Giving Impulse to Inquiry

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #18

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

A good friend who receives these writings has asked me how she is to be compassionate if she is not going to accept the reality of someone’s pain or loss. This is a very good question! Today’s lesson emphasizes the idea that our minds are joined by way of divine Mind. The admission that everything is unified helps us to hold thought to a more elevated level, knowing that I am “not alone in experiencing the effects of my seeing”.  This doesn’t mean we should not help those in need, nor that we should make light of others’ pain and suffering. I strive to give people comfort without accepting within my thought that it’s a horrid event to be feared, or a sad event which will take time to release, or that change is something to avoid. There’s nothing “wrong” with crying with friends, holding their hand and offering comforting words, and helping them to find joy again. Never think that these teachings are meant to make us an automaton which unfeelingly goes forward in some sort of metaphysical trance. We are all individuals with a purpose! Never fear living life to the fullest!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"In the material world, thought has brought to light with great rapidity many useful wonders. With like activity have thought's swift pinions been rising towards the realm of the real, to the spiritual cause of those lower things which give impulse to inquiry." Science & Health Page 268:1-6