Tell Your Story!

Storytelling Workshop circa 2015

Have any of your friends been telling the stories of their lives? I've noticed a number of people doing this, and I think it's grand! How often have we wished our parents and grandparents had documented events from their lives. It's a lot easier now than it was 50 years ago, for sure. Today I received a newsletter from a delightful couple I feel I've always known. They are telling of how they first met, married, moved into a home -- and all in delightful detail, with pictures! I'm happy to find out more about people I love and like, and am grateful they are sharing in this manner. Also today, a dear woman whom I've known all my life, but never really well, made a post to Facebook about a time in her life when she auditioned for a spot with a voice teacher whom she admired. The openness of her writing brought tears to my eyes through my smile. I think telling our stories is very important. Start a blog, make a digital record of any sort, write emails to grandchildren -- or heck, start an old-fashioned, on-paper journal!  I have one friend who has written one version of her life story for her family, and another for everyone else -- ha! Do whatever you think is best, but don't be afraid to do it!

"The mine knows naught of the emeralds within its rocks; the sea is ignorant of the gems within its caverns, of the corals, of its sharp reefs, of the tall ships that float on its bosom, or of the bodies which lie buried in its sands: yet these are all there. Do not suppose that any mental concept is gone because you do not think of it. The true concept is never lost. The strong impressions produced on mortal mind by friendship or by any intense feeling are lasting, and mind readers can perceive and reproduce these impressions." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 87:19

The Habit of Stubborn Gladness

The Art of J. Clement Wall
judyclementwall.com

I do not personally know J. Clement Wall, but I follow her on Facebook and love her uplifting art. Her words and the new art which she posted today say what I would like to, so I'm going to quote her here. Everyone, please find some gladness today. We all need that from you.

"I painted this little guy a few days ago, but it hasn't felt like the right time to post it. In the midst of chaos and unrest, my whimsical art sometimes feels out of place. There's so much to be sad and angry and anxious about right now. I feel sad and angry and anxious all the time. But...

I also find myself stubbornly searching out beauty, kindness, generosity. I believe we are at a moment when real change is possible - by choosing love, by choosing not to be silent in the face of racism, falsehoods, and callous disregard for the well being of others. More than ever, it's time to decide who we are, and what kind of world we want to live in. We aren't powerless. We can do and be better." J. Clement Wall 

The Arts During a Pandemic

Painting for Opera in the Ozarks
 by Diana Harvey

Seemingly, one of the downsides of our current isolation is not being able to visit museums and attend concerts. But other avenues for the arts have opened up, which may include more people -- or at least a different audience -- than they garnered before this shift in our habits. Art galleries and museums are providing virtual tours in ways which had only been cursorily explored in the past. Interactive venues have exploded on the internet now that more people have the inclination to travel virtually. Having always been more of an armchair tourist than a traveling one, I love this idea! I can go to the Louvre and look at art or take a class in something I'd never considered knowing more about. Then I can pop over to the Smithsonian and see what's going on there, then come back to Crystal Bridges before having dinner in the comfort of my own home. Opera is also enjoying a different audience as performers stand on their front porch and serenade the neighborhood, while their phones broadcast a video to anyone who wants to tune in. No, it's not the same, but it's what we have, and it's not all bad. Change is good, don't you think? I sure do!

"Even though you aver that the material senses are indispensable to man's existence or entity, you must change the human concept of life, and must a length know yourself spiritually and scientifically. The evidence of the existence of Spirit, Soul, is palpable only to spiritual sense, and is not apparent to the material senses, which cognize only that which is the opposite of Spirit." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 359: 11

Journalistic Integrity

The Christian Science Monitor was started in the early 1900s, purposefully to counteract the yellow journalism which was running rampant inthose times. Believe it or not, the lies and confusion in the news was as bad then as it is now — we just hear more of it now! In these tumultuous days, we need news we can trust. When a sitting president of this country tells untruths, is called out about it, and then takes governmental action to quash truth, this is blatant fascism. To say social media is disallowing free speech because Twitter is putting a rejoinder on his comments with a link to the truth, is to sorely misinterpret the meaning of freedom. For this same man to “retweet” a post from another politician saying that the only good democrat is a dead one — well, this is not acceptable behavior for anyone, much less our so-called leader. Anyone who is confused by televised news, printed news, internet news, I beg of you, please subscribe to the Christian Science Monitor. They have daily updates which come to your email, and a weekly physical magazine which will leave you feeling good after you find out what’s happening in the world. Don’t get me wrong: they tackle tough subjects, but in an honest manner which gives hope for us all. I don’t know about you, but I need every bit of hope I can find!

