February 1, 2013 - What Do I See?

ACIM Workbook Lesson #32:

“I have invented the world I see.”

"Three Fun Artists"

We've invented a cocoon called Eureka Thyme. We are invisible to people who wouldn't appreciate the art within our space. We're invisible to anyone who wants to talk coffee-shop banter about politics and how the world is doomed. We are invisible to fans of gossip. It's delightful! We just don't hear such things in the gallery, and on the rare occasions we do, we find ways to lead people back to paths of peace. This is not to say our world is always spent in quiet contemplation. Everything in the gallery reflects the love with which it is made, and that shows forth in an atmosphere which glows with goodnessFe. And it's also joyous! We have artist shows, author events, celebrations for every reason imaginable. I tell you these things to illustrate that we needn't allow inharmony to permeate our world. Peace and Love are the realities of spiritual creation. When disharmonious materialism raises its voice, we refute it, with Love.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Hold thought steadfastly to the enduring, the good, and the true, and you will bring these into your experience proportionably to their occupancy of your thoughts." Science & Health Page 261:4-7

January 31, 2013 - I Am not a victim

"Aaron at Glacier National Park"
photo by Heather Magnan

ACIM Workbook Lesson #31:

"I am not the victim of the world I see"   

It seems to me that the more I feel victimized, the more I'm victimized! I say this jokingly, but it's true. For instance, there was a time I felt put-upon by my landlord, the city, and any number of decision-makers involved in the renovation of the street in front of my business. I had accepted the proposed disruption and decided to enjoy some stay-at-home days to do yard work during our unseasonably warm weather. While doing just that, I heard that they were not doing the scheduled work on the street, and that I had shut down for no reason. During the two hours following this discovery, I must admit to some attack thoughts directed towards those in charge. And also during this period of time, any and every project I started to do around the house was thwarted, for various reasons. So rather than fret, I took my dog for a walk around a peaceful little lake in the woods. The sunshine and exercise helped dispel any worries as to how things would progress -- or not!  Shortly after returning home, I received a phone call from someone making a major purchase from the gallery. I wonder what events would have transpired if I'd chosen to rattle cages in connection with the situation. I feel certain I could have created any number of disruptive scenarios in which I could star! 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Man is tributary to God, Spirit, and to nothing else. God's being is infinity, freedom, harmony, and boundless bliss."

Science & Health Page 481:2-4

January 30, 2013 - God Is Everything

"Yellowstone National Park Sunrise"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #30:

"God is in everything I see because God is in my mind."

I like to leave the word "in" out of the above statement, so that it reads: God is everything I see because God is my Mind. This philosophy we're studying is showing itself everywhere, isn't it? From so-called new-age thought, to the divine sciences, to wonderful books such as "The Celestine Prophecy" and "The Lost Symbol" -- everything is pointing us toward Truth. To see as God sees is our birthright. We are realizing this every day in everything we experience. When we acknowledge that we want to experience divine Reality, we open our mind to infinity. We can turn to this certainty of thought, and by opening ourselves to All That Is, we are led in paths perhaps less traveled, but most wondrously rewarding! 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"In: A term obsolete in [Christian] Science if used with Spirit or Deity." Science & Health  Page 588:22-23

January 29, 2013 - Everything I See

"Aaron Shooting Deer;
Heather Shooting Aaron"

ACIM Workbook Lesson #29:

"God is in everything I see".

To see God in everything entails utilizing a sight other than to which we're accustomed. The material basis of our thought leaves little room for seeing spiritually. This is why our study includes so many exercises which help us to let go of learned beliefs concerning the purpose of everything we see with our material eyes; to release what we think we know about those things.  When we are able to do that, then we leave the way open for spiritual sight. Then we see that God is everywhere, because God Is. This Is-ness is omnipresent, no matter what we think about it, so we don't have to make anything happen; we need only take off our blindfolds and see Truth.  This is why it helps me to think of God as Love.  For me, it's easy to see the idea of Love being expressed in everything, as Love is everywhere, just as sunshine is. And if something happens to obscure that light, such as clouds, I know it's still there, just as potent and perfect as ever. No matter how I perceive things to be with these material eyes and thoughts, the true idea of Spirit, God, Love, is there waiting for me to remember it.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"God fashions all things, after His own likeness. Life is reflected in existence, Truth in truthfulness, God in goodness, which impart their own peace and permanence. Love, redolent with unselfishness, bathes all in beauty and light. The grass beneath our feet silently exclaims, "The meek shall inherit the earth." The modest arbutus sends her sweet breath to heaven. The great rock gives shadow and shelter. The sunlight glints from the church-dome, glances into the prison-cell, glides into the sick-chamber, brightens the flower, beautifies the landscape, blesses the earth. Man, made in His likeness, possesses and reflects God's dominion over all the earth. Man and woman as coexistent and eternal with God forever reflect, in glorified quality, the infinite Father-Mother God."

Science & Health Page 516:9-23

January 28, 2013 - What Is This Really?

"Altai Mountains of Mongolia"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #28:

"Above all else, I want to see things differently."

