The Choice

photo credit: Gerry Toler

ACIM Workbook Lesson #335

"I choose to see my brother's sinlessness."

Forgiveness is a choice. I remember years ago, during a metaphysical society meeting, someone saying, "Evil is a choice". She said this in relation to years of sexual abuse and psychological torture, perpetrated by the two people she should have trusted most as a child. She recognized that evil was a choice when she was presented with what seemed to be an overwhelming suggestion to do something similar to her infant child. In that moment, she realized she could choose, and she did. Now she chooses forgiveness in all aspects of her life. She has chosen to see her parents in the holy light of Love. She has chosen to live her life in peace, with a willingness to turn from past remembrances and see things in the reality of God's Love. She has chosen forgiveness for herself and everyone, knowing that we are One.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Let Truth uncover and destroy error in God’s own way, and let human justice pattern the divine.”

 Science & Health Page 542:17-21

An Epiphany in Thought

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook  Lesson #334 "Today I claim the gifts forgiveness gives."

Does the word "unforgivable" exist in your vocabulary? Do you think of certain acts as being too heinous to release from your blame? It could be that something you did, personally, in your past remains unforgivable in your own mind. There are a multitude of things we can hold against ourselves and others. An epiphany in thought can free you from the bonds of guilt and/or blame. The realization that God does not damn anyone frees us to do the same. Allowing ourselves to see the world as Spirit sees it -- because we are the evidence and experience of divine Love -- sets up a whole new paradigm from the religious dogma which has been passed down for millennia. We needn't be afraid to claim our place as a worthy and loved individual expression of divine Mind. We're learning to follow our heart rather than our brain -- and we are freed!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“…the spiritual recompense of the persecuted is assured in the elevation of existence above mortal discord and in the gift of divine Love.”

Science & Health Page 97:1-3

Ending the Dream of Conflict

photo credit: Richard Quick

ACIM Workbook  Lesson #333

“Forgiveness ends the dream of conflict here.”

This topic reminds me of the feeling of conflict I felt surrounding the myth of Santa Claus. When my son was two and I was expecting my second child, I announced to a friend that I wasn't going to do the Santa charade. She told me that was a terrible thing to do to children and gave me many reasons why I shouldn't do away with their belief in this massive illusion. And so I gave in and perpetuated this suppositional conflict within myself. I think this is an apt example of all the illusion we willingly put on ourselves, don’t you? The spirit of Christmas is defined in many superficial ways, and it seems the most blatant of these is Santa Claus. It is used in the same way religion tends to present God. If you are good, if you don't cry, if you don't pout, then Santa/God will give you certain things. If you break these rules, you'd better watch out! In our inseparable Oneness with divine Love there can be no conflict. Now, there’s something to celebrate! 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The suppositional warfare between truth and error is only the mental conflict between the evidence of the spiritual senses and the testimony of the material senses, and this warfare between the Spirit and flesh will settle all questions through faith in and the understanding of divine Love.” Science & Health Page 288:3-7

Bound or Free

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #332 “Fear binds the world. Forgiveness sets it free.”

I know many of my actions have been dictated by fear. Perhaps fear of being alone binds us to relationships which have served their purpose and need to be changed. This release could be thought of as a "failure" -- and that word brings up another fear most of us harbor. What if we don't think of the ending of a marriage or friendship as a failure, but as a natural progression to be embraced? The same may be said of a career or hobby. These cessations may simply be steps on a journey to somewhere you never dreamed you would go. If you've planned your life in every detail, it may seem as though you’re giving up when moving on to something else. That's why I love this way of thought I’m learning! There are no rules, other than listening for divine Mind to guide and lead me to wherever I need to be. This guidance doesn't always mean leaving something -- it could be staying with a job or relationship, regardless of what logic dictates. Listening and following is always an adventure!!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Until the majesty of Truth should be demonstrated in divine Science, the spiritual idea was arraigned before the tribunal of so-called mortal mind, which was unloosed in order that the false claim of mind in matter might uncover its own crime of defying immortal Mind."  Science & Health Page 564:19-23

Asleep or Awake

photo credit: Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #331

“There is no conflict, for my will is Yours.”

