I used to play a hide-and-seek game in childhood with my brother where one of us would hide an object, and the other person had to find it. And the hider would give clues by either saying “you’re getting warmer” if the person was getting close to the object, whereas “colder” meant the seeker was moving further away from the prize.

We could play this game for hours, especially on rainy days when we were trapped inside.

Imagine if life were that simple: an external voice telling us when we’re getting warmer or colder so that we could quickly adjust our path and achieve the rewards we desire.

Actually, it turns out there are two voices doing just that.

Unfortunately, one of those voices is unreliable.

Let’s call that voice ego. The ego convinces us that happiness and sorrow can be found in the world. All we need to do is search, and the ego will counsel us along the way whether we’re getting warmer or colder.

The opportunity to get more money – warmer. A relationship with a person who meets our needs – warmer. Possessions that make us happy – warmer. A healthy, attractive body – warmer.

Of course, when we do “find” some of those prizes, it doesn’t take long to realize that the joy is short lived and we’re back to “colder”. Or, in many cases, “brrrrr” (freezing) cold.

But here’s where the ego is doubly unreliable. As soon as we realize that any prize of the world doesn’t bring true happiness, the ego convinces us that something else will. If this relationship doesn’t work, the ego has us believe the next one might. Or if this life isn’t working, perhaps the next one will.

The unspoken (and hidden) mantra of the ego is this: seek but do not find.

Utterly convinced the ego is right, we spend our days seeking joy in the world while trying to avoid pain – believing we can tell when we’re getting warmer or colder

But there’s another voice, one that is consistently reliable, always guiding us to warmer.

That’s the voice for divinity. Let’s call that voice Source.

Source teaches us that happiness is our natural inheritance and is always found within.

Peace of mind is clearly an internal matter. It must begin with your own thoughts, and then extend outward. It is from your peace of mind that a peaceful perception of the world arises. (W-pI.34.1)

When we choose the voice of Source instead of ego, we are filled with an unbelievable sense of joy and happiness. Join us in Monday’s class where we’ll explore the curious hide-and-seek nature we play with the ego, and how we can choose a different guide to achieve much more satisfying results. I look forward to seeing you then.