Years ago, I had friends who were expecting their first baby. They thought it would be interesting to teach it the "wrong" things -- such as, blue would be red, a table might be called a chair, maybe a dog would be a cat. That would certainly be seeing things differently! I see a correlation in their mis-information scheme and the illusions and limitations we have set up for ourselves in our world.  Today's lesson asks us to give up any notions we have concerning the meaning of anything and everything. By doing this, we enable ourselves to drop what we've always thought about a particular something and allow ourselves to be open to what it is and what it is for. Won't it be fun to find out where this exercise will take us?! When we begin asking what things are for, rather than telling them what they are based on our previous labeling of them, interesting answers may be coming our way. I love this exercise and have fun with its applications. For instance, the way we, as a society, punish wrong-doing: Does our present system of retaliation and retribution actually accomplish anything? In reading a book, "The Buddhist and the Terrorist", an alternative to the treatment of a murderer is explored. This book is one of many which encourage me to see differently, to see myself as God sees me, to continue asking mySelf how that sight is gained and kept, to practice the Presence in every moment.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"The objects cognized by the physical senses have not the reality of substance. They are only what mortal belief calls them." Science & Health Page 311:26-28

January 27, 2013 - I Want To See

"Glacier National Park"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #27

"Above all else, I want to see."

Today someone said to me, "There are only two powers, and she's chosen the wrong one."  Wow. Once we have split power into a loving God and Its evil twin, some seriously hard-to-let-go images have taken hold in our mind. And so when I'm thinking of today's lesson throughout the day, I won't concentrate on the myriad of ways we've constructed to cloud our vision, but I'll ask to see with true sight, as God sees. And when I wonder how that seeing can be mine, I'll go to the definition of God given in the Christian Science textbook, which is cited after this T. S. Eliot quote which reminds me of what "seeing" is. This quote is from the poem Little Gidding: “We shall not cease from exploration, / And the end of all our exploring / Will be to arrive where we started / And know the place for the first time.”

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

Question.--What is God?

Answer.--God is incorporeal, divine, supreme, infinite Mind, Spirit, Soul, Principle, Life, Truth, Love."

Science & Health Page 465:6-8

January 26, 2013 - Nothing Unreal Exists

"Glacier National Park"
photo by Heather Magnan

ACIM Workbook Lesson #26

"My attack thoughts are attacking my invulnerability."

In the introduction of A Course in Miracles textbook is the following statement: “Nothing real can be threatened. Nothing unreal exists.” At first glance this may seem to make no sense! But when you think of reality as being the creation of divine Love, the reflection of God (Love), and this is all that is real, then anything unlike God, good, is exposed as nonexistent -- hence its unreality is exposed. This realization that all attack comes from within is an eye-opener! When we worry about lack of money, or possible illness, or what our neighbor might do, these are thoughts which seem to attack our invulnerability.  Actually our invulnerability as a reflection of God cannot be attacked, but we certainly can think of ourselves as weak victims of life's circumstances. Through a conscious choice to reject the unreality of material existence and claim our heritage as powerful spiritual beings, unafraid to stand up and declare our Oneness with God and all Its creation, we are able to transcend the fears we have thought to be inevitable. What a new world is being unveiled in this process of living Truth!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Every law of matter or the body, supposed to govern man, is rendered null and void by the law of Life, God. Ignorant of our God-given rights, we submit to unjust decrees, and the bias of education enforces this slavery." Science & Health Page 380:32-4

January 25, 2013 - Why Do What You Do

"Tanyard Creek"
painting by Carol Dickie

ACIM Workbook Lesson #25

"I do not know what anything is for".

Today's lesson comes at a particularly pertinent time for me, in which I'm examining why I'm selling art. In Northwest Arkansas, we have had an amazing museum open its doors. This has prompted much speculation as to what affect this will have on surrounding galleries and artists. We are being advised that many buyers will be flooding into our area, with expectations of world class art, and that we should raise our prices to show them that we are capable of competing on a global level. This doesn't feel right to me. And so today's lesson of "I do not know what anything is for" is a perfect format for the questioning I've done as to why I'm selling art. I've always asked prospective buyers to go with how the piece they're considering makes them feel. Does it bring a smile to your face? Will it add beauty and grace to your life? If it does,don't miss your chance for that! And from the other side, the artists we represent bring forth their art from Love. One of our artists describes her style as abstract naturalism. Her love of nature glows forth in every painting she brings to canvas. Another artist births what she sometimes calls primal images. These fabric creations are profoundly moving.. For me, they bring forth emotions which perhaps have been hiding for years.But this is neither here nor there. When this art comes forth, it is not examined for what it does for the artist or for the appreciator of it. When I put it on the wall it is not placed there because of how much money it will bring in. My exercise today is to allow everything to Be, with Love expressed all around, and to let its real meaning and purpose come forth without my personal sense being projected onto it.

Mary Baker Eddy's spiritual interpretation of this line of the Lord's Prayer: 'Give us this day our daily bread'

"Give us grace for today; feed the famished affections." Science & Health Page 17:4-5

January 24, 2013 - Follow Your Heart

"Glacier National Park"
photo by Heather Magnan

ACIM Workbook Lesson #24:

"I do not perceive my own best interests.”

