February 28, 2015 - One Mind

"Snowbird"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM #59: Today we review Lessons 41-45. 

I've always had a tough time understanding political conflicts. It seems to me that if everyone is for the good of all, why would there be a conflict? I simply don't understand why we have these problems, and certainly don't want to talk about these crazy-seeming scenarios. We have one such brouhaha churning in our small tourist town. As hard as it is for me to believe, apparently some establishments refuse to do business with people of certain sexual orientations, so our town council passed an anti-discrimination ordinance. Now the state says this is illegal because people should be able to serve whoever they want to and refuse service to whomever they choose. Some people say, Why should we have to pass a law to facilitate something which should be happening in the first place: equality for all. We watch sadly as people choose a side and prepare for battle. Then there are the people who say they don't want to condone behavior by doing business with people whose actions are not approved of by them. Some go so far as to say this is mandated by God. If we believe and practice today's review topics, this is all a moot point. The presence of divine Love is with me and everyone all the time, so why should I feel compelled to condemn? The realization that I am seeing with Spirit's vision, and that I cannot see any other way, precludes any judgment too, because God is Love and does not judge. If God is the Mind with which I think, and that thought is only light, there is no fear nor condemnation. We could stop trying to change others' thought to what we think, knowing that every thought with divine Mind is exponential. Let's go forth and multiply -- Mind with a capital M, that is! 

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, 2015 - What, Me Worry?

photo by Heather Magnan

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, 2015 - Happily Letting Go

"Parade in Eureka Springs"
photo by Richard Quick

ACIM Workbook Lesson #57:

Today we review Lessons 31-35. 

Reading today's lesson reviews, I am reminded that I am not a victim of the world I see, and that I have invented this sight. It suggests that perhaps there is another way of looking at it all, a way where I could see peace instead of this. It reminds me that my mind is of God, that I am Its holy image. What if we could simply relax into Truth, and not feel the need to make others think as we do or change anyone's mind about anything. It wouldn't matter if anyone believed in God, or followed any particular teaching system or religion -- it just wouldn't matter.  We could all relax and "let it Be", I know quite a few people who are ready to stop the madness and let freedom of thought take us to new heights of equality! And it's not just the airy-fairies who think this way, but physicists and learned people from all walks of life. Every thought counts! Let's go forward today with Joy, knowing that's something which will spread without any effort other than the sheer happiness of it 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, 2015 - Connected -- or not!

"Camels in Mongolia"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #56:

Today we review Lessons 26-30

I've been contemplating our connectivity and, also, lack of connection. Many people say that we are suffering from a loss of connections with real people; that we have given ourselves to technology and think we are making connections when we're actually just passing time. I wonder if the face-to-face connections we so often have are any more "real" than the computer relationships we sustain. So far, my conclusion is that any relationship can be shallow or deep, and how they come about really has nothing to do with it. Admittedly, I don't sit on my front porch with neighbors watching the sunset and chatting. But I've noticed that the great majority of communications I have with people have nothing to do with Reality, but have everything to do with mindless chatter. On the other hand, friendships I keep up with on the computer tend to be more substantial. No one emails me and tells me gossip about mutual friends or the details of their gallbladder operation. Although I have received no great insights about how changes in communications have affected our friendships and how they affect the world, I know that we have more opportunities to enjoy each other than ever before, and I want to take advantage of every moment of it!

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, 2015 - Healing

photo by Heather Magnan

ACIM Workbook Lesson #55:

Today we review Lessons 21-25. For a guide to this review, and a short description, go to this link:http://A Course in Miracles.org/Lessons/lesson.html?lesson=55

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, 2015 - Determined to See

ACIM Workbook Lesson #54

Today's review is of Lessons 16-20.

Since spending almost three weeks in the hospital, I have been on a rainbow of prescription drugs. This regimen is foreign to me, having not taken so much as a vitamin supplement in the past. Having committed myself to doctors' care, I readily acquiesced and was willing to do what they wanted. But it is becoming more and more obvious (as I've always known, but not personally experienced) that what they recommend is no more than an educated guess. This guesswork becomes more complicated when their judgment is swayed by pharmaceutical companies telling them what they should do. I feel that each and every doctor I have seen in the past two months is a wonderful person, and that they are doing the best they can with what they have to work with. They have made a decision to help mankind and have devoted their lives to this noble pursuit. As our lesson reviews tell us, in part, today: I am not alone in experiencing the effects of my seeing and I am determined to see. Today I vow to devote my thought more steadfastly to the spiritual Truth I want to see. That is the one thing I desire, and I am not alone in this seeing!

