Awoke?

What does it mean to be awakened? I’m sure it means many things, but I’ve been watching people who are “awoke” and noticing a few traits. They don’t talk about others negatively.

photo credit: Aaron Springston

Awakening makes life simple because we needn’t try to figure out what people’s motivations are: they do what they do. Our happiness doesn’t rely on what others are doing, or not doing. When we put a label on someone, such as thief, then we’ve fixed that person in our mind with a conceptual identity. The mind does this, often focusing on a person’s shortcomings, and then we are trapped. What we must realize is the more we trap others, the more we trap ourselves. As Jesus said years ago, “Judge not, lest ye be judged”. The world cannot change without a change in thought, our own thought, and it requires vigilance for us to realize what we’re doing and stop it! It’s a matter of noticing our judgments and labeling practices. It’s not a failure when you notice yourself doing these things, it’s a great success to catch a thought and realize you’re doing it again. When you see it, it loses its power over you. Whew! What a relief!

"A dream of judgment came into the mind that God created perfect as Himself. And in that dream was Heaven changed to hell, and God made enemy unto His Son. How can God's Son awaken from the dream? It is a dream of judgment. So must he judge not, and he will waken. For the dream will seem to last while he is part of it. Judge not, for he who judges will have need of idols, which will hold the judgment off from resting on himself. Nor can he know the Self he has condemned. Judge not, because you make yourself a part of evil dreams, where idols are your ‘true identity’, and your salvation from the judgment laid in terror and in guilt upon yourself.” A Course in Miracles T-29.IX.2

Back to the Future

photo credit: Aaron Springston

Lateral lives, past lives, future lives — we love speculating about possibilities of “other” lives. We think about reincarnation and wonder about the possibilities, past and future. If someone tells us they remember a past life, we may find that fascinating; but if they said they come from the future, perhaps we’d think they are a bit off the beam, to say the least. The wonderful sci-fi stories about time travel hold a certain allure to us, a fascination with the possibilities. There are so many things we cannot fathom in the here and now, yet we still want to wonder about things which have not happened, things which may never happen. While I try to keep thought stayed on the now, dealing with things as they occur and not wondering what may be, it is a constant discipline remembering to do so. Be Here Now. The Power of Now. I’m grateful we have so many aides to keep us focused!

"In the ultimate sense, reincarnation is impossible. There is no past or future, and the idea of birth into a body has no meaning either once or many times. Reincarnation cannot, then, be true in any real sense. Our only question should be, 'Is the concept helpful?' And that depends, of course, on what it is used for. If it is used to strengthen the recognition of the eternal nature of life, it is helpful indeed. Is any other question about it really useful in lighting up the way? Like many other beliefs, it can be bitterly misused. At least, such misuse offers preoccupation and perhaps pride in the past. At worst, it induces inertia in the present. In between, many kinds of folly are possible." 

A Course in Miracles M-24.1 

"Man's individuality is not material. This Science of being obtains not alone hereafter in what men call Paradise, but here and now; it is the great fact of being for time and eternity."  Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 285

Happy Thanksgiving!

Knowing the Truth

In a world where we are being fed lies, it’s extremely difficult to figure out what is truth. Media spreads deception and distrust, dividing people in ways which seem irreparable. Bias doesn’t frighten me, but intentional lies do. Many of us remember the early days of television, a time when advertising really revved up and consumerism became flagrant. It has reached an apex now at which almost everything we hear and see is designed to sell us something. We must continue to be vigilant in what we allow into our thought, not only for our own good, but for the collective. Repeating stories which create divisions through feelings of superiority or inferiority, that’s playing the game which has been created for us. It’s important to use our educations, our intuition, our spiritual knowledge, every bit of common sense we still have, to discern truth. There is a term in Christian Science called “knowing the Truth”. It is in reference to knowing the Truth of our being, not the beliefs we’ve come to think of as facts. These thoughts were prompted by reading an article in the Rolling Stone about how we are manipulated unknowingly. On this day of thanksgiving, I am grateful for all who spend hundreds of hours researching so we all needn't do so! Happy Thanksgiving to you! 

