Guiding Ollie: Through A Course In Miracles.

By Rev. Devan Jesse Byrne

A series of enjoyable and educational stories designed to teach young readers the lessons of "A Course in Miracles" - Long ago, in a jungle untouched by modern distractions, a clever monkey named Ollie embarked on a destiny-altering journey. Guided by the mystical being Mya, who shifted forms from animal to human baby, they shared a profound connection transcending words. Mya nurtured Ollie's wisdom, urging him to explore the essence of existence, to embrace the secrets of manifestation and inspiration.

Mya's mission was to unveil ancient wisdom to Ollie, freeing him from limitations and rekindling the jungle's lost magic. Ollie's adventures weren't mere tales but conduits of enlightenment for children, weaving profound lessons seamlessly into whimsical stories. These stories bridged the mystical and the mundane, igniting young minds with the magic of learning and reconnecting them with the enchanting world.

As Ollie swung through trees and Mya shimmered, ancient wisdom's legacy persisted, ensuring the jungle's vibrant spirit thrived in curious hearts for generations to come.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Oct 3, 2023
• ISBN: 9781312072862

Book preview

Lesson 1

Nothing I see in this room means anything.

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Our curious little monkey named Ollie loved to explore and discover new things. Every day he swung from tree to tree, his tail swaying like a pendulum. But there was something that often puzzled Ollie: from time to time he wondered why everything around him was the way it was.

One day, while Ollie was leaping from branch to branch, he heard that soft and soothing voice again. It was the voice of Goddess Mya, his new wise and magnificent teacher who watched over the jungle and all of nature. She sensed Ollie's confusion and decided it was a perfect time to start his lessons.

Hello, dear Ollie, Goddess Mya greeted him. I see you're curious about the world around you. Let me share a special idea with you. Ollie's eyes widened in anticipation.

First repeat after me, then you will experience what it’s for, Goddess Mya said gently. Nothing I see in this jungle means anything.

Ollie blinked and repeated the words, Nothing I see in this jungle means anything.

Very good, Ollie, Goddess Mya praised. Now, let's practice looking at things and saying that idea.

Ollie looked around and began, This leaf does not mean anything. This flower does not mean anything. This rock does not mean anything.

Goddess Mya smiled. You're getting the hang of it! Now, let's try applying the idea to things farther away.

Ollie concentrated and continued, That waterfall does not mean anything. That cloud does not mean anything. That distant mountain does not mean anything.

Goddess Mya nodded. You're doing wonderfully, Ollie. Remember, the idea is to apply it to everything you see, without any particular order. Let the idea flow freely.

Ollie spent the day practicing this new way of looking at the world. He realized that he didn't have to always figure out what things meant. He could simply observe and accept them for what they were.

As the sun set, Ollie swung back to Goddess Mya. Thank you for teaching me this idea, he said, gratitude in his eyes.

You're welcome, Ollie, Goddess Mya replied. Remember, take your time with the exercises. Practice them in the morning and evening, and don't rush. Let the idea sink in.

Then Ollie began to look at the jungle with a new perspective. He found joy in simply observing the beauty around him, without worrying about the meaning of everything. And whenever he felt confused, he remembered these wise words of Goddess Mya: Nothing I see in this jungle means anything.

And so, Ollie the curious monkey and Goddess Mya, the wise teacher, continued their friendship, exploring the jungle with a newfound sense of wonder and peace.

As Ollie embraced the wisdom of Goddess Mya, his life in the jungle took on a remarkable transformation. He encountered a variety of experiences that reinforced the idea that had been shared with him.

One day, while sitting on a tree branch, Ollie observed a group of butterflies fluttering by. Their wings displayed an array of vibrant colors, painting the air with beauty. Instead of pondering the meaning of their colors, Ollie simply watched them in awe, appreciating the spectacle of nature's palette.

During a gentle breeze, Ollie closed his eyes and listened to the rustling leaves. He realized that the wind's melody held no secret message for him to decipher. Instead, he allowed the sound to wash over him, embracing the soothing sensation it brought.

