November 1, 2013 - Pure Peace is Ours

photo by Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #305

“There is a peace that Christ bestows on us.”

The ten workbook lessons we are delving into (301-09) ask the question: What is the second coming? We are learning that this is an internal awakening. It involves seeing and feeling the never-beginning, never-ending Truth of our being. This burgeoning understanding has brought me the peace which intellectual reasoning never did. I see the world as a loving place, filled with people who care about each other and their environment. In the past, most every day numerous people would tell me why they felt the world was a hate-filled place. Now it's a rarity. Have they changed or have I? Is there a difference if we're all One? Love = Peace = Harmony. Feel the Love!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:[This is from the Glossary, where she gives us the spiritual significance of terms.]

"Japhet (Noah’s son): A type of spiritual peace, flowing from the understanding that God is the divine Principle of all existence, and that man is His idea, the child of His care." 

Science & Health Page 589:8-11

October 31, 2013 - Clear Sight

"Zion National Park"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #304

“Let not my world obscure the sight of Christ.”

Throughout the ages, we have been given hints as to unrealized possibilities. As attested by powerful mythological characters, we have longed for the ability to change what seems to be the reality of situations in and around our personal existence. The world tells us that we are victims of circumstance, with life being experienced at the whim of luck, this being either good or bad. Every time we hear a story telling of something we think is impossible, but which contains outcomes so beautiful we wish it could be true, let's contemplate the fact that there are no limits. Who knows what we're capable of doing? We seem to exceed expected outcomes in every avenue of existence. Wasn't it said that running a mile in less than four minutes was impossible? Today I set free any thought of limitation, any assumptions I may have as to what's what, and by doing so open the inner ways of sight.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Truth never destroys God's idea. Truth is spiritual, eternal substance, which cannot destroy the right reflection. Corporeal sense, or error, may seem to hide Truth, health, harmony, and Science, as the mist obscures the sun or the mountain; but Science, the sunshine of Truth, will melt away the shadow and reveal the celestial peaks.”

Science & Health Page 299:24-30

October 30, 2013 - One God, One Mind

"Lake Leatherwood, Eureka Springs"
photo by Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #303

“The holy Christ is born in me today.”

These writings often contain words which elicit negative reactions in many of us. Perhaps these reactions can be set aside by letting go of preconceived meanings and learned dogma.  I reiterate that there is One God, and no need of thinking in terms of my god and your god. There is only One God. Only our interpretation of what that means allows for a belief in many ruling principles. So let's release these thoughts and see where that takes us! "The Christ is born in me today" is the acknowledgement that the presence of God is within. Please, please, change these words into whatever feels right to you. And please, please don't allow these words' connotations to turn you away from the Love which you are. And if you feel disoriented and sort of happily confused, don't fear that either! This giddiness is part of the shift to this beautiful realization of God within! Embrace it and be free!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“CHRIST: The divine manifestation of God, which comes to the flesh to destroy incarnate error.”

Science & Health Page 583:10-11

October 29, 2013 - We Look Upon the Light

"Sunrise in the Ozarks"
photo by Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #302

“Where darkness was I look upon the light.”

Haven't we all had times when we are recounting an event (probably in great detail) and someone insists that the details are other than what we remember?Our perceptions are nuanced by expectations and experiences. A mere hundred years ago, the things we speak of today would have been thought of as blasphemous.  Now we speak of quantum theory and metaphysics without fear. Others, looking through the lens of Spirit, give us confidence to admit that we see it, too! Remember "the emperor has no clothes"? If everyone were pretending not to see/feel this shift, then we might stay silent, too. But they're not! We are admitting to this shift, and we're shouting it from the pinnacle of our understanding. We look upon the light!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“EYES: Spiritual discernment,--not material but mental.”

Science & Health Page 586:3

October 28, 2013 - Sorrow Debunked

"Fall at Lake leatherwood"
photo by Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #301

“And God Himself shall wipe away all tears.”