​"His home relations unfolded a wealth of affection -- a tenderness not talked but felt and lived. His humanity, weighed in the scales of divinity, was not found wanting.​ His public intent was uniform, consistent, sympathetic, and so far as it fathomed the abyss of difficulties was wise, brave, unselfed. May his history waken a tone of truth that shall reverberate, renew euphony, emphasize humane power, and bear its banner into the vast forever." Mary Baker Eddy writing about President McKinley - Miscellany Page 291

The Freedom of Shared Knowledge

Roots and Refuge is the name of a farm in central Arkansas. The young mother of this family has a forthright way of sharing which I find very appealing. She and her husband have six children and a four-acre plot where they grow all their food, raise chickens and goats, and share their knowledge and joy with us on a regular basis via their YouTube channel. I enjoy her weekly garden tours, where she tells us what's ready to harvest or plant. I love when she shares how she finds her clothing at online thrift stores. Today I watched her tell us how to become sustainable, and it doesn't have to do with selling what she grows, but rather eating and preserving it, while cutting back on expenditures, and being happy because you have everything you need. The main reason I love watching her is that she just talks. She is full of joy and learns something new every day, which she happily shares with us. Cooking, carpentry, gardening, raising animals, visiting her mother, picking blackberries in the woods -- what fun to go through a day with Jess! She talks about what she knows, and is not afraid to admit when she is wrong. Come to think about it, these are characteristics which my favorite people have, too! Whether you make videos, write books, or just talk freely about what you know to be true, you're adding to the goodness in our world and are much-needed at this time. Keep up the good work!

"Every step towards goodness is a departure from materiality, and is a tendency towards God, Spirit." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 213:11

Perpetuating the Dream or Waking Up

Photo credit: Aaron Springston

As recently as a few month ago, if you were having a discussion with someone about the environment and our effect on it, we were likely to hear that it's impossible to get people to quit driving so much, traveling by airplane, indulging in the many luxuries to which we've become accustomed. But today, that's a different story. For instance, in Boston, Massachusetts, car travel has dropped by 75%. I read an article about a man who rides his bicycle everywhere and he says he can often pedal 10 miles without seeing another car. And without those cars on the road, more people are willing to ride bicycles, which will cause them to be healthier, which will result in less visits to doctors, which will mean fewer prescriptions given -- and on and on, until we are back to the way we were meant to be before corporation began to manipulate us into lifestyles we were promised were much better than the old. Whew! What a relief! And this domino effect goes on and on. People are discovering they don't need to color their hair, which is in and of itself a poison to our systems. And manicures -- don't get me started on that! Bottom line is we're waking up to many truths we have been ignoring, don't you think? And after people's display of hedonism last weekend, seems it may take another whack up side of the head for us to "get it". I think we will. This causes me to want to sing the song from Hair: This is the dawning of the Age of Aquarius! 

"Better the suffering which awakens mortal mind from its fleshly dream, than the false pleasures which tend to perpetuate this dream. " Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 196:6

Givers of Knowledge

The Rockies - PC: Aaron Springston

The Giver of Stars is a delightful novel by JoJo Moyes. This book is historical fiction based on the Pack Horse Librarians of Appalachia during the 1930s. With a grant from the WPA, a few women began traveling the hills with books for the people who lived there. Most had no job, and the few who did were slaves to the coal mining industry. Not only was this an enjoyable read, but it started a deep reflection on what it means to people without access to information (or perhaps with access to too much information!) to have the ability to read and learn to think deeply. In this book, many people were upset that there was access to anything other than cooking and children's books. They felt if women were educated, then they would want more from life, and that would be very inconvenient for most of the men. What caused me to think hard about all this is our current situation where so many feel that anyone with an education is not to be trusted. Perhaps some feel if we know how to access information we might notice that the great and powerful Oz behind the curtain is nothing more than a man creating an illusion. When I was a child, everyone thought well of educated folks, respecting doctors and preachers and teachers. Knowledge is powerful and the wonderful thing is anyone is able to have it. A problem we have right now is so many seem to think it's unimportant. Let's double down on being the change we wish to see!

