Let it Go

PC: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #122 "Forgiveness offers everything I want."

Immediately after reading the above-quoted topic, I read this: “We do ourselves a great disservice when we let the bitter opinions of others mingle and subvert our own thoughts.” (Dodinsky) This brought to mind one of the Four Agreements as interpreted by Don Miguel Ruiz: “Don’t take anything personally.”  It seems as though these two thoughts summarize exactly what I’m feeling right now. And these ideas remind me of Gandhi’s wisdom: “If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change. As a man changes his own nature, so does the attitude of the world change toward him.” Namastè, dear Friends.

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 Page 261:4-7

Unforgiven Episodes

photo credit: Nick Franchi

ACIM Workbook Lesson #121 “Forgiveness is the key to happiness.”

When we have a lesson which mentions forgiveness in its topic, I always pause and search my memories for treasured pain and long-held grievances. While I don’t find many of these feelings toward others, there are a few recurring things I hold against myself. These unforgiven episodes range from childhood mistakes to unthinking acts in later life, and some bring tears because I find them to be so heinous. I stop to wonder how these actions were interpreted by those toward whom I feel such guilt. Perhaps they didn't know, and if they did, they may not remember it in the same light as I do. In this reliving of the past, I recall a quote from someone, somewhere, which brings me solace: "What you do in the present redeems the past and changes the future." Namasté to myself, and you, and all ---

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

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

Science & Health Page 520:3-5

Omnipotent in Goodness

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Lesson #119

Review of:

#107 "Truth will correct all errors in my mind."

#108 "To give and to receive are one in truth."

It seems there are any number of errors to correct in this world. It’s quite a relief to discover that I only need to correct them in my mind, not in the fearful and angry minds I witness around me. If I look at these actions with horror, or disgust, or anger, or fear, I have become a part of them and share in them. If I look on others as Love’s reflection, there is forgiveness. By making such statements in public, I run the risk of someone telling me I don’t know what I’m talking about — and, perhaps, they wouldn’t be using words quite so kind! There is a young woman who makes videos about these teachings. She is often verbally attacked in the comments section of YouTube. If the speaker and her supporters are willing to give these derogatory words energy through retaliation and defense, they are accepting attacks within themselves. If we rather send forth forgiveness, realizing we are all One in Truth, then we give the gift of Love — and receive it ourselves. Therein lies correction!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Because Truth is infinite, error should be known as nothing. Because Truth is omnipotent in goodness, error, Truth's opposite, has no might.”

Science & Health Page 329:21-24

Listening

ACIM Lesson #118 Review of: #105 "God's peace and joy are mine." #106 "Let me be still and listen to the truth."

Listening is a learned art, a choice, a possibility! I know how difficult it can be to truly listen to someone, without judgment, without thinking about what I’m going to say next, without daydreaming about something else other than hearing what’s in front of me. Not listening to others is a habit which can be broken. The deep listening which we are asked to practice in order to hear Truth, thereby knowing peace and joy, is also a possibility which can be learned if I so choose. It’s not always an easy task to get out of my own way and listen, to hear what Love is whispering within. These workbook lessons are invaluable in the development of spiritual sense: they teach us to be still and listen, and to recognize the Truth that we are hearing. I am very grateful —

LLL

Mary Baker Eddy quote: “Lips must be mute and materialism silent, that man may have audience with Spirit, the divine Principle, Love, which destroys all error.” Science & Health Page15:11-13

Lifting the Veil of Material Belief

photo credit: Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Lesson #117

Review of: #103 "God, being Love, is also happiness." #104 "I seek but what belongs to me in truth."

At a gathering of women, talk centered around how stereotypes of people have changed over the years, what keeps these generalizations alive, and what we really, truly think about such things. While the conversation was stimulating and fun for all involved, we were looking at this from an entirely matter-based standpoint. No mention or thought was given to the reality of our Being and the fact that there truly is no difference in any of us. Our race, nationality, teachings, are said to combine to make us who we are. We supposedly have differences which are sometimes irreconcilable with others of our species. In our study of metaphysical realities, we are eager to let go of these beliefs which keep us shackled to thought which is stagnant. Living every moment in Love precludes thinking of others as different. Although it seems impossible that we could all live in this way, doing no harm to anyone or anything, always expressing our perfection as a reflection of God, it is not. This possibility is an actuality in the reality of our Being, which we're seeing more clearly every day. Love and happiness are our realities, and this Truth is seen clearly when the veil of material belief is lifted.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“...God is Love, and without Love, God, immortality cannot appear. Mortals try to believe without understanding Truth; yet God is Truth.”