Kahlil Gibran had a life-long relationship with a woman named Mary Haskell. When he passed on, she was peacefully smiling while greeting the grieving people at his funeral. No one understood how this could be. At one point, she quoted words he had written to her during their platonic love affair: "You listen to so much more than I can say. You hear consciousness. You go with me where the words I say can’t carry you." How could she have sadness when the love they shared had always been experienced in thought rather than physical expression? She understood what we are learning about the true reality of our Being.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Take heart, dear sufferer, for this reality of being will surely appear sometime and in some way. There will be no more pain, and all tears will be wiped away. When you read this, remember Jesus' words, ‘The kingdom of God is within you.’ This spiritual consciousness is therefore a present possibility.”

Science & Health Page 573:28-2

October 27, 2013 = Only an Instant

Photo by Heather Magnan

ACIM Workbook Lesson #300

“Only an instant does this world endure.”

This is the last of the ten lessons which ask us the question, "What is the real world?" Is reality what we are told it is by the daily news? Is it what we learn in school? I remember how surprising and  embarrassing it was to learn that most of the American history we learned in school was no more than a myth perpetuated by men who wanted it to be that way. We are beginning to understand that spiritual Truth is not to be found within the religious institutions of our world. Everywhere we turn, there is a story that we have been told which has affected the way we view life. It is such a relief to know that we can leave behind all of these stories! It's freeing to understand we need do nothing but silently listen within ourselves to hear and know the Truth which is waiting for our awareness. 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Life is divine Principle, Mind, Soul, Spirit. Life is without beginning and without end. Eternity, not time, expresses the thought of Life, and time is no part of eternity. One ceases in proportion as the other is recognized. Time is finite; eternity is forever infinite. Life is neither in nor of matter. What is termed matter is unknown to Spirit, which includes in itself all substance and is Life eternal. Matter is a human concept. Life is divine Mind. Life is not limited. Death and finiteness are unknown to Life. If Life ever had a beginning, it would also have an ending.”

Science & Health Page 468:26-6

October 26, 2013 - I Am

"Ourside Eureka Thyme"

ACIM Workbook Lesson #299

“Eternal holiness abides in me.”

At this time of year, there are many masquerade balls and parties centered around pretending to be someone else. We revel in the excitement of becoming unrecognizable through costumes, face paint and masks. I've never been one to join in these activities, but have enjoyed watching others partake in make believe. And watching others watching these activities is interesting, too! Some people are terribly uncomfortable if they don't know who they're talking to. One of the most interesting reactions i've observed is people reacting to a girl dressed in geisha garb, not speaking, but simply smiling sweetly. We all seem to react in different ways to illusion. And isn't it fun trying to figure out which is which!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“How are veritable ideas to be distinguished from illusions? By learning the origin of each. Ideas are emanations from the divine Mind. Thoughts, proceeding from the brain or from matter, are offshoots of mortal mind; they are mortal material beliefs. Ideas are spiritual, harmonious, and eternal. Beliefs proceed from the so-called material senses, which at one time are supposed to be substance-matter and at another are called spirits.”

Science & Health Page 88:9-16

October 25, 2013 - Loving Friends

"A Walk at Principia"
photo by Marsha Havens

ACIM Workbook Lesson #298

“I love You, Father, and I love Your Son.”

A dear friend and I have recently had a few readjustments in our working and personal relationship. This is the same type of adjustment which we occasionally experience within our own thought. If thinking needs to be purged of error, we do so. And I feel the same way about this friendship. When we are willing to accept our Oneness with divine Love, there is no way anyone can do or say anything which offends us. This beautiful acceptance allows for avenues to open which we may not have seen otherwise. Perhaps we are blinded by "senseless journeys ... and artificial values". I'm pleased to go forward with renewed thought and purpose in this ever-expanding friendship. When there was joking mention made of winning the way back to friendship, we both knew there was no necessity for anything as dualistic as winning or losing when it comes to Love. Namaste, dear Friend ~~~ 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Love never loses sight of loveliness. Its halo rests upon its object. One marvels that a friend can ever seem less than beautiful. Men and women of riper years and larger lessons ought to ripen into health and immortality, instead of lapsing into darkness or gloom.”

