May 1, 2012 - Forgiveness unveils happiness

"Red Butte Mom and Grandmom"
photo by Aaron Springston

A Course in Miracles Lesson #121
“Forgiveness is the key to happiness.”

[Marsha's thoughts]
In today's workbook lesson, we are asked to think of someone we don't like, who irritates us perhaps, someone we don't enjoy being around. In the time it takes to read the last sentence, we have chosen this person! Contemplate him. Meditate on her. Find some bit of light in them and let it grow until you feel the goodness, the God, which they inherently are. After we have allowed this feeling to grow, we are asked to think of someone we like and transfer that good feeling to them. In doing this, we then realize there is no difference in these people. All feelings of separation are released in this forgiveness, this realization of their Oneness with each other and ourself. By this process, we give and receive, understanding the unity in these seemingly separate acts. Whatever we give, we receive, because we already have the kingdom within us. So-called forgiveness is the letting go of false beliefs in various forms of separation, the understanding of the power contained in this realization, and the demonstration of that fact. Letting Love rule every aspect of our thought is forgiveness, because there is no room for anything but this Love when it is admitted as the only reality of our being. To paraphrase Mrs. Eddy, Love fills all space and there is nothing else to think about. That understanding is enough to allow happiness to reign!


Mary Baker Eddy quote:
“The depth, breadth, height, might, majesty,and glory of infinite Love fill all space. That is enough!
Science & Health Page 520:3-5

April 30, 2012 - Meditating with St. Petersburg Quartet

Course in Miracles Lesson #120

Review of:

(109) I rest in God.

(110) I am as God created me.

"Heather in Portland, OR"
photo by Aaron Springston

[Marsha's thoughts]

I recently had the privilege of attending a performance of the St. Petersburg String Quartet in our small, acoustically-sound historic auditorium. Listening to classical music is my favorite meditation! Allowing nothing else to enter thought other than the uplifting calm which comes from losing myself in wordless music is perfection.  As with any meditation, at first various things came up in thought, which I acknowledged and released. By consistently doing this, at some point there was nothing other than the sense-filling strains of musical fulfillment. "I rest in God". This experience was further enhanced by the performance of an 11-year-old girl named Claire Luan Wells. This sweet child expertly plays both piano and violin. First of all, she played a solo on the piano and we were enthralled. Then she played the lead violin part along with the quartet, beautifully interpreting Vivaldi's Spring. Oh my! The quartet was seated, and she was standing, swaying, living the music which flowed out through her with a sweetness rarely witnessed. As she stood and played, barely taller standing than the adults were sitting, she took me to places I'd long forgotten. In reflection, I see that we need not be limited by age or experience. Everything is at our fingertips by virtue of our Oneness with all that is. If you wake up one morning with a feeling that you'd like to do something you've never done before, surrender to the impulse and see where it takes you. At this time of great changes and shifts in perceptions, we are being asked to accept that many possibilities exist which we never imagined. I feel this little girl piano/violin player is a perfect example of this. Allow yourself to be led wherever inner knowing guides. Embrace the knowledge that you are as God created you, rejoice in remembering everything you've forgotten, love out loud!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“God creates and governs the universe, including man. The universe is filled with spiritual ideas, which He evolves, and they are obedient to the Mind that makes them. Mortal mind would transform the spiritual into the material, and then recover man's original self in order to escape from the mortality of this error. Mortals are not like immortals, created in God's own image; but infinite Spirit being all, mortal consciousness will at last yield to the scientific fact and disappear, and the real sense of being, perfect and forever intact, will appear.”

Science & Health Page 295:5-15

April 29, 2012 - Truth Trumps Error

Aaron Hangin' in Oregon
photo by Heather Magnan

ACIM Lesson #119

Review of: (107) Truth will correct all errors in my mind. (108) To give and to receive are one in truth.

[Marsha's thoughts]

Many people have been telling me they think this Truth we speak of is difficult to understand. One person says it's incomprehensible unless you've had years of study and training. Another says she's not smart enough to "get it". Yet another says she's not up for the hard work this way of living entails. So I've been thinking about this quite a bit lately. Is it true? Does it take some special dispensation, some quantum gift from beyond, some unraveling of DNA, years of study perhaps? I suppose we think it takes a long time to change our thought basis because it's taken us a long time to think in the ways we presently do. Most of us have 12 to 20 years of formal education as proof that it's difficult to learn everything we need to know. Maybe that's why we tend to balk at what could be a lifetime of work. But wait a minute! What is with this "lifetime" business? Aren't we floating in eternity? I feel that we already know all there is to know. It's our birthright as a child of God. The part that takes practice is leaving the erroneous teachings of this lifetime behind us. The easy part is the realization that Truth is always within us, just waiting to be discovered. And with this discovery comes a renewal of our mind, a rediscovery of the Truth we've always known, which easily pushes aside false beliefs. So, no, I don't think it's hard work. But it is dedicated work. A dedicated discipline to seeing and feeling as Love. Not through Love, not with Love, but as Love. That is our essence. That is our Truth. Let's keep it simple!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Because Truth is infinite, error should be known as nothing. Because Truth is omnipotent in goodness, error, Truth's opposite, has no might. Evil is but the counterpoise of nothingness. The greatest wrong is but a supposititious opposite of the highest right. The confidence inspired by Science lies in the fact that Truth is real and error is unreal. Error is a coward before Truth. Divine Science insists that time will prove all this. Both truth and error have come nearer than ever before to the apprehension of mortals, and truth will become still clearer as error is self-destroyed.”

Science & Health Page 329:21-31

April 28, 2012 - Peace, be still ...

"Heather in Montana"
photo by Aaron Springston

A Course in Miracles Lesson #118

Review of:

(105) God's peace and joy are mine.

(106) Let me be still and listen to the truth.