How joyous it is to watch our children demonstrate the ideas we're studying! When my oldest son graduated from college, he moved to a large city which has the type of snow he loves for skiing. After applying for and being turned down for numerous jobs, including bread delivery in the wee hours of the morning, he finally found a job doing graphic design grunt work at minimum wage. In the time he was with that company, he advanced to the position of multimedia producer, and had  appreciable raises in salary and work satisfaction. The training he received at that job was the main reason he caught the eye of a television station in a nearby resort town. By allowing himself to be open to the field of all potentiality, he is now working at his "dream job". This has come about because he had no plans or goals he was abiding by, and he knows that following his heart never leaves him where he started. Join with me today in thinking of times you have listened within, when you were "leaning on the sustaining Infinite", and found yourself someplace you could never have planned!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"To those leaning on the sustaining infinite, today is big with blessings."

Science & Health Page vii:1-2

January 23, 2013 - Escape by Giving Up ...

"South African Sunset"
photo by Heather Magnan

ACIM Workbook Lesson #23:

"I can escape from the world I see by giving up attack thoughts."

We hear talk of raising our vibrations, of activating our DNA strands, of various ways to remember our true Identity. All these effects are meant to lead us to an end result which is peaceful and harmonious, or to somehow take us back to the Cause of these effects. Could it be that all these ways from which we seek to attain "higher consciousness" can be realized from giving up of attack thoughts? When we find ways of bridging the separation we have set up in our minds, will we then realize our Oneness and allow ourselves to get back to the garden from which we've never left? So today we practice giving up attack thoughts in order to facilitate our realizations of this Oneness.  Attack thoughts are often obvious, but look out for the ones which wear a disguise! All thoughts which are not the emanation of God, Love, are attack thoughts. I Am the thought of God. Joy guides me in this realization!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"We reason imperfectly from effect to cause when we conclude that matter is the effect of Spirit, but a priori reasoning shows material existence to be enigmatical. Spirit gives the true mental idea. We cannot interpret Spirit, Mind, through matter. Matter neither sees, hears, nor feels. Reasoning from cause to effect in the Science of Mind, we begin with Mind, which must be understood through the idea which expresses it and cannot be learned from its opposite, matter. Thus we arrive at Truth, or intelligence, which evolves its own unerring idea and never can be coordinate with human illusions."

Science & Health Page 467:23-3

January 22, 2013 - Vengeance or Love

"Glacier National Park"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #22

"What I see is a form of vengeance."

One of the definitions for vengeance is: "Punishment inflicted in retaliation for an injury or offense; retribution." And part of the commentary from this ACIM workbook lesson is: "Today's idea accurately describes the way anyone who holds attack thoughts in his mind must see the world. Having projected his anger onto the world, he sees vengeance about to strike at him. His own attack is thus perceived as self defense." When we see through the eyes of anything other than divine Love, we are seeing through the lens of mortal belief and all the erroneous thoughts which have clouded our sight for eons. I shall strive to acknowledge this and release all attack thoughts, leaving empty this vessel to be filled with Love.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Truth destroys error, and Love destroys hate. Being destroyed, sin needs no other form of forgiveness." Science & Health Page 339:2-4

January 21, 2013 - Think Different (apologies to Apple)

"Glacier National Park"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #21:

"I am determined to see things differently"

Today's lesson commentary asks us to examine our thoughts for varying degrees of anger, from irritation to rage -- although it makes it quite clear there is no difference in degrees. An emotional reaction I find myself having is the facetious "bless her heart" statement so often used -- at least in the southern part of the U.S.! If something seems too ridiculous to ignore, yet I don't want to admit I'm being judgmental, this is the time when I would bless someone's heart in this back-handed way. These feelings of superiority are another way of enforcing the illusion of separation. By holding myself up as better, smarter, cooler, I put into action that same old separation of myself from others, and therefore from God. Today I will be a sentinel and whenever anything I feel, think, or do sets off a feeling of uneasiness within me, I'll pause and ask to see God where my thought may see discord. Looking through the eyes of Love (God) precludes all erroneous thought and allows us to see as we are seen -- purely, as reflections of the only Father-Mother God.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Eyes: Spiritual discernment -- not material but mental. Jesus said, thinking of the outward vision, "Having eyes, see ye not?" [Mark 8:18]" Science & Health Page 586:3-6

January 20, 2013 - I Will See Reality

"Sunburst in Zion National Park"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #20

"I am determined to see"

The determination which I feel with regard to this certainty that I can see and will see comes forth because I want to see. Not because I'm forcing myself into some practice which goes against my nature, but because it is my real nature to see Truth. The opposite blindness which surrounds me is not a natural, true state, but a learned one. One of our learned behaviors is to place blame on others for things they have said or done which we perceive as detrimental to us or others. When we see what truly is, we are able to simply witness these events, without apportioning blame or cause to them. By this lack of reasoning, we then see things as they really are, without placing our own, personal meaning on them. More and more often, I can simply witness, without wondering why.