Science & Health Page 249:3-7

October 24, 2013 - Forgiveness is The Gift

photo by Dale Johnson

ACIM Workbook Lesson #297

“Forgiveness is the only gift I give.”

"Everything I give, I give myself." "Forgiveness is the only gift I give." I have a dear friend who glows with inner beauty and Love. She recently told me that she has realized she has no guilt. All the things she had blamed herself for are gone. Most of us feel bad about something we've said or done in the past. I know I do. By following my friend’s beautiful example, I hope to feel this grace which is God, and through this feeling I can watch all blame and pain disappear,  being replaced with the peace and joy which is my heritage.

 Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“True prayer is not asking God for love; it is learning to love, and to include all mankind in one affection.”

No and Yes, p. 39:17-18

October 23, 2013 - True Voice

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #296

“The Holy Spirit speaks through me today.”

One day in the gallery, there were ten or so people happily enjoying the peaceful beauty of our space. Suddenly, we heard shouting outside. It was someone yelling out his window at another driver. Immediately -- and I mean immediately!! -- we all burst into laughter! It was so wonderful. What a beautiful shift in thought that none of us saw anything either right or wrong with this behavior, but we did see how ridiculous it was -- in a funny way! Wow. I was and am awestruck by the way this felt. Later in the day, a woman asked me if I was going to take "early ascension"! Now that was a conversation!! All of these signs and wonders are very exciting as we watch and meld into this shift of consciousness which is being evidenced everywhere! As a movie on quantum physics asks us: How far down the rabbit hole do you want to go? Hum -- I'm not sure we have a choice!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Eloquence re-echoes the strains of Truth and Love. It is due to inspiration rather than to erudition."

Science & Health Page 88:26-27

October 22, 2013 - Fear or Love?

"Through the Barn"
photo by Jerry Dupy

ACIM Workbook Lesson #295

“The Holy Spirit looks through me today.”

I am caught by a phrase in today's ACIM workbook lesson: "Fear appears in many different forms, but love is one." Yet another reason to live in love rather than fear! Fear is ever-changing and appears in as many forms as we can have thoughts. Whew! I recently went through a period of fear. I hadn't realized what was happening until my son visited and brought it to my attention. I had become -- or was fast beaming! -- a nervous nellie, if you will. When did I start to think in this fearful manner? I'm not sure, and it doesn't matter. No need to deconstruct and correct error! When erroneous thought is discovered, no matter what the bent, all it takes is the leaving behind which can happen in the time it takes to giggle! And then turn to Love. It truly is One. Individually, together, all One.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The seasons will come and go with changes of time and tide, cold and heat, latitude and longitude. The agriculturist will find that these changes cannot affect his crops. The mariner will have dominion over the atmosphere and the great deep, over the fish of the sea and the fowls of the air. The astronomer will no longer look up to the stars,-- he will look out from them upon the universe; and the florist will find his flower before its seed.”

Science & Health Page 124:21-28

October 21, 2013 - The Body is Neutral

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #294

“My body is a wholly neutral thing.”

I'm glad we're getting past the thought that something must be "wrong" with the body in order for it to be cast off. I've had two friends who died in their 50s with no physical cause. One of these people was traveling, stopped at a hotel, laid down on the bed and was gone. As this was an unattended death, all the legal protocol were followed and it was determined that there was no physical reason at all for her passing. I think this is great! The new realms of thought we're accessing allow many old beliefs to be abandoned -- finally! How many material laws have imprisoned us with unlocked doors? This body as a wholly neutral thing is an empty vessel waiting to be filled up with thought. Let's make sure that it’s thought independent of erroneous learning and dogma. Everything is important; nothing is important -- neutrality.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The elements and functions of the physical body and of the physical world will change as mortal mind changes its beliefs. What is now considered the best condition for organic and functional health in the human body may no longer be found indispensable to health. Moral conditions will be found always harmonious and health-giving. Neither organic inaction nor overaction is beyond God's control; and man will be found normal and natural to changed mortal thought, and therefore more harmonious in his manifestations than he was in the prior states which human belief created and sanctioned.”