Science & Health Page 312:16-19

Rectifying the Past

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Lesson #116 Review of: #101 "God's Will for me is perfect happiness."

#102 "I share God's Will for happiness for me."

Yesterday I related a situation which was happening with my neighbor, in which I felt attacked by his words. I decided to listen for understanding rather than simply responding in the way I was tempted to do. After numerous emails, we have ended the day with a relatively calm truce in which I believe we both understand each other better. We all want happiness, safety, health, and good friends. We would all like to have our opinions respected. Many of us have many regrets from the past, and we feel trapped by the magnitude of some memories. Although we cannot change our past, I’m pretty sure what we do in the present rectifies the past and changed the future. Let’s all live in the moment, doing our very best in every situation, right here and now, and see what happens next!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Upon this stage of existence goes on the dance of mortal mind. Mortal thoughts chase one another like snowflakes, and drift to the ground. Science reveals Life as not being at the mercy of death, nor will Science admit that happiness is ever the sport of circumstance." Science & Health Page 250:28-1

Listening For Understanding

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #115 Review of:  #99 "Salvation is my only function here." #100 "My part is essential to God's plan for salvation."

It’s very easy for me to say that I am going to see the innocence in my fellow beings, that I shall not condemn actions or words which bombard me, that I will recognize my essential part in this universe. But then, I find myself in a situation where I’m insistent on being right about something, and all my good intentions are laid aside in the pursuit of this goal. I’ve written numerous times in the past about the continuing saga of my neighbor and his vendetta against the turkey vultures which live in our woods. The issue has been raised once again, in a way I deem to be even more bizarre than ever before. It would be easy to dismiss his words as nonsensical ravings, but I truly want to look at the feelings behind them. My quest for listening to others with the intent of understanding rather than responding will not allow me to dismiss him so easily. Following the guidance of divine Mind, I will endeavor this day to listen, not just to others, but to the still, small voice inside, allowing my heart to lead my actions.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Society is a foolish juror, listening only to one side of the case. Justice often comes too late to secure a verdict. People with mental work before them have no time for gossip about false law or testimony. To reconstruct timid justice and place the fact above the falsehood, is the work of time.”

Science & Health Page 238:25-30

Cheers to Us!

photo credit: Chris Fischer

ACIM Workbook Lesson #114

Review of:  #97 "I am spirit." #98 "I will accept my part in God's plan for salvation."

Knowing that we are Spirit, and understanding what that means, allows us to live by divine law rather than material belief.  It's difficult to accept that we are so much more than we ever thought! We tend to continue behaviors which are comfortable, rather than opening up to a whole new paradigm of thought and action. Today I’d like to salute all people who have stood up to material laws and worked to end inhumane practices, from Joan of Arc to Elkhart Tolle. Also today I want to salute each and every one of you who aren’t afraid to express divine Love in all action and thought. Accepting our part as an emanation of Spirit brings a freedom to activity before unknown. The willingness to leave the old ways and embrace Oneness in every moment opens us to the grand adventure of Life. Cheers to us! 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Question. — What are the demands of the Science of Soul?

Answer. — The first demand of this Science is, ‘Thou shalt have no other gods before me.’ This me is Spirit. Thou shalt have no intelligence, no life, no substance, no truth, no love, but that which is spiritual.”

Science & Health Page 467:1-7

Uplifting Dialogues

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #113

Review of: #95 "I am one Self, united with my Creator." #96 "Salvation comes from my one Self."

Do you ever feel a kinship with others which is so perfect that you know you are one Self, united in Creation? Perfect unity precludes conflict, and we feel this perfection with people whom we love no matter whether they agree with our every idea or not. It seems difficult, if not impossible, to feel this wholeness with everyone, especially those who diametrically oppose our beliefs.  Today I will practice enjoying the middle road of conversations. If someone wants to talk about things I think are wrong, or foolish, or simply counter to my thought, I will listen with the purpose of understanding, not responding. I will find ways to encourage deep thinking without jumping up on my high horse and insisting that my way is the only way. It really doesn’t matter what the topic of conversation is, there is a middle ground to be found and an uplifting dialogue to be had. I want that. I want that a lot.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Atonement is the exemplification of man's unity with God, whereby man reflects divine Truth, Life, and Love. Jesus of Nazareth taught and demonstrated man's oneness with the Father, and for this we owe him endless homage.” Science & Health Page 18:1-5

Namastè - No Matter What!

