February 1, 2014 - See Love in Every Reflection

"Eureka Thyme"
photo by Richard Quick

ACIM Workbook Lesson #32:

“I have invented the world I see.”

I often wonder if we are hesitant to live from the heart because others will think we're foolish. When we insist on seeing as God sees rather than through the interpretations of human belief, we are often looked at askance! Shortly before Christmas, there were two large purchases made in my retail establishment. Shortly after Christmas, these checks given in payment were returned unpaid -- not because of insufficient funds, but because the account was frozen. I was advised by fellow shopkeepers and friends to take legal measures to get the money. This did not feel right to me. Instead, I wrote the woman a letter explaining my position; telling her that I wasn't a large business which could absorb the cost of bad debt; that our items were made by real people, with love, and weren't meaningless trinkets. After two weeks, I hadn't heard from her and so I checked with the authorities as to what my options were. And it turns out there were none, other than filing a civil lawsuit against her. I have often said that nothing was so horrible as to cause me to file suit against someone, and so this wasn't an option. So I waited to hear what to do. One of the pieces of art she had taken was very special to both the artist and me.The thought came to send her the artist's explanation of her art. When she received this, she immediately called us saying she had every intention of paying the debt. Others who knew of this situation were happy to hear about this, but immediately had questions as to when and how she would do so. But this doesn't matter to me. I know all is well. I don't need details, but will continue to see her spiritual perfection every time I think of her, seeing a world of Love in every reflection.  

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, 2014 - What is Truth?

"Save the Ozarks"
digital depiction by Edward C Robison III

ACIM Workbook Lesson #31:

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

Recently our book club of wonderful women met and discussed The Monkey Wrench Gang by Edward Abbey. This author led environmental activists in the 1970s by waking us up to what we were doing in the name of progress. Our discussions turned to the topic of environmental destruction being perpetrated by utility companies in our area. In our distress, one friend stated emphatically that she just wanted to know the truth. What is the truth of this and other situations, and how do we find out what that is?? It's very easy to feel victimized in these situations. It seems as though "they" are going to do whatever they want and come up with reasons why it's necessary. I don't know and don't want to wonder why things are as they are. But I am excited and expectant of good as I watch individuals doing things to improve communications and provide knowledge! We each are doing this in our individual ways. One of my heroes is a man named Michael Moore who has dared question powers that be on topics most are afraid to broach. His latest documentary I watched is "Capitalism: A Love Story". While he shows us transgressions of government and corporations, he also tells of individuals and businesses that dare to challenge the accepted standards and make a difference. He gives us hope by showing us how we, too, can carry a light and spread it to others. And while we can never know what material truth is, as it is ever-changing and fickle, we can know spiritual Truth and allow it to lead our way.

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, 2014 - Sight to Vision

"Montana"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #30:

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

Seeing everything as a part of us by looking within rather than without is the point of today's exercise. And this is not limited to what we can see with our eyes in the limited proximity of them. Close your eyes and see what pops into your thought and include that in your knowing. We are working toward changing sight to vision. I look at my sweet dog and see my experience of him. I close my eyes and envision all the Love expressed by all the dogs I have known. I feel the Love expressed by my parents and children and friends. I can feel the warmth of a spring day, smell the earth and flowers, see past my limiting thoughts to the ideas of Soul. 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"It is the illumination of the spiritual understanding which demonstrates the capacity of Soul, not of material sense. This Soul-sense comes to the human mind when the latter yields to the divine Mind." Science & Health Page 85:2-6

January 29, 2014 - Everything I See

ACIM Workbook Lesson #29: 

"God is in everything I see". 

