By Gonny 
Dear Friends,
In A Course in Miracles, we often reflect on the lesson: “I am not a body, I am free. For I am still as God created me.” This profound statement calls us to remember our true identity as spirit, beyond the physical form. But what does this mean in practice? How can we navigate this world without falling into the trap of either neglecting the body or over-identifying with it?
Margot McKinnon’s framework of the Five Dimensions—Body, Mind, Spirit, Soul, and Oneness—offers a beautiful way to approach this balance. Her teachings align harmoniously with ACIM, helping us explore how to use the body and other dimensions of self as tools for learning and practicing love.
In this presentation, we’ll dive into:
1.What ACIM teaches us about the body – its neutrality and its purpose as an instrument of love and forgiveness.
2.An introduction to McKinnon’s Five Dimensions – understanding how the Body, Mind, Spirit, Soul, and Oneness work together.
3.Balancing these dimensions – how we can integrate this understanding to enhance our spiritual journey as ACIM students.
4.Practical reflections and applications – real-life examples to help us use these dimensions without attachment, but with purpose and clarity.
This approach can enrich our practice of ACIM by offering practical insights into how we balance the physical and spiritual aspects of our experience. Together, we’ll explore how honoring all dimensions of ourselves can help us live in greater alignment with the truth: we are free, eternal, and connected to the divine.
Let’s delve into this journey of integration and love.
1. The Body
The body represents the physical dimension of ourselves. It is how we move through the world, connect with others through our senses, and physically express ourselves. According to McKinnon, the body is a tool for experiences but should not become the sole focus of our lives.
•Role of the body: The body is a vehicle that helps us achieve our goals, but it is not who we truly are. It can teach us about care, discipline, and awareness.
•Out of balance: Over-focusing on the body, such as obsessing over appearance or physical achievements, can lead to superficiality and a disconnection from our deeper nature.
Application: Care for your body, but remember it is just one of many dimensions of who you are. Use it as an instrument to express love and compassion.
2. The Mind
The mind represents the rational and analytical dimension. This is the part of ourselves that thinks, plans, reasons, and makes decisions. It is our source of logic and problem-solving.
•Role of the mind: The mind helps us understand the world around us and find meaning in our experiences. It is also where perception arises, and in connection with A Course in Miracles, we learn that the mind can reshape its perspective through forgiveness.
•Out of balance: When the mind is overly dominant, we can become overly critical, perfectionistic, or controlling, leading to stress and a lack of intuitive connection.
Application: Use your mind to bring clarity and structure to your life, but remain open to intuition and spontaneity.
3. The Spirit
The spirit represents the intuitive and creative dimension of ourselves. It is the part that seeks connection with something greater than ourselves, such as the divine, nature, or universal love.
•Role of the spirit: Spirit is the source of inspiration, creativity, and deep intuition. It is where we feel guided by something higher, beyond the ego. It nourishes us with hope, trust, and the ability to let go.
•Out of balance: Neglecting the spirit can leave us feeling empty or uninspired. However, over-focusing on spirit without the other dimensions can lead to a disconnection from reality.
Application: Make space for spirit in your life through meditation, reflection, or time in nature. Trust your inner guidance.
4. The Soul
The soul represents the deepest core of our being. It is where our personal values, dreams, and desires reside. The soul is our unique contribution to the world.
•Role of the soul: The soul gives us a sense of meaning and purpose. It is the part of us that yearns for connection, growth, and self-expression.
•Out of balance: When the soul is neglected, we can feel lost or directionless. On the other hand, over-focusing on the soul without connecting to other dimensions can lead to self-centeredness.
Application: Listen to the call of your soul by reflecting on what truly matters to you in life. Ask yourself questions like: What brings me deep joy? or What do I want to contribute to the world?
5. Oneness
The dimension of oneness reminds us that we are all part of a greater whole. It is about experiencing connection with others, nature, and the source of all that is.
•Role of oneness: Oneness is the awareness that there is no true separation. It helps us transcend the ego and see that love is at the core of everything.
•Out of balance: Ignoring oneness can leave us feeling isolated or disconnected. On the other hand, focusing too much on oneness without paying attention to our own unique dimensions can lead to a loss of identity.
Application: Experience oneness by nurturing relationships, collaborating with others, and being aware of the interconnectedness of everything.
The Interplay of the Five Dimensions
McKinnon emphasizes the importance of balancing these five dimensions. Each dimension plays a unique role in our lives, and when one dimension becomes overly dominant, we lose balance.
For example:
•Over-focusing on the body may cause us to miss the deeper meaning of life.
•Solely pursuing spiritual growth may lead us to neglect our physical and emotional needs.
•Focusing only on oneness can make us forget our individual contribution to the world.
The goal is to integrate all these dimensions and live in harmony.
Reflection: Are You in Balance?
•Which dimension receives the most attention in your life?
•Which dimension could benefit from more focus?
•How can you use all these dimensions to lead a fulfilled and loving life?
McKinnon’s approach offers a practical path to embracing all aspects of yourself while remembering you are part of a greater whole. It beautifully aligns with the teachings of A Course in Miracles, where balance and love are at the heart of the journey.