"Conflict is sleep, and peace awakening.” I love this line from today's ACIM lesson. And so we begin a series of ten teachings geared to help us understand what the ego (which is spoken of so often in these writings) actually is. If the thoughts we are having cause us conflict, they are of the ego -- or mortal mind, as Mary Baker Eddy refers to it. If there is harmony and peace, then our thoughts are God's ideas. Actually, there is nothing other than divine Idea; everything else is illusion, which is why erroneous thought is considered unreal. The only reality is God, which means either God is All or God is not. Hearing statements like this is when that little ego kicks in and makes a fuss. How can that be, it says? What about me?? Don't be afraid to tell it to be still. It is, after all, unreal. The silence between the raucous thoughts holds the harmony of Being!

Mary Baker Eddy quote: “Will, as a quality of so-called mortal mind, is a wrong-doer; hence it should not be confounded with the term as applied to Mind or to one of God’s qualities.” Science & Health Page 497:24-26

Separation or Unity

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #330

“I will not hurt myself again today.”

I hurt myself by believing in separation more than unity. Feelings of aloneness are manifested in many ways in our daily life. Perhaps we think everyone is out to get us, or maybe we feel like no one knows what's best other than those in our particular tribe. There are any number of ways we assert our specialness and keep ourselves separate from God, hence from everyone, and sometimes this separation is manifest in ugly ways. Maybe something is said to another which we wish we could take back, or perhaps anger flares suddenly and we feel guilt over our feelings and shame about the outcome. There are a multitude of human actions we may regret, but the acceptance of our heritage as a child of divine Love allows us to forgive and choose again. For this, I am grateful.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Error begins by reckoning life as separate from Spirit, thus sapping the foundations of immortality, as if life and immortality were something which matter can both give and take away.”

Science & Health Page 539:3-7

Limitless Mind

photo credit: Jim Young

ACIM Workbook Lesson #329 “I have already chosen what You will.”

The custom of celebrating birthdays has always seemed odd to me. I love the way the Aboriginal people think of this. They see no reason to celebrate being a year older, but rather announce to loved ones when they have grown in some way, and this is the reason for celebration. I have never wanted my children to make a big deal of mother's day or my birthday. I feel that we honor one another every day, and occasionally things happen which make us appreciate each other even more. Recently my son posted on Facebook that I am his hero. It doesn't get much better than that! The leaving behind of our personal sense of will and the acceptance of the divine Will leaves nothing but Thanksgiving every day. For this I am grateful.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Infinite Mind cannot be limited to a finite form, or Mind would lose its infinite character as inexhaustible Love, eternal Life, omnipotent Truth.”

Science & Health Page 257:26-29

Gratitude

ACIM Workbook Lesson #328 "I choose the second place to gain the first."

I Am grateful for the footsteps of Truth which have brought me to this present understanding. I Am grateful for where these steps will take me tomorrow. I Am most grateful for the omniscient Love which upholds me right where I Am. Today will be a day of gratitude expressed in every action. Every abundance witnessed leads me to a humble appreciation for All that Is.

Thank You greatly ~~~

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Are we really grateful for the good already received? Then we shall avail ourselves of the blessings we have, and thus be fitted to receive more. Gratitude is much more than a verbal expression of thanks. Action expresses more gratitude than speech."

Science & Health Page 3:22-27

The Liberating Power of Love

Photo Credit: Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #327

"I need but call and [Love] will answer me."