.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The question, 'What is Truth', convulses the world. Many are ready to meet this inquiry with the assurance which comes of understanding; but more are blinded by their old illusions, and try to 'give it pause'. The efforts of error to answer this question by some ology are vain. Spiritual rationality and free thought accompany approaching Science, and cannot be put down. They will emancipate humanity, and supplant unscientific means and so-called laws” 

Science & Health Page 223:14-24

January 19, 2013 - No Private Thoughts

"Mongolia 2007"

ACIM Workbook Lesson #19

"I am not alone in experiencing the effects of my thoughts."

Such a wonderful world is opening up for us with the influx of Truth concerning our thoughts! I highly recommend a book by J. Allen Boone, "Kinship with All Life". During the 1950s, Mr. Boone realized that his dog knew when he was thinking about going for a walk even before he made a move to get up from his typewriter. This caused him to explore many ideas concerning our interconnectedness. My ah-ha moment for this came when I was in our local office supply to make copies. There were a number of other people there for the same reason. When I commented on how busy they were, the owner told me it had been slow all day until a few minutes before. I began to notice various occurrences such as these and decided to take myself out of this lemming effect in order to save time. When I am getting ready to go to the library, grocery store, or any other place people flock to in mass, I simply ask within if this is the right time to go. As often as not, my order of chores is rearranged when I listen for this guidance. It may seem that it would be difficult to distinguish between the impulse we receive from mass consciousness and the guidance we receive from inner listening. But paying attention to these callings teaches us to differentiate, and allows us to be where we need to be when we need to be there.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"...Truth is the light which dispels error. As mortals begin to understand Spirit, they give up the belief that there is any true existence apart from God."

Science & Health Page 282:32-3

January 18, 2012 - We're All in This Together

"Happy Boston Terrier"
painting by Betty Johnson

ACIM Workbook Lesson #18

"I am not alone in experiencing the effects of my seeing."

I've learned many things from Cesar Milan, The Dog Whisperer. And I'm reminded of his teachings when I read today's words which tell me that what I see, what I understand, is not mine alone.  We can observe how our tensions and fears are imaged upon canine companions. And it becomes very obvious as we see aberrant behavior turned harmonious when countered with a calm, assertive demeanor. This change in thought shines from you and reflects back from all around you. It's easier to see it in dogs, as they're so transparent. They just lay it out there like it is, no pretense, no excuses! My dog is a great gauge for testing where I am in thought. Also, by watching his way of soaking up my feelings, I more readily understand and accept how all thought affects all thought. We can find a multitude of ways to witness this kinship with all life. I look forward to noticing how these exhibitions will play out today. Please comment on the blog about ways you've witnessed these multi-dimensional happenings. Mary Baker Eddy called such phenomena "… not supernatural, but supremely natural". 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"In the material world, thought has brought to light with great rapidity many useful wonders. With like activity have thought's swift pinions been rising towards the realm of the real, to the spiritual cause of those lower things which give impulse to inquiry. Belief in a material basis, from which may be deduced all rationality, is slowly yielding to the idea of a metaphysical basis, looking away from matter to Mind as the cause of every effect."

Science & Health Page 268

January 17, 2013 - Nothing is Neutral in Our Thought

"Germany - 2006"
Photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #17

"I see no neutral things".

The admission to ourselves that everything we see is colored by our beliefs and judgments is a large realization indeed! Being aware of this is a very important step in our clearing the way for spiritual thought to flow through us unrestricted by habitual, limiting ways of seeing everything. Sometimes I think it would be easier to achieve this lofty goal if I could live alone on a mountaintop, with no neighbors or roommates, with no job to go to or money to think about. What a nice life it would be to revel in silence, take long walks at any time of day, only cook when I want to, and not have social obligations. What a relief to not hear news or commercials from the media in any form. How nice to not go to meetings, to not tweet and blog, to email only as pure communication with friends. It would be lovely to not deal with flat tires and fallen trees. And wouldn't it be sweet for non-profit organizations to have all they need,  for no one to be hungry, for no one to be afraid. Imagine everyone knowing the true source of their well-being, demonstrating it in daily life, and shouting it from the rooftops. Imagine ~~~

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"To corporeal sense, the sun appears to rise and set, and the earth to stand still; but astronomical science contradicts this, and explains the solar system as working on a different plan. All the evidence of physical sense and all the knowledge obtained from physical sense must yield to Science [the knowledge of Christ-consciousness], to the immortal truth of all things."

Science & Health Page 493:2-8

January 16, 2013 - Neutral Thoughts?

"Reflections"
photo by Heather Magnan

ACIM Workbook Lesson #16

“I have no neutral thoughts.”

