November 1, 2014 - Pure Peace

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #305

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

What is the second coming? This is the question we've been exploring in these past few days. We are learning that it 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, almost 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, 2014 - Clear Sight

Park City, Utah
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM  Workbook Lesson #304

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

Throughout the ages, we've been given hints as to unrealized possibilities. As attested by powerful mythological and fictional 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 experiences being changed by the whim of happenstance. Every time we hear a story telling of something we think is impossible, but which contains an outcome so beautiful we wish and hope 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 door to new 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, 2014 - Leaving Dogma Behind

Utah Fall
photo by Aaron Springston

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. Within myself, I have watched negative  reactions dissipate by letting go of preconceived meanings and learned dogma. There is only One God and we have no need to think in terms of your god or my god. Only our interpretation of what that means allows for a belief in many ruling principles. 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. If you feel disoriented and sort of happily confused, don't fear that either! This giddiness is part of the shift to the 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, 2014 - I Look Upon the Light!

"Bryce Canyon"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #302

“Where darkness was I look upon the light.”

It is said that when we are ready, the teacher we need will show up. I've always felt this to be true, haven't you? Of course, there were many times I turned away from that teaching. Even now, it's difficult to accept wholeheartedly the Truth which is set before me. I love these lessons which are telling us to look upon light, that our sight is finally restored and we can look upon a holy world. In recent weeks, I've had difficulty seeing. The world has become dim enough that I have partaken of the magic of an ophthalmologist. They say I have cataracts on my eyeballs and that it's an easy procedure to correct this. This is a wonderful analogy -- or would it be a metaphor? -- for the dimming of the light which happens when we trust in the illusion we have created rather than the Truth of Creation. I am grateful for this reminder of dimming sight. It brings a new resolve to look through the eyes of Love, to realize that is the only true vision, and anything else is the illusion of fear. Where darkness was, I look upon Light!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

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

Science & Health Page 586:3

October 28, 2014 - Hearing Deeply

photo by Aaron

ACIM Workbook Lesson #301

“And God Himself shall wipe away all tears.”

I once thought of writing a book called The Celibate Marriage. My son assured me it would NOT be a best seller! Many things inspired my thoughts on this subject, and some of them came from reading The Beloved Prophet. The subject of this book is the life-long relationship between Kahlil Gibran and 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 cannot carry you." She didn't experience intense grief because she knew the love they shared still existed; it 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, 20 14- What is the Real World?

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #300

“Only an instant does this world endure.”

This is the last of ten lessons which ask 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, 2014 - Veritable Ideas

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #299

“Eternal holiness abides in me.”

A friend made a passing comment pertaining to the erroneous thought we glom onto in daily life. He said that once you hear something, it's a part of you -- a part of your conscoiusness, if you will. I certainly know how difficult it can be to release any thought -- whether I have decided to think of it as truth or rumor. He is so right that once it's in you, it's difficult to let out -- but not impossible! The key to this release is realizing what you are. As long as I see myself as a material human, a victim of passing thought and circumstance, then, yes, it is difficult, even impossible, to release. When I start to glimpse that I am not this body, that I am Idea -- an Idea of God! -- then, and only then, am I freed from the bombardment of daily illusions and the lies of material sense. Looked at from this perspective, my goal is not to release anything, it is to understand my Being as an expression of divine Mind, an emanation of divine Love, the experience of divine Life! I will not think of this as an impossible task, but as a reachable Truth.

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, 2014 - Love One Another

Mongolia Group Adventure

ACIM Workbook Lesson #298

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

Friendships ebb and flow, change over the years, and mature into majestic alliances. I've formed friendships which felt they could never be breached. Looking back at my dearest friends through the years, most of us have grown apart, finding that we no longer share the same viewpoints or interests. This growth is a good thing, which I have usually welcomed. The few treasured relationships which have endured are so sweet. Loving God extends into loving Its expression, in the form of other humans. I am grateful for the burgeoning understanding which allows me to love without fear, to extend a hand when needed, and never fear the consequences. Namaste!

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, 2014 - The Only Gift

"October Sunrise"
photo by Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #297

“Forgiveness is the only gift I give.”