https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-features/russia-troll-2020-election-interference-twitter-916482/

"The human mind, imbued with this spiritual understanding, becomes more elastic, is capable of greater endurance, escapes somewhat from itself, and requires less repose. ... It raises the thinker into his native air of insight and perspicacity." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 128

Old Friends

Two old friends are on my mind today. I haven’t spoken deeply with either of these women since the three of us went to the Carroll County Fair around 10 years ago. We ate in the Cattlemen's booth, and I watched in amusement as one woman said shocking things and the other was embarrassed. Then we rode the ferris wheel. It was one of the strangest, most memorable events of my life! One of these women has come back to town after a long absence, and the other is very ill. One of them is functionally autistic, a European, and a sister in metaphysical studies. The other is a lifelong friend, outgoing and shy at the same time. She burned her bridges with us years ago, never responding to phone calls or letters. In my reminiscences I realize the genuine affection I feel for both of these people. I send them Love and wish them happiness, praying they find what they need, trusting they will contact me when the time is right. I wish you joy, sweet friends...

"One marvels that a friend can ever seem less than beautiful. Men and women of riper years and larger lessons ought to ripen into health and immortality, instead of lapsing into darkness or gloom. Immortal Mind feeds the body with supernal freshness and fairness, supplying it with beautiful images of thought and destroying the woes of sense which each day brings to a mearer tomb." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 248

Gratitude

photo credit: Aaron Springston

A repeat from May of 2015

ACIM Workbook Lesson #123
"I thank my Father for His gifts to me."

Today is a day of thanks, a day of gratitude for all that we are learning and realizing in daily life. If looked at in day-to-day increments, it may not seem we are gaining in understanding, but when looking back through the years, it seems remarkable! This was brought home to me as I attended a 45-year-class reunion of high school graduation. Being with all these old friends and acquaintances brought back memories that had been long-forgotten. Listening to others tell stories of their lives, their jobs, their children and grandchildren, brought great thankfulness to my heart. I love where I've been and I love where I'm going. I am grateful for my friends and family, past, present, and future. The excitement which each day brings is cause for gratitude, and I plan to express it in my actions toward others and myself. The flowers blooming are a perfect reminder of the beauty of life and thankfulness for growth. Let's go forward today and scatter joy!!


Mary Baker Eddy quote:
“Gratitude is much more than a verbal expression of thanks. Action expresses more gratitude than speech."

Science & Health Page 3:25-26

Is War Necessary?

photo credit: Aaron Springston

I read a letter from Sigmund Freud to Albert Einstein, who had written him asking if there was a way to free humankind from the threat of war. Mr. Freud has quite a bit to say about this subject, but one phrase which brought pause is, “...the lust for aggression and destruction”. I had never thought of it that way, and it caused me to take notice. Part of his conclusion is as follows: “The upshot of these observations, as bearing on the subject in hand, is that there is no likelihood of our being able to suppress humanity's aggressive tendencies. In some happy corners of the earth, they say, where nature brings forth abundantly whatever man desires, there flourish races whose lives go gently by, unknowing of aggression or constraint. This I can hardly credit; I would like further details about these happy folk.” In our world, we see famine and harsh conditions in many places. I question whether this is the way creation is supposed to evolve. I’m pretty sure when we follow the laws of nature, life as we know it would become Life as we wish it were! I hope you will respond to this email or place comments on the blog :) 

"Heaven: Harmony; the reign of Spirit; government by divine Principle; spirituality, bliss, the atmosphere of Soul." Mary Baker Eddy, Science & Health, Page 587

Mistaken Belief

photo credit: Richard Quick

When I was at a bridge tournament a few weeks ago, there was a fire at one of our local veterinary clinics. I was getting ready to play in the morning session and a friend came up and told me that it had burned to the ground and all the animals were dead! That night, I found out that wasn't entirely true. There had been a fire, and four animals had succumbed to the smoke. But the picture in my mind all through that day was something totally horrific, and at times my thought went to them and I felt great sadness. This is an example of how our thoughts and beliefs dictate our reality. It also shows me why it is so important to give up all our our beliefs and ideas about what things mean. The first 50 workbook lessons in A Course in Miracles help us to understand the importance of this. We cannot live in the moment and see things as they truly are as long as we're seeing them through the lens of our limited thinking. I'm pleased to occasionally notice the error posing as Truth!

