Reflections of Truth

photo credit: Arthur Bruno

What is truth? Everywhere we look, it seems we have been and are being told lies. Religion, science, politics, the news media, advertisements, history — the list goes on. If we know something is a lie, why do we cling to it so adamantly? It seems we prefer to live in a world of lies rather than to take a step into the great unknown world of Truth. And then we ask, How do we know what is Truth in a world of lies? That, dear ones, is why we must listen within. The reality of our existence is covered up so thoroughly we have forgotten how to experience it. But we are remembering, aren’t we? Infinite Mind never hides Its voice! 

“As the reflection of yourself appears in the mirror, so you, being spiritual, are the reflection of God. The substance, Life, intelligence, Truth, and Love, which constitute Deity, are reflected by creation; and when we subordinate the false testimony of the corporeal senses to the facts of Science, we shall see this true likeness and reflection everywhere.” Mary Baker Eddy -  Science & Health Page 516:2-8

Universal Peace

photo credit: Aaron Springston

How many times have you felt that we're on the verge of the realization of universal peace and harmony? I know I have a number of times. January 1, 2000 felt like a tipping point. Although I don't remember specific dates other than that one, I know there have been many occasions when it simply "felt like" this was it; that we would forget differences and only remember unity and the fact that we are all One. I felt this again today. Any unrest and dis-ease going on around me seemed like a cry for Love. Really, truly, I saw people reaching out for something secure in a material world full of insecurity and fear. We are all the same in the reality of Spirit. The "reign and rule of universal harmony which cannot be lost nor remain forever unseen" is waiting for us to cast off fear and embrace it!

"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 208:20-24

One Love

photo credit: Heather Peters

To feel Love from a source outside ourselves is impossible. To express a material sense of love is an illusion. God is Love, and we are Its manifestation. Hence, we are Love. The recognition that we are Love is liberation in and of itself! Mary Baker Eddy tells us, "Love looseth me and lifteth me a'yont hate's thrall". Can you guess she was a fan of Shakespeare? Old-fashioned language aside, she's saying that Love sets us free, lifting us above and beyond any hate we may perceive. I’ve mostly given up trying to change anyone, and usually I can resist the urge to want to fix others. I’ve come to see it's my purpose to show the way to freedom by living Truth. Through our actions and words we bring ourselves, and thereby everyone, to the realization that Love is the only reality. To live Love allows a release from past habitual thought and the pain we've chosen. Then there is no need for blame, guilt, nor forgiveness — and we are free!

“With one Father, even God, the whole family of man would be brethren; and with one Mind and that God, or good, the brotherhood of man would consist of Love and Truth, and have unity of Principle and spiritual power which constitute divine Science.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures Page 469:30-5

Love Wedded to Its Own Idea

I know any number of married people who exude happiness and delight in their relationships. It's a joy to be in their company! And so when I say that many of us are realizing freedom through the ability to live our lives any way we choose, setting aside age-old dictums of how we need to live, I most certainly am not saying these happily married couples should separate!  The freedom of which I speak is one which comes through the recognition of ourselves as a reflection of divine Love. In this realization there is no need for seeking validation or security in material circumstance. I mentioned yesterday that I will be marrying a wonderful man this year. We will not be living in the same state. Actually, we will be more than 600 miles away from each other for a few years, at least. But nothing is unchanging in this lifetime, so we’ll be waiting with hearts wide open to see what's coming next!

“The very circumstance, which your suffering sense deems wrathful and afflictive, Love can make an angel entertained unawares. Then thought gently whispers: ‘Come hither! Arise from your false consciousness into the true sense of Love, and behold the Lamb’s wife, — Love wedded to its own spiritual idea.’” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 574:28-4

“Such is my will for you and your brother, and for each of you for one another and for himself. Here there is only holiness and joining without limit. For what is Heaven but union, direct and perfect, and without the veil of fear upon it? Here are we one, looking with perfect gentleness upon each other and on ourselves. Here all thoughts of any separation between us become impossible. You who were prisoners in separation are now made free in Paradise. And here would I unite with you, my friend, my brother and my Self.” A Course in Miracles 20:III-10

A Union of Hearts

When I think back on my marriages, I wonder if things would have been different if I had put as much effort into listening to divine Mind as I did into following the social morès of the day.

photo credit: Aaron Springston

Expectations abounded in every direction: what we would be doing in a few years, how many kids we would or wouldn't have, how we would grow together until we were some sort of perfect single being. All sorts of odd things go through your mind when you're young and you believe in the mid-1900s television version of marriage. And so I crucified myself time and again (and again!) with false expectations and blame. Would things be different today with the Knowledge I am beginning to attain? I think so. I plan on marrying in the fall. I didn’t think this would ever happen, but we are both going forward with no expectations this time, only wanting to continue expanding in thought, releasing the past, loving the moment!

