New Beginnings...

Dear Friends,

I have written to you each night for over seven years, and have loved every day of it. Due to life's circumstances, I am looking for ways to cut back on duties in order to carve out time for something else I feel is important. Many of you have expressed to me your enjoyment of these morning musings in your mailbox, and I don't want you to be disappointed if you need or want a thought to start your day. Please know that there are more than 2,000 entries on the blog link below. Let's say you wake up and are worried about your dog. You can go to this blog and search for "dog" and all the dailies which mention this topic will be shown you. So in this way, you will be able to customize your morning spiritual focus!

Please know that when an event happens which prompts me to write, I shall do so! I hope you will keep me on your list of people you receive emails from, and feel free to write me with your thoughts, as many of you have done these last few years. 

“Love one another” (I John, iii. 23), is the most simple and profound

 

counsel of the inspired writer.

" Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 572:6-8

Love Enriches

PC: Steve Shogren

I know a woman who is in her 90s. Since her husband passed on, she has been unhappy with everything around her. Holidays only remind her of times they shared, and she's sad they're gone. The changing of seasons brings grief for various husband-related reasons. She doesn't enjoy meals or celebrations of any sort because she can't share them with him. We have spoken numerous times about this, as she talks about him a lot. Every time she relates her grief, I remind her of her happiness. I don't think she knows it's all right to be happy. She feels she would dishonor him by having fun without him. I see it as the opposite: the dishonor is in the turning from joy to sadness in the name of love. Today I will examine the thoughts I have which hurt. Is it possible to change the pain to quiet joy by a slight shift in thought about the situation? I look forward to finding out! 

“Human affection is not poured forth vainly, even though it meet no return. Love enriches the nature, enlarging, purifying, and elevating it. The wintry blasts of earth may uproot the flowers of affection, and scatter them to the winds; but this severance of fleshly ties serves to unite thought more closely to God, for Love supports the struggling heart until it ceases to sigh over the world and begins to unfold its wings for heaven.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 346: 13-16

Remembering

PC: Aaron Springston
Central Park

Any number of people, whom I know quite well, have told me they don't feel like they belong here. I think we all, at some time or another, have felt this way. What if, rather than us not belonging here, this "here" we speak of isn't what we think it is? What if we don't belong in this crazy world, but the world we see isn't reality? Perhaps our true home is something we've sensed is there, sort of like seeing a movement out of the corner of your eye, but when you look directly at it, it's not there.  For years I grasped at straws while ignoring the vast Truth of eternity. We're not strangers in a strange land when we realize the truth of Life. We may think everything is real that we touch and see, but it's shifting and changing, as opposed to the omnipresent stability of our true home. So let's be still a moment and ask to know what that home is. We want it so badly, but we've forgotten what it is. Now we're not afraid to remember!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“As mortals begin to understand Spirit, they give up the belief that there is any true existence apart from God.”

Science & Health Page 282:30-32

Infinite Possibilities

Lothar Schäfer

Someone was sitting on my couch in the living room. She was checking her phone for messages, holding it up to her ear, when a movement in the reflection on the screen caught her eye. As she looked closely at it, she saw that it was showing her the mirror which hangs on the wall across the room from her. In that reflection, she saw the house across the street, and it was moving as though she were passing it in a car. She checked the angles and reflections, searching for how such a thing could have happened, but there was no explanation. When she told me about this, she was surprised I believed her. I explained there are dimensions right here and now which are invisible to us, because we don’t want to believe anything exists other than what we see. I am now contemplating the field of infinite possibilities — and thinking of my dear friend, Lothar Schäfer. Hugs and Love sent to you!

“As mortals gain more correct views of God and man, multitudinous objects of creation, which before were invisible, will become visible.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 264:13-15 

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/217281/infinite-potential-by-lothar-schafer/9780307985958

At-one-ment with Love

photo credit: Richard Quick 

Have you ever had to force yourself to participate in an event only to find, when it was over and done, that you wouldn’t have missed it for the world? I’m thinking now of a community dinner which was held shortly before Christmas last year. A friend asked me to go with her, and I said yes, although I wasn’t enthused. After it was over, I said to someone: Any event with the word “community” in the title, I’m attending! Catherine Reed, set the tone with her guitar and singing. The food was bountiful and delicious. We visited with old friends and laughed and talked and drank wine. I left feeling a communion which was deep and true. The at-one-ment felt at these events and other community-building happenings is a religious experience to me!