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about a neighbor being taken to the hospital and the accusatory words her daughter pointed toward me. I had not made an effort to see this dear woman, probably because my feelings were hurt and I didn't want to be involved in another dramatic scenario. But I finally put that behind me and went to see her in the hospital yesterday. When I pulled into the parking lot, I saw her daughter's car and almost kept on driving, but then intuition told me that was the time to see them, so I listened. Our visit was the epitome of forgiveness, in my opinion. It was as if nothing had happened. My neighbor and I were happy to see each other, and her daughter was friendly and as nice as could be. I felt very happy to have taken the step which allowed us to see above past hurts and let our true feelings guide our words and actions. What better gift could we give the world!!

 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 22, 2014 = In Love With Love

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #295

“The Holy Spirit looks through me today.

”For years I was in love with love. I loved being in love and flitted from one love affair to another. When I began a serious study of divine metaphysics, the love I had always chased seemed small in comparison to the Allness of the Love which is God. As I discovered that I am the expression of this Love, I spent quite some time separating these feelings and cordoning off the love which I had humanly craved. After a conversation with a friend today, I've realized the increased separation I'm creating with my definitions and restrictions on love. In thinking about it, the love I feel for my children is Love. What else could it be? There is only one Love, as we are told in today's ACIM workbook lesson: "Fear appears in many different forms, but love is one." So my silly giving up of love in favor of Love is simply another one of the many forms of fear. I thank my friend who asked me pointed questions and brought this realization. I invite divine Love to look through me today. I ask that I recognize what that means!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“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 124:26-28

October 21, 2014 - A Neutral Body

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #294

“My body is a wholly neutral thing.”

Part of today's ACIM lesson speaks to allowing ourselves to leave the body without illness predicating the event. 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 realm of thought we're accessing allows 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 thought is 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."

Science & Health Page 124:32-6

October 20, 2014 - One Love

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #293

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

Do you know married couples who seem to stay together for fear of being alone? How about single people who want more than anything to have a partner with whom to share life? Of course, it's nice to have someone to talk to and enjoy. A dear friend tells me she just wants a man to run around with, but she wants someone smart and kind, and she doesn't know any men who fit that bill. I had to laugh! I have so many wonderful men friends and they are wildly intelligent and thoughtful. I think that by leaving past expectations where they began and lived (in the past!), I've allowed myself to see that divine Love is the cosmic soup, if you will, which runs through us all. That Oneness is the completeness I used to seek in others. The fear of aloneness cannot possibly exist where the comfort of Love is felt. By this allowing with no expectations, I have everything I need!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Wilderness: Loneliness; doubt; darkness. Spontaneity of thought and idea; the vestibule in which a material sense of things disappears, and spiritual sense unfolds the great facts of existence."

Science & Health Page 597:16-19

October 19, 2014 - Happy Outcomes

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #292

“A happy outcome to all things is sure.”

The sky is falling!! I'm often reminded of the proverbial Chicken Little and his worries about everything. Many people I know remind me of him, with their certainty that something awful is going to happen. A dear woman came to me asking for advice. She told me that she was afraid to go outside her home, and so she would drink alcohol before she went out to have the courage to leave. She had been drinking heavily when she came to talk to me. She related many concerns she had about life in general and a few things in specific. I mentioned Wayne Dyer's words about worry: If you can do something about a situation, you will; if you can't, why worry?? She was very excited by this because she has heard him on television and she really wants to think this way, too. I told her she can, that all it takes is practice and applying the ideas to daily life. Replacing  practiced, circular thought with realized spiritual Truth may seem difficult, but a happy outcome is sure!

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, 2014 - Peaceful Stillness

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #291

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

What is the real world? This is the question we are exploring for the next few days. While we think we are seeing the real world, with all its pain and sorrow and fear and horror, we are not. The unreal world, which is reported on the news and purported to be reality by those who scoff at anything unseen to human eyes, is not the reality of spiritual creation. I'm often drawn to the first chapter of the Bible for affirmation of Truth, but if we read on into the next chapter, things begin to get muddy. By the time we reach the third chapter, we're deeply lost in the material version of creation -- the illusion which is so difficult to shake. We are no longer a spiritual creation, but made from dirt with all the oddness that goes along with talking serpents and guilt and blame and such. So when life seems riddled with chaos, I will remember our true creation as peaceful stillness in the Mind of God.