“Marriage should signify a union of hearts. Furthermore, the time cometh of which Jesus spake, when he declared that in the resurrection there should be no more marrying nor giving in marriage, but man would be as the angels. Then shall Soul rejoice in its own, in which passion has no part. Then white-robed purity will unite in one person masculine wisdom and feminine love, spiritual understanding and perpetual peace." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 64:17-25

“Whenever any form of special relationship tempts you to seek for love in ritual, remember love is content, and not form of any kind. The special relationship is a ritual of form, aimed at raising the form to take the place of God at the expense of content. There is no meaning in the form, and there will never be.” A Course in Miracles Chapter 16:5-12

No Separation

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I’ve mentioned my book club a number of times in past writings. We are a group of women who have met for over thirteen years with a book as the center of our monthly discussion, but really that’s just a reason to get together and enjoy each others’ company. We have some who think logically from the standpoint of science, and some who live intuitively from the heart. We have teachers, a yoga instructor, a veterinarian, businesswomen, cattle and turkey farmers, a librarian — actually, a single definition isn’t enough for any one of these women. They are multi-talented and diverse. We have incredible discussions and enjoy one another more than I can say. While I feel that this group of women could solve all the problems of the world — and actually feel like we do that every time we get together! — I believe this feeling comes because despite our various opinions, we all live from Love. Everything we do is guided by something larger than what our human reason can encompass. And so as I bask in the glow of being with them, I will remember that the only problems comes from a belief in separation, and I thank these women for helping me to feel whole. Namastè ~~~

“Human reason and religion come slowly to the recognition of spiritual facts, and so continue to call upon matter to remove the error which the human mind alone has created.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 173:25-28

No Levels of Love

photo credit: Aaron Springston

The Little Paris Bookshop is an exquisitely-written novel. It's a love story on many levels. If you love food, or people, or romance, and especially if you love books, this story will pick you up and take you to a place you may have been afraid to visit before reading it. The main character has a bookstore which is floating on a barge in the Seine. He calls this business The Book Apothecary and he prescribes specific books for the needs of his customers. This story explores the limitations we put on love and leads us to see that Love is truly all there is. There may seem to be other things -- lots of them! -- but ultimately it comes down to choosing between what you've decided is truth and what Truth actually is. There were many parts of this book which illustrated that it really doesn't matter what we think; truth is truth no matter what we may believe. The One we are may not be the one we seem to be!

"One infinite God, good, unifies men and nations; constitutes the brotherhood of man; ends wars; fulfils the Scripture, “Love thy neighbor as thyself;” annihilates pagan and Christian idolatry, — whatever is wrong in social, civil, criminal, political, and religious codes; equalizes the sexes; annuls the curse on man, and leaves nothing that can sin, suffer, be punished or destroyed." Mary Baker Eddy -  Science & Health Page 340:21-29

Swaddled in Love

photo credit: Aaron Springston

Fear stems from the idea that we can be separated from joy and love, from peace and security. I remember when my son left home for a boarding school at the age of fourteen. I was so sad that I felt I'd never laugh again. I literally couldn't imagine happiness, as everything I looked at reminded me he was gone. After a week or so of living in this maudlin state, I realized I was thinking of him as though he were dead. This led me to examine that avenue. What if he was dead? Wouldn't the love we felt still be alive? Of course, I would miss being around him, enjoying his company -- just as I was missing him with 300 miles of physical separation. A Rumi quote helped break this illusion: "Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes. For those who love with heart and soul there is no separation." What is it which allows us to be together no matter where we seem to be? The Love which we are is a connection which cannot be broken by any set of material circumstance. When I'm really feeling the security of divine Love, I'm reminded of the way a baby is swaddled in a blanket. Divine Love swaddles us in its ever-present protection. While we may seem to face uncertainties and losses, "Nothing real can be threatened. Nothing unreal exists. Herein lies the peace of God." (ACIM text)

