About Melissa
I have been A Course in Miracles student/teacher since 2013, upon my first read through of the book I knew I was here "to teach only love." I discovered A Course of Love at the end of 2014 and have been facilitating groups and one on one sessions since 2016. I completed my Master’s Degree in Spiritual Guidance in February 2017 and deepen my practices through The Art of Spiritual Peacemaking and The Way of Mastery. Currently residing in Georgia, I offer online support through my websites, phone/skype sessions, and online zoom based groups.
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My Story
I have been a lifelong seeker, a part of me always deeply wondered "Who am I?" "Why am I here?" and "What is my purpose?" As young as 6, it would stare into my own eyes in the mirror and ask these questions, to which I felt the universe respond, "You are the same as I am." (Although I would not understand this feeling until much later in life, the feeling was an experience I would not soon forget.) As a child I felt I would grow up to be a teacher, but as I grew older that feeling faded as the distractions of life entered and pulled me away from following my intuition.
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Active as a young adult I felt as though life came naturally to me, whatever I set my mind to I knew I could accomplish and with little struggle. After completing my undergraduate work in Recreation Administration at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, I knew something was missing. Working in hospitality, events, and later website project management-No job fulfilled my longing to be of service, to be connected, and to leave a lasting impact. I began to wonder if there was another way, a different path, a way for me to be truly helpful.
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Not long after, I came across a book that I instantly knew I needed to read: "A Disappearance of the Universe" by Gary R. Renard. Within the first 100 pages I felt it- that same feeling from as a child staring into the mirror- "This is it, this is what I have been looking for." Despite a large part of me resisting the words and messages within the book, I without a doubt knew my life had changed forever. Disappearance of the Universe introduced me to the teachings of A Course in Miracles (ACIM) and brought about a profound awakening within my soul. I quickly began to practice true forgiveness (as taught by the Course), completed my first reading of the text in 1 month, and was diligently doing a lesson a day from the workbook.
To say there was no resistance would be silly- I greatly fought the Christian terminology, changing many words in my head as I read, but this teaching came so naturally to me. I understood on a deep level how important this teaching is and could easily discuss and explain the themes to others in my study group (read 'words of Love' from me ACIM study group members). A couple of months into attending the ACIM study group, I facilitated my first ACIM session, on the drive home I felt the undeniable feeling of the universe rushing in to tell me "This is what you are here to teach, you knew it as a child and now it is time, you are here 'to teach only Love.' This is your calling." Yet, after a year with the course, I still wanted more, I still felt a deep longing from within that something was missing, "now what?" was the prominent thought held in my mind.
At the end of 2014, a member of my study group mentioned a man named James Twyman would be putting all 365-daily lesson from a Course in Miracles to music. I had not heard of him before, but was excited to experience the lessons in a whole new way. A couple of weeks into 2015, one of the daily musical lessons mentioned James was offering a program called "The Academy of Soul Manifestation" to become a Soul Coach (and obtain the worldly credential of a Master’s Degree in Spiritual Guidance). I knew I wanted to devote my life to my new spiritual practice, and that helping others on their path was a calling. Knowing this was my answer to "now what?" I signed up for the academy, quit my job, and took the next year to deepen my practice.
The very same time I learned about James, A Course of Love (ACOL) entered my life. Reading the introduction to the book was a portal of truth- quite literally. I felt the pull and knew without a doubt, this is the next step. My mind accepted and completed the teachings of ACIM, and now through ACOL my heart would be opened and finally join my Mind and Heart into singular purpose- Wholeheartedness. In combination with the teachings within The Art of Spiritual Peacemaking and my studies in the Academy of Soul Manifestation I claimed my Truth: To be the living extension of the Love and Loveliness of God, otherwise known as You.
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My path has led me here, to you, reading this page and wondering "is this right for me?" Say Yes! and begin to explore the longing of your soul. You are ready, schedule a free session with me today and feel the Truth.
How did 'Crist Coaching' get it's name?
In trying to come up with a name for her services and website, Melissa reflected on how growing up everyone who saw her last name would ask her: "Is your name pronounced Crist (like list) or Christ (like Jesus Christ)?" She always thought this was interesting, but didn't put much thought into it until she began her spiritual journey. Turns out, Crist is old English for Christ, but she does pronounce her last name Crist (like list).
In 2015, a member of her ACIM study group pointed out the name Melissa in Ireland is sometimes used as a feminine form of the Gaelic male name Maoilíosa, which means "servant of Jesus". So, roughly translated, Melissa Crist means: "Servant of Jesus Christ."
Melissa Crist is here to be of service, to be truly helpful, a connection to the Truth, and so the name "Crist Coaching" was born.