[Marsha's thoughts]

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. This is why I always recommend meditation for people who tell me they are having problems sleeping. Not only must the mind be quiet for easy, peaceful falling into sleep, but the last thoughts we think before sinking into this other-worldly abyss are very important! We have been told by material practitioners of various disciplines that sound sleep is necessary to good health; that it facilitates healing in on-going ways which are necessary to our well-being. I've always felt this is true because we need to be quiet to hear the "still, small voice" that is ever-present, but often drowned out by the constant chatter we allow into our heads. This listening mode of being is essential to health, because this health we speak of comes from listening to our true Self rather than the material beliefs of the ages. One of "my" artists told me a lovely story of letting go and allowing. She has been hard at work creating new paintings for the May Festival of the Arts in Eureka Springs. She tells me that recently she wasn't able to sleep, that she was thinking perhaps she shouldn't even bother painting, it wasn't worth it, and other such things. Suddenly her computer awakened and she got up to see what was going on. There was an email from me telling her not to worry, that her show would be hung in its entirety and it would be wonderful! With this reassurance, she laid down and immediately went to sleep. I think this perfectly demonstrates how silencing our lips and thoughts to materialism allows Love to replace error, then peace and joy reign supreme in our existence.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

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

Science & Health Page 15:11-13

April 27, 2012 - Letting go of stereotypes

Heather or Aaron
Photo by one or the other

ACIM Lesson 117

Review of:

(103) God, being Love, is also happiness.

(104) I seek but what belongs to me in truth.

[Marsha's thoughts]

At a recent gathering of women, the talk centered around stereotypes of people, how these have changed over the years, what keeps them alive, and how we really, truly think about such things. While the talk 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. The way it seems is that we are all different. Our race, nationality, teachings, are said to combine to make us who we are. We supposedly have differences which are sometimes irreconcilable with others of our species. I was reminded of something Isaac Asimov said in one of his novels. I don't have the exact quote, but it was to the effect that we, as humans would not realize our unity until life was discovered on another planet; then it could be us against them. And this is the way it seems to be. This is why, in the study of metaphysical realities, we are so eager to let go of these beliefs which keep us shackled to thought which is stagnant. Living every moment in Love precludes thinking of others as different. Although it seems impossible that we could all live in this way, doing no harm to anyone or anything, always expressing our perfection as a reflection of God, it is not. This possibility is an actuality in the reality of our Being 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 beliefs is lifted.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“...God is Love, and without Love, God, immortality cannot appear. Mortals try to believe without understanding Truth; yet God is Truth.”

Science & Health Page 312:16-19

April 26, 2012 - Happiness is the way.

"Heather on a Montana Morning"
photo by Aaron Springston

Course in Miracles Lesson #116

Review of:

(101) God's Will for me is perfect happiness.

(102) I share God's Will for happiness for me.

As sage words tell us: There is no way to happiness; happiness is the way. I've witnessed  events in the last few days which illustrate sabotage of happiness or, alternatively, grabbing ahold of happiness and not letting go, even in the most harsh of experiences. How many times a day are we tempted to lose a peaceful, happy feeling because of the habit of thinking in unhappy ways. I heard a story of a state trooper, somewhere in the panhandle of Texas, wielding his authority in a petty and foolish way. When I hear things like this, I silently affirm the Truth of the situation: that this person is also a child of God. In this affirmation, it's implied what he is not: that is, the material illusion of tyranny he is putting forth. On the other hand, I could entertain thoughts of what is wrong with this policeman. But this would rob me of happiness! I could say, "I hate it when people do that." And that leaves me hating certain actions, rather than seeing the situation through spiritual sense. And so I've given away my happiness for unnecessary finger pointing. For every action which quashes happiness, there are multitudes which affirm its ever-presence. I ran into an old friend in the grocery store. Last fall she lost her 13-year-old daughter, an only child. When I asked her how she was doing, she said she was doing great for the most part; that there were a few tough days, but she knew it was dishonoring her sweet child's memory to give her life to mourning. And so she found ways to be happy, living Life as an affirmation of her daughter's Truth. I felt humbled in her presence. How dare I shoot down joy over nothing other than silly habitual thinking? I'd rather live Love instead!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Upon this stage of existence goes on the dance of mortal mind. Mortal thoughts chase one another like snowflakes, and drift to the ground. [The] Science [of The Christ] reveals Life as not being at the mercy of death, nor will [this] Science admit that happiness is ever the sport of circumstance."

Science & Health Page 250:28-1

April 25, 2012 - Be Aware. Now is the Time!

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #115

Review of: "(99) Salvation is my only function here.

(100) My part is essential to God's plan for salvation."

Germany, 2006
photo by Aaron Springston

[Marsha's thoughts]

I've been enjoying videos of the awesome BBC series entitled "Life", with David Attenborough  as narrator. When viewing the perfection of all life, how it blends together in exquisite harmony, I am often inspired in ways to be more in tune with this tapestry. Once again, we need only let loose the things we do by rote, leave habitual behaviors where we found them, in order to open ourselves to new-old thought, and experience where that takes us. Today my thought goes to sustainable farms, organic and pure food, happy animals, pesticide-free vegetables! How wonderful to go to farmer's markets and actually talk to 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 where food actually comes from. 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 Farmer's Market also casts a vote. I don't really want to give my dollars to a corporation which give us food without Soul. I vote for food with Love. Everything I consume will be nurtured 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. And now we're remembering and demonstrating that knowledge in a myriad of ways.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"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.”

Science & Health Page 39:18-30

April 24, 2012 - I Am Spirit. What does that mean?

A Course in Miracles Lesson #114

Review of: (97) I am spirit. (98) I will accept my part in God's plan for salvation.