Happiness

I see happy people! Everywhere I go, everyone I see is exuding joy. Even in places other than Eureka Springs, most people seem to be happy. Very few have dead eyes or downward sliding smiles. A sweet friend passed on a couple of days ago after a short illness. The last time I saw her was about two weeks ago. We sat on her back deck on a beautiful spring day, talking and laughing. We laughed so much her husband came out and jokingly said the neighbors were complaining and we needed to hold it down. She was genuinely happy, totally unafraid, and profoundly grateful. She knew she hadn't long to enjoy the thrill of living on this plane, and she was making the most of it. I strive to do the same, every day, all the time…

“Look away from the body into Truth and Love, the Principle of all happiness, harmony, and immortality.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health 261:2-3

“My happiness and my function are one.” A Course in Miracles - Lesson 66

Love One Another

Women’s marches, government shutdowns, zero-degree temperatures, 70-degree rainstorms — what an interesting week it’s been since I last wrote to you! Responding with Love is easier than many people think it to be. I made a Facebook post thanking everyone for being loving and supportive, because I see this happening in my life and the lives of those around me. But it brought out a couple of disagreements from women who feel excluded by cliques of people. On the opposite side, other woman spoke up about how they actively get involved, participating and helping others, and by those actions feel included and cared for. Looking at loving people through the eyes of others is an interesting exercise. Viewing how some interpret loving events such as peace marches can also be a different experience. Every moment is illuminating! For this, I am grateful, too. 

“‘Love one another’” (I John, iii. 23), is the most simple and profound counsel of the inspired writer. In Science we are children of God; but whatever is of material sense, or mortal, belongs not to His children, for materiality is the inverted image of spirituality.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 572:7-11

Take a Stand

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We may feel alone in the desert when we speak truth to error. Perhaps we feel we're the only one when we take a stand for morality and goodness in our political system. Maybe you've been verbally attacked for telling others truth about GMOs and organic food. And what of data mining? Are we being controlled every time we get on our computer? This is the age where the CEO of Facebook tapes over the camera on his laptop in an effort to insure privacy. I mention these things because it’s very important to speak truth, to take a stand for morality, and never fear potential consequences. 

“Error is a coward before Truth. Divine Science insists that time will prove all this.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 387:4-6 

One Love

For years I was in love with love. I loved being in love and flitted from one love affair to another. When I began a serious study of divine metaphysics, the love I had always chased seemed small in comparison to divine Love. As I discovered that I am the expression of this Love, I spent quite some time separating these feelings and cordoning off the love which I had humanly craved. At some point, I realized I was increasing my feelings of separation with my definitions and restrictions on love. In thinking about it, I realized there is only one Love, and it makes no difference if I’m loving my children or my dog or a man I see as the love of my life. We can separate material love into categories, but the Love of which we are created is not variable. I am grateful for this revelation!

“One moment of divine consciousness, or the spiritual understanding of Life and Love, is a foretaste of eternity.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 598:23-24

Truth Governs Reality - January 11, 2018

photo credit: Arthur Bruno

A friend from California called to tell me his exciting news: At the age of 74, the last two yearly visits to the optometrist have shown his eyesight to be improving. He also told of discontinuing cholesterol  medication a few years back because of side effects consisting of back pain and confusion. He was surprised to find out his numbers were going down, rather than the increase his doctor had predicted. He wanted my opinion on why this was happening. I laughed and told him what I’ve noticed about him in the last five years is that he is a much more laid-back guy now, happier, less worried than when I met him. He also is gaining an understanding of metaphysics and quantum thought. I told him he needn’t worry about why, but to be grateful and continue his walk on the road of realized consciousness, being aware and joyful each step of the way. I loved hearing his story!

“Truth is affirmative, and confers harmony. All metaphysical logic is inspired by this simple rule of Truth, which governs all reality.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health, Page 418:20-22

Joyful Interactions

photo credit: Aaron Springston

The Dalai Lama has such profound and beautiful messages for us! He speaks of peace and love, reminding us of our true identity in such an unassuming and pure manner. His gleeful words never leave me where they found me, and for this I am most grateful. I remember a DVD of his entitled "Compassion in Emptiness". In this DVD, he speaks to the importance of relationships based in honesty and trust. The joyfulness born of these interactions is essential to our liberation from fearful illusions. The trust and honesty he speaks of isn't limited to those who have "earned" it. It isn't limited in any way. As we go through our daily activities, let's remember to treat everyone with the loving respect and courtesy with which we would afford a dearly beloved parent or child. May kindness and joy spread to every person you come into contact with today, and everyday. And if you happen to forget what that feels like, pick up a DVD of the Dalai Lama and let him remind you!