We are shown today that no thought is neutral. To quote the Course in Miracles workbook lesson #16: "There is no more self-contradictory concept than that of 'idle thoughts'. What gives rise to the perception of a whole world can hardly be called idle. Every thought you have contributes to truth or illusion: either it extends truth or it multiplies illusion. You can indeed multiply nothing, but you will not extend it by doing so." I love this last sentence as it elucidates the fact that error is nothing, and that we can multiply error, but we can't make it real. This fact gets lost in many myths we live by. We tend to make evil real, by stating its inevitability and proclaiming it to be a power equal to God, good. One story I love illustrates today's subject. A grandfather is talking to his grandson about anger. He tells him that we all have a peaceful and an angry wolf living inside us. The one that grows is the one we feed. While I find this to be an exemplary tale illustrating a truth of this material existence, it does nothing to speak to the Truth we are learning: there is no angry wolf. And as we are told in the above quote, "you can multiply nothing but you can't extend it". Our thoughts which feed an angry wolf have no power as they're feeding something which doesn't exist. On the other hand, when we turn thought to Truth, we make a contribution and extension of it to all that Is. So we are seeing that erroneous thoughts can seem real and may seem to grow, but that's impossible because Truth trumps error every time.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Christian Science explains all cause and effect as mental, not physical. It lifts the veil of mystery from Soul and body. It shows the scientific relation of man to God, disentangles the interlaced ambiguities of being, and sets free the imprisoned thought. In divine Science, the universe, including man, is spiritual, harmonious, and eternal. Science shows that what is termed matter is but the subjective state of what is termed by the author mortal mind." 

Science & Health Page 114:23-31

January 15, 2013 - So-called Reality

"Another Colorado Sunset"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #15

“My thoughts are images that I have made.”

I witnessed a thought-provoking experiment. A woman sat down at a table. They asked her to put her right arm on the table, resting it from the elbow to hand. They placed a barrier so she couldn't see her hand, and then put a rubber hand and arm in front of her, with the elbow ending at her body. Then the person sitting in front of her used a soft paint brush to stroke both her hand (which she couldn't see) and the rubber hand, which she could see. She stated she was feeling a little odd because she was starting to feel as though the rubber hand in front of her was her own. When the paint brush stroker moved the brush to the rubber thumb, and not hers, she jerked back because the feeling was so odd. Then the man across the table pulled out a hammer and hit the rubber hand. You can imagine how the woman reacted! This demonstrated how, in a matter of two minutes or less, a rubber hand became a human hand in the thought of this person. This is, in essence, what we've done with everything around us. Belief becomes our reality -- and very quickly! So today I will see how quickly I can move away from beliefs and open my thought to the reality of Spirit.

Mary Baker Eddy quotes:

"Mortals evolve images of thought." "Mortal mind sees what it believes as certainly as it believes what it sees. It feels, hears, and sees its own thoughts. Pictures are mentally formed before the artist can convey them to canvas. So is it with all material conceptions."

Science & Health Page 86:13 and 86:29:1

January 14, 2013 - Material/Spiritual Reality

"Colorado Night"
photo by Mawuena Davies

ACIM Workbook Lesson #14

“God did not create a meaningless world.”

The last few days we've been seeing the world as meaningless and examining how that affects us. Today we are asked to see that this meaningless world was not created by God. This means that everything in this material world is not a creation of God. How can that be? We've been told that God created everything, is everything, and that it is good. But that can't be true, because we see so many things which aren't good! How can this be explained? Some choose to deny God, perhaps with thoughts of a devil which is as powerful as any god we've ever imagined. Some of us may say that God created both good and bad to give us choices in this testing ground we live in. The possibilities are limitless when it comes to trying to make sense of the confusion surrounding spiritual beliefs. In our study, we're seeing that God did create everything, and it is all good, but that this creation is spiritual, not material. Our true selves are spiritual; our material selves are but another belief, an illusion, which we are living. When we distance ourselves from the concept that life is in matter, we are able to realize that our true selves have a divine origin. We can know that we are not governed by mental influences over which we have no control, and then we are free to live the Love which is our true heritage as the children of God.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“When will the error of believing that there is life in matter, and that sin, sickness, and death are creations of God, be unmasked? When will it be understood that matter has neither intelligence, life, nor sensation, and that the opposite belief is the prolific source of all suffering? God created all through Mind, and made all perfect and eternal.” Science & Health Page 205:7-13

January 13, 2013 - Why Am I Afraid?

"Aaron at Powder Mountain, Utah"
photo by Heather Magnan 

ACIM Workbook Lesson #13

“A meaningless world engenders fear.”

What is it about a meaningless world that would make us afraid? Today's lesson discussion tells us this: "A meaningless world engenders fear because I think I am in competition with God." So often we act as though we're in charge and that we must tell God what needs to happen. We bargain and cajole to get our way, then get angry with God when we don't. We blame God when anything less than our idea of good comes our way. We thank God when we get our way, perhaps in a boastful or self-satisfied way. All these actions are symptoms of the separation we feel. Allowing everything to be meaningless is similar to letting go of an addiction! Interesting symptoms may show up when we decide to give up the beliefs to which we have grown accustomed. To see everything without the meaning we have given it can be frightening. But it doesn't need to be. The more we practice giving up strong opinions, or by-rote actions, rituals, or other habitual behaviors, the more sensible it seems. While realizing the meaninglessness of these ways we've taken on as our story, let's not be afraid of any rogue thoughts that may seem to assault us. They can be acknowledged as symptoms of a clearing away of self to allow our Self to be demonstrated. 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"The Hebrew Lawgiver, [Moses], slow of speech, despaired of making the people understand what should be revealed to him. When, led by wisdom to cast down his rod, he saw it become a serpent, Moses fled before it; but wisdom bade him come back and handle the serpent, and then Moses' fear departed. In this incident was seen the actuality of Science. Matter was shown to be a belief only. The serpent, evil, under wisdom's bidding, was destroyed through understanding divine Science, and this proof was a staff upon which to lean. The illusion of Moses lost its power to alarm him, when he discovered that what he apparently saw was really but a phase of mortal belief." 