Change is liberating! I'm seeing many people releasing the past, and it's bringing them peace and a new level of joy. One friend tells me of her beloved cat being at the vet's office, perhaps getting ready to pass on. In years past, she would have been distraught, but is surprised that she is not. It's not that she loves any less, and perhaps she's experiencing love even more fully. Another friend tells me she's going through a time of letting go -- without even being aware of what exactly is being released! Isn't this great? We don't have to know what it is that's bothering us in order to be freed from it. This concept in itself is liberating! To have no need for analysis or so-called deconstruction, but to simply give yourself the gift of freedom -- what a joy! I am so grateful for all of you who stand unafraid, welcoming the new paradigm!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The depth, breadth, height, might, majesty, and glory of infinite Love fill all space. That is enough!”

Science & Health Page 519:3-5

A Transformed and Forgiven World

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #326 “I am forever an Effect of God.”

Today's Course in Miracles lesson states: "Let us today behold earth disappear, at first transformed, and then, forgiven..." These are the types of statements which are often deemed as incomprehensible. My suggestion would be to read the text with an open mind, not trying to make any intellectual evaluations, simply listening for inspiration within your own self. At some point, the confusion related to hearing new ideas will pass and we will experience a new world. What a perfect time is today to let it all go and surrender to our true Being as the expression of divine Love!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"What is the scientific statement of Being? Answer: There is no life, truth, intelligence, nor substance in matter. All is infinite Mind and its infinite manifestation, for God is All-in-all. Spirit is immortal Truth; matter is mortal error. Spirit is the real and eternal; matter is the unreal and temporal. Spirit is God, and man is His image and likeness. Therefore man is not material; he is spiritual." Science & Health Page 468:8-15

Ideas of Truth

photo credit: Jay Vrecenak

ACIM Workbook Lesson #325 “All things I think I see reflect ideas.”

I Am an idea of divine Mind. I am a product of all the thoughts I have, I decide what those thoughts mean, and what might come about because of them. Which one of these sentences do you think is true? Thinking about being an idea of God is one thing; Being that Idea is yet another! Objectively thinking about being an idea of Mind is easy, but to subjectively reflect this idea might seem impossible. Could a sunbeam be anything other than an emanation of the sun? We, as a creation of divine Mind, cannot be anything other than Its experience. As a material creature subject to all the whims of mortal mind, we never know what to expect. Thank goodness we're actually spiritual!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Ideas of Truth alone are reflected in the myriad manifestations of Life, and thus it is seen that man springs solely from Mind.” Science & Health Page 543:26-28

Leadings of Divine Mind

ACIM Workbook Lesson #324

“I merely follow, for I would not lead.”

We, as humans, seem to need -- even enjoy -- following the lead of others. Many of us blindly go along with the ideas of others, perhaps without questioning the wisdom of doing so. Often three or four cars turn down the dead-end street on which I live, each following the lead car without noticing the signs indicating there is no way out. The lemming effect often takes over! We seek out and follow orders from anyone we perceive to be wiser or more knowledgeable than we are. Perhaps we do this in case things go wrong, then we can say it wasn't our fault because someone else told us to do it (whatever it may be!). I'm sure there are more reasons for this behavior than the simplistic examples I've given here today, which are really irrelevant because we don't need to tarry at the problem, but focus on the solution. And the solution is to follow the inward direction which we all hear, but often ignore. I pray for the courage to listen and follow, secure in the knowledge that a sure ending is inevitable.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The Christian Scientist wisely shapes his course, and is honest and consistent in following the leadings of divine

Mind.” Science & Health Page 458:26-28 

Leaving Fear Behind

"Fearless Family"

ACIM Workbook Lesson #323 "I gladly make the 'sacrifice' of fear"

Why is it so difficult to let go of something we don't want? No one wants to live in fear, but it seems that we've convinced ourselves it’s necessary for survival. I know I sometimes fall into this trap. I want to think subjectively from divine Mind, but constantly fall into the objective stance of thinking about God rather than thinking as the expression of God. The fear-based life going on around us seems to be contagious. I'm tired of living from a place of worry about what-if situations! The confusion which comes from a mind full of crazy scenarios and potentially dangerous situations is not the way I choose to be. So today I am actively giving away these feelings in favor of peace and Love, knowing it becomes easier with every so-called sacrifice of fear.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Give up your material belief of mind in matter, and have but one Mind, even God; for this Mind forms its own likeness."

