February 28, 2014 - Metaphysical Healing

"Peaceful Sunset"
photo by Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #59:

Today we review Lessons 41-45

When something like a head cold or other dis-ease threatens, it's tempting to wonder if we've slipped into something from which we need to be rescued. But let's not fall into that trap! With physical maladies, as with emotional or other seeming discord or inharmony, it's not our job to figure out where we went wrong. It's our job to see how we are right! We sometimes hear it said that metaphysical treatment is "denying error and declaring Truth". There is no set way to go about this process. When we glean a bit of spiritual Truth, we often think we can repeat this over and over, as a sort of mantra, and this will heal us. And sometimes we can talk ourselves out of symptoms -- but usually this is a temporary fix. We can tell ourselves that disease is an illusion and that it's no part of us, but until we know the reason why, it's nothing more than further illusion. When we find ourselves beginning to understand that disease cannot be in matter because there is no matter for disease to manifest in, then -- and only then -- are we coming close to understanding this Truth of which we speak. It may seem impossible to make this shift in thought, but I love the baby steps leading to it! One of my favorite scientists, Lothar Schafer, is leading others to see the unreality of matter in his latest book, Infinite Potential: What Quantum Physics Reveals About How We Should Live. I invite you to travel with him in this adventure!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"This scientific sense of being, forsaking matter for Spirit, by no means suggests man's absorption into Deity and the loss of his identity, but confers upon man enlarged individuality, a wider sphere of thought and action, a more expansive love, a higher and more permanent peace."

Science & Health Page 265:10-15

February 27, 2014 - What, Me Worry?

ACIM Workbook Lesson #58:

Today we review Lessons 36-40

This review speaks of "my holiness" in four of the five summarized lessons. What does that mean? Is my holiness different from your holiness, perhaps based on actions or thoughts? We are learning that this holiness is our true state of being as reflections of Love, realized through forgiveness in its purest sense. When I assert this Truth about myself, I affirm it for everyone. The urge to micro-manage things is strong in most of us, because we've been taught to make plans, to set goals, to nail down all the details. But most things in this life are beyond our control, aren't they? How many times do we make intricate plans only to have to change them when circumstances change?  I could write a book! Wayne Dyer tells us that worry is counterproductive. He asks, Why worry? If we can do something about a situation, we will. If we can't do anything about it, what's the use in worrying? Living by this precept has brought a freedom I wouldn't have known had I held on to my old drama queen ways. My mantra is: Only Good can come of this. For this realization, I am most grateful.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Man walks in the direction towards which he looks, and where his treasure is, there will his heart be also. If our hopes and affections are spiritual, they came from above, not from below, and they bear as of old the fruits of the Spirit." Science & Health Page 451:14-18

February 26, 2014 - A Radical Reliance

Love Glows
created by Aaron Springston

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #57:

Today we review Lessons 31-35

I have often been asked if (or perhaps told that) Christian Science is a cult. Having been affiliated with this way of life since childhood, it assuredly is not. I've never been controlled by anyone, or asked to worship anyone, or any of the other criteria necessary to qualify for this category of action. I'm sure that Course in Miracles students often get the same thing, judging from what a quick search of YouTube videos reveal! What we do ask of ourselves is a radical reliance on God, a wholehearted acceptance of God as the only power, to recognize that Love leads every action. This is the goal I set for myself at every moment. And this is why I see such a strong interaction with these two disciplines: they both ask us to give up material beliefs and rely on Truth. And this may not be as hard as we'd like to make it out to be! Think back on the so-called laws of life you have adopted in the past. Shouldn't it be as easy to allow spiritual principles to guide your actions as it is to accept material rules which make no sense?  This quote from Lesson 34 says it all: "When I see the world as a place of freedom, I realize that it reflects the laws of God instead of the rules I made up for it to obey." And the rules of God are simple to hear when we have cleared out the cacophony which hides them from our thought. To live from the Truth within rather than the made-up rules of material existence, this is the freedom which will lead into harmonious peace for all. 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"The conceptions of mortal, erring thought must give way to the ideal of all that is perfect and eternal. Through many generations human beliefs will be attaining diviner conceptions, and the immortal and perfect model of God's creation will finally be seen as the only true conception of being."

Science & Health Page 260:7-12

February 25, 2014 - Synchronicity

ACIM Workbook Lesson #56:

Today we review Lessons 26-30. 

