Finding Healing and Peace Through the Infinite Way
Marie, my wife Sharon, me, around summer, 1990.
In July of 1987, I stumbled upon a simple advertisement that would forever change my life. It was for a tape group hosted by Marie Schmidt, a practitioner of the Infinite Way—a movement of spiritual healing founded by Joel Goldsmith, a mystic who began his healing practice after the Great Depression. The advertisement led me to an old building on 10th Avenue in downtown Portland, where I encountered a group of individuals seeking peace and understanding through meditation and the teachings of Goldsmith.
Marie Schmidt, an 87-year-old woman, conducted these sessions every Sunday at the YWCA. Her dedication to sharing Goldsmith’s teachings was evident; she had amassed over 1,000 hours of his recorded messages, which she generously shared with the group. My initial curiosity soon turned into a profound connection with the teachings and the community.
Walking into that first session, I was unsure what to expect. The room was filled with mostly older individuals, and I was likely the youngest person there. Marie led a 15-minute meditation, followed by the playback of a one-hour cassette tape of Goldsmith’s teachings. These sessions had been ongoing since 1961, and the sense of continuity and dedication was palpable.
Joel Goldsmith’s teachings revolve around the concept of spiritual healing and the idea that “all that is human is illusion.” He often stated that the unawakened human mind is in a perpetual state of hypnosis. His messages, delivered through the tapes, offered insights into finding inner peace and understanding one’s true nature. Goldsmith believed that healing comes from recognizing the divine within ourselves, a concept that resonated deeply with the group members.
At first, I kept my distance from the group, unsure of what to make of the teachings and the people who attended. However, as I continued to attend the sessions, I found myself drawn to the wisdom and tranquility that permeated the room. The teachings began to resonate with me, and I started to see changes in my own perception of life and its challenges.
In 1988, I was going through a difficult period. I had just broken off an engagement to be married and was devastated by the emotional turmoil. It was during this time that Marie offered me a healing session. Skeptical but desperate for relief, I accepted her offer.
Marie invited me to her apartment, where we meditated together for 15 minutes. At the end of the meditation, she spoke words that would remain etched in my memory:
- More perfect than you are, you could never be.
- You must impersonalize yourself, Bruce.
- God is appearing as you, there is no separation, other than in the hypnotized mind you share with the rest of humanity.
- And you must “nothingize” the apparent problems you think you are facing.
- In the opening of your mind and heart to your true self, the power of your divine connection will dispel any hypnotism appearing as disease or discontent
To my surprise, I felt an overwhelming sense of peace after the session. The emotional disturbances that had plagued me dissolved before my eyes, and I was left with a profound sense of calm. This experience solidified my belief in the power of the healing potential of the Infinite Way and the wisdom of Marie Schmidt.
Encouraged by my own experience, I later sought Marie’s help for my mentally ill ex-wife. Despite her best efforts, the healing was not successful. Marie always maintained that it was God who healed, not herself, and that there were limits to what could be achieved. The receptivity to healing by any patient is the avenue that divine power travels upon.
Marie’s words,
“More perfect than you are, you could never be,”
continue to resonate with me. They serve as a reminder that our true nature is beyond the illusions of human experiences. This message has become a guiding principle in my life, helping me to find peace and acceptance in the face of challenges.
The teachings of the Infinite Way are not a one-time solution but an ongoing practice of self-discovery and spiritual growth. Each day offers an opportunity to apply these teachings and experience the profound peace that comes from recognizing our divine nature.
One of the most significant aspects of my experience with the Infinite Way was the sense of community. The group, though small and mostly older, provided a supportive environment where we could share our experiences and learn from each other. This sense of belonging was an integral part of the healing process.
Joel Goldsmith’s teachings continue to be a source of inspiration for many. His insights into the nature of reality and the power of meditation offer valuable tools for anyone seeking inner peace and spiritual growth. The recordings of his messages serve as a timeless resource for those on the path of the Infinite Way.
Marie Schmidt’s dedication to sharing Goldsmith’s teachings has left a lasting impact on all who attended her sessions. Her kindness, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to the practice of the Infinite Way have inspired countless individuals to explore their own spiritual journeys.
The Infinite Way offers a unique approach to spiritual healing that emphasizes the recognition of our divine nature. This practice has the potential to bring profound peace and understanding to those who are open to its teachings. The real power of the Infinite Way lies in its application to everyday life. By integrating the teachings into our daily routines, we can experience the benefits of spiritual healing and inner peace.