Science & Health Page 124:32-10

October 20, 2013 - Love Trumps Fear

photo by Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #293

"All fear is past and only love is here."

I love to watch the television show, Master Chef. In it, home cooks are called upon to compete in cooking a variety of dishes. They may be asked to cook something as basic as perfect sunny-side-up eggs. Or maybe they are given a box of exotic food and must come up with a palatable dish using ingredients they may never have worked with before. Now there is a show called Master Chef Junior. Children aged 8 to 13 compete in the same format. These fearless children are amazing! Recently they were given a box with "bad" foods in it. There was liver, kidneys, snails, brussel sprouts, blue cheese, and a few other smelly things. As they were making interesting creations from the ingredients, one 9-year-old was asked if she was afraid of the ingredients and cooking them. No, she most definitely was not. When asked if she was afraid of anything, she answered yes, that she was afraid of clowns! What a perfect illustration of trusting yourself and, alternatively, the fear of illusion! Love and fear are opposites. Which do you choose?

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"The Apostle John says: 'There is no fear in Love, but perfect Love casteth out fear. . . . He that feareth is not made perfect in Love.' Here is a definite and inspired proclamation of Christian Science."

Science & Health Page 410:17-21

October 19, 2013 - Happy Outcomes

"Romeo in the Birdbath"
photo by Randal Thompson

ACIM Workbook Lesson #292

“A happy outcome to all things is sure.”

In 1999, I took my young boys on a 3,000-mile road trip. We made no reservations at hotels and had no definite plans -- other than to attend women's World Cup soccer games and look for miniature golf courses. In preparation for this trip, I spent a lot of time studying the science of Mind and bringing thought into alignment with the metaphysical Principle. On this trip, we witnessed many happy outcomes, but the most dramatic was on the first day. I had worn glasses to see at a distance for more than 30 years and suddenly found I could see without them. I enjoyed this freedom until a number of years later. When renewing my driver's license, I found that glasses were needed again. Although I complied with the law and obtained glasses, I steadfastly refused to accept this prognosis as reality. The next time I applied for renewal, there were no restrictions as to sight. Instances such as this affirm my conviction to live single-mindedly, with God as my only goal, expecting happy outcomes.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The scientific unity which exists between God and man must be wrought out in life-practice, and God's will must be universally done.”

Science & Health Page 203:3-5

October 18, 2013 - Stillness and Peace

"Moonrise Over the Ozarks"
photo by Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #291

“This is a day of stillness and of peace.”

This still and peaceful day is a perfect backdrop for the thoughts we are holding today. It's a beautiful day in the Ozarks.  The peace is easily felt in the splendor of a fall day. I am grateful for the words in A Course in Miracles. I am grateful for the writings of Mary Baker Eddy and her determination to demonstrate the Science of The Christ. These words point toward the Truth of our Being. They assure us that Truth is eternally discoverable by anyone willing to see. These writings show us how to move away from the learned behaviors of a lifetime. By living in Light, we share it with all -- especially children, who have not been indoctrinated in material belief as heavily as we have. The stillness and peace of nature aids in leading me to the door of Truth. Thank You greatly -------

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Certain moods of mind find an indefinable pleasure in stillness, soft, silent as the storm's sudden hush; for nature's stillness is voiced with a hum of harmony, the gentle murmur of early morn, the evening's closing vespers, and lyre of bird and brooklet." 

Christian Science versus Pantheism Page 3:8-13

October 17, 2013 - Happiness Now!