Many of us have made a conscious choice to see Love, to see the Reality of our being rather than the attacks often envisioned in uneducated thought. Wanting to see differently more than anything else is the key to finding this open secret. Once we make this shift, we start to notice numerous synchronicities occurring around us. It may be that we're in the right place at the right time in order to meet people we need to meet to facilitate projects and other related things. Or maybe we notice we are where we need to be in order to help someone else by the utilization of a particular skill or resource that we have. Today, for instance, I found a teakettle in a thrift shop that I rarely go into. It perfectly replaces one whose handle fell off last week. And right next to it was a glass lid for a saucepan which I use to make popcorn. I had dropped that lid the week before and broken it, too. The only thing more satisfying than noticing these parting-of-the-veil experiences in ourselves is watching this light come on within others. It's with childlike wonder that we relate these events to each other, until they become such a part of our lives we expect nothing else but good, God, to be manifest in our experience. There is nothing to fear in this change of thought. Embrace it and feel joy!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Here let a word be noticed which will be better understood hereafter,--chemicalization. By chemicalization I mean the process which mortal mind and body undergo in the change of belief from a material to a spiritual basis.”

Science & Health Page 168:30-2

February 24, 2014 - Metaphysical Healing

ACIM Workbook Lesson #55:

Today we review Lessons 21-25.

This review is so exciting that I want to write about each and every one of the five topics -- but I've already done that! So I'll just go with the first part of the review, which is from lesson #21 in the Course in Miracles workbook: "What I see now are but signs of disease, disaster and death. This cannot be what God created for His beloved Son." Christian Scientists are often criticized for attempting to use Spirit to heal disease. Obviously, this would be impossible. Alternatively, we are chastised for doing nothing when faced with this thing called disease. If you have a so-called disease, it does no good to pretend it's not there. While affirmations, visualizations, different psychological techniques are often effective at changing matter, that is not what metaphysical  healing is all about. Some people think that the metaphysical treatment of disease is an attempt to affect a change in your experience. It is not. And some think that spiritual healing through prayer is asking God to heal disease. It is not. Yet others feel that prayer is doing nothing. It is not. Seeing past the material illusion to a single moment of spiritual Truth, that is what spiritual healing is about. This knowledge and the demonstration thereof is available to anyone, anywhere, anytime. This Principle is changeless and eternal. All we need do is awaken to it. Today I am determined to see!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Human sense may well marvel at discord, while, to a diviner sense, harmony is the real and discord the unreal. We may well be astonished at sin, sickness, death. We may well be perplexed at human fear; and still more astounded at hatred, which lifts its hydra head, showing its horns in the many inventions of evil. But why should we stand aghast at nothingness?”

Science & Health Page 563:1-7

February 23, 2014 - Every Thought is Important

"Mongolia Sunrise"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #54

Today's review is of Lessons 16-20

What if our thoughts of peace and harmony could still the seeming turmoil of the world? Then would it be worth the effort to pull our thought away from error and hold steadfastly to Truth? Everything we think or speak or do is shared with all by virtue of universal Oneness. How important then to realize Truth rather than erroneous beliefs we think of as reality. To this end, I find it very important to monitor and control first thoughts of the day. These daily beginnings seem to set the tone for all that follows in the next hours. If I wake up and immediately begin to worry about things, or allow myself to squander valuable time on inane memories and/or fantasies, then those things carry through to the rest of the day. So I insist that I declare spiritual Truth as soon as I open my eyes, then spend morning meditation and prayer affirming this Truth and listening for the still, small voice. What I see is what I think; what I think is what I see. Every thought is important!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Through discernment of the spiritual opposite of materiality, even the way through Christ, Truth, man will reopen with the key of divine Science the gates of Paradise which human beliefs have closed, and will find himself unfallen, upright, pure, and free, not needing to consult almanacs for the probabilities either of his life or of the weather, not needing to study brainology to learn how much of a man he is."

Science & Health Page 171:4-11

February 22, 2014 - Throw Open Wide the Door!

"Great Wall of China"
photo by Aaron Springston

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #53

The Age of Aquarius. Harmonic Convergence. The Shift. Ascension. Activating DNA Strands. What do these things have in common? They are events which herald the change in thought which has been happening for as long as I can remember. We have been seeking and hoping that a way will open for us to understand, to experience the meaning of Life, and to demonstrate this Reality. In today's ACIM workbook five-lesson review, there is much talk of seeing a "meaningless world". You may wonder why anyone would want to see a meaningless world.  I'm not sure we would want to see a meaningless world, but that's certainly what we're doing! As we begin to glimpse the difference in spiritual realities and material illusions, we see that the world we hold in place through belief and misperception is a meaningless world. God did not create a meaningless world, and to see the world as God did create it, we must give up the beliefs and illusions we have created. These exercises we're doing are designed to prepare us to accept the knowledge which wakes us up to this unseen Reality. A single glimpse of this is enough to make me want to throw open wide the door! 