"Mount Timpanogos"
photo by Aaron Springston

[Marsha's thoughts]

Many authors and visionary thinkers have told us that we are not human beings having a spiritual experience, but spiritual beings having a human experience. The acknowledgement that "I am Spirit" IS "accepting my part in God's plan for salvation"! The knowledge that we are Spirit and the understanding of what that means, this brings acceptance through demonstration of Truth and Love.  After writing about "rules" yesterday, today I, of course, have come upon two articles specifically about rules and have received one phone call where the caller was really questioning how understanding divine government allows us to be free. It seems change can be difficult. Perhaps this is why we find it hard to accept that we are so much more than we ever thought! We go along with the same behaviors, whether they're serving us or not, staying with the comfortable rather than opening ourselves to the field of all possibilities. For example, look how tied to the arrangement of our typing keyboards we are! I remember in the 1970s, IBM wanted to change the keyboard. They informed us it was not the most expedient  arrangement of letters -- not by a long shot!! They told us how many of the most-used letters were assigned to fingers which were typically used the least, such as the little and ring finger. And there would be other changes, too. Such as exchanging the question mark and the slash. Why do we need to use the shift key for something which is used so much more than the other symbol? This option of testing a new keyboard was given to those of us who were on record as having IBM Selectric typewriters. Their project was cancelled for lack of interest. With that story in mind, I will stay aware today, watching and listening for ways to transform existence through an awareness of my true Identity.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Question.--What is the scientific statement of being?

Answer.--There is no life, truth, intelligence, nor substance in matter. All is infinite Mind and its infinite manifestation, for God is All-in-all. Spirit is immortal Truth; matter is mortal error. Spirit is the real and eternal; matter is the unreal and temporal. Spirit is God, and man is His image and likeness. Therefore man is not material; he is spiritual.”

Science & Health Page 468:8-15

April 23, 2012 - Governed by divine Love

"Mongolian Morning"
photo by Aaron Springston

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #113

Review of:

(95) I am one Self, united with my Creator.

(96) Salvation comes from my one Self.

[Marsha's thoughts]

Do you remember being taught why we have rules and why we must follow them? Looking around us, it would seem to me that having so many rules is counterproductive. Look at tax laws for a perfect example of why more is not always better! When we look to Spirit to guide and govern every action, there is no need for a multitude of laws to tell us how to and how not to do everything. For instance, laws which tell us how to and how not to love. There's a television series called "Big Love" which takes a look into the everyday lives of Mormon polygamists. In the United States, polygamy is illegal. When we see accounts of cruel men with 20 wilves and 100 children, it's tempting to agree with this decree. But when the beauty of deep Love is illustrated in a multiple-marriage situation, it seems not only plausible but admirable. As in any situation, love needn't be legislated. And this takes us back to those rules we are taught to live by, the laws which we will be punished for breaking. The government of ourself is not dictated by any material laws. We all know of situations where children, animals, all things living, are abused by others. It doesn't appear that making more laws keep such things from happening. What I see is that such behavior is impossible when we allow government by divine Love, God. When listening in this way, we can't help but be keenly aware of the "still, small voice".  It speaks to me as a peaceful feeling. If uneasiness is bouncing around in my chest, it's time to wonder why! So today I will be governed by my intuitive feeling which comes from listening through spiritual sense, at-one-ment.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Atonement is the exemplification of man's unity with God, whereby man reflects divine Truth, Life, and Love. Jesus of Nazareth taught and demonstrated man's oneness with the Father, and for this we owe him endless homage.”

Science & Health Page 18:1-5

April 22, 2012 - No strong opinions to get in my way

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #112:

[review of lessons 93 & 94]

Heather at Zion National Park
photo by Aaron Springston

"Light and joy and peace abide in me"

"I am as God created me."

[Marsha's thoughts]

I like to think I hold no strong opinions. It is one of the spiritual practices I have adopted in my quest to leave behind material beliefs and remain receptive to the spiritual facts which await the open mind and heart. And so it always comes as a surprise when I hold forth with one of these said opinions! Today presented such a scenario. A woman came into the gallery who had written on a public chat board that she would not be attending any more of the passionate drum circles in Basin Park because it was now sponsored by the Eureka Springs Downtown Network and that had ruined it for her. She began telling the story to someone within my earshot. Imagine my surprise when I jumped up on my high horse and said, And what do you have against the Downtown Network??!! And became embroiled in a difference of opinion with her in a matter of moments. It didn't last long. As soon as a thought came to mind which was really attacking her on a personal level, I immediately told her I was sorry and that I hadn't realized this topic was such a hot spot for me. This story is told now to illustrate how easy it is to forget that "light and joy and peace abide in me". And also how easy it is to choose again and turn a situation around. The next time I hear something to which I react strongly, I will examine it right then and there, asking myself why I feel that way, clearing away any vestige of darkness with which I reacted. In this clearing, I will remember that "I am as God created me", without self-righteous opinions cluttering vision and pushing away Truth.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Man is idea, the image, of Love; he is not physique. He is the compound idea of God, including all right ideas; the generic term for all that reflects God's image and likeness; the conscious identity of being as found in Science, in which man is the reflection of God, or Mind, and therefore is eternal; that which has no separate mind from God; that which has not a single quality underived from Deity; that which possesses no life, intelligence, nor creative power of his own, but reflects spiritually all that belongs to his Maker."

Science & Health Page 475:13-22

April 21, 2012 - What is a miracle?

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #111

“#91: Miracles are seen in light. #92: Miracles are seen in light, and light and strength are one.”

(Review:  http://acim.org/Lessons/lesson.html?lesson=111)

"Bryce Canyon"
photo by Aaron Springston

[Marsha's thoughts]

When I first read A Course in Miracles writings, I was bothered by the fact that they use the word "miracle" in this way. In Christian Science, I had learned to see that what we, as mortals, think of as a miracle is actually the demonstration of divine law. In most cases, when someone says "It's a miracle", this implies a setting aside of laws in order for something unbelievable to happen. It is assumed that God is intervening and causing things to occur which otherwise wouldn't have been. And so I would cringe when hearing this word, much the same as we often do with other words such as "sin", "repent", and perhaps "salvation". But I have come to see that ACIM is using the word miracle in much the same way as Mary Baker Eddy refers to it. It is the demonstration of divine Principle, seen by replacing material illusions with spiritual sense. This experience is referred to in Science and Health as being "not supernatural, but supremely natural". I love that we are seeing ourselves as complete beings, utilizing the so-called sixth sense in everyday life, and not being surprised when "miraculous" things happen! When we wash away the dust of material belief, the light of Truth can shine through, giving us strength where we before thought we were weak. The light of holiness and goodness, the light of God, gives us every right idea we need to advance in our individual way. We need not worry about which road to take when we trust our inner knowing, our intuition, our true Self.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"The miracle introduces no disorder, but unfolds the primal order, establishing the Science of God's unchangeable law."