"Mongolian Shaman II"
created by Sandy Starbird

ACIM Workbook Lesson #290

“My present happiness is all I see.”

The last ten lessons have been showing us how it's possible to live outside human belief systems. We have pondered the recognition and practicality of spiritual sense. It feels right that today we allow ourselves to be present with happiness! 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Earth has little light or joy for mortals before Life is spiritually learned. Every agony of mortal error helps error to destroy error, and so aids the apprehension of immortal Truth. This is the new birth going on hourly, by which men may entertain angels, the true ideas of God, the spiritual sense of being.”

Science & Health Page 548:9-16

October 16, 2013 - Love Living the Present

"South Africa Sunset"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #289

“The past is over. It can touch me not.”

This is one of the reasons I love the business of selling art. Every day I meet new people. Knowing nothing about them when they walk in the door, when they leave we’ve made a mini-friendship based on what we have learned about each other in a few minutes. It’s pure and clean and nothing matters but the in-the-moment experience we've shared in this small Love-filled area.  Through these daily meetings, I’m seeing this now-ness being demonstrated time and again. It enables me to forget my past when I constantly live in the present. And when others try to take me to the past (whether it’s theirs or mine), I am learning ways of bypassing these trips. While in this present-moment bliss, I don't allow myself to wander through memory land. And I won't let others bring it into my existence while in the realm of Eureka Thyme. I love the serene otherworld we create within these walls. It’s helping me see the now in every moment, and the nothingness of moments gone by.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“As the crude footprints of the past disappear from the dissolving paths of the present, we shall better understand the Science which governs these changes, and shall plant our feet on firmer ground. 

Science & Health Page 224: 4-7  

October 15, 2013 - No Blame

"Utah Sky"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #288

“Let me forget my brother's past today.”

During this time when the United States' government has "shut down", it's easy to develop a holier-than-thou attitude toward a great many public figures and politicians. And so when today's lesson tells us that our brother "cannot be less holy than can I, and you cannot be holier than he" -- well, there is much reason to pause and ponder before we point fingers. This is another instance where I will think of Mahatma Gandhi's famous words: "Be the change that you wish to see in the world." His example of non-violent civil disobedience was a wonderful example for us all. His words and Mary Baker Eddy's quote which follows will be my constant meditation as I go through this day -- and the next!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"One infinite God, good, unifies men and constitutes the brotherhood of man; ends wars; fulfills the Scripture, "Love thy neighbor as thyself;" annihilates pagan and Christian idolatry,--whatever is wrong in social, civil, criminal, political, and religious codes; equalizes the sexes; annuls the curse on man, and leaves nothing that can sin, suffer, be punished or destroyed."

Science & Health Page 340:23:30

October 14, 2013 - One Goal

"Basin Spring Fantasy"
photo by Gerry Toler

ACIM Workbook Lesson #287

“You are my goal, my Father. Only You.”

In the early 1900s, people flocked to Eureka Springs for the healing waters. Thousands of people in need found their way here, as they still do today. People are drawn to our town, often without knowing why. I love watching transformation of circumstance as people's thought changes from focusing on the problem to relaxing into Truth. In varying degrees, we are all realizing that true healing comes when we release our beliefs in things and open ourselves to feeling the presence of Love. When this is our only desire, when there is no other need or want, new perceptions become visible and viable. Often it takes extreme conditions to cause us to seek the understanding of our unity with God. But isn't it sweet when we skip that step and fall straight into the Love!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“All nature teaches God's love to man, but man cannot love God supremely and set his whole affections on spiritual things, while loving the material or trusting in it more than in the spiritual.”

Science & Health Page 326:8-11

October 13, 2013 - The Hush of Heaven

"Les Brandt Decorates Wood Turned Pieces"

ACIM Workbook Lesson #286

“The hush of Heaven holds my heart today.”