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, 2015 - We're Ready!

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #53

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

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, 2015 - House Rules

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #52

Today is the second in a ten-day review of the first lessons. For a guide to this review, and a short description, go to this link: 

Having just finished a novel entitled House Rules, written by Jodi Piccoult, I am taken to that world when thinking about today’s topics. In the book, we are taken into the world of a young man who is diagnosed with a syndrome known as Asperger’s, which is a form of functional autism. I particularly enjoy insights into his literalism — or taking words verbatim with no interpretations. For instance, if you tell him to go fly a kite, that’s exactly what he thinks you want him to do. In looking over the five lessons for review, a few sentences jump out as points of beauty: “I am always upset by nothing.” “I will look with love on all that I failed to see before.” Let me learn to give the past away, realizing that in so doing I am giving up nothing.” “The choice is not whether to see the past or the present; the choice is merely whether to see or not.” “I have no private thoughts.” Many comparisons come to mind, correlating and juxtaposing these thoughts with the things in the book I just read. But that would be enough for a  book in and of itself! So I will simply say — Namastė.

 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, 2015 - A Blank Page

photo by Richard Quick

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 

     

Today we begin a review of the first 50 topics we have covered in A Course in Miracles workbook. I'm very happy to be doing this as I have chosen to reinvent myself this year. I made this choice because my physical circumstances have changed, but I am happy about it because I want my mind to be guided by the all-knowing Mind rather than just wandering around in confusion. Recently, I experienced symptoms of either food poisoning or a terrible "bug", although I had not eaten anything questionable nor been out in public to be exposed to any of these diseases I hear are running rampant. I'm very happy that I needn't examine the cause or prognosis for this malady. As it's a snow day, bitterly cold, and I don't have a business to open, I have the luxury of hanging out in my pajamas, reading and listening to wonderful music. I am free to explore the ideas for this review:  (1) Nothing I see means anything. (2) I have given what I see all the meaning it has for me. (3) I do not understand anything I see. (4) These thoughts do not mean anything. (5) I am never upset for the reason I think. These five ideas leave me pondering spiritual Truth, the reality of my being as a reflection of God, Love. I look forward to what this will reveal!

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, 2015 - The Greatest Thing ...

photo by Steve Shogren

ACIM Workbook Lesson #50:

“I am sustained by the Love of God.”

Everywhere I turn, I seem to be pointed back to basics. The Love that is God is a cornerstone of most spiritual study, and I find it to be particularly palatable reading right now. I have reread Marianne Williamson’s “A Return to Love”. I’m reading Henry Drummond’s “The Greatest Thing in the World”, which examines well-known words from First Corinthians which begin, “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not Love, I am become as sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal.” In this book, he reminds me how very important it is to be kind. Living a solitary lifestyle seems well-suited to me. Perhaps it began when I was an only child of older parents. It certainly continued during three short marriages which only lasted as long as they did because the husbands were away from home working most of the time. Whatever the case, I am happy to have these reminders of the pure essence of Love, and I look forward to sowing Its seeds along with the herbs and flowers of spring!

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, 2015 - Divine Mind Speaks

"Milky Way"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #49:

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

I love the water warming my hands as I wash dishes. The susserence of the snow outside reminds me of the softness of the blanket I'm snuggled under. The perfectness of a love seat recently given to me holds me snugly in its arms. 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 hear everything as “God’s Voice”. The cacophony in our thought 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. Seeing 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 Truth all the day long!

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, 2015 - No Fear in Love

Aaron in Mongolia
unknown photographer

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, 2015 - Birthing New Thought

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #47:

"God is the strength in which I trust."

Freezing rain and sleet has just begun to fall on this cold, February night. What exquisite perfection to be sitting in a cozy home listening to the wisdom of the ages being spoon fed to me through a DVD. This series features a learned and perceptive man telling me "Great Scientific Ideas That Changed the World." He says that Aristotle tells us that knowledge is validated by using it. Paramenides has a substance metaphysics view of reality: the ultimate reality is a thing -- or things. Heraclitus said that ultimate reality is change, but laws of change are timeless -- hence process metaphysics. I find these thoughts fascinating and fun, but I'm not going to take any of it too seriously. Throughout time we have tried to understand how everything works, and that has been an evolution of thought. We are still moving through this tapestry of illumination and it is a delightful journey. I'm so pleased to be on it!!