A dear friend, Patricia Robinett, has recorded these daily workbook lessons, which can be found on youTube by searching for Auntie Patricia.  She also posts them on her Facebook page. Before starting to write, I went there to listen to this lesson. Following her post, someone had asked if God is in "rapists, pedophiles, and murderers". Mary Baker Eddy tells us that the word "in" is obsolete if used in reference to Spirit, or Deity. So just a slight change in thought would render the statement to be that God is Everything.  Where does that leave evil? "Spirit is the real and eternal; matter is unreal, temporal." (MBE) Evil is a mortal belief, often seeming vividly real. But it's not, because the only true reality is spiritual. To see past the material miasma to the spiritual Truth takes practice. And that's what we're doing today. I'm so glad we're doing it together!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"God is individual, incorporeal. He is divine Principle, Love, the universal cause, the only creator, and there is no other self-existence. He is all-inclusive, and is reflected by all that is real and eternal and by nothing else. He fills all space, and it is impossible to conceive of such omnipresence and individuality except as infinite Spirit or Mind. Hence all is Spirit and spiritual."

Science & Health Page 331:18-25

January 28, 2014 - What is This Really?

"Altai Mountain, Mongolia"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #28:

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

Today's lesson asks us to give up any notions we have concerning the meaning of anything and everything. By doing this, we cease to look at a thing and start to look at the consciousness which sustains it. With enough practice, we can see everything as God revealed. When we begin asking what things are rather than telling them what they are, interesting answers may be coming our way. 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, 2014 - One Thing Have I Desired ...

"Montana Sunrise"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #27:

"Above all else, I want to see."

It's often said that waking up to Truth is simple, but not easy. It takes a dedicated desire to see, to know. It takes discipline of thought, of word, of action. It is suggested that we repeat these few words as often as possible today: "Above all else, I want to see." This has been the advice of many seers throughout the ages who have told us that this is "the way". The way to what? The way to everything! Yet no formula or ritual is involved. There is no dogma nor any form of worship. The path is an individual one and only you can know what it is. All we need do is admit that more than anything else we want to see; we want to know God.  Know thyself. One thing have I desired …

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, 2014 - Nothing Unreal Exists

"Montana Morning"
photo by Aaron Springston

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 nonexistent -- hence its unreality is exposed. The 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 an expression 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. I love the new world which is being revealed through this understanding!

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, 2014 - What Does it Mean?

"Wonderment"
Primal Image
 by Sandy Wythawai Starbird

ACIM Workbook Lesson #25

"I do not know what anything is for".

Being in the business of selling art gives me lots of practice in realizing "I do not know what anything is for"! Often I've advised 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 these things, then 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 elicit emotions which perhaps have been hiding for years. But this is neither here nor there. When this art is made, it is not examined for what it does for either the artist or the appreciator of it. When I put it on the wall, it is not placed there because of how much money it will bring. 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. How fun to listen while deeper meaning seeks my awareness!!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"The chief difficulty in conveying the teachings of divine Science accurately to human thought lies in this, that like all other languages, English is inadequate to the expression of spiritual conceptions and propositions, because one is obliged to use material terms in dealing with spiritual ideas. The elucidation of Christian Science lies in its spiritual sense, and this sense must be gained by its disciples in order to grasp the meaning of this Science."

Science & Health Page 349:13-21

January 24, 2014 - Clearing the Way to Peace

ACIM Workbook Lesson #24:

"I do not perceive my own best interests.”

A number of years ago the art gallery that I run was on the verge of closing. We needed more business and I had exhausted every avenue I could think of to save it. And then I stopped thinking. It had seemed impossible to exchange worry for inner knowing (or gnowing, as a dear friend says -- equating inward knowing to Gnosis). After I stopped wondering about all the "what-ifs", after I stopped worrying about financial obligations, after I stopped imaging worst-case scenarios, something happened. The words of Mary Baker Eddy transformed before my eyes, as well-loved verses took on new meaning. Meditations brought peace before unknown. And things began to happen in relation to Eureka Thyme in ways I would never have imagined, much less planned. I tell you this story to remind myself of the feeling that surrounded that time. I was in awe, and joyous, and at peace. As I'm sure you know, once you've tasted that, you want it all the time!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