When I look at the artists of Eureka Thyme, which is the gallery I coordinate in Eureka Springs, I see most of them living from the heart rather than the head. It is very inspiring to see so many people who understand what the "hush of Heaven" which holds their heart is! We had a show recently for a woodturner who didn't start practicing this particular art form until he retired a few years ago. Now he is lovingly busy every day creating a second life for trees which have fallen down in storms or been taken down by the necessity of our civilization. It's beautiful to watch him working with the wood he loves so much. I am blessed and grateful to be exposed to beautiful artists expressing Love. Thank you for sharing this beauty which is your life!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Having no other gods, turning to no other but the one perfect Mind to guide him, man is the likeness of God, pure and eternal, having that Mind which was also Christ."

Science & Health Page 467:13-16

October 12, 2013 - Awakening to Truth

"Horsehead Nebula"
from Hubble Telescope, NASA

ACIM Workbook Lesson #285

“My holiness shines bright and clear today.”

I've had the privilege of attending an art show which included an installation called "Cosmicpomorphic". The artist's daughter did an interpretive dance, set to original music, which beautifully explained the artist's thoughts while creating these paintings of "space-scapes". To me it spoke to the confusion we experience when being born into this illusory world. We move through life without a clue, enjoying some things and being terribly hurt by others. Then one day we realize that it is more than we think it is. We awaken to what has always been there: the kingdom of heaven within our own selves. I truly feel we are on the verge of a mass awakening. Yes, many people are fighting against such a thing, in fear that they might lose control. Laughable, isn't it? What control?? Today I accept my true holiness! This awakening has always been possible. Let's have the willingness to accept it!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“We must form perfect models in thought and look at them continually, or we shall never carve them out in grand and noble lives. Let unselfishness, goodness, mercy, justice, health, holiness, love—the kingdom of heaven—reign within us, and sin, disease, and death will diminish until they finally disappear”

Science & Health Page 248:25-32

October 11, 2013 - Changing Thoughts That Hurt

"Utah Fall"
photo by Aaron Springston

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #284

“I can elect to change all thoughts that hurt.”

I know a woman who is in her 90s. Since her husband passed on, she has been unhappy with everything around her. Holidays only remind her of times they shared, and she's sad they're gone. The changing of seasons brings grief for various husband-related reasons. She doesn't enjoy meals or celebrations of any sort because she can't share the time with him. We have spoken numerous times about this, as she talks about him a lot. Every time she relates her grief, I remind her of her happiness. I don't think she knows it's all right to be happy. She feels she would dishonor him by having fun without him. I see it as the opposite: the dishonor is in the turning from joy to sadness in the name of love. Today I will examine the thoughts I have that hurt. Is it possible to change the pain to quiet joy by a slight shift in thought about the situation? I look forward to finding out! 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“It is self-evident that we are harmonious only as we cease to manifest evil or the belief that we suffer from the sins of others. Disbelief in error destroys error, and leads to the discernment of Truth”

Science & Health Page 346: 13-16

October 10, 2013 - Utopia

"Happy Bird"
Primal Image
by Sandy Wythawai Starbird

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #283

“My true Identity abides in You.”

Imagine the utopia of life lived in the acceptance of our true Identity as a creation of divine Mind. When we see that we are a reflection of God, Love, when we understand that our essence is Truth, then we are able to accept our Identify and demonstrate that truth in daily life. One of the most valuable tools I have found is the ability to say, "I was wrong." Or perhaps the necessary allowance is admitting that I'm not always right! Small distinction there, but it seems more difficult. Nevertheless, Divine Mind guides and governs us all, when we allow it.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Human thought never projected the least portion of true being. Human belief has sought and interpreted in its own way the echo of Spirit, and so seems to have reversed it and repeated it materially; but the human mind never produced a real tone nor sent forth a positive sound.”

Science & Health Page 126:8-14

October 9, 2013 - Peace, Love, Now

"Peace in Mongolia"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #282

“I will not be afraid of love today.”

"Imagine" by John Lennon

Imagine there's no heaven

It's easy if you try

No hell below us

Above us only sky

Imagine all the people

Living for today... 