"Mortal thought does not at once catch the higher meaning, and can do so only as thought is educated up to spiritual apprehension. To a certain extent this is equally true of all learning, even that which is wholly material." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Pae 349:26

Living Love

"Finding Their Voice"
sculpture by Ken Starbird

Righteous indignation: There's a lot of it going around, don't you think? Maybe I notice it so much because it's alive and well-established within me. Maybe I'm too quick to jump on my high horse and adopt a holier-than-thou attitude. It seems there are so many injustices which need righting. Many people think that forgiveness is looking the other way and doing nothing. I see forgiveness as looking past the illusion of separation from God to the realization of our unity. With this view, I can set aside my stories of right and wrong and open thought to the reality of Love, of God. Some wonder what good this could possibly do in a world so rife with confusion. If everyone lived Love, wouldn't that make a difference? I don't think anyone would deny the perfection of that world! There is a voice audible to anyone willing to listen. Forgiveness, the releasing of illusions, allows this voice to be heard. In our unity, our release is everyone's gift. There is no you, me, and God. There is only One. What a joy to be finding our voice!

“The voice of God in behalf of the African slave was still echoing in our land, when the voice of the herald of this new crusade sounded the keynote of universal freedom, asking a fuller acknowledgment of the rights of man as a Son of God, demanding that the fetters of sin, sickness, and death be stricken from the human mind and that its freedom be won, not through human warfare, not with bayonet and blood, but through Christ’s divine Science.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 226:5-13

A Return to Love

image taken from BodhiTree.com

Sunday's New York Times simply tells us there are almost 100,000 people who have died from this virus, and then it lists names, which cover the front page. I wouldn't think this would be a controversial thing, but apparently it is. Steve Grant, who has worked for KY3 out of Springfield for decades, posted The Times page to his Facebook page. And then the craziness was let loose. People started telling us how many people die in car wrecks and from heart disease. Then others brought up abortion and want to know why we are upset about this virus when we voluntarily kill babies. Then there's the crowd who think it's all a hoax, and others who go off the deep end simply because they've been waiting for a reason to do so. I don't get it, not at all. If people are hurting, we should offer a helping hand. If people are sad, we can comfort them. If people are frightened, let's offer them hope. Does it do any good to say, "So what? Such and such happened and it was worse than this!" I don't understand where our compassion has gone. I could speculate on the events which have brought us to this emotionally-stunted place, but I'd rather think about how we can return to Love. 

“But peace isn’t determined by circumstances outside us. Peace stems from forgiveness. Pain doesn’t stem from the love we’re denied by others, but rather from the love that we deny them.” ― Marianne Williamson, Return to Love

Aflame With Divine Love

Thailand Trees - photo credit: Aaron Springston

In our town, we seem to have everything we need -- but is spiritual help available for those who feel there is no hope? I follow Cyndi Lauper on Facebook, along with almost 3 million others. Today she made a post asking everyone how they were doing. I read through a number of them, skipping around to try and get a good representation of the general public's feelings. I am deeply saddened by how many people are lonely, how many have sick children, how many have had surgery or major illness, how many are frightened, and the numbers who want things to be like they were before. The other day, my neighbor told me she was hiding her razor blades -- implying that she was ready to slit her wrists. I didn't take it as a joke necessarily, but I also did not take it seriously. Perhaps it's time to listen -- really listen -- to everyone. Countries which I think of as civilized have systems which reach out to people who are having trouble. There are apps to help with depression and other mental health issues. There are hotlines for children who have unspeakable events going on in their homes. There are networks of resources for those who need them.  While I believe this is the shift humanity has been waiting for, what of those who don't understand and are afraid? What is our role as light workers? I do not ask these questions rhetorically...