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #112: Review of: #93 "Light and joy and peace abide in me" #94 "I am as God created me."

In the movie, “Gandhi”, a Hindu man comes to the Mahatma and tells him that he is going to hell because he has killed a little boy. He is asked, Why did you do this? He replies, Because the Muslims killed my little boy. Gandhi tells him there is a way out of this hell, and that is to find a little Muslim boy whose parents have been killed and raise this child as his own — as a Muslim. Forgiving ourselves is often the hardest thing to do. It helps to know that we are the image of Love, the idea of God, the expression of Spirit. It’s easy to see that Love would not condemn and has no need to forgive. Namastè.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Think of this, dear reader, for it will lift the sackcloth from your eyes, and you will behold the soft-winged dove descending upon you. The very circumstance, which your suffering sense deems wrathful and afflictive, Love can make an angel entertained unawares.” Science & Health Page 574:25-30

Love is Reflected in Love

photo credit: Richard Quick

ACIM Workbook Lesson #111 Review of:  #91 “Miracles are seen in light." #92 "Miracles are seen in light, and light and strength are one.”

Every day we are made aware of situations which seem to have no solution. The practice of killing people for crimes they have committed is one of those. The proponents and opponents are often very vocal on this issue, and sometimes it seems they both have valid points. Ultimately, I know I wouldn’t feel better about a loved one’s death because someone else had died to “pay” for it. The eye-for-an-eye dogma of Moses was replaced by Jesus’ message of peace, facilitated by forgiveness. Is there a happy medium to be reached between these two ways of thought? There must be a better way than what we’ve settled for up to now. Our ACIM review for today speaks of miracles being seen in light. We are told that ligh and strength are one. The strength we feel from seeing past an age-old belief is, indeed, a miracle!

Mary Baker Eddy quote: “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And Love is reflected in love…” Science & Health Page 17:6-7

As Love Created You

photo credit: Richard Quick

ACIM Workbook Lesson #110

“I am as God created me.”

During a conversation with a friend, I was asked how I could have come through a particular time without some form of psychological therapy. I hadn't considered that as an option, but in retrospect, I see that it was because I accepted reality over illusion. The reality is that I am as God created me. The illusion is all the stories I encountered which could affect how I feel about myself and others. Let's say you have just found out about something which happened in the past. This new knowledge changes many material truths you believed, including your name, age, and heritage. What reaction would you have? Perhaps your initial response would be anger. People would say this is a normal reaction to betrayal. With the realization that you are as Love created you, this situation is seen to have absolutely nothing to do with your true self, allowing the hurtful illusion to dissipate as mist hit by sunlight. Our hurt feelings, our fears, can disappear into their native nothingness, being replaced with the Truth: "I Am as God created me". Anything other than our true creation is changeable, and so today I choose unchanging, eternal Truth!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“In divine Science, man is the true image of God. The divine nature was best expressed in Christ Jesus, who threw upon mortals the truer reflection of God and lifted their lives higher than their poor thought-models would allow.”

Science & Health Page 259:6-9

Free From Worry

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #109

“I rest in God.”

To rest in divine Mind frees us from all planning and worry. To give away all belief in and living from past experience clears the way to knowing Truth. To know Truth means to know ourselves, and to demonstrate Principle in our every thought and action. Although I find this spiritual practice invigorating, not everyone feels the same. I know people who think they would be giving away their individuality if they let go of their personal history. I find the opposite to be true. When I lose a sense of personal responsibility, when I let go the beliefs I've had about certain circumstances, there is a pure empty space in thought. This space is now open to recognize what has always been there: Love. Divine Love. This is our power: the ability to accept the good that is there for us, the ability to rest in God. 

Mary Baker Eddy quote: “…when we realize that immortal Mind is ever active, and that spiritual energies can neither wear out nor can so-called material law trespass upon God-given powers and resources, we are able to rest in Truth, refreshed by the assurances of immortality, opposed to mortality." Science & Health Page 387:8-12

Unified Thought

photo credit: Stephen Shogren

ACIM Workbook Lesson #108 “To give and to receive are one in truth.”