Mary Baker Eddy quote: "Spiritual attainments open the door to a higher understanding of the divine Life." Science & Health Page 10:15-16

February 21, 2014 - Get Real!

photo by Heather Magnan

ACIM Workbook Lesson #52

Today is the second in a ten-day review of the first lessons.

Metaphysicians often hear words like these: "Get real! Face facts! Pull your head out of the sand!" I usually just smile and say, "You may be right", and politely wander away. Trying to explain my actions to the spiritually-deaf ear would be akin to explaining purple to a blind child. But if I were asked to do that, it would have to be through feeling the color and allowing that sight to pass to the sightless. So when someone doesn't understand where I'm coming from, rather than explaining -- or worse, arguing! -- I will feel Love, which is the spiritual reality. I have not always been so easy to get along with! A number of years ago, a dear friend and I had an altercation which was deeply interconnected to many areas in our friendship. If either she or I had held onto the past, we wouldn't share the palpable Oneness we feel today. As this lesson tells us, it's not a choice of seeing past or present, but a choice to see or not to see. Where I've chosen to shade my thoughts with the unreality of inharmony, I will choose again and flow in Oneness with God.

 Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Spiritual causation is the one question to be considered, for more than all others spiritual causation relates to human progress. The age seems ready to approach this subject, to ponder somewhat the supremacy of Spirit, and at least to touch the hem of Truth's garment."

 Science & Health Page 270:22-27

February 20, 2014 - Learning to See

"Ozark Moonset"
photo by Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook lesson #51:

Today we begin a ten-day review of the first lessons. For a guide to this review, and a short description, go to this link: http://A Course in Miracles.org/Lessons/lesson.html?lesson=51 

The first 50 lessons in A Course in Miracles workbook show us how to determine the difference in reality and illusion. We have learned that what we see with material sense is colored with belief and judgment. We have been experimenting with dropping the meanings  placed on things, thereby allowing spiritual facts to become evident.  Everything I see is colored with judgment, both my own and that of others. This judgment has given me whatever meaning I've placed on anything. As these meanings make no sense  -- because they have been interpreted through erroneous thoughts and beliefs -- they cannot be understood. When we learn to look through these illusions, we free ourselves to see Truth. If we accept that our thoughts mean nothing, we allow ourself to release the self-importance we've attached to things. When we are able to release these thoughts, we can replace them with the inner knowing which is God. We also have been asked to see that when we become upset, it is never for the reason we think. In order to justify these incomprehensible beliefs which we have set up, we make up a complex defense system of attacks and retreats, which only serve to leave us in a state of disharmony. I don't want this crazy fantasy to be my life! I want to follow the leadings of Love, to hear through Spirit, to see with Soul, to live Life!

Mary Baker Eddy quotes

“Spiritual perception brings out the possibilities of being, destroys reliance on aught but God, and so makes man the image of his Maker in deed and in truth.” 

Science & Health Page 203:13-16

February 19, 2014 - Through the Eyes of a Dog

ACIM Workbook lesson #50:

“I am sustained by the Love of God.”

Love with a capital "L", love so pure that it just IS, seems impossible when thought of with all the caveats we place on human feelings and emotions. Once again, this Love is something animals are helping us to experience. Their loving looks are pure in ways which our human love often seems to lack. I look to my dog(s) to show me the way to express and  feel the Love that is God. In order to recognize that "I am sustained by the Love of God", I must give up all previous notions of what love is. I certainly want to. I want to know this Love that is God and allow it to sustain me constantly, not just when I don't know what to do and reach out in desperation. A taste of It is all it takes for me to want to throw off the shackles and swim in a sea of all-sustaining Love. May the eyes of a beloved dog remind me of that.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Psalm XXIII 

[DIVINE LOVE] is my shepherd; I shall not want. [LOVE] maketh me to lie down in green pastures: [LOVE] leadeth me beside the still waters. [LOVE] restoreth my soul [spiritual sense]: [LOVE] leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake.Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for [LOVE] is with me; [LOVE'S] rod and [LOVE'S] staff they comfort me. [LOVE] prepareth a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: [LOVE] anointeth my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house [the consciousness] of [LOVE] for ever.