Science & Health Page 135:6-8

April 20, 2012 - My True Self cannot be changed, damaged, hurt

Bryce Canyon
photo by Aaron Springston

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #110

“I am as God created me.”

[Marsha's thoughts]

During a conversation with friends, someone asked me how I could have come through a particularly traumatic time without some form of therapy. I hadn't really thought about this, but only knew that I had accepted reality over illusion. The reality is that I am as God created me. The illusion is all the seeming-hurts and lies we may encounter which affect how we feel about ourselves and others. So let's say you have just found out about something which happened in the past. This something affects everything you thought you knew to be truth. What reaction would you have? Perhaps your initial response is anger. We say this is to be expected, because it is what we've experienced in the past and have accepted as normal: that anger is an expected reaction. With the realization that we are as God created us, we can see that this upsetting situation has absolutely nothing to do with our true Self. And the hurtful illusion can dissipate as mist hit by sunlight. In the same way as the mist changes into another form of what it is, our hurt feelings, our fears, can disappear into their native nothingness, being replaced with the Truth of Being. "I Am as God created me." Anything other than this true creation is changeable. Today I choose unchanging, eternal Truth!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“In divine Science, man is the true image of God. The divine nature was best expressed in Christ Jesus, who threw upon mortals the truer reflection of God and lifted their lives higher than their poor thought-models would allow.”

Science & Health Page 259:6-9

April 19, 2012 - I need do nothing

Mongolian Sunset
photo by Aaron Springston

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #109

“I rest in God.”

[Marsha's thoughts]

At a recent Course in Miracles meeting we discussed what it means to live the Course teaching, "I need do nothing". I find it correlates directly to most lessons in the workbook, but particularly so with today's! To rest in God frees us from all the planning and worry about possibilities. To give away all belief in and living from past experience clears the way for a more pure sight in which to know God, to know ourselves, to demonstrate Truth in our every thought and action. Although I find this spiritual discipline invigorating, not everyone feels the same. I know people who think they would be giving away their individuality if they let go of their personal history. They have a vague suspicion that listening to Spirit would be tantamount to some form of hypnotism, where their every move would be dictated by something that wants to use them for selfish benefit. I find the opposite to be true. When I lose a sense of personal responsibility, when I let go the beliefs I've had about certain circumstances, these acts, and more, enable me to replace the empty space where those beliefs before resided. This space is now free to recognize what was already there: Love. Divine Love. We cannot change God. That ever-presence is there no matter what we think about It. Only by relaxing into this infinity of Love can we give our every thought to Spirit, knowing that solutions and answers will be there when we need them. Because they are always there, if we but listen.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The miracle of grace is no miracle to Love. Jesus demonstrated the inability of corporeality, as well as the infinite ability of Spirit [God], thus helping erring human sense to flee from its own convictions and seek safety in divine Science"

Science & Health Page 494:15-19

April 18, 2012 - To receive and give are one in truth

Washington D.C., USA - Photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #108

“To give and to receive are one in truth.”

[Marsha's thoughts]

Most of the people I know are givers. They give of themselves in so many ways. They give time and money to causes they support. They give love and affection to family and friends. They give of themselves generously, always stepping up when anyone is in need. But many of these wonderful people aren't comfortable receiving. Whether it's a compliment, or a helping hand when they're having problems, or a gift when they're in need, they often refuse the gifts offered. This duality is negated with the understanding of today's lesson, which tells us that giving and receiving are one in truth. "One thought, completely unified, will serve to unify all thoughts." This is a sentence from today's lesson. Reading this brings to mind instances when it has been demonstrated in daily life. For instance, when a situation seems volatile -- perhaps people are on the verge of a major disagreement -- practice peace in your thought and actions and watch its effect. This is because there is only one Cause, hence the effect is unified by that Cause. This unifying cause is the spiritual Principle which governs everything, when seen for what it is: Truth. Today I will open my heart to receive all the good which is innately mine. This reception opens avenues to share in unexpected ways. I will offer to others everything I want for myself: peace, happiness, joy, contentment, satisfaction, grace, love. Freely I have received, freely I give.

Mary Baker Eddy quotes:

“Giving does not impoverish us in the service of our Maker, neither does withholding enrich us.” Science & Health Page 79:30-32

April 17, 2012 - Truth corrects error

"Glacier National Park"
photo by Aaron Springston

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #107

“Truth will correct all errors in my mind.”

As I read the words from today's workbook lesson, and then read the words of Mary Baker Eddy, I smiled and thought what fun this would be to write about. And I've sat here for more than an hour and, although the perfection and power of these words have taken me many places, nothing wants to be said. Or maybe everything wants to be said! It seems that everything I think of could be translated by the fact that Truth exposes error, and corrects it. Seeing everything in Truth makes it easier to see the nothingness of error. And applying that Principle to this dilemma, I see the answer is just what I've done. Seeing Truth everywhere leaves no room to see otherwise. And the result always feels so right when you're walking in Truth.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

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

Science & Health Page 367:30-2

April 16, 2012 - Be Still and Listen

Mt. Timpanongo, Utah, Heather
Photo by Aaron Springston

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #106

“Let me be still and listen to the truth.”

