Today’s question comes from Vibeke, who submitted it through my Ask Me Anything form (which is linked below every one of these email).

His question was shaped by online forums not guided by trained Course teachers, and it reflects a common confusion I see.

Let’s clear that up—together.

🎧Click here to hear the audio version.

Here is what he asked:

QUESTION:

“I’m in an online A Course in Miracles forum where I keep being told that I have to let go of finding joy in the world if I want to be a happy learner and find salvation.I find that impossible. How can I not find joy in my child’s face? Or laughter in beautiful nature? Or in a fun and connecting talk with friends?”

First of all—thank you, Vibeke, for this honest and very real question.

It echoes a theme I’ve seen again and again in online Course in Miracles communities.

There’s this confusion that joy must not be found in the world… because the world is an illusion.

Where Did This Confusing Idea Come From?

MY ANSWER:

This teaching often stems from a particular interpretation—one heavily influenced by Ken Wapnick, one of the Course’s earliest editors and teachers.

Ken had a powerful mind and deep love for the Course.

But his approach leaned heavily toward strict non-dualism, often dismissing human emotion as “mere ego.”

So instead of seeing the world as a reflection of the love and joy that comes from God,
Ken and others taught that we are to deny joy in the world… because “it’s not real.”

And this has clearly confused a lot of students—like you, Vibeke.

But don’t worry. Today, we’re going to clear this up.

What Does the Course Actually Say About Joy?

Yes—this world is a dream.

But it’s also the place where healing occurs. And joy can be experienced here.

Not only that—joy can be used as a tool for awakening.

“Joy is God’s will for us.”
And it is available now.

If God’s will is available now—and His will is joy—then how could joy not be available right now, in this moment?

Is Perfect Happiness Really Promised… Now?

This actually lines up with the lesson we’re on in my Workbook group right now:

Lesson 101: “God’s Will for Me is Perfect Happiness.”

This isn’t a metaphor. This isn’t symbolic. This is a promise.

If God is love—and A Course in Miracles tells us that He is, and nothing else—then love is also happiness.

And happiness is what we are.

So when we accept:

“I am as God created me.”

…then being joyful becomes natural.

It becomes what we reflect in the world.

Because the cause is in my mind—and the effect is in the world.

If I’m feeling joy, and I see joy in the world, that’s not a problem.

That’s confirmation that I’m aligned with truth.

If Joy Is Natural, Why Wouldn’t I See It in the World?

The Course says:

“By their fruits ye shall know them, and they shall know themselves.”

So if we are feeling joy…and we’re seeing joy in our relationships and in the world around us…that’s not something to be denied.

That is something to be celebrated.

When we accept God’s will—when we welcome His thoughts—we will be joyful.

And we’ll project or extend that joy into the world.

And guess what?

We won’t be able to help but experience it everywhere.

So yes—please look into your sweet baby’s face and see the face of God there.

That’s exactly what we should be seeing.

Is Seeing Joy in the World a Spiritual Mistake?

Now, let’s be clear:

We’re not saying that the world is the source of your joy.

What we’re saying is:

Your perception of the world is confirming the joy of God that’s inside of you.

That’s a very different thing.

And that’s something to celebrate.

Does the Course Discourage Feeling Good?

It’s really unfortunate that there’s a narrative in the community that says:

“Stop seeking joy in the world.”

Ken even coined a term—“Bliss-ninny”—to refer to students who seemed “too happy.”

As if being joyful meant you were somehow missing the point…or too attached to the dream.

But that’s not what Jesus teaches. Jesus tells us joy is God’s will.

And we share that will. And that will is now.

If Joy Doesn’t Come From the World, Why Do I See It There?

Joy isn’t something we get or extract from the physical world.

It’s something we extend into the physical world from inside us.

Once the source of joy is accepted within—it radiates outward.

A child’s laugh. A blooming flower. A friend’s smile.

These things become mirrors of Heaven when seen through Christ’s vision.

What Does “Salvation Is a Game That Happy Children Play” Really Mean?

That’s a quote from the Course.

Does that sound like feeling joyful is discouraged?

No—it sounds like joy is encouraged. We know we’re doing the Course right by our joy.

By the joy we feel… and the joy we bring others.

So… Can I Actually Be Happy and Still Do the Course Right?

Yes.

You can see joy in the world.

Just don’t expect the world be the cause of your joy.

Joy comes from inside you. From God.

And when you remember who you are, joy becomes the natural result.

What’s the Real Invitation Here?

When we align with the Holy Spirit—our inner teacher of love—we overlook fear.

We begin to see what is eternal, even here in this dream.

The Course says:

“The world becomes a place of joy, abundance, charity, and endless giving.”

This doesn’t happen through denial. It happens through healed perception—through love.

So my friends:

If you see joy in the world—be grateful.

That means you’re seeing through the eyes of love.

We’re told in the Course:

“The world is saved through our smile.”

Yes—your smile is a part of the healing of the world.

Your Invitation

To every heart wrestling with this question:

Don’t deny the joy. 

Claim it. Own it. See it. Shine it.

Joy doesn’t come from grasping or attachment.

It comes from alignment.

It arises not from getting… but from giving.

Joy heals. Joy forgives. Joy saves. Joy is now.

So let yourself be happy.

Let your child’s laughter open your heart. Let the world reflect the light inside you.

This is how the dream is healed—not by withdrawal, but by presence.

Not by denying joy in the world, but by contributing to it.

Now that you know the truth…That God’s will is perfect happiness—your only job is to clear the blocks to happiness in your mind.

And when you do that, you don’t just bless yourself—you bless the world.

That’s how we do our part in God’s plan for salvation.

Want More? Read the First Chapters of My New Book

If today’s episode spoke to you, I’d love to invite you to study the history of the Course’s first 50 years and it’s teachers deeper.

My new book, Birth Of A Miracles: The Definitive History of A Course In Miracles, is all about the history of the Course and how to apply it in everyday life—with clarity, compassion, and joy. 

The first chapter is available as your gift, and will walk you through the foundations of how the Course was created and its goals for you.

You can find the link here.

Wishing you a beautiful, blessed weekend and week ahead.

May peace and love guide you on your journey. 💖

If this message resonated with you, feel free to share it with others.

Much love to you, Beautiful Soul. ✌️
Britney

>>> If you find this topic interesting, click here, to watch this YouTube video I posted!

P.S. ASK ME ANYTHING: If you have any questions or need clarity about A Course In Miracles, I’m here to help! Simply submit your question through this form.