Imagine there's no countries

It isn't hard to do

Nothing to kill or die for

And no religion too

Imagine all the people

Living life in peace... 

You may say I'm a dreamer

But I'm not the only one

I hope someday you'll join us

And the world will be as one 

Imagine no possessions

I wonder if you can

No need for greed or hunger

A brotherhood of man

Imagine all the people

Sharing all the world... 

You may say I'm a dreamer

But I'm not the only one

I hope someday you'll join us

And the world will live as one

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Love is priestess at the altar of Truth. Wait patiently for divine Love to move upon the waters of mortal mind, and form the perfect concept.”

Science & Health Page 454:21-23

October 8, 2013 - Open Thought to Change

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #281

“I can be hurt by nothing but my thoughts.”

Today's ACIM lesson begins a ten-day examination of "What is the Holy Spirit". The Holy Spirit is the memory of what you are, what you always have been, what you always will be. This becomes clear when interference is cleared, allowing us to hear this gentle presence speaking within our consciousness.  How this will be heard is as individual as you are. Our Oneness doesn't dictate that we are all the same. On the contrary! We are led in ways we couldn't have concocted in our own mind. Divine Mind is quite another story, where everything is limitless in scope. Let's grow with our new perception, expressing spiritual completeness in daily experience. That's the Holy Spirit!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Spirit, God, gathers unformed thoughts into their proper channels, and unfolds these thoughts, even as He opens the petals of a holy purpose in order that the purpose may appear." 

Science & Health Page 506:18-21

October 7, 2013 - No Limits

"Sunset on the Delaware River"
photo by Arthur Lau-Sed

A CIM Workbook Lesson #280

"What limits can I lay upon God's Son?"

We all know of instances which seem miraculous to material sense. The most profound one which comes to me is of a woman born without eyes, yet she could see. We are able to understand this phenomena on many levels. Materially we could say that she is mind reading, "seeing" what others think about colors and placement of furniture and such things. Spiritually we know that we are all One, and hence know everything because we reflect all that Is. Both of these concepts can seem impossible while we're stuck in the day-to-day illusions we accept as real. Let's start out with small practice sessions to see where expansion of thought can take us. I enjoy giving my dog commands without speaking or gesturing. This is much easier than trying to open my thought to what he has to say! Animal communication is one of my daily goals as I work towards the clarity which comes with letting go of erroneous thought. Kinship with all Life. Namaste ~~~~

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"The everlasting I AM is not bounded nor compressed within the narrow limits of physical humanity, nor can He be understood aright through mortal concepts. The precise form of God must be of small importance in comparison with the sublime question, What is infinite Mind or divine Love?"

Science & Health Page 256:13-18

October 6, 2013 - Freedom From Bondage

"Park City Mountain Resort"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #279

“Creation's freedom promises my own.”

When we are told we are free, we have an idea of what that means. What of our imagined bondage? I know I live with limiting beliefs every day, and it often seems impossible to be released from them. As children we are told not to talk to strangers, to be careful lest we fall, to be afraid of God, to live in certain ways in order to gain the approval of others -- the list goes on. We think a multitude of rules and beliefs must be obeyed in order to survive and thrive, and when we start to realize most of these so-called rules have nothing to do with our true existence, it can be frightening -- and exhilarating! The freedom of our true creation is seen through a change in our perception of reality. Taking ourselves out of the prison of preconceived notions allows the Love we are to show through our actions in sublime ways. And we glimpse freedom.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Omnipotent and infinite Mind [God] made all and includes all. This Mind does not make mistakes and subsequently correct them.”

Science and Health Page 206:28–30

October 5, 2013 - We are Free!

"Yellowstone National Park"
photo by Aaron Springston

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #278

“If I am bound, my Father is not free.”