When raindrops began to fall, Ollie stood under a broad leaf to shelter himself. Rather than wondering why the rain had come, he opened his arms and let the drops fall on his fur. Each drop was a fleeting moment of refreshment, unburdened by the need for explanation.

One evening, as the sun set and the jungle was bathed in twilight, Ollie noticed shadows stretching and dancing around him. Instead of trying to decipher the meaning behind these shadows, he joined in their playful movements, letting go of the need to understand.

Lying on a comfortable branch at night, Ollie gazed at the stars above. He no longer sought to decode the constellations or unravel the cosmic messages they might hold. Instead, he embraced the vastness of the universe, feeling a profound connection to the celestial dance.

While sitting by a babbling brook, Ollie dipped his fingers into the water. He let the gentle currents flow around his hand, realizing that the stream held no secret code for him to decipher. It was a simple yet beautiful presence, nurturing the jungle's life.

Each of these experiences taught Ollie that the world around him didn't always require a meaning or explanation. By letting go of the constant need to understand, he found himself fully immersed in the present moment, connecting with the jungle on a deeper level. Ollie's interactions with the animals of the jungle became more genuine, his laughter more spontaneous, and his heart more open.

The jungle flourished under Ollie's influence. Other animals began to adopt his perspective, realizing that the joy of life lay in experiencing it fully rather than analyzing it endlessly. The air was filled with laughter, the leaves whispered stories of acceptance, and the creatures of the jungle lived in harmony with the moment.

As Ollie and Goddess Mya continued to explore the jungle together, they discovered that the wisdom they had embraced went beyond mere observation—it was a way of living that transformed every aspect of their existence. And so, their friendship deepened, and the jungle's vibrant beauty became a canvas for the profound lessons they had learned.

Lesson 2

I have given everything I see in this room all the meaning that it has for me.

Once upon a time, in the heart of a lush and lively jungle, lived a curious little monkey named Ollie. Ollie had a wonderful teacher, a wise and magnificent Goddess named Mya. They spent their days exploring the jungle and learning about the world together.

One sunny morning, Ollie and Goddess Mya sat on a cozy tree branch overlooking the jungle. Ollie was deep in thought, looking around at all the trees, flowers, and animals. Goddess Mya, he asked, why do things look different to different creatures?

Goddess Mya smiled gently and replied, Ah, Ollie, that's a great question! You see, we all give meaning to the things we see. What something means to you might be different from what it means to me. It's like a special code that only we can understand.

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Ollie furrowed his brow. But why, Goddess Mya? Why do we need to give things meaning?

Goddess Mya patted Ollie's back. We give things meaning to help us understand and make sense of the world. Imagine if you didn't know what a delicious banana meant. You might not know that it's food, and you could miss out on a yummy snack!

Ollie nodded slowly, starting to understand. So, you mean everything we see gets a special meaning because of us?

That's right, Goddess Mya confirmed. And I want to teach you something important today. Repeat this after me: 'I have given everything I see all the meaning that it has for me.'

Ollie repeated the words, his voice filled with curiosity. I have given everything I see all the meaning that it has for me.

Excellent, Ollie! Goddess Mya praised. Now, let's practice. Look around and apply this idea to the things you see.

Ollie looked at a nearby flower and said, This flower has the meaning that I give it. This tree has the meaning that I give it.

Goddess Mya nodded. You're getting it! Now, let's try applying the idea to things farther away.

Ollie turned his head and continued, That butterfly has the meaning that I give it. That river has the meaning that I give it.

Goddess Mya encouraged him, Keep going, Ollie. Try turning around and applying the idea to things behind you.

Ollie turned and faced the other way. That rock has the meaning that I give it. That cloud has the meaning that I give it.

Goddess Mya smiled proudly. You're doing fantastic, Ollie! Remember, it's about seeing things without choosing them based on size, color, or importance. Every little thing you see gets the meaning that you give it.

