I had the pleasure of interviewing Frances Xu. Frances grew up as an atheist. In the middle of a successful career as a financial consultant, she felt an inner calling to leave her old life behind and follow the guidance that would lead her all the way back to God. She has traveled the world extensively, sharing the practical steps that lead to lasting peace and freedom of the mind.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Can you share with us the story of how you decided to pursue this journey? What top 3 lessons can others learn from your story?
I felt a deep sense of unhappiness at a point in my life when everything was actually going well on the surface. It was the first time I asked myself, “Why am I not happy?” No matter how hard I searched in my mind, I couldn’t find the answer to that question. However, after asking it, something seemed to open up in my consciousness. I started to be drawn to books and ideas that I never knew existed before.
While having a walk in the park one day, I was contemplating where my life was heading and, in particular, whether to stay or leave Australia. Suddenly, a loud and clear voice came to me and instructed that I wait in Australia for my “next big step.” I felt immense trust in that voice for reasons I couldn’t explain. While patiently waiting for the next step, I was lead to the book, A Course in Miracles. It was an instant recognition at the deepest level. Reading the book often filled me up with tears of joy and a deep longing for God.
Five years after hearing that voice, I attended a retreat with David Hoffmeister in Australia. After having a glimpse of the Love that is beyond time and space, my heart completely opened up for the first time in my life. I felt called to leave my life behind and do whatever it would take to live in that everlasting Peace and Joy. Soon after, I left Australia and moved to a “modern-day” monastery. My life has been devoted to the practical application of A Course in Miracles ever since. When I was at the airport leaving Australia for the monastery, I heard the voice once again, confirming that it was “the big step” I had been waiting for all these years.
Top 3 lessons would be:
- Ask sincere questions and allow the answers to come in their own time.
- If I can hear the call from God, everyone can.
- Trust the specific guidance and act on it.
Can you tell me about the most inspiring miracle that has happened to you in the past year?
I just finished making a documentary movie called, Take Me Home. The purpose of making this movie is to follow the Spirit’s guidance every step of the way during the process. The way in which I received the message that “this movie was complete” was one of the many inspiring moments of last year.
While trying to finalize the words for my narration, I found myself questioning what I had written: “Is this my most authentic expression? Do these words still feel present to me? Is this exactly what the Spirit wants me to say?”… I didn’t know how to judge what I had written anymore. So I decided to write a brand new narration. But what came out was, “I am not equipped to judge anything, not even whether I am doing a good job following You. But I am equipped to love, so let Love be our sign that You are here with me now. And my work is done, finally.”
An overwhelming sense of love took me over in that moment and tears started to steam down my face. That was the message the Spirit and I as one giving and receiving. That moment marked the end of a twenty-month editing process for the movie.
None of us are able to navigate our spiritual journey without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
I am particularly grateful for David Hoffmeister.
David taught me “to teach is to demonstrate.” As inspiring and compelling as his words and speeches are, the Love that shines through him is even more healing and powerful. He inspires me to find the same Love from within and live only from that place. Being able to witness and experience Spirit’s Love and guidance so directly helped shape how I discern the voice of the Spirit from the voice of the ego—Spirit offers only Love and gentleness, nothing else.
Can you advise what is needed to engage more people in The Awakening / spiritual consciousness raising?
We need to live the spiritual principles and teach Love by example. Everyone on the planet is longing for Love and Joy. The only way to influence others is to be the living demonstration of Love and the embodiment of Truth.
What is your favorite “Life Lesson / Life Journey Quote”? Can you share a story of how that had relevance to your own life?
My favorite “life journey” quote is one from A Course in Miracles: “Once you accept his plan as the one function that you would fulfill, there will be nothing else the Holy Spirit will not arrange for you without your effort. He will go before you making straight your path, and leaving in your way no stones to trip on, and no obstacles to bar your way. Nothing you need will be denied you. Not one seeming difficulty but will melt away before you reach it. You need take thought for nothing, careless of everything except the only purpose that you would fulfill.”
This has been my experience with every aspect of my life right now. Completely carried by the Spirit, I watch in amazement how everything unfolds in the most beautiful way for me and everyone else.
In the last five years, what new belief, behavior, or habit has most improved your life?
In the last five years, I started to be extra mindful when I find myself having a lot of tasks on my plate. I make sure that I meditate and pray before I go into a day full of things to do. I have also learned to tune in to the small inner voice telling me that it is time to stop. Instead of fighting or pushing anything, I take a break the moment that I have the “nudge”, and for as long as it takes until I feel fresh and inspired again. I have stopped prioritizing my tasks based on their deadlines. Instead, I focus on what is inspiring in the moment and do only that. Everything is handled effortlessly and swiftly from that place.
In the last five years, what have you become better at saying no to (distractions, invitations, etc.)? What new realizations and/or approaches helped? Any other tips?
I have been engaged in a lot of projects in the past few years and worked with professionals in different fields. I have become better at saying “no” to expertise and experience. I realize that quality work only comes from a peaceful and inspired state of mind. Otherwise, the end product reflects confusion and a lack of passion, even if it is done by the most “experienced” experts.
Do you have a new book / app / project you’re working on or have recently launched? Please tell us more and include a link for our readers if possible!
I just finished a documentary movie called Take Me Home. It was shot in May 2017 at the Living Miracles Monastery, during a month-long event called the “Tabula Rasa Mystery School.” The movie followed people’s real healing journey during that month.
I didn’t realize how much would be required or how long it would take for the movie to be made. Everybody involved in the project volunteered for the sole purpose of healing the mind. We poured our love and devotion into it and have allowed the most authentic expression to come through. It is intimate, emotional, but most importantly, very healing for everyone involved.
More information can be found at: www.takemehomemovie.net
How can our readers follow you on social media?
Facebook: facebook.com/frances.xu.05,
YouTube channel: youtube.com/user/francesxu1