"A blundering despatch, mistakenly announcing the death of a friend, occasions the same grief that the friend's real death would bring. You think that your anguish is occasioned by your loss. Another despatch, correcting the mistake, heals your grief, and you learn that your suffering was merely the result of your belief." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 386

A Reaction Against Oneness

photo credit: Aaron Springston

One of the people who receives these daily messages commented to yesterday's writing by referring to a "reaction against Oneness". I love that statement! I'd much rather think of my desire to argue with people about their beliefs as a "reaction against Oneness", wouldn't you? That makes it much easier to hold a conversation which is not adversarial, even if I'm tempted to tell someone they're wrong. I thank you, dear Friend, for helping me to see every situation as either one of unity or one of separation. Upon going to bridge today, I immediately found a reason to put this into practice. One of my frequent partners is an octogenarian who is quite conservative. He's a great bridge player and has taught me a lot, and I enjoy playing with him. But I had never seen the back of his Lincoln Continental. There, right in the middle of his trunk, was a bumper sticker which said, "I Ride the Trump Train". When we sat down at the table as partners, every time I looked at him I saw these words etched into his forehead. But I recognized this as a reaction against oneness and quickly affirmed that we are both the reflection of God, even if we have different beliefs. We both love our family and friends, we are happy being in a comfortable home, and we would rather be playing bridge than most anything else. So I am grateful to Anne for reminding me of Truth this morning. Thank you greatly!

"Oneness is simply the idea God is. And in His Being, He encompasses all things. No mind holds anything but Him. We say 'God is', and then we cease to speak, for in that knowledge words are meaningless. There are no lips to speak them, and no part of mind sufficiently distinct to feel that it is now aware of something not itself. It has united with its Source. And like its Source itself, it merely is." A Course in Miracles W-pl.169.5

Putting It Into Practice

photo credit: Aaron Springston

Today I had an opportunity to practice what I preach! At choir rehearsal, a woman I don't know well began to complain that she hadn't been able to watch her "programs" because of those "horrid people lying about the president". Rather than chastise her or ignore her, I listened to her. She rambled on about tuning in to TCM and watching an old movie called The Red Shoes. She is an Englishwoman and she mentioned it was the first movie her mother took her to see when she was 8 years old. I began asking her questions and it turns out she wanted to become a ballerina and had been told she couldn't marry because she must devote all her time to dance. Well, when she was 18, she met and married a man from Oklahoma, who was in the military stationed in England. He didn't know what ballet was and didn't want to, but she loved him and he loved her, and so she gave up her studies, married, and moved to the United States. That was more than 60 years ago. In talking to her, I found she was a lovely woman, if not an educated one. And I liked her. 

"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. " Mary Baker Eddy, Science & Health Page 238

Food, etc.

"Cooking in Thailand" - PC: Aaron Springston

When I was a very young child, my parents had a slaughterhouse. It was a small operation in a small town and people would bring in the steer they raised, or the chickens they kept in the yard, to have them killed and put in their freezer. I wasn’t particularly traumatized by any of this, but I did hold the false notion that this humane treatment was the standard practice in our country. Then I started paying attention. After that, I began to restrict my animal intake and now call myself a wanna-be vegetarian (because I do on occasion eat meat). Apparently those occasions are rare enough that an indulgence in a big burger and fried side dishes has made me feel groggy and sluggish for more than a day! I’m not writing this to promote any particular way of eating, but I am hoping that everyone in the world will pay attention to what exactly it is we’re putting in our mouths. Our vegetables are poisoned on a regular basis, the corn syrup situation is frightening, and animals are living a nightmare to supply the outlandish amount of meat which is eaten. I know I eat too much and often am uncaring of what that intake is. While I’m not going to beat myself up over that burger and fries, I am going to try to eat a diet suitable for a small planet! 