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

Science & Health Page vii:1-2

January 23, 2014 - Escape to Freedom

"Ozark Winter Sunset"
photo by Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #23:

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

I'm really tempted to tell you about all the attack thoughts I've been having lately toward coal companies and chemical producers, but I won't. (Actually, I just wrote two pages and then deleted them!) I won't do that to you, because feeding your attack thoughts does nothing to take mine away. This fertilizing of attack thoughts can be found everywhere, from coffee shops to churches, and it doesn't do a single thing to change the world. We are told today that the only way out of fear that will ever succeed is giving up attack thoughts. If the world we see is an effect, the only way to change this hallucination is to alter the cause: our thought. Some may ridicule this idea, and for those who do I only ask them if any of the material manipulations have ever in all of history affected a change? Did our civil war free the slaves? It was a beginning, of course, but many people stayed in bondage long past when laws were enacted. It takes a change of thought. Let's free ourselves today -- and forever! 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Legally to abolish unpaid servitude in the United States was hard; but the abolition of mental slavery is a more difficult task. The despotic tendencies, inherent in mortal mind and always germinating in new forms of tyranny, must be rooted out through the action of the divine Mind." Science & Health Page 225:22-28

January 22, 2014 - Love is Reflected in Love

Zion 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 always clouded our sight. Today I'm going to be aware of this and release all attack thoughts, leaving empty this vessel to be filled with divine 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, 2014 - No Degrees of Anger

"January Sunset"
photo by Arthur Lau-Sed

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. Please, don't think I'm saying this phrase should never be used! It's all in the tone as to whether you are showing compassion or sarcasm. 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 divinely seen -- purely, as reflections of the only Father-Mother God.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Seeing is no less a quality of physical sense than feeling. Then why is it more difficult to see a thought than to feel one? Education alone determines the difference. In reality there is none." Science & Health Page 86:20-24

January 20, 2014 - Blame or Witness?

"Sunburst at Zion National Park"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #20

"I am determined to see"

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, 2014 - Of Tipping Points and Private Thoughts ...

"Mongolia"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #19

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

Does it bother you to think that there are no private thoughts? How often has someone come to mind, then the phone rings and there they are? There are many things we consider to be coincidence leading us to the truth of our connectivity, but we insist on finding reasons it can't be true. One of my favorite stories, the 100th monkey theory, is constantly being "debunked". And that's all right, because we are always seeing ways in which our thoughts pass to others with no spoken words. Once again, animals are our proving ground. If you call your dog to you, yet truly believe he won't come, watch and see what happens! If we say we want world peace, yet fill our thought with violence-filled movies and dooms-day conjectures about everything, are we truly choosing peace? Every thought is important. That tipping point (which many say does not exist) is getting closer all the time. I feel that's why such violence and craziness is happening everywhere: fear of losing control, fear of change, fear of Love. Let's live as though every thought DOES make a difference!

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, 2014 - We're All In This Together

Kapoochie

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. 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. 

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 268:1-9

January 17, 2014 - No Thought is Neutral

"Mt. Superior in Utah"
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 clearing the way for spiritual sense to be recognized. Sometimes standing up to illusion and stating Truth seems necessary. While waiting in line at the food market recently, I was having a conversation with the woman behind me. She was telling me how she had moved here from Washington D.C. and she couldn't get used to the fact that people were so nice. She said she kept expecting a variety of horrible things to happen (which she listed with rising fervor). I told her she could allow herself to change thought about this, as it wasn't true. "Change!", she shouted. "The way you talk, it sounds like you voted for that [explicative] who's our president!" Not having a desire to get into that with her I just said, "The change I'm talking about happens within you. That's the only place it can occur; you can't change anyone else." And that calmed her down. Imagine everyone knowing the true source of their well-being and demonstrating it in daily life. Just 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, to the immortal truth of all things."

Science & Health Page 493:2-8

January 16, 2014 - Every Thought is Important

Mongolia Sunset
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #16

“I have no neutral thoughts.”