"If we would open their prison doors for the sick, we must first learn to bind up the broken-hearted. If we would heal by the Spirit, we must not hide the talent of spiritual healing under the napkin of its form, nor bury the morale of Christian Science in the grave-clothes of its letter. The tender word and Christian encouragement of an invalid, pitiful patience with his fears and the removal of them, are better than hecatombs of gushing theories, stereotyped borrowed speeches, and the doling of arguments, which are but so many parodies on legitimate Christian Science, aflame with divine Love." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 366: 29

Jesus's Wife?

image taken from The Atlantic

Perhaps you know the writing of Sue Monk Kidd. Her most famous novel, The Secret Life of Bees, was on the bestseller list for two years and also was a darn good movie. I finished her latest offering tonight: The Book of Longings. Ms. Kidd spent more than a decade researching this book and dares to ask this question in its epilogue: "How does imagining new possibilities affect realities in the present?" This book is the story of Ana, Jesus' wife. It is a fascinating study of the social and political atmosphere as it was 2,000 years ago. Many of the problems they had, we of course are still dealing with. Anyone coming up with a way of looking at life which is radically different than the current accepted beliefs is likely to be crucified. But thankfully, more people are educated and know there is nothing to fear in new thought, whether it has to do with the rights of people or the way we think about God. When Mary Baker Eddy started the seemingly impossible task of introducing what she has called primitive Christianity, she was scorned in every way imaginable. In 1865, women didn't have many more rights than they did in Jesus' time, so for this lady preacher to be saying blasphemous things in public was not well thought of, to say the least! But she imagined many new possibilities which are affecting our realities today. Things which are called new age thought are actually old, ancient teachings which have been hidden or turned upside down by people who wanted control. We have always had the ability to think for ourselves, and now we can read and write what we choose, and I'm hoping we will question everything until we get answers which make sense! For all the people who have brought us to this point, I am very grateful! To all of you who insist on answers rather than dead-end platitudes, I applaud you!

"Jesus was born of Mary. Christ is the true idea voicing good, the divine message from God to men speaking to the human consciousness. The Christ is incorporeal, spiritual -- yea, the divine image and likeness, dispelling the illusions of the senses... The corporeal man Jesus was human."  Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 332:9

Reinventing Ourselves

photo credit: Aaron Springston

Prior to this pandemic-enforced isolation, most of us didn’t consider reinventing ourselves in any way, much less the drastic changes we are making today. In two months’ time, we have done a 180-degree turn in many aspects of daily existence. The way we check out books from the library, how we hunt and gather food, meeting with friends in clubs and churches, having our hair done and other one-on-one body experiences — well, I’m sure you could each fill up a page with things you used to do by rote, which now must be planned. Our creativity — individually and commonly — is growing exponentially! When we think outside the box in one way, it leads to yet another expansive thought. Whereas a few weeks ago we couldn’t envision a new life, now we are living one and finding ways to enjoy the new way and grow in our vision of what will be. I’m not sure why, but the words which come to mind are “mazel tov”!!

"Ontology receives less attention than physiology. Why? Recause mortal mind must waken to spiritual life before it cares to solve the problem of being, hence the author's experience; but when that awakening comes, existence will be on a new standpoint." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 556:25-30

Old Movies

photo credit: Aaron Springston

I love old movies! Not only is it fun to watch actors we have known all our lives, but it’s absolutely fascinating to see behavior which we thought of as acceptable and now seems horrid. I checked out a 6-DVD set of Jack Lemmon movies from our library. In watching Carol Lynley in Under the Yum Yum Tree, it was very apparent everyone was caught in limbo, not knowing if they were progressive, honest women or manipulative sex-kittens. And the men! My goodness! Most were womanizers who couldn’t relate to women without making blatant innuendoes — except for the few who were portrayed as dullards or buffoons. In many films, we witness the cruel racism which continues on the fringes in 2020. There are also many examples of environmental carelessness, animal cruelty, and smoking and drinking to excess. Is it more apparent to us now, looking back, because we have come so far in realizing civil, human, and animal rights? I certainly hope so. I love reading a section of the Christian Science Monitor entitled Points of Progress, wherein we can join in applauding people who are making a difference around the world. There are also websites which celebrate these things, in case you want to applaud the good news, too!