Namaste…

“If Truth is overcoming error in your daily walk and conversation, you can finally say, ‘I have fought a good fight . . . I have kept the faith,’ because you are a better man. This is having our part in the at-one-ment with Truth and Love.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 21:1-5

Taking Off Human Shackles

I received a call from a political pollster which has left me confused about more than a few things. Mainly, I’m wondering when three words in particular began to imply varying degrees of lunacy. Here are the words, with a short definition: Liberal - open to new behavior or opinions and willing to discard traditional values. Conservative - holding to traditional attitudes and values and cautious about change or innovation. Moderate - average in amount, intensity, quality, or degree. These words and their definitions do not convey the extreme meaning which the news media apparently wants us to feel. When I was asked by the pollster which I considered myself to be, I was speechless. But then I threw caution to the wind and answered boldly, remembering what I write about every day: change of thought, seeing a new world where illusions appear to be, living fearlessly as Love!

Mary Baker Eddy quote: “Progress takes off human shackles. The finite must yield to the infinite. Advancing to a higher plane of action, thought rises from the material sense to the spiritual, from the scholastic to the inspirational, and from the mortal to the immortal.” Science & Health Page 256:1-5

Everything a Miracle

PC: Aaron Springston

I love this quote attributed to Albert Einstein: “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” Through various religious teachings, most of us think of a miracle as divine power setting aside a material law, allowing something otherworldly or supernatural to occur. What if a miracle is simply a correction of our limiting beliefs, opening us to divine Mind and the limitless Life which is our true heritage as a child of Love? By this remembrance, we heal our mind of separation, giving us a clarity of thought and sight before unknown. I am very grateful —

“The miracle introduces no disorder, but unfolds the primal order, establishing the Science of God’s unchangeable law. Spiritual evolution alone is worthy of the exercise of divine power.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 135:6-10

The Quiet Mind

PC: Aaron Springston

Once, years ago, I was taking a carload of kids to the geography bee in Arkadelphia. After the first hour or so, I turned to one of the boys and said, “Everything that goes through your brain doesn’t need to come out of your mouth!” I remind myself of this often. It is easy to get into a stream-of-consciousness way of talking, allowing ourselves to prattle on about everything we think about. If you notice me going on and on when we’re together, stop me! Please! I think meditation, yoga, and spending time with your flowers is good practice for  quieting the mind. Let me know what you do to center yourself and listen!

“Yet there will always be this place of rest to which you can return. And you will be more aware of this quiet center of the storm than all its raging activity. This quiet center, in which you do nothing, will remain with you, giving you rest in the midst of every busy doing on which you are sent.” From A Course in Miracles — The Passing of the Dream 

Changing Belief

PC: Arthur Bruno

I've had two friends who passed on when they were in their 50s, with no physical cause. One woman was traveling, stopped at a hotel, laid down on the bed and was gone. As this was an unattended death, all the legal protocol were followed and it was determined there was no physical reason at all for her passing. I think this is great! The new realms of thought we're accessing allow many old beliefs to be abandoned -- finally! How many material laws have imprisoned us with unlocked doors? The body, as a wholly neutral thing, is an empty vessel waiting to be filled up with thought. Let's make sure that it’s thought independent of erroneous learning and dogma. Everything is important; nothing is important -- neutrality.

“The elements and functions of the physical body and of the physical world will change as mortal mind changes its beliefs.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 124:32-10

Catch Your Brain on Fire

PC: Aaron Springston

My book club read The Biology of Belief by Bruce Lipton this month. An interesting discussion ensued and was started off by our hostess for this month’s meeting saying that every day she likes to do something which catches her brain on fire. I love that thought! We decided anything can do this for us, whether it’s a comment made randomly by a stranger in the grocery store, a child expressing something we take for granted, or butterflies landing on flowers. In other words, if we’re paying attention (living in the moment, if you will), something will spark a flame in us which will catch our brain on fire with interest and a desire to know more, or be more, or simply sit and enjoy the smoldering embers. Every moment is a catalyst for this burst of interest, when we’re paying attention. Today I look forward to noticing what causes ignition!