For those interested in exploring the Infinite Way further, I encourage you to seek out resources, attend meditation groups, and connect with others who share this path. Though spiritual teachers are now sprouting up like flowers everywhere we go, the wisdom of Joel Goldsmith and the legacy of practitioners like Marie Schmidt still offer valuable guidance for anyone on the spiritual journey.
In the words of Marie Schmidt,
“More perfect than you are, you could never be.”
May this message inspire you to recognize your inherent perfection and find peace in the midst of life’s challenges.
Me and Marie
The Healing Power of Meditation and the Infinite Way Mystical Path
Imagine a moment in your life when all your emotional turmoil dissipates like mist under the morning sun. This is exactly what happened to me after a profound experience with Marie Schmidt, a teacher from the Infinite Way mystical path. During a healing meditation session that lasted a mere 15 minutes, I experienced a transformation so profound that it felt as though a spiritual breeze swept through my mind and heart, alleviating my emotional burdens. This encounter left me with an enduring sense of peace and a deeper understanding of self-esteem and spiritual transcendence.
The Infinite Way mystical path, pioneered by Joel S. Goldsmith, focuses on the transcendence of human illusions and the realization of our inherent spiritual perfection. According to this philosophy, all that is human is but an illusion masking a deeper, more perfect reality. This path encourages seekers to look beyond surface-level experiences and thoughts to discover the divine essence within.
During my session with Marie Schmidt, I realized how meditation can serve as a gateway to profound emotional and spiritual healing. This 15-minute meditation was not just a practice of quieting the mind, but an invitation to connect with a deeper reality. It facilitated a significant shift in my emotional state, allowing me to see beyond my self-imposed limitations and illusions.
How the Meditation Worked
- Preparation:
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- Engage with other spiritual seekers. Sharing experiences and learning from one another can provide support and deepen your practice.
- Spend a few moments in silent reflection, feeling the presence of peace and tranquility within you.
- When ready, slowly open your eyes and take a few deep breaths before resuming your day.
- Find a quiet, comfortable space where you won’t be disturbed.
- Sit in a relaxed position, ensuring your spine is straight.
- Breath Awareness:
- Begin by focusing on your breath. Inhale deeply through your nose, allowing your abdomen to expand. Exhale slowly through your mouth.
- Continue this breathing pattern, allowing your body to relax with each exhale.
- Guided Visualization:
- Imagine a warm, healing light entering your body with each inhalation. This light represents divine love and wisdom.
- With each exhale, imagine releasing any negative thoughts or emotions.
- Affirmations:
- Repeat affirmations silently or aloud, such as “I am more perfect than I know” and “All that is human is illusion.”
- Allow these affirmations to sink deeply into your consciousness.
- Reflection:
Marie Schmidt’s teachings emphasize the idea that our thoughts are often deceptive, leading us away from our true spiritual nature. She taught me that “all that is human is illusion” and that striving for a state of perfection is futile because, inherently, we are already perfect. This wisdom has profound implications for self-esteem. By recognizing that our worth is intrinsic and not determined by external circumstances or thoughts, we can transcend the illusions that cause emotional suffering.
To integrate healing meditations into your daily practice, consider the following steps:
- Set a Routine:
- Dedicate a specific time each day for meditation. Consistency is key to experiencing the full benefits.
- Create a Sacred Space:
- Designate a quiet area in your home for meditation. Enhance this space with elements that inspire peace, such as candles, crystals, or calming music.
- Use Guided Meditations:
- If you’re new to meditation, guided sessions can be incredibly helpful. Look for resources that align with the Infinite Way teachings.
- Journal Your Experiences:
- After each meditation, jot down any insights or feelings that arise. This practice can help solidify your progress and provide clarity on your spiritual journey.
- Connect with a Community:
The path to spiritual growth and emotional well-being is a deeply personal and rewarding journey. By exploring the Infinite Way mystical path and engaging in regular healing meditations, you can uncover layers of self-awareness and inner peace. I encourage you to take the first step by integrating these practices into your daily life. If you’re curious to learn more, consider booking a session with a guide or teacher from the Infinite Way or any other legitimate spiritual teaching that requires meditation.
- Engage with other spiritual seekers. Sharing experiences and learning from one another can provide support and deepen your practice.
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May your journey towards self-discovery and transcendence be filled with light and love.
1989 photograph in Marie’s apartment