"The rights of man were vindicated in a single section and on the lowest plane of human life, when African slavery was abolished in our land. That was only prophetic of further steps towards the banishment of a world-wide slavery, found on higher planes of existence and under more subtle and depraving forms." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 225:31

Loving the Quiet

Having grown up as an only child, I looked forward to going to school, belonging to many clubs, and leaving for college a year early so I could have a crazy social life. Today, it’s quite a revelation to see all desire to do “things” has left me. I do enjoy my daily walk at the cemetery, which tops off a day of puttering, reading, doing household things, bridge playing, piano playing, and an occasional chat with family members or watching a movie. The more I stay home, the more I want to stay home. Today, I did not join a number of group chats being held by friends, as I had no desire to talk to others. I did speak with a good friend on the phone, and we mentioned how we had reached a point of not wanting to “do” anything. Another friend told a mutual social media friend how much she is enjoying this quiet time of contemplation and communing with nature. I heard a program on NPR today which talked of how people are becoming more aware of where their food comes from now that things are not magically re-appearing in grocery stores. People are actually thinking about the high cost and foolishness of shipping a strawberry from the west coast, perhaps letting it rot in the refrigerator, then putting in a landfill, thus adding triply to their carbon footprint. I am grateful for the lessons I’m learning about myself during this time, and I trust you are discovering some things, too. And don't forget to support your local farmers!

"A higher and more practical Christianity, demonstrating justice and meeting the needs of mortals in sickness and in health, stands at the door of this age, knocking for admission. Will you open or close the door upon this angel visitant, who cometh in the quiet of meekness, as it came of old to the patriarch at noonday?" Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 224:22

Young @ Heart

The Junes - photo credit:
Richard Quick

[a repeated post from 2018] ​A documentary comes to mind about a group of people whose average age is 80. These delightful people sing in live performances all over the world. Their songs are surprising and joyous, bringing happiness to all who hear them. This ever-changing group of joyful givers call themselves "Young @ Heart", and the film bears the same name. These people inspire me to give of what I have been given, to be willing to share the salvation which is mine -- and yours! Whenever I forget my true Self, the memory of these resplendent people will remind me that we're all here for each other, and that with giving we receive, and with receiving we give.

​"One marvels that a friend can ever seem less than beautiful. Men and women of riper years and larger lessons ought to ripen intohealth 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..." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 248:6

Critical Thinking

Little Red Book Shelf
At Loaves and Fishes
in Berryville, AR

“Worthy persons deserve to be called so because they are not carried away by the eight winds: prosperity, decline, disgrace, honor, praise, censure, suffering, and pleasure. They are neither elated by prosperity nor grieved by decline.” This quote by Nichiren grabbed my attention, mainly because of the phrase “elated by prosperity”. There seem to be too many people in charge of the world who are delirious over money. Andrew Carnegie was very wise in telling us: “Surplus wealth is a sacred trust which its possessor is bound to administer in his lifetime for the good of the community.” Mr. Carnegie created 1,689 libraries in the United States. Information is power, and it’s apparent today that many would rather have an uninformed electorate rather than an informed citizenry who can ascertain truth from fiction. I’m currently reading a novel called “The Giver of Stars”, and it is about the women in Appalachia who rode horses, carrying backpacks full of books, delivering them to those who otherwise would not have had them. I guess we feel that the information freeway called the internet takes care of our educational needs. To me, nothing replaces falling into a good book. I think it's necessary to develop critical thinking, don't you?

"Recalling Jefferson's words about slavery, 'I tremble when I remember that God is just,' the author trembles whenever she sees a man for the petty consideration of money, teaching his slight knowledge of Mind-power, -- perhaps communicating his own bad morals, and in this way dealing pitilessly with a community unprepared for self-defence." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 445:29

Kinship With All Life

photo credit: Aaron Springston

Kevin's been working at the Crescent Hotel gardens the past few weeks and has planted (he estimates) over 1500 plants. On these beautiful spring days, there are many bees and wasps which are very interested in what he's doing, to the point of flying around his head and even getting in his ears. We were talking about how he lives in harmony with these tiny, busy creatures, not fearing them or trying to swat them away, but letting them do their thing while they learn he is harmless. It's that telepathic thing, don't you think? The same mental connection which causes your dog to know when you're five minutes away from the house. I love that he's at one with nature to the extent that birds land on him. Thinking along these lines, I recall a little girl at The Clear Spring School. She was terribly afraid of bees, although blessedly not allergic to them, as one day she was stung three times. The bees happily danced around everyone else, but gave their life to fulfill her dread. Let's practice noticing our thoughts and the creatures around us, knowing that this same principle is at work in our human endeavors, too. What we expect from others is quite often what we get! 