Science & Health" Page 578: 3-18

February 18, 2014 - I'm Listening!

At Crystal Bridges Museum
"I'm Listening!"

ACIM Workbook Lesson #49:

"God's Voice speaks to me all through this day."

When someone says that God is speaking to them, it is often thought that they are schizophrenic or unbalanced in some way. With the understanding that divine Mind is the creator of all things spiritual, and that ideas are a product of this Mind, then it is easier to understand that we can and do hear God's voice all the time. The cacophony in our mind often drowns out the voice of the divine Mind. By training ourselves to quiet this constant chatter -- which we have become accustomed to accepting as a normal aspect of our material existence -- we allow peaceful inner knowing to be heard. Do you remember the last time you "just knew" something, but didn't follow through with it, pushing your intuition aside in favor of what we call common sense? These knowing moments might be minor in nature, or they may be something which could result in a major shift in events. To know our spiritual nature as an idea of divine Mind is to know that the intelligence of the universe is ours for the listening. Listening with spiritual sense is to hear God's Voice all through the day!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Infinite Mind creates and governs all, from the mental molecule to infinity. This divine Principle of all expresses Science and art throughout creation, and the immortality of man and the universe. Creation is ever appearing, and must ever continue to appear from the nature of its inexhaustible source. Mortal sense inverts this appearing and calls ideas material. Thus misinterpreted, the divine idea seems to fall to the level of a human or material belief, called mortal man. But the seed is in itself, only as the divine Mind is All and reproduces all--as Mind is the multiplier, and Mind's infinite idea, man and the universe, is the product." Science & Health Page 507:24-4

February 17, 2014 - Separation Anxiety?

"Aaron in Colorado"
photo by Heather Magnan

ACIM Workbook Lesson #48:

"There is nothing to fear."

Fear stems from the idea that we can be separated from joy and love, from peace and security. I remember when my son left home for a boarding school at the age of fourteen. I was so sad that I felt I'd never laugh again. I literally couldn't imagine happiness, as everything I looked at reminded me he was gone. After a week or so of living in this maudlin state, I realized I was thinking of him as though he were dead. This led me to examine that avenue. What if he was dead? Wouldn't the love we felt still be alive? Of course, I would miss being around him, enjoying his company -- just as I was missing him with 300 miles of physical separation. A Rumi quote helped break this illusion: "Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes. For those who love with heart and soul there is no separation." What is it which allows us to be together no matter where we seem to be? The Love which we are as the reflection of the one God is a connection which cannot be broken by any set of material circumstance. When I'm really feeling the security of divine Love, I'm reminded of the way a baby is swaddled in a blanket. Divine Love swaddles us in its ever-present protection. While we may seem to face uncertainties and losses, "Nothing real can be threatened. Nothing unreal exists. Herein lies the peace of God." (ACIM text)

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

February 16, 2014 - Strength to Birth New Thought

Ozark Sunrise
photo by Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #47:

"God is the strength in which I trust."

Mary Baker Eddy spent years writing, revising, and editing the revelation of divine Science which was published in 1875. Helen Schucman received the message of A Course in Miracles and committed years of her life to its transcription, which was presented in book form in 1976. Where does the strength come from which enabled these women to facilitate a world-wide change in thought? I know that Mrs. Eddy ascribed full credit to God. She understood that no matter how erudite and learned she had become, (despite no formal education), that there was no way mortal mind could know the divine realities of which she wrote. At least once she stated that she had no idea what Science & Health said, and that's why she read it daily. Some would describe both of these books as being "channeled" writing. I think there's much to be said for the notion that everything is channeled! Loosing the bonds of materialism lets us see in ways we didn't know existed. This freedom allows us to be a perpetual channel for Truth. Trusting that this flow is never-ending, and that we have the divine strength to allow ourselves access, those are the things we are learning about. Thank you Mary, and Helen, and every other honest seeker of Truth who has demonstrated the fortitude to birth new thought. 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"The revelation of Truth in the understanding came to me gradually and apparently through divine power. When a new spiritual idea is borne to earth, the prophetic Scripture of Isaiah is renewedly fulfilled: 'Unto us a child is born, . . . and his name shall be called Wonderful.'"