“People go into ecstasies over the sense of a corporeal Jehovah, though with scarcely a spark of love in their hearts; yet God is Love, and without Love, God, immortality cannot appear.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 312:14-17

Internal Awakening

PC: Aaron Springston

I feel the “second coming” is an internal awakening. It involves seeing and feeling the never-beginning, never-ending Truth of our being. This burgeoning understanding has brought me the peace which intellectual reasoning never did. I see the world as a loving place, filled with people who care about each other and their environment. In the past, most every day numerous people would tell me why they felt the world was a hate-filled place. Now it's a rarity. Have they changed or have I? Is there a difference if we're all One? Love = Peace = Harmony. Feel the Love!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:[This is from the Glossary, where she gives us the spiritual significance of terms.]

"Japhet (Noah’s son): A type of spiritual peace, flowing from the understanding that God is the divine Principle of all existence, and that man is His idea, the child of His care."  Science & Health Page 589:8-11

Surrounded by Love

[This was written a few years ago when my gallery was open]

When sitting in my gallery with Steve Tyrell singing Frank Sinatra songs, it's easy to feel surrounded by Love. As this is the first cool day in quite some time, I have the front door open to enjoy the fresh air and invite people to come in and see the great collection of art and fine craft we have. Suddenly, the calm is broken by raucous laughter. I look out to see a seemingly drunken man standing in the middle of the street, pretending he's directing traffic, while his friend takes photos of the performance. I nearly slip into judgmental mode, but refrain. I have vowed to see everyone through the eyes of God today. So I enjoy his antics as I sway to the sultry music filling the air. Shortly thereafter, the man in the street comes in with his friend. They rather sheepishly talk about what they were doing. The friend states that usually the man in the street is a quiet, subdued person who would never think of making a scene. As I watch them enjoying their vacation, I see that they truly are reflecting Love, too. I see the motorcycles roaring by as extensions of the fun-loving folks riding them. I take a deep breath and smile.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The very circumstance, which your suffering sense deems wrathful and afflictive, Love can make an angel entertained unawares.”

Science & Health Page 574: 27-30

Infinite Individuality

PC: Aaron Springston

At one point in her writings, Mary Baker Eddy refers to earth as a "preparatory school". To me this means we are learning how to let life become Life. As the image and likeness of God, we reflect eternal Life, divine Mind, healing Love. A number of friends are currently facing major challenges in their lives. While I can't experience what they are (as their feelings are individualized) I can remind them that they are always embraced in Love; that Love is contained by each and every one of us. We are unified in our essence, but individual in our form. As we go through our day, no matter what the circumstance, let's allow divine Love to lead the way.  

“The one Ego, the one Mind or Spirit called God, is infinite individuality, which supplies all form and comeliness and which reflects reality and divinity in individual spiritual man and things.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 281:14-17

Following Your Heart

PC: Aaron Springston

I met a young woman who told me that God was talking to all of us -- and it was time to listen! As we chatted briefly, she told a story of finding out her husband had a girlfriend, getting divorced, feeling hopeless. Then she left a job she didn't enjoy and followed her dream of starting a little antique store where she has lots of cool stuff, like freshly ground coffee and books she wants to share with others: a place where everyone feels welcome. She tells me this happened because she listened to God. Now, this guidance can be called many things -- following your heart, listening for the still small voice, living your dream -- but whatever it's called, it can only be heard by shutting out ego thoughts, the material-based fears, all those other voices telling us we're not good enough, not capable enough. It's heard by silencing the advice of mortal mind, telling us to just stay put because it's safe there and who knows what might happen if we listen to intuition and follow an unknown path. Well, I was very much buoyed by her joy and new-found confidence. It was inspiring that she started the conversation by telling me it was time to listen to God! She made me want to shout Hallelujah!