Sometimes the miasma of materiality seems overwhelming. It's easy to feel bound by illnesses and injuries, financial burdens, grief. Our lives appear to have a beginning and an end. Physicists tell us of a perspective called quantum entanglement, in which particles separate yet remain connected, reacting to stimuli in the same way even though they no longer occupy the same space. In a book by Dan Cowan, Mind Underlies Spacetime, he explains, "...this direct connectedness occurs because each real entity is already everywhere." How perfectly this explains Oneness! This omnipresence is our perfect identity, without boundaries. We are free!!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The admission to one's self that man is God's own likeness sets man free to master the infinite idea.”

Science & Health Page 90:24-25

October 4, 2013 - Material Law or Spiritual Truth?

ACIM Workbook Lesson #277

“Let me not bind Your Son with laws I made."

A universal shift in thought is upon us and we're each feeling it in our own way. The understanding that we don't have to be bound by any material belief because our true identity is spiritual is bringing us to a tipping point in thought. Mass media and collective material consciousness tells us what to expect from material laws of cause and effect. Just think about how many things have been "proven" untrue which we learned as "fact" at some point. We can laugh when we see old advertisements proclaiming that lard makes families happy and that cigarettes are good for you, but many of us are frightened by giving up crutches we have relied on for years. Today I will notice the appearance of long-held beliefs telling me what is good and bad for me. I'll let them go and listen within for Truth. 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The supposed laws which result in weariness and disease are not His laws, for the legitimate and only possible action of Truth is the production of harmony. Laws of nature are laws of Spirit; but mortals commonly recognize as law that which hides the power of Spirit. Divine Mind rightly demands man's entire obedience, affection, and strength. No reservation is made for any lesser loyalty. Obedience to Truth gives man power and strength. Submission to error superinduces loss of power.”

Science & Health Page 183:16-25

October 3, 2013 - Let Go of Belief and Dogma

"Butterflies and Thistle"
photo by Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #276

“The Word of God is given me to speak.”

When I read the topic of today's ACIM workbook lesson, I immediately thought of a man who sometimes stands in prominent places in downtown Eureka Springs. He wears a sandwich board declaring that any man who marries a divorced woman is an adulterer. He speaks to people and warns them of various things which will send them to hell. And so I wonder: Does he think he's speaking the Word of God? I would hazard to guess that he does. I find it's very easy to jump up on my soapbox and declare various things. This is why I'm  making an effort to let go of beliefs and dogma! With practice, we can begin to recognize the difference in speaking from the heart, from Love, or voicing the rhetoric of a lifetime. I look forward to checking my understanding of this discipline as I travel through this parenthesis in time!  

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Let discord of every name and nature be heard no more, and let the harmonious and true sense of Life and being take possession of human consciousness.”

Science and Health Page 355:11-14

October 2, 2013 - Enlarged Perception

"Beloved Family"

ACIM Workbook Lesson #275 “God's healing Voice protects all things today.” 

The fragile feeling which envelopes us following the loss of a loved one isn't often thought of as something to cherish. In times past, I may have wished this feeling away. Now, I choose to honor it as one of the exquisite experiences we are granted in this beautiful plane of existence we call life. As with love, we are told life is fleeting. We are advised to grab hold and not let go, because there is a finite amount of it. Our human experience of life and love does seem to come and go with the wind, and it can feel just as hard to hold on to. From the perspective of mortal mind, this is so. When looked at from our humanness, there is no predicting when we may lose life or love. Accepting ourselves as spiritual Beings allows an expanded viewpoint of our experiences. Yes, they are to be savored. But enlarged perceptions of existence bring us something different. Understanding that my true self is a product of divine, never-ending Love causes me to want to experience that here and now. And so I'll listen for this healing Voice we are told of in today's ACIM lesson, because an inner knowing tells me of its Truth.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:
"Faith, if it be mere belief, is as a pendulum swinging between nothing and something, having no fixity. Faith, advanced to spiritual understanding, is the evidence gained from Spirit, which rebukes sin of every kind and establishes the claims of God."
Science & Health Page 23:14-17