"When error confronts you, withhold not the rebuke or the explanation which destroys error. Never breathe an immoral atmosphere, unless in the attempt to purify it. Better is the frugal intellectual repast with contentment and virtue, than the luxury of learning with egotism and vice." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 452

Facing Prejudice and Breaking Free

Thailand Trees - PC: Aaron Springston

Hillbillies. What comes to mind when you hear this word? Perhaps the Beverly Hillbillies, or depictions in cartoons of this group of people, maybe a mixture of the redneck genre and hillfolk. Whatever the case, more than likely it is a caricature of the reality. I’ve read Hillbilly Elegy and I live in the Ozark hills, so my study is more than intellectual. I truly want to know the motivation behind those who voted for our current president, so I listen and learn. A documentary called “Hillbilly” is perhaps the most poignant portrayal I’ve seen or read. A young woman who escaped her Kentucky home and makes films in California put together this movie. She has made me think deeply about my prejudices. It reinforces my feeling that we all want the same things in life: love, a warm home, a feeling of security in our jobs and environment. How we become confused in those desires is what fascinates me.

"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 dow2n in blood, nor did the breath of freedom come from the cannon's mouth. Love is the liberator." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 225

Adulting

At Crystal Bridges - PC: Aaron Springston

I recently heard a term which sent me directly to a search engine: Adulting. Its definition is: “the practice of behaving in a way characteristic of a responsible adult, especially the accomplishment of mundane but necessary tasks”. I have found it difficult to “adult” at times when I let myself become overwhelmed by too many tasks. If my mind is racing in circles with a multitude of duties whirling around, it’s easy to let it flit from one to another with no focus anywhere. At those times, it’s easy to think there is too much on my plate and I’d rather retreat into a good book. Through the years, I’ve learned that then is the time to sit quietly, listening for the rhythms of divine order to lead the way, and then to be present in the Now. Some people like to make lists and prioritize, others want someone to tell them what to do first, but few of us believe there is an omnipresence which can help us navigate life’s activities. It can be difficult to release our ego’s dictates, admitting that we may not know what is best, to release control and flow with the good which is unfolding right here and now. But I’m going to keep trying, because I’ve seen how much easier it is than thinking I know it all!

“The objects of time and sense disappear in the illumination of spiritual understanding, and Mind measures time according to the good that is unfolding.” Mary Baker Eddy, Science & Health Page 584

What's Love Got To Do With It?

Marianne Williamson is often asked what spirituality has to do with politics. She answers: "Spirituality is simply the path of the heart. And the problem with American politics today is how often our policies are heartless." Blake Lasater's sermon with the Methodists today had to do with the same thing. He spoke of how we are here to help each other, yet so often it's "me first" with individuals, churches, and other groups of people. He stated that his measure of whether a church is successful isn't how big their building is or how good their music programs are, but what they are doing for their community. When our government policies are heartless, it seems okay for individuals to be the same, for churches to say they must take care of themselves, for communities to build fences and declare themselves safe. It's way past time for us to look at what really matters. A wise man once said the measure of a country is in how it treats its animals. It's also in how it treats the hopeless, the homeless, the hungry, the children, its citizens. I will vote for candidates who care, not just about economic growth, but about human growth, about our planet, our rivers, our food supplies. Corporations are not people. They don't cry or care. Look your neighbor in the eye, listen to a friend in need, say a kind word to the serviceperson helping you, vote for a person who does the same. We can make a difference!

"My campaign is a clarion call to the American people. It is time for us to use our power, as other generations before us have used theirs, to put America back on track when we have socially, politically and morally gone astray.

Help me override the control of the political industrial complex, penetrate the field of resistance to fundamental change, and provide the American people with a genuine alternative to the corporate aristocracy.