“If selfishness has given place to kindness, we shall regard our neighbor unselfishly, and bless them that curse us; but we shall never meet this great duty simply by asking that it may be done.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 9:11-14

Life

photo credit: Aaron Springston

What do you think of when you hear the words, There is no death? You may be conditioned to think of someone living on in your idea of heaven, continuing in much the same way as we knew them. We find it comforting to think we will see them again, continuing our lives as before they left us. I, personally, think of the change we call death as a grand adventure. Who knows for sure what this change will bring? Some even have an idea that the afterlife is whatever you think it is: if you believe in a traditional heaven and hell, so it is; if you see everything as eternal energy, so be it. You probably have some ideas and intuitive feelings about this, too. I’ve been examining these concepts lately, and I feel comfortable with what I’m feeling. 

“When your body and your ego and your dreams are gone, you will know that you will last forever. Perhaps you think this is accomplished through death, but nothing is accomplished through death, because death is nothing. Everything is accomplished through life, and life is of the mind and in the mind. The body neither lives nor dies, because it cannot contain you who are life. A Course in Miracles - The Lessons of Love

“If the belief in death were obliterated, and the understanding obtained that there is no death, this would be a ‘tree of life,’ known by its fruits. Man should renew his energies and endeavors, and see the folly of hypocrisy, while also learning the necessity of working out his own salvation.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 426:12-16 

#ChurchFail

photo credit: Gerry Toler

Blake Lasater, minister of the Eureka Springs Methodist Church, is intelligent, kind, and quite brave. This month’s sermons fall under the heading of #ChurchFail. Today he told us the failure of American Christianity is its love affair with hellfire and damnation. He gave us a history of how churches ceased working for social justice and began the the business of “saving souls”. Rather than helping the least, the last, the lost, they began berating their congregations for supposed sins. He told us churches are meant to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable. I am honored to play music for this congregation which defines itself as a reconciling ministry. May more people examine their motives and acts in the way Blake so openly does!

“If the crucifixion is seen from an upside-down point of view, it does appear as if God permitted and even encouraged one of His Sons to suffer because he was good. This particularly unfortunate interpretation, which arose out of projection, has led many people to be bitterly afraid of God. Such anti-religious concepts enter into many religions. Yet the real Christian should pause and ask, "How could this be?" Is it likely that God Himself would be capable of the kind of thinking which His Own words have clearly stated is unworthy of His Son?” A Course in Miracles - Chapter 3, Atonement Without Sacrifice 

Usher in a New Era

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Writers, artists, musicians, all of us who are willing to live from intuition rather than belief, heart instead of head, each and every one of us are ushering in a new era. We're shifting consciousness to reality rather than the illusion of such. Every thought is important! Compassionate action is replacing fearful hibernation; honesty trumps lies. Let's all hold tight to each other and go forward with joy!

“The calm and exalted thought or spiritual apprehension is at peace.Thus the dawn of ideas goes on, forming each successive stage of progress.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 506:12-14

The Forms of Loneliness

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I’ve been talking to someone about loneliness and the many forms in which it appears. The years I spent in bars wasn’t for the alcohol, but for the people, the easy connection found in those bottles. I’ve known folks who belong to enough clubs and groups to keep themselves busy all their waking hours. Many people can’t abide silence and constantly have a radio or other device playing, often simply for the company they feel it brings to them. Then there are those who marry to keep from being alone, many times not realizing the most lonely of individuals are often not alone. To sit quietly by yourself, happy, realizing there is a deeper connection than the busy-ness often used as a substitution for it — this is the open secret to happiness, the key to contentment, the welcoming element of eternal Love. “I am in you, and you in me, mutual in divine Love.” William Blake

“Wilderness: Loneliness; doubt; darkness. Spon‐taneity of thought and idea; the vestibule in which a material sense of things disappears, and spiritual sense unfolds the great facts of existence.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 597:16-19