Science & Health Page 321:5-18

January 12, 2013 - Nothing Can Upset Me

"Colorado Sunset"
photo by Aaron Springston

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #12

“I am upset because I see a meaningless world.”

Have you ever felt that when you are upset you should avoid the situation which supposedly caused it? Maybe you feel you should find the cause of your upset and change it. Or perhaps we say we're upset because of someone's actions and blame them for our chagrin.  So if we give no meaning to anything, if we see a meaningless world, and then become upset by this void, we may be tempted to try to figure out why this is happening. Today's lesson asks us to witness events without giving them any meaning, neither good nor bad, thereby leaving ourselves blank to see what Truth comes through in place of our personal feelings. If we find this upsetting, let's not act upon these feelings; instead, let's witness what happens without placing an interpretation on it. When we allow Sprit (God) to manifest through us -- which is our native state as a reflection, the image and likeness of God -- we open ourselves to the field of all possibilities. We can become a blank slate for Love to write on. Who's to know where this will lead us? To quote Rumi: "Out beyond ideas of rightdoing and wrongdoing, there is a field. I'll meet you there".

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Nothing is real and eternal,--nothing is Spirit,--but God and His idea. Evil has no reality. It is neither person, place, nor thing, but is simply a belief, an illusion of material sense." 

Science & Health Page 71:1-5

January 11, 2013 - Utopia

"Glacier National Park"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #11

“My meaningless thoughts are showing me a meaningless world.”

I had a dream of Utopia. We had no need to speak, as we knew each others' thoughts. We had no fear, as our thoughts were uncluttered and pure. Everywhere I looked there were happy people, busy at tasks which would benefit everyone. There was no need for television or radios, as we knew everything, and it was Good. At one point, I thought I was lost in the woods, but that was impossible because others sensed my confusion and were there immediately to lead me to a safe and beautiful home. While traveling on a road, suddenly the way was filled with huge boulders and ancient fallen trees. But to the left side there was a field filled with beautiful flowers, and a pathway leading to my destination. All needs were met before I knew of them. And there was the most wonderful sense of peace. I will hold to these beautiful feelings today, while seeing the meaningless basis of my thoughts and desires. 

Mary Baked Eddy quote:

“Sleep and apathy are phases of the dream that life, substance, and intelligence are material. The mortal night dream is sometimes nearer the fact of being than are the thoughts of mortals when awake. The night-dream has less matter as its accompaniment. It throws off some material fetters. It falls short of the skies, but makes its mundane flights quite ethereal.” 

Science & Health Page 249:24-30

January 10, 2013 - Meaningless Thoughts

"Glacier National Park"
photo by Aaron Springston

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #10

“My thoughts do not mean anything.”

The realization that my thoughts mean nothing is such a freeing concept! If we fall into the habit of believing that every thought we have will cause us harm, it's easy to get stuck in analyzing these thoughts and wondering what pitfalls will come to us because of them. Humility is a word which keeps coming to mind as I read today's lesson. We are accustomed to believing that everything we think and do is important, and it seems hard to admit our thoughts mean nothing. Sometimes it is even difficult to admit we don't know or understand things in daily life, so how can we admit that our own thoughts mean nothing? For me, it's a matter of realizing that my true self isn't contained in this body, and any thoughts which are based in materialism are changeable. And so I can humbly admit that my thoughts (even those which seem to be pretty good ones!) are not "founded on the divine rock". With this humble admission, I am happy to see the beliefs of a lifetime dissipate, leaving me open to the divine ideas which are my true reality as a child of God. 

Mary Baker Eddy quote: 

"Human thoughts have their degrees of comparison. Some thoughts are better than others. A belief in Truth is better than a belief in error, but no mortal testimony is founded on the divine rock. Mortal testimony can be shaken. Until belief becomes faith, and faith becomes spiritual understanding, human thought has little relation to the actual or divine." 

Science & health Page 297:24-30

January 9, 2013 - I Don't Understand

"Moon Over Yellowstone"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #9

“I see nothing as it is now.”

