In the philosophy of A Course in Miracles, the mind is the only place where healing can occur. David Hoffmeister, one of the most respected voices in the ACIM community, places “Mind-Watching” at the very top of his spiritual toolkit. But what exactly is mind-watching, and why is it so essential for those seeking a “miracle”? According to David, the mind is constantly generating thoughts based on either fear (the ego) or love (the Holy Spirit). Without conscious awareness, we are at the mercy of these thoughts, often reacting to them as if they are absolute truth.
Mind-watching is the consistent practice of observing one’s thoughts without judgment. David describes this as becoming the “observer” rather than the “actor” in the ego’s play. While a David Hoffmeister Wikipedia page might list his biographical milestones, the true milestone of his life was the mastery of his own internal narrative. He teaches that the ego is a relentless stream of judgment, constantly categorizing the world into “good” and “bad.” By watching these judgments without reacting to them, we begin to withdraw the “fuel” that keeps the ego alive.
This practice is the cornerstone of the curriculum at the Living Miracles Center. David and his team guide students through exercises designed to uncover “hidden” grievances—thoughts we might not even realize are causing us distress. David often points out that we are never upset for the reason we think. We are upset because we have chosen to listen to the ego’s interpretation of an event. By bringing these dark corners of the mind into the light of awareness, they can be handed over to the Holy Spirit for “correction.”
The beauty of mind-watching is that it can be done anywhere: in traffic, at the office, or during a difficult conversation. It requires no special equipment or long hours of meditation—only the willingness to be aware. David Hoffmeister’s approach is compassionate yet uncompromising. He reminds us that a miracle is simply a change in mind. Through the simple yet persistent practice of mind-watching, we reclaim our power from the ego and live in a state of constant, quiet joy. It is the ultimate practical tool for anyone ready to experience the peace that surpasses all understanding.