“Nature voices natural, spiritual law and divine Love, but human belief misinterprets nature. Arctic regions, sunny tropics, giant hills, winged winds, mighty billows, verdant vales, festive flowers, and glorious heavens,--all point to Mind, the spiritual intelligence they reflect. The floral apostles are hieroglyphs of Deity. Suns and planets teach grand lessons. The stars make night beautiful, and the leaflet turns naturally towards the light.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 240:1-9

Listening to Intuition

I was in a local thrift shop and overheard a woman telling of how she had "just known" she should bring her camera with her to work that day. She told her friend that she had repeatedly thought to pick up her camera and have it with her, but she had rationalized that there was no reason for that. So she left the camera behind. I did not have the chance to eavesdrop on why she had ended up needing it, but she had. She also told how she often had thoughts which proved to be valid, but she couldn't make herself believe them. Isn’t it great that we’re not afraid to listen to these intuitions, clearing the way for spiritual thought to be heard? And we know there is nothing to fear in this. Woo-hoo!!

“We cannot fill vessels already full. They must first be emptied. Let us disrobe error. Then, when the winds of God blow, we shall not hug our tatters close about us.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 201:13-15

Stressful or Fun?

"Moab" PC: Heather Peters

Every day brings unexpected events, and I’ve come to believe those can either be stressful or exciting and fun. This morning I accompanied a fine singer to a small town in Missouri to provide music for a funeral. When we walked into the little church, a barefoot priest showed us to the modest musical instrument we were expected to use. As it turned out, the acoustics in this building were the worst my friend, a classically-trained performer, had ever witnessed. Nevertheless, we provided the grieving congregation with a B+ service and no one got hurt. Reflecting on this event, I realize if we had concentrated on the problems, we could easily have become overwhelmed by them. But we did the best we could with what we had to work with, and finished feeling satisfied by the result. Isn’t this true of everything we face every day? “You’ve got to get up every morning with a smile on your face, and show the world all the love in your heart.” Carole King

“Let us learn of the real and eternal, and prepare for the reign of Spirit, the kingdom of heaven, — the reign and rule of universal harmony, which cannot be lost nor remain forever unseen.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 

One Principle

PC: Aaron Springston

In response to one of these writings a few days ago, a dear friend wrote that she thought independence was no more than the ego telling us a lie. She brought up a beautiful fact: we are all one, so what’s with this separation we call independence? Thank you, Shanna Pra, for calling this to my attention! It is a false fear to think that we can lose individuality or independence by loving someone. We are ALL dependent on each other because we ARE each other. Cool, Shanna! Thank you for pointing this out to me. Sometimes we can’t see the forest… 

“There is but one I, or Us, but one divine Principle, or Mind, governing all existence; man and woman unchanged forever in their individual characters, even as numbers which never blend with each other, though they are governed by one Principle.”  Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 588:11-15

Breaking Up of Belief

PC: Aaron Springston

One of our social media mavens recently posted something to Facebook  saying that people seem volatile, jumping to conclusions and reacting in anger. Her advice to us all was to "Calm the f… down!"  I can translate that into wanting peace and making a choice to have it. If you're having trouble slipping away from tension and letting peace be felt, try doing things which can facilitate this: float on a river, walk in the woods, have a massage, get a Oneness Blessing. There are so many avenues to this end. Mainly, I think it's the realization that we have a choice which opens the door to peace.

“This material world is even now becoming the arena for conflicting forces. On one side there will be discord and dismay; on the other side there will be Science and peace. The breaking up of material beliefs may seem to be famine and pestilence, want and woe, sin, sickness, and death, which assume new phases until their nothingness appears. These disturbances will continue until the end of error, when all discord will be swallowed up in spiritual Truth.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 96:12-20

A Work in Progress

Lately, I’ve been examining my motives in regard to interpersonal relationships. I had come to believe I didn’t want to be emotionally dependent upon anyone, and certainly didn’t want them to feel they needed me. When I fell in love with a man, it was a frightening situation to me — although I wasn’t able to see it as such. I made up excuses not to love him, and I had many reasons for why he shouldn’t love me. I didn’t feel any empty places which needed to be filled in my heart, and didn’t have any desire to depend on anyone, so why should I be in love? Perhaps it’s so I can truly be a transparency for divine Love. Maybe it’s so a creative purpose can whirlpool into an unstoppable force. Maybe it’s just for fun! Whatever the case, I think the only way I can be wrong in this situation is to dictate what it should be, or what it should become. We are, after all, a work in progress.