"All of God's creatures, moving in the harmony of Science, are harmless, useful, indestructible. A realization of this grand verity was a source of strength in the ancient worthies." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 514:29

We Have Much To Learn

photo credit: Aaron Springston

We have much to learn from each other. My dear departed daddy used to say, If you can’t learn something from the dumbest man you know, then you aren’t listening. I try to remember this each time I hear mindless gibberish coming from some of our elected officials. The opposite was brought to my attention today when I was reading how New Zealand has coped with this worldwide virus threat. As part of their individual isolation, apps were created offering people mental services in case they could not cope with the changes they needed to make. They insured new mothers were not in need during their isolation. There are a multitude of kindnesses their beautiful prime minister, Jacinda Ardern, implemented as part of their national program. We can learn from this country and many others who are setting the bar high in their work towards understanding what we need to do. We each have a song to sing in this changing world, and it’s important we do so with kindness and wisdom. Too often we hear about the opposite, and therein we may also learn lessons. I have been particularly impressed with our local Methodist minister’s interaction with someone in the men’s room at WalMart. Maybe I’ll tell you about it tomorrow!

“What is intelligence? Intelligence is omniscience, omnipresence, and omnipotence. It is the prime and eternal quality of infinite Mind, of the triune Principle — Life, Truth, and Love, — named God.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 459:7

Shifting Consciousness

Crystal Bridges
photo credit: Aaron Springston

The changes we have witnessed in our lifetime have been exciting and — to take a phrase from the ‘70s — mind blowing! Decades ago, when we were told about the Age of Aquarius and, more recently, when 2012 was explained as a shift in consciousness, I'm not sure we recognized there would be any real change in our lives. Those who are looking for material reasons to explain the shifts in everything from politics to weather, are feeling helpless and overwhelmed. Looked at from a different perspective, we see changes are necessary in order to facilitate the realization of this new earth which we are ready to embrace. As with any shift in thought, some people are afraid and working to keep the old ways, but it is impossible to see two worlds. For this reason, I choose Love!

“During this final conflict, wicked minds will endeavor to find means by which to accomplish more evil; but those who discern Christian Science will hold crime in check. They will aid in the ejection of error. They will maintain law and order, and cheerfully await the certainty of ultimate perfection.”
Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 96:31-4

Loving Energy For Everyone!

creation of Sandy Wythawai Starbird

I went to our wonderful local grocer today, which was a fun outing in and of itself. But the best part was running into an dear friend as I was checking out. Sandy Starbird is one of those people with whom I felt a connection the first time we met, and that connection has grown into a deep friendship. I was checking out when she was coming into the store, and our first impulse was to hug each other. Sandy gives the best hugs, transmitting all the good vibes she has accumulated in her beautiful lifetime. We stopped the requisite six feet away from each other and closed our eyes and mentally hugged for a few seconds. We reminded ourselves that the hugs we miss so much can be given and received no matter where we are; that all we need is intent to access the connection which flows through us all. When I turned around to continue checking out, the cashier was crying, telling me how moved she was by our exchange. If you’re missing physical closeness with your family and friends, remember they’re only a thought away. We are all connected, and our loving energy is much needed in a fearful world. Let us not forget to give it freely!

"The manifestation of God through mortals is as light passing through the window-pane. The light and the glass never mingle, but as matter, the glass is less opaque than the walls. The mortal mind through which Truth appears most vividly is that one which has lost much materiality -- much error -- in order to become a better transparency for Truth. Then, like a cloud melting into thin vapor, it no longer hides the sun."  Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 295:16

Original Mother's Day Proclamation

https://youtu.be/02_vC8qgiNM

Perhaps I knew of the origins of Mother’s Day, but had forgotten. I am so happy to have been reminded of it, by Marianne Williamson, and after looking up the original proclamation by Julia Ward Howe, am overwhelmed by its call for mothers to come together for peace. Here’s to you moms!

“Arise, all women who have hearts, whether your baptism be that of water or of tears! Say firmly: ‘We will not have great questions decided by irrelevant agencies, our husbands shall not come to us, reeking with carnage, for caresses and applause.

‘Our sons shall not be taken from us to unlearn all that we have been able to teach them of charity, mercy and patience. We women of one country will be too tender of those of another country to allow our sons to be trained to injure theirs.’

From the bosom of the devastated earth a voice goes up with our own. It says, ‘Disarm, disarm! The sword is not the balance of justice.’ Blood does not wipe out dishonor nor violence indicate possession.