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, 2014 - Happy Days

ACIM Workbook Lesson #290

“My present happiness is all I see.”

Our town has a lovely deep woods lake within our city limits. Recently Chili-dog and I were walking and enjoying the brisk fall weather. A young family with a small child was fishing close to the water's edge. The mother was in one spot and the man was 30 feet or so away, with much underbrush between them  The little boy had been with his dad and was attempting to walk back to where his mother was. He was about halfway in between them, on a steep incline, when he fell down and was afraid to get up. As I walked up to the scene, his mom and dad were yelling at each other, neither one wanting to leave their fishing poles to rescue the child. The little boy was screaming and crying. From my vantage point, I could see him and so I walked to the top of the incline and, much like I would call a dog, said, "Come on, you can do it! Crawl up this way. It's all right.", all the while clapping my hands and speaking in that odd way we do when we're coaxing an animal to obey. The little guy immediately started smiling and, as he crawled toward me, he started giggling. It occurred to me how many of us simply need a little encouragement in order to be happy. I know I appreciate a slight nudge toward feeling the spiritual happiness which is so often hidden by material circumstance. And I love the reminders which show up daily!

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, 2014 - Adventures in Now

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #289

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

I've always been fascinated by high school class reunions. The reasons people enjoy them are as varied as the people, but it seems most are wondering who is the most successful, or has been married the longest, or has managed to look pretty. It's a perfect opportunity to think of today's topic, "The past is over. It can touch me not." In my observations of these get-togethers, we tend to revert into whatever we were umpteen years ago. The mean girls are still that way, the flirty girls are still flipping their skirts, and the cool kids are still hiding their feelings. While I've always enjoyed these observations, I tend to either wander away with an old friend or, perhaps, drink a bit too much and ask the cowboys to dance. I love this line from today's ACIM workbook lesson: "Unless the past is over in my mind, the world must escape my sight." I want to live in the present, in a world full of divine Love and Truth. Reliving illusions can be fun, much like watching a movie. But I'd rather wake up in a new world everyday, excited about the adventures it holds!

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, 2014 - Holier Than Thou?

ACIM-Workbook Lesson #288

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

There are many situations which bring on knee-jerk reactions which I think of as  "holier-than-thou". I'm sure you have a few of them, too! If someone is rude or mean, we may feel superior in our kindness. When politicians or others in the public eye display ignorance (lack of knowledge), we can easily have a sense of self-righteous judgment. These situations remind me that we are all One and no one is more special or learned or enlightened than another. It's simply a matter of what we're willing to see. I will admit I'm a food snob. There are numerous things I don't eat and it's always interesting to watch how I try to impose my beliefs on others. It is yet another example of feeling superior over a belief. Eckhart Tolle often puts things in perspective for me and he did, once again, when he was asked if we should be vegetarian. He said it was purely a personal preference, and if we had strong opinions about this we should remind ourselves that the Dalai Lama eats meat and Hitler didn't! Namaste'~~~

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 13, 2014 - Silence Leads the Way

ACIM Workbook Lesson #286

“The hush of Heaven holds my heart today.”

On this rainy morning, I am happy to reaffirm in thought that I need do nothing but listen in order for things to fall into place. I need not rush about trying to figure out how to make everything happen in its correct order. I need only know that it will, and quietly open my heart to know what to do in order to facilitate each happening. As I've already been to a board meeting of our Chamber of Commerce, and have been told that my landlords are examining my business building to see if there are things which need fixing -- well, both of these events have brought to mind a multitude of tasks which need to be done. So I am taking a few moments to sit quietly, asking only that my awareness will be filled with the hush of heaven wherein all answers are waiting.

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 14, 2014 - 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 12, 2014 - Scatter Joy

ACIMWorkbook Lesson #285

“My holiness shines bright and clear today.”