“Today's idea will eventually overcome completely the sense of loneliness and abandonment all the separated ones experience. Depression is an inevitable consequence of separation. So are anxiety, worry, a deep sense of helplessness, misery, suffering and intense fear of loss.” A Course in Miracles - Workbook Lesson #41

Freedom Through Shifts in Thought

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What do we do in situations where someone is “wasting our time”? Let’s say somebody you work with makes the same mistakes over and over, asking you the same questions time and again, never seeming to understand how their job is to be done. It’s easy to become upset and tersely answer their questions one more time. There are many situations I can think of where a co-worker may not do their job and, hence, take up your valuable time in the process. From past experience, I know it does no good to concentrate on their deficiencies, replaying in thought what they should have done — or, worse yet, telling others how awful they are. I feel the best thing I can do for everyone involved is to quietly listen for guidance, while looking past the form and catching glimpses of the reality (the perfection, if you will) of that person. If we are all reflections of divine Mind, there are no exclusions! Freeing my thought to include him in the realization that we are all the image and likeness of Love allows me to see past my beliefs and open my thought to this reality. Perhaps my expectations are holding someone hostage, not allowing them to realize they don’t have to be caught up in by-rote behavior and limited thinking about themselves and the world. This is well-worth the effort on our part, when we know this shift frees us all! 

“The human thought must free itself from self-imposed materiality and bondage.” 

Science & Health Page 191:16-17

“People become what you would have them be, and what they do you order.” 

A Course in Miracles - Passing of the Dream 

Light Shining On and On

photo credit: Arthur Bruno

Doug and Yael Powell are an integral part of our community. They are a bright and pure light which has illumined and warmed many of us through the years. No, let me reword that: they have affected all of us, all the time, whether we were aware of their goodness or not. I first met them when they came to my gallery of local artists asking if they could sell their spiritually-oriented books there. Due to Yael’s physical limitations, she spent many hours a day in bed, meditating and writing. The words which flowed from her were honest and enchanting. The first book I read of hers was called, Magic Cat Explains Creation. Yael’s deep connection with all things was obvious in this delightful book based on her communications with her cat. She has the same deep link with plants, people, everything and everyone. I loved her the first moment I met her. She will be missed by all who have known her. But she is not leaving a void, because she’s not going anywhere. Love lives on and on.

“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 

Interpretation Gives Rise to Negative Emotions

"Mongolia" photo credit: Aaron Springston

I had occasion to speak to a woman today whom I hadn’t seen face-to-face in well over a year. I had developed a distrust of her due to her actions toward a good friend. I wasn't actively disliking her, and I certainly would not have talked badly of her, but I also would have been happy never speaking with her again. When I saw her today, we had a short chat and I did something nice for her which she truly appreciated. By this simple meeting and interaction, any animosity I was harboring toward her disappeared. Just like that, it was gone! This felt so good, I am hoping to find other twinges of ill-will within myself, just to confront them and watch the consequent resolution!

“Perhaps it will be helpful to remember that no one can be angry at a fact. It is always an interpretation that gives rise to negative emotions, regardless of their seeming justification by what appears as facts. Regardless, too, of the intensity of the anger that is aroused. It may be merely slight irritation, perhaps too mild to be even clearly recognized. Or it may also take the form of intense rage, accompanied by thoughts of violence, fantasized or apparently acted out. It does not matter. All of these reactions are the same. They obscure the truth, and this can never be a matter of degree. Either truth is apparent, or it is not. It cannot be partially recognized. Who is unaware of truth must look upon illusions.” A Course in Miracles - Manual for Teachers

The Ties Which Bind

Humans seem to be pack animals. We love to break ourselves into groups and hang around with people who think as we do. We create churches, sororities, sewing circles, and numerous other clubs in which to gather and share our commonality. Perhaps the time has come for us to recognize that many of these tribal separations are keeping us from seeing the greater good in all humanity. Maybe if we can open ourselves in a more selfless manner, embracing each other because of our sameness, rather than in spite of our differences, perhaps we can stop worrying about what others may think of us and pull out all the stops for some honest to goodness truth. I don’t want to wait another moment for something which feels so right!

Mary Baker Eddy quote: “Clad in the panoply of Love, human hatred cannot reach you. The cement of a higher humanity will unite all interests in the one divinity.”