As men have often forsaken the plow and the anvil at the summons of war, let women now leave all that may be left of home for a great and earnest day of counsel. Let them meet first, as women, to bewail and commemorate the dead. Let them then solemnly take counsel with each other as to the means whereby the great human family can live in peace, each learning after his own time, the sacred impress, not of Caesar, but of God.

In the name of womanhood and of humanity, I earnestly ask that a general congress of women without limit of nationality may be appointed and held at some place deemed most convenient and at the earliest period consistent with its objects, to promote the alliance of the different nationalities, the amicable settlement of international questions, the great and general interests of peace.”

In 1907, Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the day, but its true meaning has been forgotten.

My Mother Loved Baseball

Doc and Anita Havens
Circa 1931

My mom was a baseball fan. She followed the St. Louis Cardinals and talked about the players with her friends. After I left home and lived in Fayetteville, she came to spend a few days at my house. My roommate was a baseball fan, too, so she and my mother spent some time watching games. Imagine my surprise when Brenda told me that my mother knew nothing about baseball! I was dumbfounded, and a bit embarrassed. This dear woman was a joyous ball of energy. She had a great laugh and rarely walked when she could run. But as children sometimes do, I didn’t realize how fabulous she was. She wore bright clothing and a flower in her hair, when my friends’ moms were non-descript. She painted doors bright red with black spots and gold doorknobs. She was happier than any other mom I knew. Looking back on her lack of baseball expertise, I see how cool that was! She enjoyed watching the players, cheered when they hit the ball (not caring if it was foul or fair), and was ecstatic when they made the playoffs. I wonder if she even knew what that meant? It didn’t matter! Sophia Anita Bravo Havens loved life! What I'd give to watch a game with her...


"Fed by Thy love divine we live,
For Love alone is Life;
And life most sweet, as heart to heart
Speaks kindly when we meet and part."
Mary Baker Edd

Healing Horses

Creation of Sandy Starbird

The documentary, Herd, is a film about the healing power of horses, our connection with all things, and compassion. Liz Mitten Ryan is an artist, an author, and a compassionate human. She has developed a retreat in British Columbia where she and ten or so horses, a big old steer, and a few dogs and cats, hold healing retreats for people who are ready to face themselves and release pain. As one woman said, “This is not so much a place to escape as it is a place to leave things behind that you don’t want any more.” All the people sharing their stories in this hour-long film had emotional baggage holding them hostage: loss of a young child, abuse of various types, or one man simply wanted to become a better physician and parent. The founder of this beautiful retreat discovered that two of her horses would touch her chakras when she was laying in their midst, and she would feel unified with them. She began to write about this phenomenon and states that she didn’t know if she was telling the animals’ stories or her own. (She says the dogs and cats were in on it, too.) She realized that horses see the invisible all around us, and that's what makes them amazing healers. We have much to learn, and the animals are ready to teach us. When we are in our truth, they come to us, and that is all they ask. 

"As mortals gain more correct views of God and man, multitudinous objects of creation, which before were invisible, will become visible. When we realize that Life is Spirit, never in nor of matter, this understanding will expand into self-completeness, finding all in God, good, and needing no other consciousness." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 264:13

Remembering Kindnesses

Pow-Wow at Turpentine Creek
photo credit: Richard Quick

The term "pay it forward" is known by most people. The act of showing our gratitude for a favor done us is acknowledged by helping someone else, and this pays the good deed forward. And on and on it goes. In 1847, the people of Ireland were in the middle of a great famine and members of the Choctaw Nation here in the U.S. gave $170 to them, empathizing with them mainly because it had not been long since they had known suffering in the relocation march known as the Trail of Tears. The Navajo Nation has been hit harder by Covid-19 than any other Native American reservation in this country. Many people of Irish descent have contributed to fundraising efforts for the Navajo and Hopi people in Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah, raising almost 2 million dollars to help them. As one man said when he donated $50: "In remembrance of your ancestors and their kindness to the people of Ireland. We are one world and one people, together we will get through this. Be safe." In a me-first atmosphere, it is heartening to see examples of empathy and kindness. I know there are more people who love rather than hate. That group is increasing exponentially, and it's a joy to behold!

