Copyright © 2001-2012 Pauline Edward. All rights reserved.

Shining the Light on awakening

Leaving the Desert: Embracing the Simplicity of A Course in Miracles

With foreword by Cindy Lora-Renard and Gary Renard, best-selling author of The Disappearance of the Universe.

After completing a first reading of A Course in Miracles, the most challenging read of her life, the author exclaimed, “Never again!” Yet, she knew that if she were to make real progress with her lifelong spiritual quest, she would need a thorough understanding of the Course’s unique thought system. So, back to school she went—the school of life, that is. Though a seasoned seeker, never did she anticipate the dark nights she would encounter along the journey, nor the gift of grace that would pull her through. Readers will delight in the same profound spiritual insight, candour, humour and lively writing style as found in Making Peace with God. A wonderful companion for both new and seasoned students of A Course in Miracles.

For those readers who had a good laugh over the “Caution! Note” found in Chapter 2, and would like to share it with friends, you will find it posted on this page. Thank you Robyn Busfield for sharing the humour!

Reviews

“Leaving the Desert: Embracing the Simplicity of A Course in Miracles, is one of the most practical spiritual books ever written. I was struck by Pauline’s ability to clearly and simply state the principles of the Course, from the beginning of her journey, through a genuine spiritual search, to her discovery of a new direction, to the understanding of miracles, and ultimately to the miracle of forgiveness in undoing the deviousness of the ego. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is on a spiritual path, and especially to those who want to get on the fast track.”
—Gary Renard, Best-selling author of The Disappearance of the Universe

“I thoroughly enjoyed Leaving the Desert by Pauline Edward. It is an excellent description of the basic metaphysics and psychology of A Course in Miracles and its practical application in daily life, written in a clear conversational style.”
—Jon Mundy, Ph.D., author of Living A Course in Miracles

“Written with humor and courageous self-disclosure, Pauline Edward’s Leaving the Desert is a delight. Through sharing her own exploration—her commitment and her doubts—she addresses all the major topics covered in A Course in Miracles with precision and clarity. ” (Read the complete review here.)
—Carol Howe, author of Never Forget To Laugh

“In Leaving the Desert, Pauline Edward shares her intimate quest both to fully comprehend the Course’s fundamental principles despite the ego’s formidable resistance and to apply its unique forgiveness in her daily life. Leaving the Desert will inspire Course newbies and veterans alike...” (Read the complete review here.)
—Susan Dugan, author of Extraordinary Ordinary Forgiveness

“Pauline Edward delivers the concepts of A Course in Miracles elegantly and uncompromisingly, and with an undeniably gifted style. This book is wonderful. It offers a deep and much-needed exploration of the core message of A Course in Miracles. It comes from profound guidance, and places the reader at the altar of Truth. Leaving the Desert is a must-read for any student of the Course,  or any person seeking enlightenment, who would leave no stone unturned in an endeavour to return Home to our natural state of Love.”
—Robyn Busfield, author of Forgiveness is the Home of Miracles

“Although able to stand on its own, Leaving the Desert picks up where Pauline Edward's spiritual journey left off in her previous book Making Peace with God. Leaving the Desert presents an overview of the central themes of A Course in Miracles in the context of the ongoing personal story of the author. The chapter I most liked (which is to say, the chapter I found the most special) was the chapter on Specialness. That chapter is an excellent exposé of the true nature of specialness. And it is a chapter I am sure to read over many times. This world is a desert. And a desert is a desert and nothing more. The thing to do with a desert is to leave it. But to do that, you'll certainly want to read this book to help guide you on your way.”
—Alexander Marchand, author and artist of The Universe Is a Dream

“Pauline’s new book, Leaving the Desert, is itself a miracle. Pauline truly lives what she writes about; her writing is honest and from the heart. Her use of quotes is seamless and the whole reveals something that shines from deep within. This book reflects her process of returning home to Source; it will help you feel you are not alone in working with the Course. We do not walk alone, and Pauline clearly walks with Jesus and shows us that process. Kudos for Pauline and many thanks for this miracle look at the ego which helps to undo our own.”
—Michael J. Miller, poet and ACIM student