Our hands are strong, our hearts are ready, and the time is now…

Let’s have love for our country, and the courage to serve her in this critical hour." Marianne Williamson

Confession Time

St Elizabeth's in Eureka Springs
photo credit: Richard Quick

Just when I think no matter what anyone says, I'm cool and won't react -- well, you know what happens when we're sure of something! I play keyboards for the Catholics on Saturday afternoon, and today while I was hanging out in their library a little old man told me the Democrats were trying to keep God out of everyone's lives, and he told me a few instances of how that was happening. I calmly said I didn't think that was so and asked him how he knew this. There were some other folks in the room, interjecting this and that, and then he said that Jim Baker had a lot of smart people on his show and that's how he knew that Christians were being discriminated against. At that point, I knew I should leave and got up to do so. But then he said, "Oh, yeah, she won't listen; she's narrow minded." At which point I turned around and pointed at him (I really dislike it when people do that to me!) and said, "I watch Fox news regularly so I can see what the lie of the day is!" Then I left, feeling horrid that I'd allowed my emotions to roil out all over him. I tell this story on myself as a kind of confession, although I'm not asking for absolution. I do feel we should speak out against lies and injustice, but with compassion. Perhaps I've failed, but I've forgiven myself, and the dear little man who is so sure Jim Baker knows what he's talking about. Whew!

"There are two diametrically opposed ways of seeing your brother. They must both be in your mind, because you are the perceiver. They must also be in his, because you are perceiving him. See him through the Holy Spirit in his mind, and you will recognize Him in yours. What you acknowledge in your brother you are acknowledging in yourself, and what you share you strengthen." A Course in Miracles T-5.III.3

Expectations

photo credit: Steve Shogren

Expect the best of people and that's what you'll get. I've always felt this to be true, and I've never been disappointed. Perhaps that's because I've realized everyone is doing the best they can, even if it doesn't seem very good -- ha! A friend said yesterday that she had, once again, been disappointed when someone didn't keep their word to her. She stated that it "always happened to her". That's what got me to thinking about her expectations and mine. I'm reminded of the old story of a woman out for a walk and meeting someone who had just moved to town. She was asked what the people were like here. She turned the question around and asked what the people were like where the newly-arrived woman was from. She responded that they were wonderful. "Well, that's what they're like here, too!" Another day the same situation happened with someone else, but when she asked what people were like where the man came from, the response was that they were rude and mean. "Well, that's what you'll find here, too." Perceptions are everything, don't you think? I can look at a situation and see joy, but someone else may find problems and sadness. Perhaps it goes back to my favorite one of Ruiz's Four Agreements: Don't take anything personally! 

"Sit quietly and look upon the world you see, and tell yourself: 'The real world is not like this.'" A Course in Miracles T-13.VII1

The Biggest Little Farm

Laundry Spring in Eureka Springs

Two things happened today which dovetailed perfectly with each other. First thing this morning, I went with Kevin to meet with his Master Gardener sponsor to get information on volunteering to work on projects in our area. It was wonderful to hear her vision for the naturalists and gardeners in our town! At the end of this day, we watched a fine documentary called “The Biggest Little Farm”. This hope-filled film takes us through ten years in the life of a couple who set out to create a sustainable farm in California. Amidst factory farms and devastation from fertilizers and herbicides, they bring the soil back to life and create a beautiful world they call Apricot Lane Farms. The joy shines through, showing us how a true living ecosystem can and does occur. I watch Kevin glow from the joy of clearing invasive plants from a spring in our sweet town, and I laugh and cry with a young, dedicated family in Moorpark, California, all of them demonstrating that it is, indeed, possible to help our earth function reciprocally, as is its purpose. Life is Good! 

"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

Marsha Havens
28 Linwood Avenue
Eureka Springs, Arkansas 72632
479.253.8104

http://www.DivineMetaphysics.blogspot.com

"Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek." Barack Obama

A neat add-on for Gmail

Truth Unfolding

photo credit: Gerry Toler

The upheaval in our world surrounding our highest elected official is wreaking havoc with my emotional state today. I made cornbread for dinner and it was a bit gummy. I started to cry. In opening up a favorite book, I came across this statement. I think I’ll simply ponder it this evening. Hugs to all!