Science & Health Page 109:22-27

February 15, 2014 - I'm in Love!

photo by Stephen Shogren

ACIM Workbook Lesson #46:

“God is the Love in which I forgive.”

We are told in today's workbook lesson that God does not forgive, because there is no condemnation. Living in acknowledgement of our unity shows us a new paradigm, a different perception of what we call reality. The opposite of unity, separation, can be described as anything which separates us from the Love which is God. Our separation becomes very apparent on occasions such as Valentine's Day. Numerous people I know expressed their disgust for this sweet celebration day because they are not "in love". Someone even said, "Happy too-bad-you're-not-in-love Day!" I had to burst out laughing because I feel very much in Love! Every moment is an adventure in experiencing the Love which is my Source. I revel in waking up each day and spending time aligning thought with God. Through this centering, I feel as though I'm having a love affair with all of life. I relish solitude, as I find it easier to feel at-one-ment in silence rather than in the midst of constant conversation. After all, One is a whole number! With enough practice, I hope to have no need to forgive, because I have not condemned. 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

 "'God is Love.' More than this we cannot ask, higher we cannot look, farther we cannot go. To suppose that God forgives or punishes sin according as His mercy is sought or unsought, is to misunderstand Love ..."

Science & Health Page 6:17-21

February 14, 2014 - Let This Mind Be ...

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #45:

“God is the Mind with which I think.”

The idea that God is Mind has been one of my favorite topics to explore. Mind is one of the weekly lessons studied by students of Mary Baker Eddy's discovery, Christian Science. This exploration is facilitated by her textbook, Science & Health with Key to the Scriptures. The knowledge that there are countless people studying the same topic and reading the same citations is unifying in its practice. Also, a consistent unity is shown through the study of A Course in Miracles workbook lessons, which also bring us together in thought. We are learning to listen for divine Mind's guidance, to listen for the still, small voice of God, to know and to express that knowledge through our actions and words. Divine Mind is ever-present. When I've misplaced something, rather than rushing about looking for it, I find it more productive to sit down and clear my thought of everything. On the occasions this clearing happens, when I remember to do this and can get out of my way, how exciting it is to "just know" where to look! I love this new/old thought which is revealing Soul where previously  we've only known material sense. Mind is our omniscient guide.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Every concept which seems to begin with the brain begins falsely. Divine Mind is the only cause or Principle of existence. Cause does not exist in matter, in mortal mind, or in physical forms.” 

Science & Health Page 262:28-32

February 13, 2014 - Seeing Light

"Zion National Park"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #44

"God is the Light in which I see."

Seeing everything in Light, in God, is happiness and peace. Reflecting that Light to others allows us to share this harmony. When viewed as the image and likeness of God, this light is easily seen as the essence of everyone. A few simple words, expressing what we are seeing, brings joy to those we come into contact with every day. A compliment shared with someone in the market or library may be just the encouragement they need at that moment. Shining the light of Oneness from within brings with it big blessing! I think we all know at least one someone whose expression of love seems to be a bit contrived. It's been my observation (both in others and within myself!) that these loving expressions must be sincere, not simply something we decide to say to make someone feel good. So today I will be feeling the joy which comes from seeing everything through Light, and giving heart-felt expression to that joy, blessing the world.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Spiritual vision is not subordinate to geometric altitudes. Whatever is governed by God, is never for an instant deprived of the light and might of intelligence and Life." 

Science & Health Page 215:11-14

February 12, 2014 - Ego or ego?

"Colorado"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #43

"God is my Source. I cannot see apart from Him."

A recurring point of semantic difference between A Course in Miracles writings and the works of Mary Baker Eddy is the use of the word ego. In A Course in Miracles, "ego" is synonymous with what Mrs. Eddy terms "mortal mind". When the word is used in Science & Health, it generally has a capital "E", signifying the Only. For example, "When will the ages understand the Ego, and realize only one God, one Mind or intelligence?" (S&H204:19-21) It seems to me that the realization of this idea, -- that there is one source, one vision, one Mind, Spirit, Soul, Principle, one Life, Truth, one Love -- with that single realization lies infinite peace and harmony. And this from today's A Course in Miracles lesson, "You cannot see apart from God because you cannot be apart from God." This statement solidifies our understanding of Oneness and allows us to assert these facts fearlessly as a reflection of God. When I'm tempted to find fault, I will ask myself how God sees what I am judging. Do I truly think that God sees one person as holier than another? Does God see one bird as more beautiful or one tree more magnificent? I think not. So neither will I!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Man is more than a material form with a mind inside, which must escape from its environments in order to be immortal. Man reflects infinity, and this reflection is the true idea of God."