“Jealousy is the grave of affection. The presence of mistrust, where confidence is due, withers the flowers of Eden and scatters love’s petals to decay.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 67:9-11 

The Breath of Freedom

Throughout our lifetime, we have seen oppression falling. I know, I know, there's still a long way to go -- but just think how far we've come! It seems to me it should be easier than it is. The strides I, personally, have made in releasing preconceived notions about people who seem different from me are huge! A man said to me that he was afraid to come to Eureka Springs. Of course I asked him why. He said if we were having one of our "diversity" weekends he didn't want to be here. He assured me he had nothing against "gays", but he didn't want it rubbed in his face. This is a learned behavior on his part and has nothing to do with the way he felt when he came out of the womb into this life. As we release what we think we're supposed to think, we open the way for divine Love to guide us. Love is the liberator!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The history of our country, like all history, illustrates the might of Mind, and shows human power to be proportionate to its embodiment of right thinking. A few immortal sentences, breathing the omnipotence of divine justice, have been potent to break despotic fetters and abolish the whipping-post and slave market; but oppression neither went down in blood, nor did the breath of freedom come from the cannon's mouth. Love is the liberator.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science and Health Page 225:14-22

Simple Seekers for Truth

photo credit: Gerry Toler

I often am reminded of my half-brother, Little George Havens, traveling evangelist. He was quite short and very flamboyant. I can still hear him singing, to the tune of Battle Hymn of the Republic, "The circuit ridin' preacher traveled through the mire and mud; preached about the fiery furnace and of Noah and the flood". What a character he was! He spent his life spreading the word of God as he knew it. And he helped countless people find hope along the way. But did he ever listen for the still, small voice, or did he just recite what he had come to believe as truth? That, I can't say. We can only know our own heart, and so today I will examine my motives in interactions. Lying to myself  is as bad as lying to others. I shall listen…

“Millions of unprejudiced minds--simple seekers for Truth, weary wanderers, athirst in the desert--are waiting and watching for rest and drink. Give them a cup of cold water in Christ's name, and never fear the consequences.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 570:14-17 

All Together Now

PC: Aaron Springston

We have insisted on separating ourselves from each other by setting up divisions such as nationality, gender, and religion. It seems as though it should be simple to accept our unity as an idea of divine Mind. We all have a song to sing, and we are all  part of the grand symphony of life. To rejoice in being One with everyone, to live from love rather than fear and its imaginings, is to humbly accept the goodness we inherently are. I pray to turn away from the illusion of material problems as I wholeheartedly accept my function as a reflection of Spirit, seeing that image mirrored in everyone I meet.

"The world believes in many persons; but if God is personal, there is but one person, because there is but one God. His personality can only be reflected, not transmitted. God has countless ideas, and they all have one Principle and parentage. The only proper symbol of God as person is Mind’s infinite ideal" Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 517:15-20

Happiness in Action

creation of Sandy Starbird

The action of happiness is profound. It affects everything and everyone around it. We all have stories of watching situations change when we touch them with peaceful joy. This doesn't mean we laugh in the face of misery, as that is not compassion. But neither is being overly sympathetic while perpetuating the illusion. I hope to never lose the ability to empathize with others, but, also, I hope to always retain the ability to see past the form of sorrow and know the Truth of the situation. To carry a calm, buoyant feeling of happiness wherever we go is to bring healing to everything, everywhere. Whether it's a peaceful internal smiling or an outward giggling eruption, I invite you to join me today in the expression of Love, "giving living waters to the thirsty", and never fearing the consequences.

