Sickness is Not Your Fault

Photo Courtesy of Aaron Springston

A trusted friend recommended that I read, “Dying to be Me: My Journey from Cancer, to Near Death, to True Healing”, by Anita Moorjani. One of the important points made in this book is something which is recognized in our metaphysical studies: Sickness is not your fault. Often new-age teachings say that past thoughts and actions create karma which returns to you in terrible ways. Ms. Moorjani assures us that this is not the case. The recognition that you are pure Love, the knowledge that you are connected to everything, the joy which comes from acceptance of yourself just as you are -- this understanding is what allows the body to be well. It doesn't matter what caused it, what "stage" the problem has advanced to, what mortal predictions are on the table -- nothing matters but the acceptance of yourself as a product of Love. When feeling the purity of Oneness, all material thoughts must be silenced. We can stop striving and start Being. When slipping into this space of pure Love, nothing else matters. And all is well.

“Mortal mind must part with error, must put off itself with its deeds, and immortal manhood, the Christ ideal, will appear.”

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 430:3-5

“I am as God created me. We will repeat today’s idea from time to time. For this one thought would be enough to save you and the world, if you believed that it is true.”

A Course in Miracles W-110.1:1-2

Correction at the Level of Thought

Art from Catrin Welz-Stein

It seems there are any number of errors to correct in this world. It’s quite a relief to discover that I only need to correct them in my mind, not in the fearful and angry minds I witness around me. If I look at things with horror, or disgust, or anger, or fear, I have become a part of them, sharing the ugliness. If I look on people perpetrating these acts as Love’s reflection, there is forgiveness. When I voice these forgiving ideas in public, I run the risk of someone telling me I don’t know what I’m talking about  — and, perhaps, they wouldn’t be using words quite so kind! There is a young woman who makes videos about A Course in Miracles teachings. She is often verbally attacked in the comments section of YouTube. If the speaker and her supporters are willing to give these derogatory words energy in retaliation and defense, they are accepting attacks within themselves. But if we send forth forgiveness, realizing we are all One in Truth, then we give the gift of Love — and receive it ourselves. Therein lies correction!

“Because Truth is infinite, error should be known as nothing. Because Truth is omnipotent in goodness, error, Truth's opposite, has no might.” 

Mary Baker Eddy- Science and Health Page 367:3-1

“It is essential to remember that only the mind can create, and that correction belongs at the thought level. To amplify an earlier statement, spirit is already perfect and therefore does not require correction. The body does not exist except as a learning device for the mind. This learning device is not subject to errors of its own, because it cannot create. It is obvious, then, that inducing the mind to give up its miscreations is the only application of creative ability that is truly meaningful.” 

A Course in Miracles T-2.V.1:7-11

Be Still and Listen

Photo courtesy of Richard Quick

News sources were bombarding us with predictions of high winds and tornadoes. I know this because everyone I saw told me about it!  While in our beautiful Carnegie Public Library, the attendant was very nervous, flitting about, even talking to herself. When I was checking out my chosen items, I asked her what was wrong. She told me she was upset about the weather and stated she wished it would just get bad and go past and be done. I assured her we had never had a tornado in Eureka Springs, and she was quite safe in these mountains. In thinking about this, I marvel at how readily we receive into our consciousness warnings of destruction and other erroneous beliefs. On the other hand, we balk at the admission, or even the possibility, that spiritual goodness trumps error every time. When our minds are busy with worries and repetitive thoughts, when we're voicing our concerns (either orally or mentally) it's very difficult to hear the still, small voice of Truth. Viewing life in its harmonious reality is known in divine Science as "knowing the Truth". It's hard to do this if I'm thinking about horrible "what-ifs" which may occur. As usual, I have a choice. And if I'm not happy with that choice, guess what? I get to choose again!! For this, I am most grateful.

“Lips must be mute and materialism silent, that man may have audience with Spirit, the divine Principle, Love, which destroys all error.”

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page15:11-13

“Listen, and hear your Father speak to you through His appointed Voice, which silences the thunder of the meaningless, and shows the way to peace to those who cannot see. Be still today and listen to the truth. Be not deceived by voices of the dead, which tell you they have found the source of life and offer it to you for your belief. Attend them not, but listen to the truth.”

A Course in Miracles W-106.2:1-4

Our Natural State of Happiness

At a gathering of women, talk centered around how stereotypes of people have changed over the years. We wondered what keeps these generalizations alive, and what we really, truly think about these antiquated ways of thinking. While the conversation was stimulating and fun for all involved, we were looking at this from an entirely matter-based standpoint. No mention or thought was given to the reality of our Being and the fact that there truly is no difference in any of us. Our race, nationality, and teachings — these things, and more, are thought to combine to make us who we are. We supposedly have differences which are irreconcilable with others of our species. In our study of metaphysical realities, we are eager to let go of these beliefs which keep us shackled to thinking which is stagnant. Living every moment in Love precludes thinking of others as different. We are beginning to understand that there are no others! It may seem impossible that we could all live in Love, doing no harm to anyone or anything, always expressing our perfection as a reflection of God. This possibility is an actuality which we're seeing more clearly every day. Love and happiness are our realities, and this Truth is seen clearly when the veil of material belief is lifted. Ah, the freedom of happiness! 