Science & Health Page 258:9-12

February 11, 2014 - Reinterpretation

"Mongolia"
photo by Aaron Springston

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #42:

“God is my strength. Vision is His gift.”

I'm reminded today that we must reinterpret everything we see. When we look around, what the human eye sees, what the human ear hears, is the false projection of Truth. Discord and inharmony is misinterpretation by us. By right identification and reinterpretation we can see with the "vision [which] is His gift". As an example in the material realm, when we see train tracks coming together in the distance, we immediately reinterpret that into the truth of the situation. We know that those tracks aren't coming together and that it will not be dangerous to travel on the train which carries us toward that end. We have been taught to translate many similar situations and do not fear them. The metaphysical studies we've embarked upon are doing the same thing: teaching us to recognize misidentification and translate it into Truth. God appearing as individual being is right interpretation. Translating erroneous thought is our job!

Mary Baker Eddy quotes:

“Rise in the strength of Spirit to resist all that is unlike good. God has made man capable of this, and nothing can vitiate the ability and power divinely bestowed on man.” 

Science & Health Page 393:12-15

February 10, 2014 - Heaven Within

"South Africa Sunset"
photo by Heather Magnan

ACIM Workbook Lesson #41 

“God goes with me wherever I go.”

Sitting quietly this morning with today's topic, many thoughts run through my mind. I smile at them and reach deeper within for silence. All seers and great teachers, such as Jesus, tell us the same thing: The kingdom of heaven is within. For years I knew this, but did not understand it. Without understanding, it is not a real knowing, but a blind belief. I suffered all the symptoms of separation from God: depression, anxiety, worry, a sense of helplessness and loneliness. I also went through the typical material means to quiet these feelings. None of them worked. It took a major wake-up call to break the spell, and I am so grateful to have answered it. When thinking that "God goes with me wherever I go", it's very easy to visualize a little angel on our shoulder, or someone walking beside us. This shows the importance of going deep within, silencing the interesting beliefs we have acquired in this existence. To know ourselves as consciousness, melded as a drop of water in the ocean, as a ray of sunshine with its source -- that's the feeling we're hoping to remember. I say remember because it's something we've always known, but perhaps have forgotten. Peace, joy, happiness: these are yours in the kingdom of heaven within, no matter what the outward circumstances may appear to be. Take a deep breath and feel the Oneness. 

Mary Baker Eddy quotes:

“Existence, separate from divinity, Science explains as impossible.” 

Science & Health Page 522:10-11

February 9, 2014 -

"Heather at Snowbird"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM  Workbook Lesson #40:

“I am blessed as a Son of God."

Today I send apologies to everyone I may have offended.  Our lesson topic emphasis joy and happiness. It tells us to remember and affirm this every ten minutes or so throughout the day. We can say things like "I am happy, peaceful, loving and contented." In thinking about these things, I realize that oftentimes I become too solitary and judgmental. And often I say things which are better left out of thought, and certainly shouldn't come out of my mouth! This will be my focus today. To remember things such as this: I Am blessed as a Child of God; I Am kind, loving, helpful, and compassionate. But I will also remember that my loving nature doesn't include critical thinking towards others. I love this quote a friend gave me, which is in the signature line of my emails: “One must see in every human being only that which is worthy of praise. When this is done, one can be a friend to the whole human race. If, however, we look at people from the standpoint of their faults, then being a friend to them is a formidable task." --`Abdu'l-Bahá

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Man is, and always has been, God's reflection."

Science & Health Page 471:17-18

February 8, 2014 - No Blame, No Guilt, Salvation

"Mark in Mongolia"
photo by Aaron

ACIM Workbook Lesson #39:

"My holiness is my salvation."