Most of the people I know are givers. They give of their time and money to causes they support; they give love and affection to family and friends; they give of themselves generously, always stepping up when anyone is in need. But many of these wonderful people aren't comfortable receiving compliments, or taking a helping hand when they're having problems, or accepting a gift when they're in need. Why do they give so freely, but are uncomfortable accepting others’ offerings to them? This duality in thought is negated with the understanding of today's lesson, which tells us that giving and receiving are one in truth. "One thought, completely unified, will serve to unify all thoughts." [ACIM] This unification is the spiritual Principle which governs everything, when seen for what it is: Truth. Today I will open my heart to receive all the good which is innately mine, and this reception opens avenues to share in unexpected ways. I will offer to others everything I want for myself: peace, happiness, joy, contentment, satisfaction, grace, love. Freely I have received, freely I give!

Mary Baker Eddy quotes:    

"A musician demonstrates the beauty of the music he teaches in order to show the learner the way by practice as well as precept. Jesus’ teaching and practice of Truth involved such a sacrifice as makes us admit its Principle to be Love."  

--Science & Health Page 79:30-32

Truth Trumps Error

photo credit: Chris Fischer

ACIM Workbook Lesson #107

“Truth will correct all errors in my mind.”

Every prayer, every meditation, every expression of divine Mind is magnified exponentially. We have the power to change the world through ourselves, as every interaction identifies us with either a world of love or of fear. This healing Love spreads through the web of Oneness. In the same way that we take personal responsibility for ourselves, our health, our well-being, we can take responsibility for a return to Love. Every thought contributes to the whole! We never know what difference a simple interaction could make in someone's life, and a single word or a smile may turn them away from reactive fear to healing Love. The Truth which corrects all errors in our mind is our ascension into heaven within. Never doubt that you matter, that you make a difference.  Allow silence and listening to guide you in your role of being the change you want to see! 

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: 27-31

Resurrection of Thought

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #106 “Let me be still and listen to the truth.”

What does the Easter story mean to you? I see it as a tale which illustrates the death of false beliefs and the resurrection of thought to the Truth of being. Jesus was here to teach us that we are all the children of God, that we are all capable of far more than we realize, and that we are all immortal. Although he did teach these things, it seems people have diluted the message over the years. You would think such a lesson of power and freedom would grow in thought rather than dissipate, but it has not. At this point in time, it appears we are satisfied living a mortal life of fear and guilt. Perhaps it's easier than accepting the majesty of our Being. Truth is that we are not mortal sinners, but rather immortal reflections of divine Love. We crucify ourselves on the cross of belief and stay there because we don't know how to get down. Jesus told us to know the Truth and be freed; that the kingdom of heaven is within! Today I want to celebrate a rebirth which is happening continually when I open myself to the Christ Idea within. And if you want to call it by another name, that’s just fine, too!!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Salvation: Life, Truth, and Love understood and demonstrated as supreme over all." Science & Health Page 593:20-21

Extending Love Unto Itself - April 15, 2017

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #105 “God’s peace and joy are mine.”

I love these words from today's ACIM workbook lesson: "True giving is creation. It extends the limitless to the unlimited, eternity to timelessness, and love unto itself." To live our lives from this perspective allows us to express Love freely, with no fear of it being rejected or misinterpreted. We can gently reach out to people we've just met with heartfelt expressions of empathy and compassion. We bloom in unexpected ways when "extending the limitless to the unlimited". It's ours to give and to receive, in an eternal loop of Love. There's no way to measure how far the ripples of our joy and peace may extend. My cup runneth over!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"The calm and exalted thought or spiritual apprehension is at peace. Thus the dawn of ideas goes on, forming each successive stage of progress." Science & Health Page 506:11-14

Joy and Peace and Happiness

photo credit: Chris Fischer 

ACIM Workbook Lesson #104 “I seek but what belongs to me in truth.”

Joy and peace and happiness are my birthright. These things are what belong to me in truth. These gifts do not need to be earned. We needn't barter with a faraway god in order to experience them. We don't need to wait until we die, we don't have to do a certain number of good deeds, we don't need to take communion, it's not necessary to belong to a church. We have been hoodwinked into believing that we must strive all our lives to attain something which seems unattainable. The conflict of the world is so great that we can't make our way through the maze to the prize we know must be hiding somewhere. We are learning that we can confidently clear the altar of our minds, freeing our thought from fear and pain, and embracing our function as forgiveness, thereby healing our minds and allowing us to find what has always been there: joy and peace and happiness!