[Marsha's thoughts]

Walking meditations, sitting meditations, music meditations, mantras, chants, drumming. Most of us practice some form of quieting the mind, some way of slipping into the gap between thoughts and experiencing inner knowing. In Christian Science, this process is called prayer. It's not an asking, but a listening, as is the result of most meditations. The ability to visit this space at a moment's notice is integral in our ability to transcend the miasma of mortal, material thoughts which present themselves to us constantly. There are so many proofs of the fruits of this way of living. Everywhere we look there is another affirmation that we're on the right track with our studies. I love people's reactions to synchronicities! When something happens in perfect concourse with another event, creating wonderful circumstances for everyone and everything involved, we call this synchronicity. As an example, recently I had an appointment for a haircut. The day after the appointment was scheduled, I remembered that it had even been made. I e-mailed Jean (the most wonderful hairdresser in the world!) apologizing and asking for another appointment. She responded that when she started reading the note her heart dropped because she had forgotten to tell me she needed to cancel the appointment due to a family emergency in another state, and then she was glad because I had forgotten about it anyway. How's that for synchronicity? Some people don't see this as anything other than pure chance. Others think of it as supernatural and want to avoid it or, alternatively, to seek its return. Some of us see it as a natural way of life when listening past the roaring of material beliefs to the spiritual voice of Truth. Whatever our mode of listening to God, let's do it as much as possible, until we realize that's all there is.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The effects of Christian Science are not so much seen as felt. It is the 'still, small voice' of Truth uttering itself. We are either turning away from this utterance, or we are listening to it and going up higher. Willingness to become as a little child and to leave the old for the new, renders thought receptive of the advanced idea. Gladness to leave the false landmarks and joy to see them disappear,--this disposition helps to precipitate the ultimate harmony. The purification of sense and self is a proof of progress. ‘Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.’”

Science & Health Page 323:28-8

April 15, 2012 - Peace and Joy are mine

Immaterial mess in front of Eureka Thyme
photo by Randal Thompson

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #105

“God’s peace and joy are mine.”

[Marsha's thoughts]

The certainty that this is so, that God's peace and joy are mine because I am the pure reflection -- the essence, if you will -- of God, has carried me through this day. Yesterday I told you of the minor irritations involved with having the street torn up in front of my gallery, then having the phone quit working, and lastly my change of thought about the whole situation. At some point during trying circumstances, it's always tempting to fall into a why-me, victim mode. Midway through today, when the telephone company had not come to fix the phone (which is the same line that enables the credit card machine), I was perilously close to feeling put-upon. Plus, I've convinced myself that I can't greet the public more than four days in a row without a break, and I was on my fifth day! Knowing that gallery stroll days are twelve-hour marathons didn't help my attitude much. I felt grouchy and was happy that our featured artist was there to talk to people, because I didn't want to! And then something happened which caused me to realize the necessity of living Love. A sweet young couple with a baby came in. I didn't recognize them, but was talking to her about candles. The conversation turned to children and I shared with her what a great independent school we have here in Eureka Springs, with a short synopsis of why I felt that way. As I was telling her what a life-changing experience The Clear Spring School had been for us, she began to cry. She told me that not only had she needed to hear this, but that she had been in the gallery a year ago and had felt so welcomed she decided to move here. In that moment I realized that it doesn't matter if I'd rather be quietly enjoying my home, it doesn't matter if the street is torn up, it doesn't matter if we have no phone/credit card capabilities. What does matter is that I recognize that I am Love, and share that with everyone by my living of it. There is no way to know how far-reaching our actions may be. To genuinely care about everyone we meet, to listen to them, to respond honestly with Love, that's what renews our sense of joy and peace and restores energy. My cup runneth over.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Trials teach mortals not to lean on a material staff,-- a broken reed, which pierces the heart. We do not half remember this in the sunshine of joy and prosperity. Sorrow is salutary. Through great tribulation we enter the kingdom. Trials are proofs of God's care. Spiritual development germinates not from seed sown in the soil of material hopes, but when these decay, Love propagates anew the higher joys of Spirit, which have no taint of earth. Each successive stage of experience unfolds new views of divine goodness and love.”

Science & Health Page 66:6-16

April 14, 2012 - What is ours in Truth?

"Bryce Canyon, Utah, USA"
photo by Aaron Springston

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #104

“I seek but what belongs to me in truth."

[Marsha's thoughts]

What belongs to us in Truth? Peace and joy and happiness; the kingdom of heaven which is within us. A few weeks ago I wrote a segment about the street repairs going on in front of our art gallery, Eureka Thyme. The project has grown since that time, with approximately 30 feet of excavated street and piles of limestone and other detritus. There's nothing like an in-your-face situation to bring forth erroneous thought and breakdowns between what we espouse and what we actually do. At one point, I realized that in my zeal to be unaffected by the mess out front, I was ignoring the situation, rather than transforming it in thought. First of all, if these workers had been in front of my house, I would have offered refreshment and made some sort of mini-friendship with them. I had been ignoring them while looking past the orange cones and ugly ply-board and black plastic. From that start, there has been progression in thought -- that is, until today. Mid-afternoon, I discovered the phone was dead, which means the credit card machine doesn't work. Realizing why this affected me so deeply and releasing it from my thought left the doorway unblocked for hearing and seeing Truth. And that Truth came through my sweet son, Aaron, (whose photographs grace these writings). He broke the spell I was falling into. Turn it into art, he said! Since we're having the first Gallery Stroll of the year, and my featured artists are two of the wildest and most fun creative geniuses I know, I think it's quite possible this will manifest soon! I was going to show you a photograph of the mess in the street. But I'd rather share peace and joy and happiness with you! This terrain may not be what we're used to, but it certainly is beautiful ~~~

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“God has built a higher platform of human rights, and He has built it on diviner claims. These claims are not made through code or creed, but in demonstration of "on earth peace, good-will toward men."

Science & Health Page 226:14-17

April 13, 2012 - Butterflies, Love, Happiness

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #103

“God, being Love, is also happiness.”

