Risk and Regret

The Path to Finding True Reward

The term “risk and reward” is often used to describe the relationship between potential gains and losses associated with a particular decision or action. The concept has been a fundamental principle of investing and finance for centuries.

Enticingly, risks may lead to lucrative rewards. Of course, more often than not they seem to result in painful regret. Which is exactly what happened at the beginning.

The beginning of what? Everything.

In the metaphysics of A Course in Miracles - and the mythology of many spiritual traditions - reality is a state of infinite oneness. Undifferentiated love, unconditional peace. Heavenly perfection.

Pleasant sounding concepts, but exceedingly far from our experience.

What led us out of the realm of reality was a belief in the idea of separation. The desire to be a self, a distinct identity. A calculated risk perhaps, with the certain reward of individuality - a unique distinction. A me.

And how lovely it is! A selfhood upon which our universe is centered.

Yet looking closely at the “gains” we acquired, this detachment from oneness leaves much to be desired. Pain, sorrow, and strife abound. Conditional contentment rapidly disintegrates. And nothing here lasts. For many, a temporary reduction in suffering suffices for solace.

But there is a way out. A path to true reward through not risk but rather, regret.

By looking with gentleness and without judgment at everything that upsets us, our rueful mourning is instantly transformed into radiant majesty. We experience an overwhelmingly joyful sense of serenity.

Rewards so great and so completely different from all things you sought before, that you will know that here your treasure is, and here your rest. (W-pI.164.4)

All that from kindhearted, judgment-free observation of each grievance. In doing so, we step out of the imprisoning clutches of the ego and into the welcoming arms of spirit’s heavenly embrace. It’s a risk-free proposition resulting in a reward of no regret.

Join me in Thursday’s class where we’ll explore the risk - regret - reward equation, and derivative practices to cultivate peace. I look forward to seeing you then.