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, 2015 - I'm In Love!

Warm Herat
graphic by Aaron Springston

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 day of celebration 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, 2015 - Happy Valentine's Day!

parade in Eureka Springs

ACIM Workbook Lesson #45:

“God is the Mind with which I think.”

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, 2015 - Seeing Lightly

"Zion National Park"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #44

"God is the Light in which I see."

I got a phone call from someone saying she had heard about my “situation” and wanted to commiserate. I found out that meant she wanted to tell me all about her physical maladies and have me tell her about mine. That is not what I choose to do! Seeing everything in Light, in God, is happiness and peace. Reflecting that Light to others allows us to share this harmony. When viewing others 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 make the choice in whether I want to see darkness or light.  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, 2015 - Pure Sight

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #43:

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

Today we are pondering the differences in our personal perception and universal knowledge. Our perception, as we well know, is colored by belief and what we think of as knowledge. Knowledge is Truth. This Truth, with a capital T, is God. 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. A neighbor told me of her physical maladies and made the statement that we always tend to think of the worst thing that could happen. While it would be rude to tell her that she should stop doing that and that it is possible to see with the vision of God, that is what I thought. I can’t change how she sees everything, but I can certainly change what I think about it! As I go through this day, I will notice how I am seeing and remember that God is my Source and that my heritage is pure sight.

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, 2015 - Reinterpretation

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #42:
“God is my strength. Vision is His gift.”

"Gut feelings" are often discounted as being invalid for any number of reasons. Some say they're paranoid thoughts, others may think of them as wishful thinking, but few think of them as the vision of God. 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. Through right identification and reinterpretation we see with the "vision [which] is His gift". As an example, 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 we 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, 2015 - Heaven Within

"Shibori Dancer"
creation of
Sandy Wythawai Starbird

ACIM Workbook Lesson #41 

“God goes with me wherever I go.”

Sitting quietly with today's topic, many thoughts run through my mind. I smile at them and reach deeper within for silence. All 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’s nothing but 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. Hence the importance of going deep within, silencing the multitudinous beliefs we have acquired in this existence. Knowing ourselves as consciousness, melded like a drop of water in the ocean, or 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 ours 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, [divine] Science explains as impossible.” 

Science & Health Page 522:10-11

February 9, 2015 - Happiness No Matter What ...

"Beaver Bridge"
photo by Steve Shogren

ACIM Workbook Lesson #40:

“I am blessed as a Son of God."

Why can’t we all just be happy? I’ve heard this question voiced numerous times, and I’ve probably said it myself a time or two. People may tell you that life’s circumstances keep some from being happy. They think that if someone is living in poverty and/or abusive conditions, their happiness is squelched. I don’t believe this to necessarily be true any more than it’s opposite: if you have everything in the way of material needs and wants, you are assured happiness. When I was a teenager, a woman who was a friend of my parents had a series of things happen which we would think of as bearers of sadness. In a three-year period, her husband passed on, their house burned down, and then her daughter was in a car accident which left her in a coma for over a year before she died. Oh — she had also lost an infant daughter years before. This woman lived into her 80s, always helping others, and died with a smile on her face. I often wondered how she did it. I see now that she knew the open secret of Life. With each loved one who passes on, with each beloved animal I’ve known and loved through the years, something is growing more certain within me. They haven’t gone anywhere. Never born, never dying. If there’s a beginning, then there must be an end. That thought brings a certain smile.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

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

Science & Health Page 471:17-18

February 8, 2015 - Remembering Wholeness

"Wyoming"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #39:

"My holiness is my salvation."