“Higher enjoyments alone can satisfy the cravings of immortal man. We cannot circumscribe happiness within the limits of personal sense.”

Mary Baker Eddy - Page 60:31-2

“God, being Love, is also happiness. Let me remember love is happiness, and nothing else brings joy. And so I choose to entertain no substitutes for love.

A Course in Miracles W-117.1:1-3

Happy Dreams

Happy Women of Eureka Springs

Photo courtesy of Richard Quick

Arthur C Brooks has spent decades studying happiness. We all know that things which bring us pleasure in our early years are not necessarily what nurtures us in our later ones. In his recent book, “From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness, and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life”, this columnist for The Atlantic reports, “Those who are unhappiest later in life are often the strivers on a continual quest for money, power, pleasure, and prestige.” Mr. Brooks also teaches a class on happiness at Harvard Business School. He tells us what most of us already know: “The world gives you a bogus formula for happiness. No 1: Use people. No. 2: Love things. No 3: Worship yourself. And it actually seems right because it’s so close to the truth. It just mixes up the nouns and the verbs. The right formula, based on all of the best neuroscience, clinical, and social scientific research, is simply: Use things, love people, and worship the divine. You can boil down all of the studies of happiness to five words. Those words are: Happiness is love. Full stop.”

"Happiness is spiritual, born of Truth and Love. It is unselfish; therefore it cannot exist alone, but requires all mankind to share it."
Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 57:18-21

“Happy dreams come true, not because they are dreams, but only because they are happy. And so they must be loving. Their message is, ‘Thy Will be done,’and not, ‘I want it otherwise.’” 

A Course in Miracles Text Page 223

Listening For Salvation

It’s very easy for me to say that I am going to see the innocence in my fellow beings, that I shall not condemn actions or words which bombard me daily, and that I will recognize my essential part in this universe. But then I find myself in a situation where I’m insistent on being right about some point, and all my good intentions are laid aside in the pursuit of this goal. I’ve written numerous times in the past about the continuing saga of my neighbor and his vendetta against the turkey vultures which live in our woods. The issue has been raised once again, in a way I deem to be even more bizarre than ever before. It would be easy to dismiss his words as nonsensical ravings, but I truly want to look at the feelings behind them. My quest for listening to others with the intent of understanding (rather than responding) will not allow me to dismiss him so easily. Following the guidance of divine Mind, I will endeavor this day to listen, not just to others, but to the still, small voice inside, allowing my heart to lead my actions.

“‘Now,’ cried the apostle, ‘is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation,’ --meaning, not that now men must prepare for a future-world salvation, or safety, but that now is the time in which to experience that salvation in spirit and in life. Now is the time for so-called material pains and material pleasures to pass away, for both are unreal, because impossible in [the] Science [of the Christ]. To break this earthly spell, mortals must get the true idea and divine Principle of all that really exists and governs the universe harmoniously. This thought is apprehended slowly, and the interval before its attainment is attended with doubts and defeats as well as triumphs.”

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 39:18-30

“Forgive all thoughts which would oppose the truth of your completion, unity and peace. You cannot lose the gifts your Father gave. You do not want to be another self. You have no function that is not of God. Forgive yourself the one you think you made. Forgiveness and salvation are the same. Forgive what you have made and you are saved.”

A Course in Miracles  W-99.10:1-7

Earth Day Thoughts

Photo courtesy of Aaron Springston

The beauty of nature inspires me to be more aware and in tune with the rhythm of Life. Leaving habitual behaviors behind opens us to new-old thought and the experiences which come with this spiritual sight. Perhaps inspired by Earth Day activities, my thoughts go to sustainable farms, organic and pure food, happy animals, pesticide-free vegetables! How wonderful to attend farmers' markets and actually talk to the people who grow our food. In the last fifty years, the production of food has changed so drastically that most of our young people have no idea how it is produced. (And, in too many cases, we don't want to know.) Every decision I make at the supermarket casts a vote for the process involved in its production. Every dollar I spend at a Farmers' Market also casts a vote. I want food produced with love. As I release all guilt, as I see that forgiveness is there for the realization of it, new worlds become visible. The New Earth has always been here. Now we're remembering it, and discovering heaven Within. 

“Spirit am I, a holy Son of God, free of all limits, safe and healed and whole, free to forgive, and free to save the world.”

A Course in Miracles W-97.7:2

“Now is the time for so-called material pains and material pleasures to pass away, for both are unreal, because impossible in Science. To break this earthly spell, mortals must get the true idea and divine Principle of all that really exists and governs the universe harmoniously. This thought is apprehended slowly, and the interval before its attainment is attended with doubts and defeats as well as triumphs.”

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 39:21-30