As the day went on, Ollie practiced recognizing meaning to everything he saw. He realized that he had the power to decide what things meant to him. And he felt grateful for Goddess Mya's guidance.

From then on, Ollie and Goddess Mya continued to explore the jungle together. Ollie looked at the world with new eyes, knowing that he was the one giving meaning to everything around him. And as they swung from tree to tree, Ollie knew that he was growing wiser with each adventure.

As Ollie continued to embrace the wisdom imparted by Goddess Mya, his journey of discovery in the jungle took on a new dimension. With each experience, he deepened his understanding of the concept of giving meaning to the world around him.

One morning, Ollie noticed dewdrops sparkling on leaves. Instead of merely admiring their beauty, he whispered, These dewdrops have the meaning that I give them. He realized that by attributing meaning, he was taking an active role in shaping his perception.

While observing a group of chattering monkeys, Ollie applied the idea once again. Their chatter has the meaning that I give it. Suddenly, the noise became less overwhelming as Ollie recognized his own role in assigning significance to the sounds.

Approaching a roaring waterfall, Ollie paused. This waterfall has the meaning that I give it. The cascade no longer seemed simply a force of nature—it became a canvas for Ollie's interpretation, reminding him of his power to shape his reality.

As sunlight filtered through the canopy, Ollie smiled. This sunlight has the meaning that I give it. The warm rays took on a personalized significance, a reminder that every experience was influenced by his perception.

Feeling a gentle breeze, Ollie closed his eyes and murmured, This breeze has the meaning that I give it. He realized that even the intangible could be infused with meaning, showing him how his thoughts shaped his interactions.

Staring at the starlit sky, Ollie whispered, These stars have the meaning that I give them. The twinkling lights above served as a reminder that every experience, no matter how vast, could be interpreted through his unique perspective.

With each instance of giving meaning, Ollie's awareness expanded. He understood that his perceptions were colored by the meanings he assigned, and this revelation empowered him. He felt like an artist painting his reality with the brushstrokes of his interpretations.

As seasons changed and time flowed like a river, Ollie became known as a monkey of wisdom in the jungle. Animals from near and far sought his guidance in understanding the world around them. Ollie shared with them the idea that Goddess Mya had bestowed upon him—the notion that the world gained significance through individual interpretation.

The jungle transformed into a tapestry of diverse meanings, woven together by the thoughts and emotions of its inhabitants. The animals learned that their experiences were not fixed, but malleable, shaped by the meanings they assigned. The once puzzling question of why things looked different to different creatures became a lesson in perception and understanding.

Ollie's bond with Goddess Mya grew stronger with each passing day. Their explorations were not only physical but intellectual and spiritual. Ollie had found a lifelong mentor in Goddess Mya, and together, they continued to swing from tree to tree, discovering the world through a lens of mindful interpretation and wisdom.

Lesson 3

I do not understand anything I see in this room.



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In the heart of the jungle, where leaves rustled in the breeze and birds sang melodious tunes, Ollie the monkey and Goddess Mya sat beneath the shade of a towering tree. Ollie's eyes were wide with wonder as he looked at the vibrant world around him.

Goddess Mya spoke gently, Ollie, have you ever thought about how much we don't understand about the things we see?

Ollie scratched his head and replied, Well, sometimes I don't know why certain fruits taste sweet or why some flowers have so many colors. But that's okay, right?

Goddess Mya nodded and smiled. Exactly, Ollie. It's okay not to understand everything. In fact, I want to teach you something special today. Repeat after me: 'I do not understand anything I see.'

Ollie blinked and repeated, I do not understand anything I see.

Goddess Mya explained, Now, let's practice this idea, just like the ones before. Look around you and apply it to everything you see.

Ollie observed his surroundings. I do not understand this tree. I do not understand that butterfly.

Goddess Mya encouraged him, Good job, Ollie. Now, apply the idea to things farther away.

Ollie turned his head and continued, I do not understand that river. I do not understand that tall grass.