As stated in today's lesson, "No one needs practice to gain what is already his." It's easy to forget that holiness is and always has been ours for the simple acknowledgement of it. There are so many things in daily life telling us the opposite. But let's not put our attention on trying to forget these beliefs, but instead let's concentrate on remembering our wholeness as the image and experience of God! I'm reminded of a Catch-22 situation of life in our little tourist town. Many of our businesses are not open in the winter. Logic dictates that we don't get enough business to stay open, and so many do not. But perhaps we don't get enough business because not enough of us are open. Often people come in my gallery and ask why so many places are closed. My response could be a rather exasperated one, as I wish they were open. But looking at the situation from my holiness, I can cheerfully respond that I don't have any idea why they're closed, but I know why we're open! And while responding from my holiness, I can see a vision of the entire town as vibrant and joyful, whole and free. Seeing everything as complete leaves no room for missing pieces or lack of any kind. Where there is no blame, there is no guilt. No guilt equals salvation!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Who would stand before a blackboard, and pray the principle of mathematics to solve the problem? The rule is already established, and it is our task to work out the solution. Shall we ask the divine Principle of all goodness to do His own work? His work is done, and we have only to avail ourselves of God's rule in order to receive blessing, which enables us to work out our own salvation.”

Science & Health Page 3:4-11

February 7, 2014 - Recognition

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #38:

"There is nothing my holiness cannot do"

I love the first two sentences of today's ACIM lesson: "Your holiness reverses all the laws of the world. It is beyond every restriction of time, space, distance and limits of any kind." Haven't you always felt this to be true? Isn't that the appeal of Harry Potter books and movies? We know -- we just know! -- that there is more to all this than meets the mortal eye.  I get very excited when pondering these concepts! How grand it is that we have such a plethora of writings from people who know A Course in Miracles! What a treasure to have more than a hundred years' worth of detailed writing from the Christian Science movement! Through these tomes we find encouragement and support when we find it easier to bow to the pull of the material world, rather than walking through the veil to the Truth it is masking.  And what a fine tool the internet is for this study! A simple search on either discipline puts information at our fingertips in an instant. Tapping into our inner knowing has much the same result. There are lots of ways to practice recognizing intuition. And that's all it is: recognition. No one is without this ability. I play a word game online, Hanging With Friends. This is a great way to test your openness to the field of possibilities, as there are lots of choices and few chances. As with many decisions in life, if we choose based on material evidence, everything may seem to be a matter of luck. When we allow our holiness to guide us, there is only the peaceful certainty of Good.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Lulled by stupefying illusions, the world is asleep in the cradle of infancy, dreaming away the hours. Material sense does not unfold the facts of existence; but spiritual sense lifts human consciousness into eternal Truth." 

Science & Health Page 95:28-32

February 6, 2014 - Beyond the Material Horizon

"Eureka Deer"
photo by Richard Quick

ACIM Workbook Lesson #37

"My holiness blesses the world."

We've been having exceptionally cold weather this winter. There is lots of snow with below freezing temperatures almost every day. While I was clearing snow from the driveway and feeding the wild birds today, my thought turned to friends who have farms and spend their days tending to animals and the multitude of chores which that entails. I feel such admiration for the dedication they exhibit daily in their lives. Their holiness blesses the world in ways I can only imagine. At first, I feel inadequate when thinking about all the things I could be doing to help wildlife and people who are cold and hungry. Then I realize that the act of seeing everything in its spiritual reality is my function. It is everyone's function. By our realization of spiritual Truth, we understand that everything is already complete and whole. I look forward to our expanding vision of new forms of existence which await us, just beyond the horizon of our material views.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"We are all sculptors, working at various forms, moulding and chiseling thought. What is the model before mortal mind? Is it imperfection, joy, sorrow, sin, suffering? Have you accepted the mortal model?" "We must form perfect models in thought and look at them continually, or we shall never carve them out in grand and noble lives." 

Science & Health Page 248:15-17 and 26-29

February 5, 2014 - How Do I See?

"Aaron at Zion NP"

ACIM Workbook Lesson #36

"My holiness envelopes everything I see."

Markawasi, Peru is found high in the Andes Mountains in South America. This is the site where there are hundreds of figures, faces, and various shapes which may be seen in the living stone. There is much speculations concerning the origins of these fabulous monuments. Yet some people cannot see them. As shown by time-lapse photography, these illusive figures are more obvious at some times of the day than at others. I would suppose it also is predicated (as so many things are) on whether we want to see or not. While watching a documentary on this subject, I was repeatedly reminded of its metaphorical relationship with our spiritual study. The very first Wayne Dyer book I read jumped out at me because of its title: When You Believe It, You'll See It. This is the exact opposite of our material basis of truth: When I see it, I'll believe it! These stone faces are the same way. They are easily overlooked if you don't want to see. So as I go through this day seeing my holiness enveloping everything, I shall keep in mind that many things are beyond my ability to see. But that's okay, because knowing they're there is enough for now.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"As mortals gain more correct views of God and man, multitudinous objects of creation, which before were invisible, will become visible. When we realize that Life is Spirit, never in nor of matter, this understanding will expand into self-completeness, finding all in God, good, and needing no other consciousness."