I have a friend who visits our town once a year with the intent of experiencing joy in every activity. He lives in Los Angeles and often tells me how much more fun our town is than his big city. I'm sure this is a matter of perception, but he brings something unusual with him when he comes to our town: pink nylon gowns and robes. He enjoys wearing these items and wanted to do so in public. After checking around on the internet, he found that Eureka Springs, Arkansas is one of the most accepting places in the country and so he visits us and enjoys expressing himself in a unique way. Although I don't know him in his natural habitat (so to speak!), I know he wakes up every day in our town expecting nothing but happy things and joy. And he receives them! Here's to everyone who is willing to live and love and allow themselves to express joy in whatever manner they are led to do so!

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, 2014 - Upper-Case Living!

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #284

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

Today I pay tribute to all of you who practice Upper-Case LIving! If you're been reading these writings for a while, you may remember that a dear friend of mine wrote an essay by this title years ago. In that writing, he inspired me to think of living as Living, loving as Loving, and to examine each and every activity to see if I'm taking it to the level of upper case-ness. Every day I witness people living Life, feeling Love, helping others to see Truth, and leading grand and noble lives. Every time we leave pain behind, looking past the illusion of ugliness and grasping beauty, we are experiencing Upper-Case Living! When we refuse to repeat gossip or anything unlike Good, we are raising the bar for everyone! What we experience, everyone experiences, by virtue of the One consciousness which we share. Give yourself a pat on the back and be proud of your accomplishments!  Mazel Tov! Namaste! Woo-hoo!

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, 2014 - True Identify

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #283

“My true Identity abides in You.”

A few days ago, I mentioned an incident where a neighbor was taken to the hospital and her daughter admonished me for not visiting and/or checking up on her mother more often. Looking back on the incident, listening to intuition, and examining my motives, I am feeling freedom in all aspects of the situation. And I've found a good deal of humor looking back on it -- mainly because of what I was wearing! I had just gotten out of the shower and had a pink towel wrapped around my head -- and to set the outfit off in style, I had unthinkingly picked up a pair of pink sunglasses on my way out the door. Ha! Can you imagine? And so I laugh right now as I recreate the the scene in my mind. I have no guilt over my actions, and I will continue to listen to know my true Identity as a reflection of  

God.

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, 2014 - 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, 2014 - Divine Thought

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #281

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

When an ambulance pulled up to my 90-year-old neighbor's door, I didn't rush outside. Her daughter's car was there, so I knew she was with her. As they brought her out of the house and loaded her up, I went outside to give her hand a squeeze and tell her to come home soon. As the vehicle pulled away taking her to the hospital, her daughter rushed up to me and shook her finger in my face, admonishing me for not visiting her mom more often. As she continued her tirade towards me, I said, "Oh Jeannie", in a sad tone, and turned and went back in my house. I will admit I shed a few tears. But I also sat down and examined her words. Yes, I could visit more often. In my defense, I don't visit anyone -- ever! So should I be visiting and giving more of myself in person? This, I don't know. Today's lesson tells us, "The Holy Spirit mediates between illusions and the truth". And so I examine my motives in visiting or not visiting, and I turn it over to the Holy Spirit. Have I done something wrong that should be righted? I don't know, but God does. So I'll let my little ego worries go, and listen with spiritual sense.

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, 2014 - Unlimited

photo by Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM 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, 2014 - Truth Frees

Aaron in Moab

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, 2014 - Free To Be

Photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM 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, 2014 - Material Laws Change

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 our true identify is spiritual, and that we aren't bound by any material beliefs, is bringing us to a tipping point in thought. Mass media and collective human consciousness tell 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, or that cigarettes are good for you, but many of us are frightened by giving up the 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, 2014 - See, Hear, Repeat Nothing Unlike Good

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #276

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

Following the advice of Mary Baker Eddy, to neither see, hear, nor repeat any imperfection -- no matter what may appear to the contrary to material senses -- I look forward to today's lesson to reinforce these lofty goals.  It seems most people want you to join in their misery, so the goal of hearing and repeating only good becomes an interesting exercise. I find myself simply witnessing, without comment, while engaging in lots of smiling. A good friend taught me to say, "You may be right!" This is a good comment to make just before wandering away -- which I'm prone to do. I'm sure many think I'm daft, but that's okay. I often tell people I wake up in a new world every day, and this excuses many of my actions, as they think I'm addlepated and forgive me -- or at least they don't push me for comments! Whatever the case, it's all right as long as I don't feel that uneasiness which comes from not living Truth.