“What Truth is comes to view individually as intuition, inspiration. Truth is forever unfolding as individual self-conscious being, and our opinions (abstractions) are constantly becoming obsolete. Truth cannot be locked up in a strong-box; it is Infinity. When confined, Truth ceases to be Truth, and becomes an abstraction. Truth defines itself operationally by disposing of beliefs and theories. It is a way of life and cannot be argued about." "The man of today is intelligence; he is pure Mind” We Are the World We Walk Through” by Margaret Laird C.S.B

What Sparks Joy?

photo credit: Richard Quick

I’ve always had a difficult time keeping things tidy. Reading the book, The Life-Changing Manga (Magic) of Tidying Up, written by Marie Kondo, has helped me understand why. She suggests putting all your clothing in the middle of the room, then going through them, keeping only the things which bring you joy. Well, that concept is life-changing for sure! Keep what brings you joy — wow! I’m now listening to her follow-up book, Spark Joy, where she tells how some people throw away their vacuum cleaners because they don’t bring joy, only to find out they miss them terribly. So she asks us to express appreciation for those items — for instance, thank the iron for helping your clothing to be all that they can be. Another interesting aspect is that some people don’t know what sparks joy, and she must teach them what it means. This opened my eyes to a whole aspect of my fellow beings which I had not considered. How could anyone not know the feeling of joy? Is joy a learned behavior? Are we afraid to feel joy? When she teaches them what joy is, does she simple give them permission to feel what was already there? I’m loving this book! (As always, please feel free to tell me your thoughts) 

"Unity of spirit gives new pinions to joy, or else joy's drooping wings trail in dust." Mary Baker Eddy, Science & Health Page 58

America in One Room

photo credit: Aaron Springston

A recurring theme in these writings concerns how to find middle ground between conservatives and liberals. (I don’t care for these terms, but they are the most inclusively descriptive I can think of). Ellen DeGeneres and George Bush shared a box and a good time at a Dallas Cowboys football game. I think this is great, having two such diverse personalities enjoying each others’ company. But it seems many people felt it was a betrayal on Ellen’s part, considering Mr. Bush’s past policies on LGBTQ rights and other issues. Should we be kind only to those who agree with us? Are we condoning their behavior if we are friends with them? An experiment called America in One Room brought together 523 voters, who spent the weekend being exposed to different viewpoints via lectures and discussions. All but 5% agreed it was a good experience and they learned a lot, showing that perhaps the cure to division is exposure! I must note that Gandhi wrote a letter to Hitler at the beginning of WWII, asking him to end the fighting. He called Hitler’s actions, “monstrous and unbecoming of human dignity”, but he began the letter “Dear Friend”.

"Truth should, and does, drive error out of all selfhood. Truth is a two-edged sword, guarding and guiding. Truth places the cherub wisdom at the gate of understanding to note the proper guests. Radiant with mercy and justice, the sword of Truth gleams afar and indicates the infinite distance between Truth and error, between the material and spiritual -- the unreal and the real." Mary Baker Eddy S&H Page 538

Kindness

I have witnessed numerous acts of kindness today! From a kind repairman who fixed my heater on his day off, free of charge, to Boy Scouts being gracious when it was discovered their space had been usurped by a gang of choral people, kindness was everywhere. I witnessed many instances during a four-hour rehearsal which combined the Eureka Springs based Celebration Choir and the Berryville High School Encore choral group. These students and adults are bringing their voices together to celebrate the Christmas season with some exciting music on December 8th at the Methodist Church edifice in Eureka. I was particularly moved by a wonderful rendition of Peace Like a River, with Ellen Stephenson accompanying on piano and me on organ. These 45 voices joined to create a symphony of sound which moved us all with its power. Marianne Williamson keeps telling us we must love actively, Jim Young says to love out loud, I say this choir did those things and more to promote the cause of unity and kindness and Love!

Correcting Illusions With Truth

photo credit: Heather Peters

“Question authority: no idea is true just because someone says so.” Once again, a Facebook meme has captured my attention. This statement has made me question myself and the things I hold to be true. Political unrest is taking center stage in the world and many of us are wondering if we have a comprehensive view of it all. Admittedly many of us live in a bubble of our own making. We choose friends on the basis of the tribes we associate with — religion, political, special interests. I try to think for myself, to avoid taking gossip for fact, or belief for truth. It’s difficult to admit I could be wrong, but I remind myself even Einstein made mistakes. Science is a way of keeping us from fooling ourselves, but it can be misused in the hands of a few. The more it belongs to all of us, the less likely it is to be misused. So let’s all work to stay informed from many sources, to ask questions, and to think for ourselves!