Goddess Mya smiled. You're doing great! Remember, it's about not questioning if something is suitable. Anything you see is a perfect subject for this idea.

As the day continued, Ollie practiced the new concept. He looked at animals, plants, and even the clouds with the idea that he didn't fully understand them. It felt both humbling and freeing to let go of the need to know everything.

Later, as they rested on a vine swing, Ollie asked, Goddess Mya, why do we need to admit that we don't understand things?

Goddess Mya explained, Ollie, when we admit that we don't fully understand something, we open our minds to new possibilities. It helps us see things just as they are, without getting caught up in our judgments or past experiences.

Ollie nodded thoughtfully. So, it's like looking at things with fresh eyes?

Yes, exactly! Goddess Mya exclaimed. It's like seeing things for the first time, without letting our thoughts get in the way.

From that day on, Ollie continued to explore the jungle with Goddess Mya. He looked at everything with curiosity, knowing that it was okay not to have all the answers. And as he swung through the trees, Ollie felt a sense of wonder and adventure, eager to learn and discover without the weight of understanding everything.

Together, Ollie and Goddess Mya embraced each day with open minds and open hearts, ready to explore the mysteries of the jungle and the world around them.

Ollie's understanding deepened with each experience, reinforcing the idea that Goddess Mya had shared:

Ollie gazed at a cluster of colorful flowers. I do not understand these flowers, he whispered. He realized that by admitting his lack of understanding, he was allowing himself to see their beauty without preconceived notions.

Watching squirrels dart among the branches, Ollie mused, I do not understand those squirrels. As he let go of assumptions, he found himself observing their movements with a sense of intrigue.

Ollie sat by a winding river. I do not understand this river, he acknowledged. The water's flow became a source of fascination rather than a puzzle to solve.

Amid rustling leaves, Ollie murmured, I do not understand these leaves. He felt a connection with the rustling, appreciating it as an integral part of the jungle's melody.

Looking up at the sky, Ollie said, I do not understand those clouds. He saw the clouds' shapes transform without trying to decipher their meanings.

Listening to birdsong, Ollie thought, I do not understand these birds. The melodies filled the air, a reminder that not everything needed explanation to be enjoyed.

Each instance of admitting his lack of understanding brought Ollie closer to the present moment. He recognized that by releasing the need for complete comprehension, he was allowing the world to unfold before him in all its raw beauty.

As days turned into weeks, Ollie's new perspective influenced his interactions with other animals. When they asked questions, he responded with openness rather than pretending to know everything. This openness created an atmosphere of learning and discovery, where the jungle's inhabitants felt free to explore without judgment.

During one of their explorations, Ollie and Goddess Mya encountered a shimmering waterfall. Ollie gazed at the cascading water, feeling both awe and humility. He turned to Goddess Mya and said, I do not understand this waterfall.

Goddess Mya smiled. And that's perfectly okay, Ollie. By admitting what we don't understand, we open ourselves to the magic of the unknown.

Ollie felt a sense of peace. He realized that his journey was not about having all the answers, but about embracing the endless mysteries that the world held. With each step, he and Goddess Mya walked hand in hand, ready to uncover the beauty and wonder that came from acknowledging the vastness of what they didn't yet understand.

Lesson 4

These thoughts do not mean anything.

Deep within the jungle, where sunlight filtered through lush leaves, Ollie the monkey and Goddess Mya sat on a cozy tree branch. Ollie's eyes were wide, and his mind was buzzing with thoughts like busy bees.

Goddess Mya looked at Ollie kindly. Ollie, have you ever noticed how our thoughts can be like a jumble of leaves blowing in the wind?

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Ollie nodded, his brows furrowing. Yeah, sometimes I have happy thoughts, and sometimes I have thoughts that make me sad or worried.

Goddess Mya smiled gently. Exactly, Ollie. Our thoughts can be like visitors that come and go. Today, I want to teach you something important about them. Repeat after me: 'These thoughts do not mean anything.'

Ollie repeated,