Science & Health Page 492:7-11

February 4, 2014 - I Am ...

"Snowy Ozark Sunset"
photo by Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook lesson #35

"My mind is part of God. I am very holy."

A good friend has struggled with depression all her life. She feels her existence has been a series of horrible events, occasionally interrupted by happy times which inevitably end in pain. In an attempt to escape this existence, she has turned to alcohol, drugs, and God. But the judgmental God she sees makes deals with her, and never deems her worthy of favor. The repetition of the past seems to be in her thought constantly, affecting her every action. By accepting today's lesson which tells us that we are actually holy as a reflection of God, the feelings of hopelessness and sadness can disappear in an instant! By releasing our material history, we are free to learn the reality of our spiritual Self, which is unending, uninterrupted good. It's a beautiful thing to see someone realize the nothingness of their personal history, and to realize the wondrous peace which lies within. I think of God as defined by Mary Baker Eddy: Mind, Spirit, Soul, Principle, Life, Truth, Love. Divine Mind is a palpable presence, realized when we release false belief. To misquote a well-known Bible verse: Let this Mind be you, which was also Christ Jesus. This Mind is you, and me, and everyone, because it is God, which is omnipresent, omniscient, always.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Immortal ideas, pure, perfect, and enduring, are transmitted by the divine Mind through divine Science, which corrects error with truth and demands spiritual thoughts, divine concepts, to the end that they may produce harmonious results."

Science & Health Page 259:26-31

February 3, 2014 - Scatter Peace

ACIM Workbook Lesson #34:

"I could see peace instead of this."

Family disputes, contentious work situations, people acting in ways we think to be wrong -- every day we witness situations which give us opportunities to see peace. Even if we're not directly involved in these scenarios, we are given the opportunity to "see peace instead of this". We are learning to sit quietly, with Love, and watch how that spiritual truth brings healing. Peace is inherent in every seemingly volatile situation. A calm glow is brought forth when Love is felt within! By practicing peace, we are allowed to witness its inevitable spread through everything it touches. I have numerous opportunities to practice this with my dog. He exhibits aberrant, aggressive behavior towards people and other dogs. It's difficult for me to not become aggressive myself! I've witnessed calm, assertive behavior on my part bringing this little bundle of nervousness to a relaxed state, but all too often I simply join with him in his tense communication. So today I scatter Love everywhere, with particular attention to myself, as I watch Its manifestation grow.  

   

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Truth and Love enlighten the understanding, in whose 'light shall we see light;' and this illumination is reflected spiritually by all who walk in the light and turn away from a false material sense.”

Science & Health Page 510:9-12

February 2, 2014 - Shifting Perception

"Dismal Creek"
photo by Gerry Toler

ACIM Workbook Lesson #33:

"There is another way of looking at the world."

     

This lesson asks us to recognize that we can shift our perception of the world in both its outer and inner aspects. We are asked to look at things around us, and then to look at our thoughts. This is to be done casually, with no judgment, only noticing. Okay. I'm looking around the room. The first thing I see is a lamp which was bought at a Clear Spring School auction. Interestingly, it was donated by Victorian Reflections, a shop which occupied the space Eureka Thyme Gallery now has. This lamp has a story. It brings back lots of memories and feelings within me, all lovely to remember. Now when I close my eyes and follow my thoughts, a long trail has opened up with memory links galore! I could follow them and spend a great deal of time living in the past. Or I can simply see it for what it is and ask myself why that lamp makes me smile. It represents to me light, beauty, happy times with children and friends. Whether this exercise brought me lovely thoughts or caused distress makes no difference, because they both need to be released. This doesn't mean that I must never feel the Love reflected by this lamp and its connections. That feeling is mine all the time. This release lightens the barriers I've built against Spirit. It helps me become more transparent and allows good, God, to be my only Sight. What an adventure this is!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Dear reader, which mind-picture or externalized thought shall be real to you,--the material or the spiritual? Both you cannot have. You are bringing out your own ideal. This ideal is either temporal or eternal. Either Spirit or matter is your model. If you try to have two models, then you practically have none. Like a pendulum in a clock, you will be thrown back and forth, striking the ribs of matter and swinging between the real and the unreal."

Science & Health Page 360:13-21