“Whatever inspires with wisdom, Truth, or Love--be it song, sermon, or Science--blesses the human family with crumbs of comfort from Christ's table, feeding the hungry and giving living waters to the thirsty.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 234:4-8

Recognizing Reality

photo credit: Aaron Springston

My parents considered themselves to be free of prejudice. After all, my dad had married a Chicano girl from South Texas, and in 1931 this was tantamount to marrying outside of "your race", which wasn't often done. I'll always remember a day when we were riding in the car. I was around ten. My mom and dad were talking about Sammy Davis, Jr., a black man, marrying May Britt, a very white woman. I piped up and said, "I wouldn't mind marrying a black man". Dead silence ensued. Not another word was said until we got to our destination and my mom took me aside and told me never to say anything like that again. I didn't understand it then, and I don't understand it now. The difference is that now I have the option of making a decision to stand with Oneness as my reality. There is no decision to be made when we leave aside the strange human interpretations we have placed on everything in this world. So I will continue to strive to recognize what is past the illusion and live that as my reality. Namaste to the World!

“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.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 195:11-14

Harmony

Just be yourself! Countless times I heard this admonition from my mom. I don't recall wanting to think like my friends did, as much as wanting to do what they did. And so then I'd hear from her, "If everyone was jumping off a cliff, would you do it, too?" "Well, yes, mom, I certainly would", I would tell her. It's so easy to fall into the habit of being a lemming and thinking as those around us do. The act of realizing our true heritage as the child of divine Mind is the beginning of freedom from this bondage of mortal mind. My home is Love. Anything else is a stranger in that home. And so I relax into the comfort of my true home, turning away from every fearful thought. This acronym for fear will help me do this: False Evidence Appearing Real.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Harmony in man is as beautiful21as in music, and discord is unnatural, unreal.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 304:20-21

The Bondage of Belief

photo credit: Gerry Toler

Joel Goldsmith gives us an analogy of a person sitting in the dark and declaring that electricity gives light. Of course this is true, but we're still sitting in the dark until we flip the switch and make a connection with the source of the light. A while back, I had a conversation with a friend in which it was disclosed that her in-laws and her husband had been abused by their father. The father has passed away and the three children, now in their 60s, suffer in numerous ways from these past actions. The mother knew this, but wouldn’t admit it happened. If only she could have done this for her beloved children, perhaps they would all have been set free. This mother didn’t need to release her children for them to be freed, and hopefully they have seen this in the years hence. How many situations do we feel ensnared by, when in actuality nothing can keep us in bondage! All we need do is realize our source is Love. Nothing else matters.

"The adult, in bondage to his beliefs, no more comprehends his real being than does the child; and the adult must be taken out of his darkness, before he can get rid of the illusive sufferings which throng the gloaming." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page Page 371:14-18

Breaking the Spell

PC: Gerry Toler

In examining my decisions, I see they are often nothing more than self-satisfied dogma on my part. I might think: This is the way it's always been for me, and I like it that way, and I'm going to keep it that way. And so I do. Even if some knee-jerk reaction brings me sadness and conflict, I may have decided that this is "right" and I must stick by my guns (what a horrible saying that is!) and continue on in this way whether it brings peace and happiness or the opposite. Today I vow to remember to see with new eyes, whether it’s a current event I find repugnant or a song someone sings to me. And I will forgive myself for forgetting…

“To break this earthly spell, mortals must get the true idea and divine Principle of all that really exists and governs the universe harmoniously. This thought is apprehended slowly, and the interval before its attainment is attended with doubts and defeats as well as triumphs.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 39:26-30

Beside the Buffalo

"Buffalo River" photo credit: Gerry Toler

I rediscovered the poetry of Rosalie Toler tonight. Here is one for you:

Beside The Buffalo

Alone on a rock with a

   book

I do the friendly thing

I read poetry to the

   river,

and the water molds it

   to a new rhythm.

Williams — Whitman —

   Dickinson,

I hurl their polished   

   syllables

away on the current.

Do people downstream

   hear them coming?

I wonder.

Maybe some fisherman,

casting his own lines,

   will feel the rush,

sense the lure of purling

   words leaping,

matching riff with riffle.

Or maybe some rugged

   kayaker,

etching his watery v’s,

will shoot rapids

   through them,

unaware that part of

   the thrill

is sheer poetry.