“Truth will correct all errors in my mind. What can correct illusions but the truth? And what are errors but illusions that remain unrecognized for what they are? Where truth has entered errors disappear. They merely vanish, leaving not a trace by which to be remembered. They are gone because, without belief, they have no life.  And so they disappear to nothingness, returning whence they came.  From dust to dust they come and go, for only truth remains.” A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson 107

And There is Peace...

photo credit: Aaron Springston

Peace is a state of mind. We can feel the epitome of peace in the midst of turmoil, or we may be in an outer oasis of stillness but, due to our tumultuous state of mind, be anxious and upset. It helps me to know that we are all the reflection of God. With this realization, I am able to see everything through the eye of divine Love. This is not to say that I'm always calm. Sometimes I forget I am the idea of God, and that everyone else is, too. At those times, who knows how I may be interpreting events! In a state of forgetfulness, I am at the mercy of material belief, being swayed by thought systems which were put in place long before my appearance in this world. But when I remember the spiritual Truth of creation, things appear differently to me -- and there is peace.

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.”

Calm and Exalted Thought

photo credit: Aaron Springston

Long, long ago, perhaps in the 1980’s, I read a book called “Mary’s Message to the World”. It was purported to be a channeled writing in which Mary, Jesus’s mom, told us predictions for civilization. The only one which stuck in my mind was that this area of the country would become tropical. Judging from what has gradually happened with our weather, I would say that sounds accurate! We have practically no snow, and there is more rain along with moderately hot summers. I’ve always said if you don’t like the weather here, wait until tomorrow, because we’ve always been erratic in our little corner of the Ozarks. Perhaps abnormal is the new normal? Climate change is interesting in its intensity and unpredictability. During our metafizzie days, we had a number of folks who thought violent weather was caused by violent emotions. Whether or not this is true, we are all well-served to stay on an even keel in these tumultuous times, don’t you think? It feels like walking a balance beam, but I’ll keep on trying! 

"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 S&H 506:11-14

The Human Sigh For Peace & Love

It has been a number of years since I’ve been around teenagers, so it was great to feel the exuberance which surrounded them during a joyous choir rehearsal. Ben Winn is the director of music at one of the churches I play for, and he also teaches choir at my alma mater, Berryville High School. I joined him for a short while today to help his choir learn new music. When I was in school almost five decades ago, we had a small band room and there was no choir. Now there is a fine arts building which vibrates with good energy! Although I’ve always known the importance of music in developing a whole person, it was good to be reminded. These students are compassionate and kind. It shows in their eyes. I hope I get to go back sometime and soak up more of their joy!

"The human sigh for peace and love is answered and compensated by divine Love. Music is more than sound in unison. The deaf Beethoven besieges you with tones intricate, profound, commanding. Mozart rests you. To me his composition is the triumph of art, for he measures himself against deeper grief. I want not only quality, quantity, and variation in tone, but the unction of Love. Music is divine. Mind, not matter, makes music; and if the divine tone be lacking, the human tone has no melody for me." Mary Baker Eddy - Message to the Mother Church, 1900, P11:8

Live Justly, Love Mercy

Many people are “daunted by the enormity of the world’s grief”. I have a friend who hides in mindless television. She refuses to watch the news as she feels it’s too horrid, but she immerses herself in yucky CSI shows and such. Even though I don’t understand her way of thinking, it’s better than hiding in a bar and living with the consequences as some I know. Another friend stays away from society and watches cooking shows 10 or 12 hours a day, topping it off with nightly movies. Both of these women are compassionate, loving people, yet they feel helpless when it comes to facing the injustice which is running rampant. There are far more people in the world who love than hate, but it’s easy to become bruised when you love, and easier to become more angry when you hate. That is why I loved the above statement when I read it on Facebook: “Live justly, love mercy, and walk humbly now. You are not expected to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it.” 