"No one needs practice to gain what is already his." We tend to forget that holiness is and always has been ours simply for the acknowledgement of it. Many things in our daily life teach us the opposite. I’m sure there are many people sitting in churches this morning listening to a preacher telling them that they are sinners and must repent — or variations on that theme. Perhaps some of you were taught this interpretation of Jesus’s words, too. 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! 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, 2015 - No Restrictions in Time and Place

Yannick Nezet-Seguin

ACIM Workbook Lesson #38:
"There is nothing my holiness cannot do"

"Your holiness reverses all the laws of the world. It is beyond every restriction of time, space, distance and limits of any kind." This is easy enough to know intellectually, but some days it just seems impossible to experience. Today has been one of those days when I'd just as soon stay in bed. I'm feeling a bit down, perhaps because I had hopes of being able to travel to either Chicago or Ann Arbor to see the Rotterdam Symphony in a couple of weeks. Through these writings, I've become friends with a wonderful man who plays the violin for this orchestra in The Netherlands. They have a conductor who is so dynamic that his passion bursts forth even on youTube videos.  I can only imagine the feeling of facing this group of musicians in person! Today I shall ponder what this lesson is telling me. I will study the works of Mary Baker Eddy and open myself to the field of all possibilities, trusting that I am exactly where I need to be at all times.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tk5Uturacx8

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, 2015 - We Are the World

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #37

"My holiness blesses the world."

Have you seen the movie, “The Hundred-Foot Journey”? It’s very beautiful for many reasons. We are shown lovely French countryside, exquisite food, and a wonderful acceptance of and by people who are learning of our Oneness. When we accept our holiness, we do so by realizing that we are the expression of God. When we see this Truth, we understand that we are not alone as that reflection of divine Mind. How can we express racial prejudice or any other form of hatred and fear when we know these things? I am freed by the understanding 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 see that everything is already complete and whole. I look forward to seeing more of this expanding vision which awaits 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, 2015 - What Do I See?

unknown photographer

A Coures in Miracles 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, 2015 - Immortal Ideas

"Ozark Winter Sunset"
photo by Arthus 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. 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,  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 see 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, 2015 - Peace Within and Without

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #34:
"I could see peace instead of this."

Peace is inherent in every seemingly volatile situation​. Ask someone who has been involved in a violent attack and they will scoff at you at the very least. I was told today that one in every three calls to the police in our little county involve domestic abuse. I can only assume that this is a woman calling concerning a man's actions, although I know this isn't always the case. Alcohol, anger, and a strong sense of right can be a deadly combination when they come together against someone or some thing. I am reminded that I can't change anyone other than within my own thought. By a change in thought, I may be guided to take particular actions in my world, or I may be led to quietly know the Truth about us all and by that knowing facilitate peace. I wish I could force everyone to live by The Four Agreements. I wish I could quiet everyone's mind so they wouldn't need to lash out at others. Hum -- maybe I can, right here within me! Do I really understand Oneness? I sure do want to. 
  
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, 2015 - Shifting Perceptions

painting by Carol Dickie

ACIM Workbook Lesson #33:
"There is another way of looking at the world."

Everywhere we look, huge changes are occurring. I love that we are not afraid to look at traditional values in a new light! New ways of looking at old words, such as The Lord's Prayer give us new insights and understanding. Some fear these interpretations are sacrilegious, and perhaps they are. Religion should be about spirituality, but often it is no more than dogma and tradition, which is perpetuated from fear. In the late 1800s, Mary Baker Eddy gave us a spiritual interpretation of the prayer which Jesus gave us (or at least the interpretation offered through translation in our modern-day bible). Today I saw a beautiful modern-day interpretation by Peter Russell, which I'd like to include here. I feel these words are very helpful in facilitating our shifting perception.
Peter Russell's Contemporary Lord's Prayer

Our essential Being, that dwells within,

'I am' is thy name.

May thy true nature be revealed.

May thy knowing inform our daily lives,

As it does our inner Being.

Nourish us today with thy Presence.

Release us from any judgment we have held against ourselves,

As we release others from judgments we've held against them.

Let us not be tempted to seek solace in worldly things.

Liberate us from that which veils the truth.

For it is in our Being that we find your Presence,

The Source of all good, the home of all joy,

Eternally, and without change.

So be it.

http://www.peterrussell.com


Mary Baker Eddy quote: "Our Father-Mother God, all harmonious, Adorable One. They kingdom is come; thou art ever present. Enable us to know, -- as in heaven, so on earth, -- God is omnipotent, supreme. Give us grace for today; feed the famished affections. And Love is reflected in love. God leadeth us not into temptation, but delivereth us from sin, disease, and death. For God is infinite, all power, all Life, Truth, Love, over all, and All." Science & Health, Page 16:27-15