Adventures

Today brings news of another friend passing from our sight. A well-loved member of our farming community died last night. I enjoyed Frank for his humor and progressive thought, but I must admit it’s his garlic, cilantro, and arugula I will miss the most. I think he is happy I feel this way. Death has never frightened me, but it has shown me many things. The love which carries on after someone is gone is palpable, and I am grateful for the continuing connection it brings. I always think of Kahlil Gibran’s platonic lover saying she had never felt closer to him than when he dropped his earthly form. We have so much to experience — the pain, the joy, and all the in between. Life is an adventure — and I’m sure what we think of as death is, too!

“In the illusion of death, mortals wake to the knowledge of two facts: (1) that they are not dead; (2) that they have but passed the portals of a new belief.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 251:8-11

Progress

Add caption

There is so much to do! Some friends work for environmental causes, others are assertive through political activism, some are educators, many raise money and give of themselves for the benefit of animals, a few are champions of those who cannot help themselves. The only inspiration needed is to walk out the door and talk with people. We earthlings have much progress to look forward to. Some people I know think they do not have the resources to do good, either in time or money. From my experience, if you have time you don’t have money; if you have money you don’t have time. This sets up the perfect scenario for us to help! Both time and money are needed to facilitate progress. And I recognize that many of us have neither assets nor the physical ability to jump right into causes. But we can all touch lives with kindness and caring. I love it when others reach out to me with kindness, and it inspires me to be more loving in every word and deed.

“There is moral freedom in Soul. Never contract the horizon of a worthy outlook by the selfish exaction of all another’s time and thoughts. With additional joys, benevolence should grow more diffusive.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 58:12-16

To Speak or Not?

photo credit: Aaron Springston

On this day of celebrating freedom and independence, I pause to think how difficult it is to keep my mouth shut — and wonder when I should and should not do so! For instance, someone was talking about Dunkin’ Donut coffee pods and how much they like them. I nearly told them how horrid pods were for the environment, and then wanted to rant about coffee production killing songbirds. Then someone was talking about television and I almost began a lecture on hypnotism and mind control by corporations. So I sit and ponder where to draw the line on this one. If I saw someone torturing an animal (or other living creature), I would step in and stop them. If someone was dumping their waste into a river, I would speak up and attempt to do something to change it. But what if someone is looking at life from a different perspective than mine, even if I feel it to be harmful? Do I have the right to impose my ideas on them? I know I must walk the talk and change the world by changing myself, but sometimes it’s difficult to keep quiet! Happy Independence Day...

“Watch carefully and see what it is you are really asking for. Be very honest with yourself in this, for we must hide nothing from each other. If you will really try to do this, you have taken the first step toward preparing your mind for the Holy One to enter.” ACIM Chapter 4: III.8

Glimpsing Freedom

photo credit: Aaron Springston

When we are acquainted with someone but have never been in their home, we may imagine their surroundings as we communicate via modern technology. When a loved one tells us about an experience, we "see" them in that situation and fill in the picture in interesting ways. When we think about God, images may come to mind which are no more than fairy tales and remembered myths. Is our freedom based on myth also? We live with limiting beliefs which seem inescapable.  So how do we think about this imagined bondage? Most of us live with limiting beliefs every day, and it often seems impossible to be released from them. As children we are told not to talk to strangers, to be careful lest we fall, to be afraid of God, to live in certain ways in order to gain the approval of others -- the list goes on. We think a multitude of rules and beliefs must be obeyed in order to survive and thrive, and when we start to realize most of these so-called rules have nothing to do with our true existence, it can be frightening -- and exhilarating! The freedom of our true creation is seen through a change in our perception of reality. Taking ourselves out of the prison of preconceived notions allows the Love we are to show through our actions in sublime ways. And we glimpse freedom…

“In a word, human belief is a blind conclusion from material reasoning. This is a mortal, finite sense of things, which immortal Spirit silences forever.”