Mary Baker Eddy quote: “Divine Love blesses its own ideas, and causes them to multiply, — to manifest His power. Man is not made to till the soil. His birthright is dominion, not subjection. He is lord of the belief in earth and heaven, — himself subordinate alone to his Maker. This is the Science of being.” Science & Health Page 517:30-4

What is Love?

"The Well-Loved Child"
creations of Sandy Wythawai Starbird

ACIM Workbook Lesson #103 “God, being Love, is also happiness.”

I know a man who insists he's never known happiness. He often says he doesn't have any idea what love feels like, yet he has a twinkle in his eye and is usually smiling. I think he's happy, but simply doesn't recognize what that means. Perhaps he’s grasping at something he thinks of as being just out of reach. I would guess he feels love, too, but thinks it's supposed to bring on an epiphany of some sort. Personally, I feel intense rushes of love from something as pure as seeing the first flock of butterflies in the spring. A group of swallowtails frolicking in my flower bed is more than enough to break open my heart and leave me feeling giddy. Remembering my friend’s lament over the lack of love in his life, remembering the butterflies' grace which flows to me, I will think twice before I pass by any divine Idea without drinking in its happiness. Love and happiness are our divine heritage as the expression of God. God is Love, and so are we!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Higher enjoyments alone can satisfy the cravings of immortal man.” Science & Health Page 61:1

Harmonizing With Principle

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #101 “God’s Will for me is perfect happiness.”

Were you taught that salvation involved some sort of penance for your sins? Most people were, in some form or fashion. Perhaps this is why so many turn away from religion. I'm really not sure how theology has decided that we're sinners, because when I read the teachings of Jesus, I don't find this. For this reason (and many others), I'm most grateful for the teachings of Mary Baker Eddy and, also, A Course in Miracles. Both of these disciplines attempt to show us that we are the expression of God. As God's experience, we are the embodiment of happiness and joy! Anything opposite of this harmony is but our misunderstanding. As we clear away these misapprehensions, we allow what we've always known, deep inside, to begin lighting our path. As we walk more surely, the brighter the illumination becomes!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“For true happiness, man must harmonize with his Principle, divine Love…” Science & Health Page 337:7-8

A Natural State of Happy

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #102 “I share God’s Will for happiness for me.”

We all know people who seem to be chronically sad, don't we? They share a commonality of repeatedly replaying painful and distressing events in their thought and conversation. I have some sad memories which pop into my head occasionally. When this happens, there's a choice: I can relive the events mentally and/or verbally and thereby keep them alive, or I can acknowledge that they're still in my thoughts, but know that they are not the Truth of my Being. Yes, it happened (whatever it is). It's part of my material history, but my spiritual reality has not been touched by it. The peace brought by this understanding is priceless. I can be happy! Even in the midst of things which I may not think of as particularly joyful, I can give myself permission to be happy. It is, after all, my natural state of Being!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Harmony is produced by its Principle, is controlled by it and abides with it. Divine Principle is the Life of man. Man’s happiness is not, therefore, at the disposal of physical sense.” 

Science & Health Page 304:16-19

Unyielding Happiness

photo credit: Richard Quick

ACIM Workbook Lesson #100 “My part is essential to God’s plan for salvation.”

Happiness is a stand-out theme in today’s ACIM workbook lesson. What does it take to be happy? Many of us feel that as long as everything is going fine, we’re happy; conversely, when things are not so good, we’re unhappy. Following this line of thinking, we should be happy as long as there is no pain in our lives, but when it raises its head, we would be unhappy. I’m not sure about you, but I don’t know any people who live a pain-free life. What if we don’t think of pain as something to be feared, but as something to be embraced and examined? Think back to painful experiences you’ve had. I know they’ve always left me in a better spot than they found me. Please don’t think I’m saying you should seek out pain for the good it will do. Simply acknowledge that a little rain must fall and it has a purpose. Often we grow into something delightfully surprising!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Harmony in man is as beautiful as in music, and discord is unnatural, unreal.”

Science & Health Page 304:16-21

The Blossom Shines Through the Bud

photo credit: Chris Fischer

ACIM Workbook Lesson #99

“Salvation is my only function here.”