 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, 2014 - Happiness, Revisted

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #275

“God's healing Voice protects all things today.”

Yesterday, I talked about a man who had a blow to the head which left him in a happy state. What I did not mention was that when his wife passed on, he was upset because he wasn't upset. He wanted to cry for his wife, but he didn't feel there was any reason to do so. In order to feel grief, he allowed an operation to take away the blood clot which had supposedly caused his joyous demeanor. Afterwards, he was back to his old unhappy self, being mean and miserly and able to cry. The questions this story brought to me were multiple, but mainly I wonder why we feel the need to grieve. Is this some sort of duality belief or a learned behavior which demands we are sad in certain situations? Have we become accustomed to extremes of emotions to convey that we are caring human beings? Perhaps peace of mind in any situation comes from that healing Voice for God protecting me from grief and other unnecessary human beliefs. I shall continue to listen for answers.

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

October 1, 2014 - Happiness Grows

photo by Aaron Springston

A Course in Miracles Lesson #274

“Today belongs to love. Let me not fear.”

I saw a movie in which a character was hit in the head, had a blood clot, and became happy all the time. Since happiness cannot be contained and overflows with no expectations, wonderful things began to happen. He ran a very large, very money-making-oriented company  which had always catered to the prospering of the business, not the contentment of the employees. After he became happy, he built a daycare center, gave everyone raises in salary, and began to see money as a tool rather than a goal. Then his children became angry because the company wasn't making as much money and they were afraid. While he recognized what was important in life, his children wanted him to go back to his money-based way of living, fearing they wouldn't have enough. He was living Love; they were living fear. We see it every day, don't we? I vow today to support every act of Love-based living I see. While we can't set out to eradicate fear, we can scatter joy and happiness, and watch Love blossom.

Mary Baker Eddy quote: 

"As human thought changes from one stage to another of conscious pain and painlessness, sorrow and joy, — from fear to hope and from faith to understanding, — the visible manifestation will at last be man governed by Soul, not by material sense."

Science & Health Page 125:12-16

September 30, 2014 - The Perception of Peace

photo courtesy of Jim Young

ACIM Lesson #273

“The stillness of the peace of God is mine.”

I've heard it said that the older we get, the less things bother us. In earlier years, when I was bothered by everything, it seemed impossible that this could be so. While it seems to be true now, I see plenty of people riper in years who are much-bothered all the time! My conclusion is that peace is a state of mind. As we cultivate an awareness of the presence of God within ourselves, it becomes natural to turn to that gentleness in times of seeming turmoil. The peace of God is always there, whether we choose to acknowledge it or not. Today I look forward to relishing this gentle presence every moment.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Mind [God] demonstrates omnipresence and omnipotence, but Mind revolves on a spiritual axis, and its power is displayed and its presence felt in eternal stillness and immovable Love.”

From Retrospection and Introspection Page 88-89

September 29, 2014 - Satisfied With Illusions?

"Shibori Dancer"
created by Sandy Starbird

ACIM Lesson #272

“How can illusions satisfy God's Son?”

Today's topic causes me to pause and ask myself what illusions, if any, have worked for me over the years. During the "years that the locust ate", as I tend to think of a particular 20-year period, I generally felt happy, but never complete or fulfilled. Years of substance abuse, flitting from man to man, and activities which kept me busy but never satisfied are what I refer to as the lost years. Looking back, I hardly recognize that person. It's not that I was mean or horrible or anything, but I was living a drama-filled life, going from one disaster to another, finding solace by hiding in hedonistic pleasures. The peace which is found from wanting nothing other than to know God is astounding in its magnitude. When did I realize the emptiness and want to fill in the blanks with true substance? Ultimately, it doesn't matter because now is all we have! Let's go forward with joy into what awaits us this day!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Higher enjoyments alone can satisfy the cravings of immortal man. We cannot circumscribe happiness within the limits of personal sense. The senses confer no real enjoyment.”

Science & Health Page 60:31-3