Butterfly Gardens in St Louis
Photo by Aaron Springston

[Marsha's thoughts]

One of my favorite sayings is: If you have a choice of being right or being kind, be kind! I recently witnessed a man who was determined to be right no matter what. He  was relentless in correcting his wife on everything from her memory of events to her pronunciation of giclee'. I couldn't detect an iota of happiness anywhere in his aura. If he had been familiar with the above saying and had allowed himself to express kindness instead of a staunch determination to be right, perhaps a chink would have appeared in his armor and a ray of joy could have escaped. Mrs. Eddy made this declaration: "Clad in the panoply of Love, human hatred cannot reach you." Unfortunately it seems the opposite also applies. We can put up a barrier to Love and refuse to admit that it even exists, much less understand that Love is our essence.   We can allow belief to cover up Truth; hiding the knowing that God is Love, happiness. I have an acquaintance who tells me he doesn't know what love feels like. He is certain he's never felt love and wouldn't recognize it if he did. Personally, a most intense feeling of Love came over me a few days ago when I saw the first butterflies of spring! There they were, a gathering of beautiful Swallowtails, joyously flying from flower to flower. My heart opened at the sight, and I breathed deeper trying to capture just a bit of their grace. And so today I will remember the butterflies, knowing that I Am that same reflection of perfect Love, exuding happiness wherever I go.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Soul has infinite resources with which to bless mankind, and happiness would be more readily attained and would be more secure in our keeping, if sought in Soul. Higher enjoyments alone can satisfy the cravings of immortal man.”

Science & Health Page 60:28-1

April 12, 2012 - Happiness is my Natural State

Aaron at Bryce Canyon
photo by Heather Magnan

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson # 102

“I share God’s Will for happiness for me.”

[Marsha's thoughts]

These last few lessons have concentrated on happiness and what allows us to feel and express it. We have acknowledged that God wants us to be happy, that we want it because our will and God's are the same thing, and that nothing can keep us from this peaceful joy -- other than our thoughts! I'm acquainted with a few people who are chronically sad. They seem to revel in this feeling and do everything possible to keep it foremost in their lives. A very talented artist, whom I greatly admire, uses bright colors and paints seemingly happy scenes. One is of a man riding a bicycle, pulling a huge house-like structure through a colorful forest. Everything looks bright and happy, but on the front of the oversized house is a sign which says "Baggage". I've talked to him about this and he realizes he's carrying around every sadness and hurt which have ever touched him, but he can't manage to let them go. Another man of long-acquaintance unfailingly reiterates a story of betrayal which happened to him 20 years ago. I personally have certain events from the last 50-plus years which repeatedly come to thought, usually when manifested by a reminder. At this point, there's a choice: I can relive the event mentally and/or verbally and thereby keep it alive. Or I can acknowledge that it's still in my thoughts, but it is not the Truth of my Being. Yes, it happened (whatever it is). It's part of my material history. But my spiritual reality has not been touched by it. What peace is brought by this understanding! I can be happy. Even in the midst of things which aren't particularly joyful -- such as, dealing with paperwork and phone calls and other things which can be tedious -- we can give ourselves permission to be happy. It is, after all, our natural state of Being!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"An ill-attuned ear calls discord harmony, not appreciating concord. So physical sense, not discerning the true happiness of being, places it on a false basis. [The] Science [of The Christ] will correct the discord, and teach us life's sweeter harmonies."

Science & Health Page 60: 24-28

April 11, 2012 - All you need is Love

Mount Timpanogos Goat
photo by Aaron Springston

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #101

“God’s Will for me is perfect happiness.”

[Marsha's thoughts]

How many of us cringe when we hear the words salvation and atonement? I know I always have, and that's just from the general collective consciousness of the world, because I wasn't taught that these are things which God demands of us if we are to get to heaven. I was taught in Christian Science that the kingdom of heaven is within you. That atonement is realizing your unity with God and all of creation. That salvation is understanding the truth of your being and demonstrating it in daily life. That God is Love, and therefore I Am, too. And so what is left other than happiness? If we give up fear and replace it with Love, peace reigns within and is demonstrated without. When we give up notions of separation from God and each other, replacing them with thoughts of unity and feelings of Oneness, joy is expressed. Every situation which seems so real in our material world can be seen through spiritual sense for what its reality is, not what we have made up about circumstances. It is said in A Course in Miracles that everything is either a call for love or an expression of Love. The only difference I see is that a call for love is looking for something outside of yourself to bring you something which you do not have. An expression of Love is an acknowledgement that everything you need is already there, because you are reflecting the Love that you are as the image and likeness of God. As we clear out material beliefs concerning our identity, happiness will fill the void in the realization that  Love is all you need and it truly is All that Is. The Beatles were right!!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“That God's wrath should be vented upon His beloved Son [you], is divinely unnatural. Such a theory is man-made. The atonement is a hard problem in theology, but its scientific explanation is, that suffering is an error of sinful sense which Truth destroys, and that eventually both sin and suffering will fall at the feet of everlasting Love.”

Science & Health Page 23:5-10

April 10, 2012 - Happiness is our Heritage

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #100

“My part is essential to God’s plan for salvation.”

Heather, Sunset, Principia
photo by Aaron Springston

[Marsha's thoughts]

Today we are urged to be fully present in the joy which is our inheritance as a reflection of God. When I hear the word joy, I tend to think of exuberant happiness. But quiet, peaceful happiness spreads joy, too. And we've all had times in our lives when happiness doesn't seem to be present at all. At times like those, it's even more important to understand what our part is in all of this: and that is to express God. In every situation, whether solemn or celebratory, our function is the same. Sometimes it seems too simple, doesn't it? All we have to do is to allow everything to be Love: to reflect it, to live it, to be it! A sentence from today's lesson says: "God's Will for you is perfect happiness." Wow! God wants me to be happy!! And not just wants me to, but tells me how to do this, if I will listen. Once again, quieting the material senses is the key to hearing this guidance. There are so many ways to open up to spiritual sense, and I love practicing them in daily life! One of my favorites is the nightly time of listening for what the topic of these writings will be.  I tune in Pandora radio to classical music and/or George Winston piano music and sit quietly, waiting to hear what I'm going to write about. Living all elements of life with an attitude of listening is a constant adventure, and at the same time, it's a calm road to peace and joy. Have you noticed that cameras capture inner feelings? The eyes tell it all, and whatever you're feeling is pretty easy to see in this digital age. But let's not be afraid of those times we're sad. Quietly do what needs to be done, in the surety that happiness and joy are ever present, waiting for each of us to let them in.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Harmony is produced by its Principle, is controlled by it and abides with it. Divine Principle is the Life of man. Man's happiness is not, therefore, at the disposal of physical sense. Truth is not contaminated by error. Harmony in man is as beautiful as in music, and discord is unnatural, unreal.”

