life! Today we have many teachings and teachers to choose from, and I feel we are very fortunate indeed to have The Course and The Monk among our choices!! ~ Yvonne Pellegrino, USA

I highly recommend all of the Monk’s services – email, phone sessions and classes. As someone with a life-long pattern of taking everything far too seriously, typically blaming myself, the Monk has been instrumental in helping me shift out of this pattern, releasing my seriousness and self-condemnation. Today I find myself more consistently light-hearted and joyous. It seems a lot of guilt has been healed through this process. The Monk’s classes have not only been great fun but also highly instrumental in helping me understand the metaphysics of the Course and practical ways of applying the principles in my day-to-day life. The Monk is simply an incredible value for Course students who seriously want to learn to take life less seriously (not making it real) while taking steps toward Home. ~ Lonni, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, USA