We are remind today that "Every thought you have contributes to truth or illusion: either it extends truth or it multiplies illusion." Recently a number of things have occurred which I'm tempted to think of as disturbing. These things involve seeming losses, and my mind wants to dwell on the what-ifs, imaging reasons for people's actions and wondering what I could have done to change things. I understand how silly this is, as living in the past or pondering the future does nothing to change the now! Today I heard of a dear friend's son's passing. It was unexpected and surprising. I keep imaging her pain. But wait! Does that help her? If every thought is important (which I truly think it is!), then I should hold thought to Love, not pain or grief. What we dwell on multiplies, right? We've all seen it happen, in our lives and others'. So today I will take these words to heart and truly work toward practicing them in every facet of life. I can choose to see through my ego, or I can clear the way for seeing truth through divine Mind. I Am That -- I Am!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"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 114:27-31

January 15, 2014 - So-Called Reality

"Snowbird Reflections"
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, 2014 - And it was Good ...

"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 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 we actually have a divine origin. We can know that we are not governed by mental influences over which we have no control, but that 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, 2014 - Why Am I Afraid?

photo by Richard Quick

ACIM Workbook Lesson #13

“A meaningless world engenders fear.”

What is it about a meaningless world which 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 of fear which 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, 2014 - Meaningless World

Abstract Photography
by Gerry Toler

ACIM Workbook Lesson #12

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

Today's lesson asks us to witness events without giving them any meaning. By not assigning meaning to everything, we allow ourselves to see the Truth which is hidden by our personal interpretations. When we allow Spirit (God) to manifest through us -- which is our native state as the experience and expression of God -- we open ourselves to the field of all possibilities. We then 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, 2014 - I Dream of Utopia

"Yellowstone National Park"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #11

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

I had a sleeping 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, 2014 - Open to Divine Ideas

"Altai Mountains"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #10

“My thoughts do not mean anything.”

Humility is the 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 then admit that my thoughts (even those which seem to be pretty good ones!) are not "founded on the divine rock". With this 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, 2014 - From Sense to Spirit

"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 to relinquish understanding! 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. Maybe 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 these concepts. What an exciting adventure we have awaiting 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, 2014 - Truth or Memories?

"Mark in the Altai Mountains"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #8

 “My mind is preoccupied with past thoughts.”

It's really quite amazing how many thoughts can run through my mind in a minute or so! Our exercise today asks us to simply sit quietly, with eyes closed, and acknowledge the thoughts that come to us. We are asked to say to ourselves, "I seem to be thinking about (fill in the blank)", and to continue doing that for a bit, then conclude with, "But my mind is preoccupied with past thoughts." What? I thought I was thinking them right now! And that is the purpose of this exercise: to realize that the things going through our mind are not real ideas, but  thoughtless ideas. As long as we believe what we're thinking is important, we are blocking any progress in allowing truth to enter. And about the time you acknowledge this, your ego-mortal-mind will jump up and tell you that's ridiculous. Hence, the necessity for exercising our spiritual muscles! Hope you're having as much fun with this as I am!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"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 281:28-1 

January 7, 2014 - Seeing with New Eyes

"Mountaintop Moment in Mongolia"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #7

“I see only the past.”

The preparation to accept Truth mainly consists of learning how to forget meanings 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 our metaphysical studies. Today's lesson brings to mind something he said about the baby turkeys. Without teaching of any sort, the young birds innately knew which creatures and situations in the woods were potentially harmful to them. 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 also lost their inner knowing, to some extent, picking up on our human 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, 2014 - Unreality Revealed

"Illusions in Mongolia"
photo by Aaron Springston 

ACIM Workbook Lesson #6

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

Have you seen 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 of seeing the unreality in 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 of the learned beliefs he has acquired in his life, he has shown me what is possible when a discipline is approached 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:

"Befogged in error (the error of believing that matter can be intelligent for good or evil), we can catch clear glimpses of God only as the mists disperse, or as they melt into such thinness that we perceive the divine image in some word or deed which indicates the true idea, — the supremacy and reality of good, the nothingness and unreality of evil." 