Science & Health Page 304:16-21

April 9, 2012 - Salvation is my only function here

ACIM Workbook Lesson 99

“Salvation is my only function here.”

Heather in Glacier National Park
photo by Aaron Springston

[Marsha's thought]

Our only function is seeing, knowing, and living Truth. It's rather difficult to understand that salvation and forgiveness are a part of the dream of material existence; that there is nothing from which to be saved or forgiven. The distinction between illusion and reality is essential to this understanding. And even an understanding does not preclude a desire to hold on to the unreality. I had a dream last night which illustrates how we want to keep our illusions. I had a long and elaborate dream involving not being able to find nor help a loved on who was in trouble. There were piles of snow so deep they couldn't be passed, along with many other impediments which produced anxiety and distress. It seemed to go on forever and I kept trying to climb out of it. But when I woke up, my first thought was going back to sleep to see how the dream would end! As I was sliding back into sleep, the thought came to me that this wasn't necessary. Why should I care how it ended? Couldn't it end any way I wanted it to?? As I came back to conscious awareness, it occurred to me that this was an exact analogy illustrating our desire to hold onto illusions. This experience has caused me to examine everything I've done today, looking at my actions and thoughts from all sides to see if they are coming from God or my own personal ideas of how things should be. I am holding to the fact that God is All, and that I reflect this Love as my governing Principle. I accept this salvation today and always.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The starting-point of divine Science is that God, Spirit, is All-in-all, and that there is no other might nor Mind,--that God is Love, and therefore He is divine Principle.”

Science & Health Page 275 6-9

April 8, 2012 - Resurrection

Heather and Aaron in Red Butte
photo by Sandy Magnan

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #98

“I will accept my part in God’s plan for salvation.”

[Marsha's thoughts]

The wording of today's lesson could seem to be a form of predestination, in which our free will is taken away and we are put into some sort of automaton state where we are warriors for God. The freedom which comes with our resurrection from material belief does not feel this way to me! The message of the crucifixion and resurrection, I see as uplifting. Neither A Course in Miracles nor Christian Science puts Jesus on the cross. The crucifixion is not an act which is dwelt upon in divine metaphysics. It is simply the death of material belief, in which the Christ idea is risen in all the beauty of divine Love, and the ascension of our thought is the ultimate reality of Life. This is God's plan for salvation: Accept yourself as the spiritual idea you are and let go of the material thought basis which binds you to unreality. Spring is a time of renewal in all of nature. We have chosen this time of year to rise in the spirit of Truth, to celebrate our transformation which comes by the renewal of our minds, to realize that no one can give us salvation because it's already ours. What could be more joyously perfect!! I share with you in celebration today!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"RESURRECTION: Spiritualization of thought; a new and higher idea of immortality, or spiritual existence; material belief yielding to spiritual understanding."

Science & Health Page 493:9-12

April 7, 2012 - I Am Spirit

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #97

“I am spirit.”

Photo taken in Washington, D.C.
by Aaron Springston

[Marsha's thoughts]

Once again today's workbook lesson takes me to the seven synonyms for God as given in Science & Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy. Those are: Life, Truth, Love, Soul, Spirit, Mind, Principle. And I, as a reflection of this thing called God, embody all of these synonyms within the truth of my being. Seeing Spirit as our true substance shows us how to live beyond thought which holds us in the belief that we are this body. Seeing beyond this mental image of ourselves caged in matter allows a breaking free within us. The much-quoted "Our Deepest Fear" from Marianne Williamson's A Return to Love tells us that what we fear most isn't our inadequacies but our power. Here is the paragraph from the book: “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” These words will be a constant reminder to me today that I Am a reflection of God, and this will be demonstrated through knowing that I am Spirit, I am Soul, I am Life, I am Truth, I am Love, I am Mind, I am Principle.

Mary Baker Eddy quote: [This is from a dialogue between matter and Spirit]

“I am Spirit. Man, whose senses are spiritual, is my likeness. He reflects the infinite understanding, for I am Infinity. The beauty of holiness, the perfection of being, imperishable glory,--all are Mine, for I am God. I give immortality to man, for I am Truth. I include and impart all bliss, for I am Love. I give life, without beginning and without end, for I am Life. I am supreme and give all, for I am Mind. I am the substance of all, because I AM THAT I AM.”

Science & Health Page 252:32-8

April 6, 2012 - Self-Government

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #96

“Salvation comes from my one Self.”

Mongolian Morning
photo by Aaron Springston

[Marsha's thoughts]

What a peaceful realization it is to know that salvation is not something given to us by someone or something, but is from our own Self. This is the one self which is shared with All that Is, which we cannot be separated from, which we cannot lose through the actions of ourselves or others. Salvation is peace and joy which cannot be given nor taken by someone else. I witnessed a little interlude today in which two people thought their happiness and peace were being affected by each other. It was a simple interaction, but I could see the feathers flying from the encounter! I was in the doorway of the gallery and a man was standing in the street taking a picture. He started to come back to the sidewalk, but because of the stacks of limestone and barricades between him and the walkway, he needed to go 20 feet or so in either direction to get there. He chose to step over an orange cone and cross amidst the construction. The owner of Peace, Love, and Cheesecake reprimanded him, pointing out the reasons he shouldn't be doing that. I was standing in my doorway and the trespasser was walking my way. Seeing that he was disgruntled, I said jokingly (and I hoped flirtatiously!) as he passed: You're such an adventurer! He blurted out some disparaging words about the man who had gently corrected him. I made my final pitch for lightheartedness, as the man stomped up the street. These little encounters would be much different if we realized and demonstrated today's lesson. By listening for guidance from your One Self, I seriously doubt you could be led to either walk where there is danger, or point out that danger to someone else. Knowing your only real government is from Love, God, allows salvation for you and everyone and everything. Today I will remember this sentence from Lesson 96: "Problems that have no meaning cannot be resolved within the framework they are set.”