Mary Baker Eddy - Science and Health Page 124:11–13

Freedom

An old Kris Kristofferson song, "Me and Bobby McGee", has the line: Freedom's just another word for nothing left to lose. At first glance, that line may seem forlorn: I’ve already lost everything and have nothing left and so I guess that's supposed to be freedom. But then again, there's something to be said for nothing left to lose! Does it have to imply loneliness and emptiness? I don't think so. By not counting on anyone or anything other than the still, small voice of yourSelf, there is an ultimate freedom in not worrying about what, who, where you'll be -- or anything else! When I  follow that inner knowing which supplies me with the freedom to be open to anything and everything, without wondering or questioning my own motives or those of others, I am free! It's quite a delightful trip, this waiting with heart wide open to see what's coming next!

“Love inspires, illumines, designates, and leads the way. Right motives give pinions to thought, and strength and freedom to speech and action.”

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 454:18-21

Clearing the Past

"Thailand" photo by Aaron Springston

In my quest to keep thought love-based and away from fearful fantasies, I often listen to uplifting books while I’m doing busywork. The current book is The Celestine Prophesy. I was reminded of something today when the author told  how to “clear the past”. When I took an intensive two-day training in Giving Deeksha, a/k/a Oneness Blessing, I remember the teacher telling us that we cannot progress without forgiving our parents. Unless we rectify the past, stop blaming the present on those events — no matter how horrid they may seem — then we have little to no chance of  feeling the peace and Love which we innately embody. I want nothing more than to move forward, through any seeming ripples which rock my boat. And so I am holding thought to the fact that we are all doing the best we can. I am, you are, everyone is. Namaste…

“If mortals are not progressive, past failures will be repeated until all wrong work is effaced or rectified. If at present satisfied with wrong-doing, we must learn to loathe it. If at present content with idleness, we must become dissatisfied with it. Remember that mankind must sooner or later, either by suffering or by Science, be convinced of the error that is to be overcome.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 240:19-26

Be With Those Who Help Your Being

Today I am grateful for all the people I gather with who help me remember my true being as a reflection of divine Love. It's great to talk with others who recognize the images of divine Mind shining through the myths we have created for ourselves in daily life. More and more we are realizing truth, and recognizing what is simply habitual thinking, perpetuated by repetition. I’m often asked  how we can know if thoughts are coming from the one Mind or from our mortal, limited thinking. I ask myself: Does this make my heart sing and my mind feel at peace? Does it bless all equally, along with me, or do I feel an uneasiness which I can't exactly pinpoint. Maybe there's a feeling of importance and superiority. These last two things are absolute indicators that thoughts are coming from my limiting sense of ego and not inner Truth.  Today I want to "Be with those who help [my] being." Rumi 

“Gratitude is much more than a verbal expression of thanks. Action expresses more gratitude than speech.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 3:24-27

Loved of Love

I’m reminded of a Eudora Welty quote: "We are the breakers of our own heart." Looking back at my own life and how often I broke my own heart, I'm very aware of what that means. One friend has blocked herself away from close relationships all her life. There are many people who care for her, and she’s only now realizing how many there are now that she’s in the hospital. The kindness being shown to her by others who have known her for the last 60 years is unbelievable to her. She had no clue she was so well loved! My prayer for today is that we all open our eyes and see the love which is being expressed all around us. To those who help their neighbors, care for their friends, and steadfastly keep on loving the seeming-unlovable — Cheers!

“The poor suffering heart needs its rightful nutriment, such as peace, patience in tribulation, and a priceless sense of the dear Father’s loving-kindness.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 365:32-3

All-Encompassing Peace

photo credit: Aaron Springston

Forgiveness is all-encompassing. It’s more than saying we don't hold a grudge against someone for something. Forgiveness is born from the practice of realizing our unity with God, hence our Oneness with each other. What more could we want than peace, joy, love, contentment, bliss, appreciation, and satisfaction? This larger, all-encompassing forgiveness reconciles any so-called differences we may have with each other, and also with anything we are holding against ourselves. Allowing divine Love to guide our every action and thought would free us to live differently than when our lives are dictated by material beliefs and habits. It's always amazing to me that some people choose to not speak to one another simply because they disagree about certain things. I like oranges, you like apples. So what? Our commonality rests in the Oneness of our true being. That's a constant reality!

“Divine Love always has met and always will meet every human need.”

Mary Baker Eddy — Science & Health Page 494:10-11