Today's lesson tells us, "the recognition that you do not understand is a prerequisite for undoing your false ideas." What a relief, huh? I'm reminded of attending a talk on quantum physics wherein a number of fairly complex concepts were addressed. The talk lasted an hour and a half and at the conclusion the speaker asked if there were any questions. There wasn't a single one. It could be perceived we knew it all, or maybe we didn't want to know about any of this, or perhaps we didn't know enough to ask questions! When we first hear a concept like today's topic, "I see nothing as it is now", it may seem nonsensical. But the more we study and talk about these ideas, they start to seem not only possible, but plausible. As Mary Baker Eddy tells us in the below quote, it takes the practice of turning away from matter to Spirit to develop the spiritual sense which allows us to understand the concepts we're hearing about. What an exciting adventure we have waiting for us each day as we learn to understand the difference in what we seem to know through material sense and the reality of Spirit.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"If the disciple is advancing spiritually, he is striving to enter in. He constantly turns away from material sense, and looks towards the imperishable things of Spirit. If honest, he will be in earnest from the start, and gain a little each day in the right direction, till at last he finishes his course with joy."

Science & Health Page 21:9-14

January 8, 2013 - What is Possible?

"Glacier National Park"
photo by Heather Magnan

ACIM Workbook Lesson #8

 “My mind is preoccupied with past thoughts.”

There are so many things we're taught are impossible! And usually we don't even attempt them because of these beliefs. For instance, I was always told you couldn't pop popcorn with olive oil because the smoke point was too low. One day I decided to try and found that it works beautifully. For years humans thought the sun revolved around the earth, until someone realized the true nature of celestial movement. Almost daily belief changes about what is nourishing for our bodies and what is harmful. None of these things are important in our pursuit of the new-old knowledge which we are learning to embrace in our daily lives. What is important is what is true, not what is false. When we place our attention on the Truth of our Being, all the erroneous thoughts and false landmarks of our existence simply fall away. They are no longer of importance to us and are replaced by the "new wine" which could not fit into the old, full bottles of our existence before the realization that we have filled ourselves with false ideals. So today I am not afraid to empty myself of past thoughts which have filled my mind, and open up to true thoughts from Mind, God.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Divine Science does not put new wine into old bottles, Soul into matter, nor the infinite into the finite. Our false views of matter perish as we grasp the facts of Spirit. The old belief must be cast out or the new idea will be spilled, and the inspiration, which is to change our standpoint, will be lost." Science & Health Page 281:27-1 

January 7, 2013 - Forgetting the Past

"Fawn in Eureka Garden"
photo by Richard Quick

ACIM Workbook Lesson #7

 “I see only the past.”

Our preparations to accept Truth mainly consist of learning ways to forget the meaning we have placed on things. In yesterday's writings, I mentioned a man named Joe Hutto who spent a year living with wild turkeys and seeing the world from their perspective. I related the understanding he gained to the knowledge we are gleaning in this metaphysical study. Today's lesson brings to mind something he said about the baby turkeys. He noticed that they knew, without teaching of any sort, which creatures and situations in the woods were potentially harmful to them. I found this to be further proof that when we listen inwardly, we have all the answers. Instinctual behavior is resting within us all, but we, as humans, have found ways to override this knowing with beliefs based on what others tell us and what we have learned from past experiences. It seems our domesticated animals have lost their inner knowing, to some extent, picking up on our fears and doubts.  With these thoughts in mind, I will strive to be more like a young wild animal, with no preconceived notions about what is presented to me today. I will listen for Truth in each situation, doing my best to hear.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"The history of error or matter, if veritable, would set aside the omnipotence of Spirit; but it is the false history in contradistinction to the true.” 

Science and Health, Page 521:29-2

January 6, 2013 - Seeing What is Not There

"Aaron in Mongolia (Calm Version)"

ACIM Workbook Lesson #6

“I am upset because I see something that is not there.”

I love incorporating events from daily life into the study of divine metaphysics. For instance, I watched a documentary entitled, "My Life as a Turkey". I found it to be profound in many ways, but today I relate it to our practice in seeing the unreality of everything we have come to think of as real. For more than a year, Joe Hutton lived with a flock of 16 wild turkeys, which he incubated and bonded with while they were still in the eggs. He didn't just live with them as you and I might. He was with them 24 hours a day to the exclusion of seeing any humans. He spent his days walking the woods as part of the flock, seeing through their eyes, speaking their language, striving to match their awareness of nature and their ability to live totally in the moment. The dedication and love expressed by this man is wonderfully inspiring to me. By his all-encompassing need to understand nature, to be a part of it without any learned beliefs he may have acquired in his life, he shows me what is possible when you approach a discipline with a "single eye". It is this singularity of purpose which we are learning to recognize in our study of both A Course in Miracles and Christian Science. I want to know God as much as Joe wanted to know turkeys. He gave it his all, and so will I!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Close your eyes, and you may dream that you see a flower,--that you touch and smell it. Thus you learn that the flower is a product of the so-called mind, a formation of thought rather than of matter. Close your eyes again, and you may see landscapes, men, and women. Thus you learn that these also are images, which mortal mind holds and evolves and which simulate mind, life, and intelligence. From dreams also you learn that neither mortal mind nor matter is the image or likeness of God, and that immortal Mind is not in matter." 

Science & Health Page 71

January 5, 2012 - No Cause for Upset

"Aaron with Falcon in Mongolia"

ACIM Workbook Lesson #5

“I am never upset for the reason I think.”