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"When we endow matter with vague spiritual power,-- that is, when we do so in our theories, for of course we cannot really endow matter with what it does not and cannot possess,--we disown the Almighty, for such theories lead to one of two things. They either presuppose the self-evolution and self-government of matter, or else they assume that matter is the product of Spirit. To seize the first horn of this dilemma and consider matter as a power in and of itself, is to leave the creator out of His own universe; while to grasp the other horn of the dilemma and regard God as the creator of matter, is not only to make Him responsible for all disasters, physical and moral, but to announce Him as their source, thereby making Him guilty of maintaining perpetual misrule in the form and under the name of natural law."

Science & Health Page 119:1-16

April 5, 2012 - I Am One Self

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #95

“I am one Self, united with my Creator.”

Group in Mongolia
photographer unknown

[Marsha's thoughts]

Don't we all love stories of people overcoming adversity with super-human strength and ability? For instance, Kerri Strug in the 1996 Olympics, spraining her ankle on a vault, then continuing and sticking her landing on the next one. We all know people who continue through seemingly insurmountable odds against them doing so. We love movies such as The Blind Side or Precious which show us exactly how difficult it can be to survive, much less flourish in life. And each of us have turning points, times when we could give up or take an easier route than the one we have chosen. We all have times we need someone to lean on. Humanly we may not have this support. Spiritually, we always do. Today's lesson tells us we are never alone, because we're one Self, united with our Creator and all of Creation. Everything we need is always a part of us, inseparable, complete within. Divine Love is our essence, forever an integral part of our Being. Once we have felt this ever-presence, once we've gotten but a small taste of Its peace, we can never go back to believing we're alone. Any help we need is always available, no matter how difficult our circumstance may seem, by allowing Love to replace fear.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Identity is the reflection of Spirit, the reflection in multifarious forms of the living Principle, Love. Soul is the substance, Life, and intelligence of man, which is individualized, but not in matter. Soul can never reflect anything inferior to Spirit."

Science & Health Page 477:20-25

April 4, 2012 - I Am as God Created Me

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #94

“I am as God created me.”

Aaron at World Cup in Germany 2006

[Marsha's thoughts]

To deal with physical ailments, there are many healing modalities we experience and/or hear of every day.  Some seem to be no more than masking symptoms, some work to find the cause of our distress and eliminate or change it, and others we classify under the heading of miracles because we don't understand their basis. Recently I watched an Oprah Soul Sunday interview with Wayne Dyer in which he told of his diagnosis of leukemia and the subsequent healing he experienced through working with the Brazilian man known as John of God. He was asked to send photographs of himself, taken from four angles, he was to take some prescribed herbs and lots of water, and there were some other physical dictates he was to follow. He was told what time the "surgery" was to take place and instructed to stay in bed for 24 hours afterwards. Many things passed through my mind as I watched this show. First of all, that dis-ease is just that. Dr. Dyer had been going through some rough emotional times, including his wife of many years leaving him. Through the study of Christian Science, I have learned that illness and the healing thereof is facilitated by a change in thought. It is a bringing into alignment thought with Truth. And this Truth is that I am as God created me. With the realization that anything other than this is illusion, we are able to see through the veil into the actuality of our true being. To deny physical symptoms of disease is not to ignore them. It is to see them for what they are: a universal belief in separation from God. By understanding this, we can also release any guilt we may have in the situation. By focusing on what is rather than what isn't, we are learning to understand God and our relation to that source of All that Is. As I go through this day, the seven synonyms for God as given in Science & Health will rotate through today's lesson: Life, Truth, Love, Soul, Spirit, Mind, Principle. If a situation comes up in which I'm tempted to express irritation, I will think: I Am as Love created me. If I don't understand something, I will think: I Am as Mind  created me. What a perfect day this will be!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Sometime we shall learn how Spirit, the great architect, has created men and women in [the] Science [of the Christ]. We ought to weary of the fleeting and false and to cherish nothing which hinders our highest selfhood.”

Science & Health Page 68:4-9

April 3, 2012 - Queen of the Sun

Flowers and Bees in Zion National Park
photo by Aaron Springston

Workbook Lesson #93:

“Light and joy and peace abide in me.”

[Marsha's thoughts]

By listening to spiritual sense, we are led in ways which are sometimes unexpected. This light and joy and peace which are an integral part of us can be expressed in so many ways. Acting as stewards of our world and its creatures is a natural expression of these qualities. And there are so many ways to do this! I recently watched a documentary entitled "Queen of the Sun" which asks us to examine what the bees are telling us. Bees are the epitome of expressing Oneness. They are a perfect metaphor for the value of community and working together. Their current colony collapse also shows us what happens when our true being is denied. As humans, we have been manipulating all of nature for our own needs. Part of our awakening is the realization that we've been many doing things for the wrong reasons. We've allowed greed and self-importance to take the place of joy and peace. We have learned to fear nature in the oddest ways. Recently the ban on beekeeping was reversed in New York City. Through education, people are finding there is nothing to fear. By opening ourselves to the purpose of each and every creature, we discover we all have a place and reason for being. To fulfill this purpose brings peace and joy to all. Every crisis we see around us in this material existence has something to tell us when we open our heart to hear. It was stated in this film that pollen is materialized light; that this light is freed in the blocks of honeycomb; that we again free this light by making candles. The freeing of light is cumulative with the bees, and we can experience the same thing as we express the light and peace and joy within ourselves.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Moral and spiritual might belong to Spirit, who holds the "wind in His fists;" and this teaching accords with Science and harmony. In [the] Science [of the Christ] , you can have no power opposed to God, and the physical senses must give up their false testimony. Your influence for good depends upon the weight you throw into the right scale. The good you do and embody gives you the only power obtainable."

Science & Health Page 192:17-24