Science & Health Page 216:30-32

Real or Fake?

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #322b“I can give up but what was never real.”

Have you noticed we often want to hold on to illusions, perhaps fearing that giving up long-held beliefs will diminish us? Today's lesson explains how we cannot give up anything real, so there is nothing to fear. As I look at this world we have made, many metaphors for this holding-on-letting-go action come to thought.  Most people I know are yearning for a more simple existence, in which needs are met in nurturing ways. We want real food, grown by people we know, with love. We don't want knick-knacks to fill our shelves, but instead find meaningful objects which bring grace and beauty to our lives. These changes in material trappings exemplify the changes in our thought, whereby we strive to release illusive beliefs in exchange for the new/old ideas of Spirit. Today I will recognize unnecessary illusions which only serve to dull my sense, let them go, and relish the palpably glowing Ideas which nourish me.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Man is the idea of Spirit; he reflects the beatific presence, illuming the universe with light.”

Science and Health Page 266:27–29

Freedom Within

photo credit: Dale Johnson

ACIM Workbook Lesson #321 “Father, my freedom is in You alone.”

What wondrous freedom we are finding through our recognition of everyone as the expression of divine Love! Recognizing our being as this Creation frees us from hurt feelings and thoughts of retaliation during times when things don't go as we had hoped and expected. I have a dear friend who has gone through what is traditionally known as a break-up with the woman he was going to marry. He sees this as a natural progression of their relationship, feeling that they had a wonderful time together, that they learned a lot about life, and it's all right if they go their separate ways. I think he feels this way because he knows that Love includes everyone, not just those whose actions we like. This knowledge brings us the freedom to be joyful and allows others the same right! I am very grateful.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“God’s being is infinity, freedom, harmony, and boundless bliss.” Science & Health 480:3-4

Powerful Thought

photo credit: Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #320 “My Father gives all power unto me.”

Most religious doctrine and non-secular belief propounds the idea that we, as humans, are weak, sinful, and powerless. Our interpretation of the language of ACIM and Mary Baker Eddy could tend to keep us in that belief too, if we are holding onto past perceptions. But we are being asked to release everything we ever knew in order to see ourselves as the actual experience of God. It's very difficult to stop thinking of God as somewhere out there, and that's why I find it helpful to use some synonyms for Deity. Thinking of myself as a creation of divine Mind, a reflection of divine Love, makes it easier to grasp these concepts without separation. Would I rather see God as an old man in the sky, or as divine Love flowing in and through everything, not as a judgmental figure but as a gentle presence? I know which one brings me peace!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Mortals must look beyond fading, finite forms, if they would gain the true sense of things. Where shall the gaze rest but in the unsearchable realm of Mind? We must look where we would walk, and we must act as possessing all power from Him in whom we have our being." Science & Health with Key to the Scriptures Page 264:7-12

Waiting For Rest

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #319 “I came for the salvation of the world.”

During the five years in which our metaphysical society met weekly, I had the chance to experience a multitude of folks who wanted to save the world. Today's lesson topic, "I came for the salvation of the world", seems to be telling us to go forth and proselytize, or perhaps to save souls or something of that sort. It is not. This lesson tells us, "...what one gains is given unto all", and the salvation spoken of is not to be found at some future date, but now, always. Every iota of Truth we accept is a gift to the world. We are all the expression of divine Mind and it only takes a cleansing of ego-based thought to accept this. By our humble yielding, we begin to understand that our salvation lies in this knowledge!

Mary Baker Eddy quotes:

“Millions of unprejudiced minds--simple seekers for Truth, weary wanderers, athirst in the desert--are waiting and watching for rest and drink.”