We think in terms of something upsetting us. Then we like to build up reasons why we are justified in this upset. Today we are asked to forget about any reason for feeling hurt, or angry, or irritated. When a friend shared with me a step into peace and out of worry which she experienced over the holidays, I was reminded that we don't need to examine the form our feelings take. One of her daughters was very upset with her, for reasons which are not important to this writing. And my friend chose to not make those reasons important to her either. She was aware that her beloved daughter was upset, but she was also aware that she couldn't fix it. She knows that her peace doesn't depend on any outside source."Truth is not contaminated by error." As long as we are living in Truth, no amount of erroneous thought can affect our natural state of harmony. So let's not worry about why we may be upset, but reach to the other side of this emotion and realize the One reason we are at peace.

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 304:17-22

January 4, 2013 - No Meaning Equals Truth

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #4

“These thoughts do not mean anything. They are like the things I see in this room [on this street, from this window, in this place].” 

"Glacier National Park"
photo by Aaron Springston

Sometimes I think I can trick myself into not placing meaning on things. For instance, I'll decide that if I see something I've never seen before, I won't put any extraneous meaning to it. Wrong! I just saw a photo of an animal I'd never seen before. My first thought was of how cute it looked, then I decided it was a squirrel -- nope, too small; it must be a chipmunk -- and on and on. It seems impossible to see something and not put some sort of meaning onto it. We suppose ourselves to be creators, and that our thought brings forth what is before us. But what is this thing we see? It can seem to be a pretty picture or an ugly one, according to what thoughts we have about it. And that's what we're practicing seeing beyond! Let's place no meaning, neither "good" nor "bad" on anything. To "let go and let God" requires a willingness to see everything around us just as it is, with no long-held beliefs being expressed toward anything, and to have a willingness to listen inwardly for Truth.  I look forward to the day of a universal epiphany of understanding that thought is, in its truest form, Spirit. That time of seeing reality as spiritual, not material, is visible to all who awaken to its knowledge. 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"The artist is not in his painting. The picture is the artist's thought objectified. The human belief fancies that it delineates thought on matter, but what is matter? Did it exist prior to thought? Matter is made up of supposititious mortal mind-force; but all might is divine Mind. Thought will finally be understood and seen in all form, substance, and color, but without material accompaniments. The potter is not in the clay; else the clay would have power over the potter. God is His own infinite Mind, and expresses all."

Science & Health  Page 310:1-10 

January 3, 2013 - Belief Yields to Inner Knowing

"Breckenridge, Colorado"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Lesson #3

“I do not understand anything I see in this room [on this street, from this window, in this place].”

So far this year, we have practiced releasing meanings which we have placed on everything, while seeing the unreality of these meanings. Today we can relax and admit we don't understand anything! All scholarly beliefs are yielding to the understanding which is revealed when we allow ourselves to be led by God. This listening, this following of intuition, and the demonstration of what we hear moment by moment, is the other-dimensional way of life which we are living in this time of the acknowledgement of enlightenment. Our native state is one which is illumined by this Truth. Overwhelming material beliefs are the only things which keep us separated from Truth. These daily exercises are developing our spiritual perception. Our desire to release erroneous mortal thoughts clear the way for us to see ourselves as God's Idea.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"God's ideas reflect the immortal, unerring, and infinite. The mortal, erring, and finite are human beliefs, which apportion to themselves a task impossible for them, that of distinguishing between the false and the true. Objects utterly unlike the original do not reflect that original. Therefore matter, not being the reflection of Spirit, has no real entity. Understanding is a quality of God ..." Science & Health Page 505:26-5

January 2, 2013 - Perceptions Color Meaning

"Swimming at Sunset - Zion National Park"
photo by Aaron Springston

A Course In Miracles Lesson #2

“I have given everything I see in this room [on this street, from this window, in this place] all the meaning that it has for me.”

Isn't it interesting how the meaning we give something can be entirely different from the meaning someone close to us has given it? And how often we can become embroiled in disagreements stemming from these different perceptions and meanings we affirm to be truth! This was illustrated for me when I wrote a transition piece about Bob the Cat which was published in our local paper. This was done (from my viewpoint) with no thought other than the love that our neighborhood felt for this exceptional animal. But one of my neighbors felt that she was slighted in my depiction of the role she played in Bob's life. The meaning she and I had placed on a number of things soon became evident. As I mulled these difference over, I vowed not to make any assumptions about how she was feeling. By not placing any meaning on her reactions, I was able to walk away from our discussion with no hurt feelings on my part. So does this mean that I won't be interpreting anything and putting it in writing? Obviously not! But it does mean I will continue to work daily, moment by moment, to see through pure eyes, devoid of changeable material beliefs, and glowing with Love.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Erroneous belief is destroyed by truth. Change the evidence, and that disappears which before seemed real to this false belief, and the human consciousness rises higher. Thus the reality of being is attained and man found to be immortal. The only fact concerning any material concept is, that it is neither scientific nor eternal, but subject to change and dissolution."

Science & Health Page 297:12-19