“You who feel threatened by this changing world, its twists of fortune and its bitter jests, its brief relationships and all the "gifts" it merely lends to take away again; attend this lesson well. The world provides no safety. It is rooted in attack, and all its "gifts" of seeming safety are illusory deceptions. It attacks, and then attacks again. No peace of mind is possible where danger threatens thus.”

 “Be still a moment, and in silence think how holy is your purpose, how secure you rest, untouchable within it."s light.” A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #153

The Unbearable Sadness/Joy of Life

photo credit: Aaron Springston

I visited with two old friends, one who moved back to town from an extended stay on the west coast. The other visit was with someone who is paralyzed with emotional distress. Both of these women have had recent moves: one from one place in Eureka to another, the other from far, far away. One is calm, one is not. One is happy, one is sad. One is excited, one is afraid. Once again, I ponder why they perceive their moves so differently. I've noticed that one has a strong spiritual base, grounded in reason and understanding. The other is going on blind faith. I, too, think it would be frightening to feel alone, no matter who is helping you and caring about your wellbeing. Her loneliness is deep and cherished. My joyous friend and I discussed changing the world by changing ourselves. We know we can’t beg God to do something, nor can we ask our neighbors to change their minds. This rabbit hole I'm looking into gets deeper and deeper as I watch it, and am I grateful for Love. 

"Happiness is an attribute of love. It cannot be apart from it. Nor can it be experienced where love is not. Love has no limits, being everywhere. And therefore joy is everywhere as well. Yet can the mind deny that this is so, believing there are gaps in love where sin can enter, bringing pain instead of joy. This strange belief would limit happiness by redefining love as limited, and introducing opposition in what has no limit and no opposite." A Course in Miracles W-pI.103.1

Overwhelmed by Change, or Excited?

photo credit: Aaron Springston

Why do some people take events as stressful, while others interpret them as exciting and fun adventures? I know I’ve done both, using changes in life’s circumstances as an excuse for retreating into emotional distress, tempered with bouts of drinking. I’ve been watching a dear friend who is moving from one house to another. She has experienced some other life trauma in recent years and feels overwhelmed by this change. I watch her whirlwind thoughts dwell on the sadness and seeming impossibility of adjusting to a new place. Her fright carries over to her pets. I try to calm her, but she doesn’t want that. So I’ve been thinking about these things today, wondering how we grow into acceptance of the moment, rather than fighting to keep things as they were. It occurs to me that she feels punished by the God she worships. Looking back to a time I was overwrought by illnesses, death, and other forms of separation, I see my change in attitude began and continues with an unfolding view of God, and my expression of this all-encompassing Love. I think I’ll sit and pet a cat and ponder this for a while!

“Change is always fearful to the separated, because they cannot conceive of it as a move towards healing the separation. They always perceive it as a move toward further separation, because the separation was their first experience of change. You believe that if you allow no change to enter into your ego you will find peace. This profound confusion is possible only if you maintain that the same thought system can stand on two foundations. Nothing can reach spirit from the ego, and nothing can reach the ego from spirit. Spirit can neither strengthen the ego nor reduce the conflict within it.” A Course in Miracles T-4.I.2

Are There Levels of Integrity?

photo credit: Aaron Springston

What would you do if you found millions of dollars in the woods in a wrecked plane? Would you go directly to the police or would you stop and think about the consequences of keeping it? We watched a movie, A Simple Plan, which brought these and other questions to thought as we saw this multifaceted dilemma unfold. While we may not have such dramatic choices in daily life, there are many instances presented to us which give an opportunity to test our morality. For instance, if the grocery checker gives you too much change, or when you see someone drop something of value without realizing it — well, the list is endless. Thinking about this has caused me to be more aware of being kind when I could be indifferent. There have been organized movements which foster good behavior, such as, Pay It Forward, or doing random acts of kindness. Yes, I’m going to be more aware of needs and try to fill the void when I see it. Ah, that’s the secret: seeing the need!! 

"The rich in spirit help the poor in one grand brotherhood, all having the same Principle, or Father, and blessed is that man who seeth his brother's need and supplieth it, seeking his own in another's good." Mary Baker Eddy