Science & Health Page 205:15-21

January 5, 2014 - Unnecessary Conflict

"Utah Sunrise"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #5

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

We think in terms of something upsetting us. Then we usually 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. I recently watched a movie called "Where Do We Go Now?". It's set in a small village in Lebanon. It starts out with a group of women, Christian and Muslim, making their weekly visit to the side-by-side cemeteries where their husbands and sons are buried. This movie is a combination of musical comedy and tragedy. I won't give away the ending as you may want to enjoy this fine film, but I will say that these women find a unique way of stopping their men from fighting over religious beliefs. When I think back on their fighting about what I deem to be nothing, I wonder if they are truly upset over what they think they're upset about! It seems that sometimes we're upset because things are changing, ideas are causing us to see everything in a new light, and we're afraid of the necessary shifts which are staring us in the face. In living true to our heart, let's not fear change or what others think of us for leaving behind anything which binds us to anger in any form. The harmony we long for is waiting for us!

Mary Baker Eddy quote: "Harmony in man is as beautiful as in music, and discord is unnatural, unreal." Science & Health Page 304:20-21

January 4, 2014 - What Do My Thoughts Mean?

ACIM 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].” 

I heard Wayne Dyer tell us that the average human has around 50,000 thoughts a day. Unfortunately, he said, those thoughts are the same ones we had yesterday! I think this realization makes it easier to see the meaningless-ness of our thoughts. They are, for the most part, by-rote responses to circumstance. Recently I told you that I've been having vivid dreams and wake up wondering what they mean. Today's practice of seeing the lack of meaning to our thoughts is just what I need! It doesn't matter what these dreams mean, because it's all meaningless material interpretation I'm wondering about. By seeing the non-sense of this exercise I've been involved with, I'm freed to forget about it and seek to establish spiritual sense in place of these illusions. I look forward to a universal epiphany of understanding that thought is, in its truest form, Spirit. That time of viewing reality as spiritual, not material, is visible to all who want to see. 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"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 310:6-10 

January 3, 2014 - Deeper Knowing

"Breckenridge, Colorado"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #3

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

The more educated we are, the more difficult it seems to be to admit that we don't understand anything -- don't you think? We are taught from childhood that it's good to know things, to understand everything, and to be able to figure out anything we don't know or understand. Let's not think of this admission of not understanding anything as a dumbing-down process. On the contrary! We're simply learning to look within for an innate knowledge which resides there. The workout we're engaged in is designed to develop spiritual sense. It's difficult, if not impossible, to recognize Spirit if we think we know and understand everything through our material senses. While the knowledge we've amassed can serve us well in this world, let's not allow it to preclude a deeper knowing which is only audible when the material senses are stilled.

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. Understanding is a quality of God ..." 

Science & Health Page 505:26-2 & 506:5

January 2, 2014 - Changeable Beliefs

"Loveland Pass, Colorado"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook 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.”

While walking in a cemetery, I was struck by how individuals would look at the grave markers and their possible meaning. There is a plot which has a mother and father and six children, all of whom died before reaching adolescence. In another part of the maze, there is a grave totally covered with crystals of varying sizes. The only thing the marker says is their surname. As I pondered the stories behind these stones and markers, I realized how very true it is that the meaning of anything is exactly what we give to it. Perhaps that's why we like to be in groups, such as churches or families, so there will be others who know where we're "coming from". And maybe that's why we're afraid to step outside of long-held beliefs. To me, the realization that we can give up belief and all walk together in Truth is far more unifying than wandering through changeable illusions. What heady heights await us!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"The only fact concerning any material concept is, that it is neither scientific nor eternal, but subject to change and dissolution."

Science & Health Page 297:16-19