Science & Health Page 570:14-17

We're All This, Together!

creation of Sandy Wythawai Starbird

ACIM Workbook Lesson #318

“In me salvation's means and end are one.”

We're all in this together, although it appears as though we all see things through different eyes. We seem to be satellites, rotating around something unseen, sometimes floating in unison, often bumping into each other and throwing our orbit out of sync — but we're all in this together. Let's leave out the word "in": We're all this together. This togetherness sometimes manifests itself as groups of people who commingle for the joy of being with each other. We may have book clubs, and study groups, and sewing circles, and various groups of people who come together in communion. This fellowship has been sought-after since the beginning of time. Personally, I have no interest in being a part of any group simply to be with others. There must be a communication which surpasses the ordinary. I want stunning honesty, inspiring exchanges, Love shared. From this demonstrated Oneness with each other as the experience of God, salvation is realized as the means, the end, the Only.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

 "Knowing the Science of creation, in which all is Mind and its ideas, Jesus rebuked the material thought of his fellow-countrymen: 'Ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?' How much more should we seek to apprehend the spiritual ideas of God, than to dwell on the objects of sense!"

.Science & Health Page 509:28-3

The Law of Love

photo credit: Heather Peters

ACIM Workbook Lesson #317

“I follow in the way appointed me.”

Isn't it interesting? When I hear this phrase coming out of my mouth in a sanctimonious tone, I've found it to be an indicator that I'm getting ready to give a speech based on strong opinions and unnecessary emotions. Watching people in leadership roles, I've noticed something similar with them, too. Their words seem to be ego-based, their ideas headstrong, and their demeanor unhappy. Then I look at my friends who are following the law of Love, scattering contagious joy as they "follow in the way appointed". This comparison gives me renewed resolve to break away from the bonds of learned behavior and let myself follow Truth's calling. And if I err and jump up on my high horse to pontificate, thank goodness I get to choose again!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“All the evidence of physical sense and all the knowledge obtained from physical sense must yield to Science, to the immortal truth of all things.”

Science & Health 493:6-8

No Words

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #316 “All gifts I give my brothers are my own.”

I have no words today, so I shall leave you with this Course in Miracles lesson: “As every gift my brothers give is mine, so every gift I give belongs to me. Each one allows a past mistake to go, and leave no shadow on the holy mind my Father loves. His grace is given me in every gift a brother has received throughout all time, and past all time as well. My treasure house is full, and angels watch its open doors that not one gift is lost, and only more are added. Let me come to where my treasures are, and enter in where I am truly welcome and at home, among the gifts that God has given me.” ACIM Lesson #316

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“… that joy which finds one’s own in another’s good”

Miscellaneous Writings 1883–1896, p. 127

The Sustenance of Love

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #315 “All gifts my brothers give belong to me.”

When someone compliments us on something we have done, it’s a gift, don't you think? Perhaps we feel like Snoopy when he levitates from pure joy! We're beginning to understand that anytime anyone gives this gift anywhere, it buoys us, too. When we open ourselves to the radiance of Love, which flows through all existence, we are carried along effortlessly and joyfully. We no longer expect the so-called murphy's law to be in effect, bringing us challenges rather than harmony. Instead, we allow all the goodness and knowledge of the universe to be ours, expecting nothing and welcoming everything. Every good thought we send out into the universe multiplies. The good we do for one is done for all!!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The sun, giving light and heat to the earth, is a figure of divine Life and Love, enlightening and sustaining the universe.”

Science & Health Page 538:11-13

Insight and Perspicacity

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #314 “I seek a future different from the past.”

Often it takes a big shake up to force us to change ways of thought and actions which have become ingrained within us. It seems comfortable, easy, and safe to stay within the bounds of what we know. Looking back on the past decades, I see where I would have been stuck in mundane and perhaps even destructive living had it not been for events which shocked me into new ways. I am most grateful for the times when life seemed good, when I rested in cozy contentment, but then changes were facilitated by seeming tragedy. The move from by-rote living to Upper Case Living takes courage, but to “seek a future different from the past” insures that we shall have one!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“A knowledge of the Science of being develops the latent abilities and possibilities of man. It extends the atmosphere of thought, giving mortals access to broader and higher realms. It raises the thinker into his native air of insight and perspicacity.”