When David Hoffmeister was "called" to go on the road and talk to people about the teachings of A Course in Miracles, he didn't know how he would have the funds to do this. He was told by Spirit that all his needs would be supplied, but he didn't believe that. He found himself trying to teach Jesus about the laws of supply and demand. David is a man with excessive formal education, including knowledge of economics, and so he felt certain that Jesus simply didn't understand how the world worked. We tend to think of people like Buddha and St. Francis and Jesus as being beggars of sorts. They didn't make a lot of money, but trusted in the Universe to provide. David was being asked to rely on Spirit to articulate this new/old curriculum. He was being led to teach using everything available -- music, dance, lectures, gatherings -- to help others express deep Love and peace.  The reign of peace has begun, and many people are fighting against it. Let's not be concerned with that. Let's put our energy where it will grow -- on this peaceful transition. Christ consciousness is coming out of hiding and we're being called to help everyone see (by way of our own sight) that this is not some esoteric thing which must be kept secret. It's to be shouted from the rooftops! Fear not, shine your light, call forth witnesses to this light -- and above all, don't tone down your joy!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Love giveth to the least spiritual idea might, immortality, and goodness, which shine through all as the blossom shines through the bud.” Science & Health Page 518:19-21”

Unformed Thoughts into Proper Channels

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #98

“I will accept my part in God’s plan for salvation.”

To the uninitiated in this way of thought, the topic for today could be interpreted as asking us to accept some sort of predestination. We who are familiar with this study, know it is not. Deepak Chopra once said that there is no free will as long as we are being held by the beliefs of a lifetime. For this reason, we are asked time and again to look through the meaning we have placed on things and allow ourselves to think with divine Mind, feel from the leadings of Love, and create from the depths of Soul. When we are yielding to divine Principle, it doesn't seem to matter what dictates are put before us: they either feel right and we follow them, or else they are part of the ego-driven illusion and we turn away. To me, that's accepting God's plan.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Spirit, God, gathers unformed thoughts into their proper channels, and unfolds these thoughts, even as [It] opens the petals of a holy purpose in order that the purpose may appear." Science & Health Page 506:18-21

Reflection in Multifarious Form

photo credit: Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #97 “I am spirit.”

I've been reading and studying the works of Bicknell Young. This fascinating man was the nephew of Brigham Young, the renowned Mormon leader. I can only imagine his family's surprise when he discovered the teachings of Mary Baker Eddy in the late 1800s, and then went on to gain fame speaking and writing about Christian Science during the next few decades. He's the proverbial person, dead or living, whom I'd choose to sit down with for an evening. These sentences about Spirit are part of what pique my interest to know every thought he ever had! "Consciousness is Spirit. It does not become spiritual nor is it spiritualized. Nor does the evolution of consciousness mean a rising above or a purification from anything; it is the ceaseless unfoldment of infinity." Thank you, Mr. Young!

Mary Baker Eddy quote: “Identity is the reflection of Spirit, the reflection in multifarious forms of the living Principle, Love.” Science & Health Page 277:20-22

My One Self

creation of Sandy Wythawai Starbird

ACIM Workbook Lesson #96

“Salvation comes from my one Self.”

Yesterday we pondered what our one Self is. Today we are contemplating how salvation comes from this knowledge. I know I have been saved much grief by the realization that my mind doesn’t need to be busy all the time. Relaxing of the mind is as important (if not more) than resting the body. For one thing, the practice of quieting the mind is integral to listening. I've found that when thought is jumping about, it's impossible to truly listen to anything. One thought leads to another, and before I know it, I’ve gone all around the world and have no idea what's happening right in front of me. By the same token, if I expect to understand from the point of spiritual discernment, it's pretty darn hard to do so if my own self won't be quiet long enough to concentrate on a simple sentence in a book. This is always a good indicator me: If I can't read and digest what I've read, then I'd best have a "time out" to still my monkey mind from its busy-ness! What a peaceful, harmonious world this will be when we all take time to quiet self-importance and listen for Self-knowledge!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"The point for each one to decide is, whether it is mortal mind or immortal Mind that is causative. We should forsake the basis of matter for metaphysical Science and its divine Principle." Science & Health Page 195:11-14

Divine Image

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #95

“I am one Self, united with my Creator.”

