Back in 1983, I began reading "A Course in Miracles" and doing the daily lessons in thought reversal. However, the text part of the Course was overwhelming to me then; I felt I was too young to really understand it, and I was in my early thirties. I did realize that this book held all the answers to life's greatest questions and offered a new way of seeing things. But each sentence I had to re-read over many times to get it. Then twenty years later, I find myself in prison doing 2.5 years for a felony DUI.When I was at my lowest point in my life, the Course returns to me there. As the prison librarian, I happened to find Part 3,the Teachers Manual, from the Course tucked away on a shelf. I instantly hid it in my drawer to keep it away from any other inmates prying eyes. As if any of them could understand it anyway. Soon, I found a source that sends the Course free to inmates. Well, I was on my way to doing those daily lessons again and reading the lengthy text. But this time, I had the ultimate environment - prison - to practice what I was learning, and all the time I needed to finally get through the main text. And I did just that! I finally forgave myself for the twisted, bizarre life I had created and let go totally to the immense guilt and shame I'd carried for years. In prison, I was finally free!
Rob Rideout is an author, singer and songwriter who lives in Colville, Wa with his three cats Baba, Maya and Olive. He wrote the inspirational memoir "Still Singing, Somehow" and a second book of poetry, based on his song lyrics, entitled "Still Singing, Somehow - The Songs". Rob is releasing a CD of original songs in the spring of 2011. He can be reached @ www.stillsingingsomehow.com