Science & Health Page 128:13-19

Perceiving the Rainbow

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #313 “Now let a new perception come to me.”

It's my understanding that everyone sees a rainbow differently, according to where they are when they view it. Isn't that a perfect metaphor for everything from politics to the clothes we put on our bodies? Where I am in thought is how I will perceive something. Things which I may think of as being for the good of everyone, someone else may see as the downfall of society. It's just a matter of how you look at it. A line from a movie comes to mind in which an octogenarian tells us that life is like a ride on a roller coaster. She says that some people think the ride is frightening and stressful; others see it as fun and exciting. I love this reminder, and there are so many times in our experience where we could go many directions with our perception of a situation. How exciting to test my understanding as I go through this day!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The human mind will sometime rise above all material and physical sense, exchanging it for spiritual perception, and exchanging human concepts for the divine consciousness. Then man will recognize his God-given dominion and being."

Science & Health Page 531:10-14

Idea of Divine Mind

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #312 “I see all things as I would have them be.”

If I tell folks I want to give up the thoughts I think and think the thoughts of divine Mind, they might assume I am involved in a cultish-type of group. But I think of it as just the opposite! If I am making decisions based on past events and learned behaviors, then I have no freedom of thought. I am living by material restrictions and repeating actions dictated by human opinion, including my own. My desire to live as an idea of divine Mind opens me to an expansion of thought and action which has no limit. What an exciting world this is, when we go beyond set boundaries dictated by past education and see our way to a deeper education, facilitated by divine Love!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"The supposed existence of more than one mind was the basic error of idolatry. This error assumed the loss of spiritual power, the loss of the spiritual presence of Life as infinite Truth without an unlikeness, and the loss of Love as ever present and universal."

Science & Health Page 479:5-10

False Testimony

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #311

“I judge all things as I would have them be.”

As I read today's lesson -- which begins the first of ten lessons asking us, "What is the Last Judgment?" -- I think of ancient Toltec wisdom given to us by Don Miguel Ruiz in the Four Agreements. Two of these agreements lead us easily to non-judgment: "Don't make assumptions" and "Don't take anything personally". These suggestions always come to mind when I'm tempted to take offense by someone's statements or to apportion blame in any way. If I don't take anything personally, then I need make no assumptions as to others' motives. If I make no assumption about why someone says or does something, then I won't be thinking they are attacking me or anyone else. With the realization that there is no judgment in divine Love, no condemnation in the one Mind, no censure from Spirit, we are able to stop doing those things to ourselves and those we perceive as others. Our thoughts of separation are free to cease as we embrace Unity!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The earth’s diurnal rotation is invisible to the physical eye, and the sun seems to move from east to west, instead of the earth from west to east. Until rebuked by clearer views of the everlasting facts, this false testimony of the eye deluded the judgment and induced false conclusions.” Science & Health Page 121:17-22 

Fearless!

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #310 “In fearlessness and love I spend today.”

It seems as though we instill fear and worry in our children even before they're born. Most mothers-to-be are worried about a myriad of things, having been taught to believe it's necessary that they do so. From the moment we stand up and toddle we hear, Be careful, don't fall! When I was a child, I loved to walk in the woods alone, and the only warnings I was given had to do with snakes or perhaps the occasional wild carnivore. Nowadays, everything from ticks to the sun may attack us, and we go to great lengths to protect ourselves, putting poisons on our skin to avoid something we perceive to be worse. This is yet another example of the material illusions we have made for ourselves. As I go through this day, I will notice what learned behaviors are ruling my life, holding me in fear rather than Love. The words of a great teacher come to mind: Perfect Love casts out fear!