You are the presence of God. Does this statement make you uneasy? Perhaps traditional theology has taught you that such an idea is sacrilege. Maybe you simply feel too inferior to accept yourself as Godlike. It's not so difficult to say that you are one with everything. We're happy to feel a connection with all things and often go to retreats and workshops which help us feel this unity. But what does this thing called Oneness really mean? It could be taken wholly on a material basis, and you might say that we're all the same in our physical makeup of minerals and flesh, etc. You might be willing to go a step further and say we're all the same because God made us in Its image and likeness. Does it make you cringe to call God It rather than He? We're accustomed to anthropomorphizing God, making deity like us rather than the other way around. As we learn to accept and embrace our identity as the experience and expression of God, we find we can proudly announce our goodness, our wholeness, even our perfection. This honors God and Its creation in a way that self-conscious deprecation or self-righteous pride cannot. It's a beautiful day to explore what all this means in daily practice!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"God, without the image and likeness of [Itself], would be a nonentity, or Mind unexpressed. [It] would be without a witness or proof of [Its] own nature. Spiritual man is the image or idea of God, an idea which cannot be lost nor separated from its divine Principle."

Science & Health Page 303:25-30

Spirit, the Great Architect

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #94

“I am as God created me.”

Have you ever sat quietly and asked, "What am I?" Other than listening, only one thing is required: Give up any belief of what you think you are. By focusing on what is rather than what isn't, we are learning to understand our connection to God. As I go about my activities today, the seven synonyms for God, as given in Science & Health by Mary Baker Eddy, will be with me along with the ACIM topic which is, "I am as God created me." These synonymous terms for God are Mind, Spirit, Soul, Principle, Life, Truth, Love. If a situation comes up in which I'm tempted to express irritation, I will think: I Am as Love created me. If I don't understand something, I will declare: I Am as Mind created me. This will be a lovely challenge to think of myself in these ways! What a fun day it will be!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Sometime we shall learn how Spirit, the great architect, has created men and women in Science. We ought to weary of the fleeting and false and to cherish nothing which hinders our highest selfhood.”

Science & Health Page 68:4-9

Light and Joy and Peace

photo credit: Heather Peters

ACIM Workbook Lesson #93

“Light and joy and peace abide in me.”

So-called hate groups have increased by 14% in this country over the past year. A man named Tony McAleer describes himself as being beaten and bullied as a child; bitter and isolated as a teenager. He became involved in one of these groups while seeking a connection with others. To quote him: "When you're starving and somebody keeps feeding you what you think are your favorite foods, even though it's junk food, there's going to be a while where you're not going to get up from the table." He continued to practice violence and anger until after the birth of his daughter. He said that was the first time in his life he had felt connected to another human being, and he started to want to change. He has now organized  a group called "Life After Hate" and is helping others to build relationships with people. He says if we are to counter these groups, we must get to a place where empathy outweighs fear. That is what we are realizing through these studies, too. "Light and joy and peace abide in me" -- and in everyone!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Light is a symbol of Mind, of Life, Truth, and Love, and not a vitalizing property of matter. Science reveals only one Mind, and this one shining by its own light and governing the universe, including man, in perfect harmony.."

Science & Health Page 510:27-1

Light is Strength

photo credit: Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #92

“Miracles are seen in light, and light and strength are one.”

I saw a clip from a morning show in which they were asking people questions about spirituality and religion. Most of those interviewed thought of themselves as spiritual but not religious, and the few self-proclaimed religious people were mainly looking for a sense of community and fellowship. A sense of inclusiveness was often mentioned in the answers. People apparently are looking for a spiritual group which will accept them as they are, without trying to change them. Many spoke of doubt, stating they needed groups of like-minded people to help them in times of loss and fear. It seems so simple for everyone to live together in Love, being kind, helping each other. Apparently it is not. Long-held beliefs cloud our vision and we fearfully try to pull others into our illusions. Today I will see the light of miracles everywhere I look, refusing to be pulled into darkness, even in jest.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“As a material, theoretical life-basis is found to be a misapprehension of existence, the spiritual and divine Principle of man dawns upon human thought and leads it to "where the young child was," --even to the birth of a new-old idea, to the spiritual sense of being and of what Life includes. Thus the whole earth will be transformed by Truth on its pinions of light, chasing away the darkness of error."

Science & Health Page 191:7-15