Mary Baker Eddy quote: “Hold thought steadfastly to the enduring, the good, and the true, and you will bring these into your experience proportionably to their occupancy of your thoughts.” Science & Health with Key to the Scriptures Page 261:4-7

What If ...?

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #309

“I will not fear to look within today.”

Why would we fear to look within? Why would we fear seeing our true self? I think it's because we believe that all the little horrible things we've done in our lives are what we’d be looking at. Perhaps we feel that to look within would involve some sort of life review which would require us to answer for every supposed sin we've committed. But what if we're looking within at our pure and perfect Self, as we are created by divine Mind? And what if, after we find what we've forgotten, we allow it to come forth and live with us, as us? In the process, we truly forgive ourselves for all of it, allowing thought to stay in the realm of Oneness, releasing guilt and fear, living only in Love. What if ...

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“For right reasoning there should be but one fact before the thought, namely, spiritual existence. In reality there is no other existence, since Life cannot be united to its unlikeness, mortality.” Science & Health Page 491:3-6

No Time Like the Present!

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #308

"This instant is the only time there is."

Numerous sayings about time come to thought when reading today’s topic: “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the present.” (Kung Fu Panda) I'm also reminded of something Deepak Chopra said: "Time is something we have made up so everything doesn't happen all at once." Albert Einstein showed us that time is relative. Time spent in a dentist chair passes differently from time spent visiting with a dear friend. Later in life, Mr. Einstein came to believe that time was not just relative, but unreal! Here is a quote from him, written in a letter to a friend: "To those of us who believe in physics, this separation between past, present, and future, is only an illusion, if a stubborn one." So why do we limit ourselves with time? We always think we're too young or too old, or this physical malady will pass with time, or that we simply don't have time to do the things we want to do. When I realize that I'm not a mortal living in what seems to be now, but an immortal living in eternity, then some major shifts in perception can take place. Only "time will tell" what happens with that realization!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Never ask for tomorrow: it is enough that divine Love is an ever-present help; and if you wait, never doubting, you will have all you need every moment.” Miscellaneous Writings Page 307

No Conflict in Truth

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #307 “Conflicting wishes cannot be my will.”

I personally witnessed how conflicting wishes influence experience. I was going to a friend’s house and had a number of items I was going to take to her. I had quickly cleaned up my living room the day before and knew I had put these things somewhere — but could not find them! I searched for thirty minutes (maybe more!) and finally gave up, with a sneaking suspicion I may have thrown them in the garbage, which had been picked up that morning. Throughout the course of the day, a number of  upsetting things happened, one of which was an incident of road rage aimed at me for no reason that I could ascertain! Upon returning home, I sat down and calmed my thought, releasing any residual turmoil that was flitting around the edges, then I walked right to the bag of things I had wanted to deliver to my friend. It’s so easy to fall into conflicting wishes which are not my will, but I’m happy to be learning how to release them to the nothingness from which they came!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The suppositional warfare between truth and error is only the mental conflict between the evidence of the spiritual senses and the testimony of the material senses, and this warfare between the Spirit and flesh will settle all questions through faith in and the understanding of divine Love.”

Science and Health Page 287:3-8

True Idea Voicing Good

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #306 “The gift of Christ is all I seek today.”

To allow light to fill your mind, to live grace as your natural state, to learn this Course and experience a mind healed of fear and limitation, requires you to be willing to question every value you hold. We tend to think it’s a good thing to hold strong opinions on any number of subjects, such as politics. I’m not saying we shouldn’t work for social reform, or stand up to harmful behaviors, or that we should become the proverbial doormat.  But I do feel that giving up things which make us angry enable us to open ourselves to this gift of the Christ, this Love which guides us in meaningful ways which were being hidden by strong mindsets. I think it will be an interesting exercise to take note of the thoughts I have which keep me from the gift of divine Love. I hope you’ll join me!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Christ is the true idea voicing good, the divine message from God to men speaking to the human consciousness.” Science & Health Page 332:9-11