"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 - Science & Health Page 518:14

Every Thought is Important

I’ve noticed myself (and others) mindlessly repeating things we have heard, whether it be truth or rumor, good news or a horrid happening, or simple inanities. In the volatile atmosphere of our emotionally-charged country, it is particularly important to scatter joy and express kindness. Kindness goes hand-in-hand with compassionate, but that doesn’t mean we must exacerbate others' pain by adding our own to it. I’ve heard it said that worry is much like praying for something bad to happen. With this in mind, I will try to only see, hear, and repeat good. This does not mean I will ignore injustice in all its many faces, nor does it mean that I'll turn my back on someone in need. It does mean when I hear of yet another travesty against mankind and the environment, I will see it through different eyes, translating it into what can occur to move us into our true selves as images of the divine. Planning to refrain from rehashing horror stories, or engaging in inane conversations, or telling my own stories which top the bad things others have experienced, these are things I can and will do at every opportunity. Every thought matters, and ours may be the one which turns it all around!

Mary Baker Eddy quote: “The power of the human will should be exercised only in subordination to Truth; else it will misguide the judgment and free the lower propensities. It is the province of spiritual sense to govern man.” Science & Health with Key to the Scriptures, Page 206:2-7

Space Between the Thoughts

Utah - Photo Credit: Aaron Springston

The first time I heard the phrase “pray without ceasing”, I didn’t understand how that could be possible. When I learned that prayer was listening, not asking or telling, it started to seem more feasible to be in continual prayer. As I’ve discovered ways to know when my mortal mind is overruling the divine Mind, it’s become even more imperative to listen to intuition rather than my own often-misplaced logic. We get caught up in day-to-day activity, but a desire to fall into the space between the thoughts facilitates the ability to do so. A short moment while waiting for a stoplight to change can be a few seconds of deep meditation. A walk with the dogs is a perfect opportunity to stop extraneous thoughts and savor quiet peace. Any activity which allows our mind to stop its repetitive race — gardening, sewing, piano playing — is a moment of communion with All that Is. Let’s not wait for that perfect, quiet time to meditate and pray, when every moment affords an opportunity!

“Self-forgetfulness, purity, and affection are constant prayers. Practice not profession, understanding not belief, gain the ear and right hand of omnipotence as they assuredly call down infinite blessings. Trustworthiness is the foundation of enlightened faith. Without a fitness for holiness, we cannot receive holiness” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 15:25

Trust Your Local Farmer

During these troubling times, we aren't sure who or what to trust. I am choosing to trust in our local farmers. We have been building relationships with them for years. We've watched their families grow, their farms expand, their vegetables become more abundant with the increases in  winter growing capabilities, along with changing planting and harvest techniques. Frequenting farmers markets has opened up a new food source for many, helping us turn away from pesticide-ridden crops and the fossil-fuel-guzzling shipments from thousands of miles away. They help us understand how to prepare nourishing food, how to plant our own small patches to supply our needs, allowing us to eat what is clean and has been produced with loving care. Small-scale food production is what most of us grew up with, and today it seems more important than any other time in our lives. I am grateful for each and every person who brings food to our tables and nourishes our spirit through the farmer's markets! Kudos to you!

"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

Keep on Dancing!

Photo from my son's wedding last year

Yesterday I sent a video of the happiest song I know, by some of the happiest performers I've witnessed. The response has been heartening, with many of you telling me you're dancing and feeling joyful. My favorite is from a dear friend whose granddaughter lives in Costa Rica and will be celebrating her 8th birthday. They were asked to send a video of themselves dancing (or perhaps they are going to do a Zoom -- I'm not certain), but nevertheless, this close friend was a bit freaked out at the prospect and spent quite some time planning what to wear, how to dance, and what to dance to. After she read my "everybody dance" message, she sent me a video of her practicing. She thought it was full of bloopers and was hilarious, so she wanted to share. What I saw did make me laugh out loud a lot, as it was so joy-filled and free-spirited that I watched it more than once, simply to share in her happiness. This, dear friends, is what we're doing for each other and will continue to do: hold one another up with our light. There are times when even the most Pollyanna-ish of us can feel a bit helpless and/or sad. Let's not be afraid to scatter joy, even if we feel we look silly doing it! Donna proved that to me today. She thought of her dance as full of bloopers; I saw it as an act of Love equal to anything I've witnessed. Thank you, dear Friend!

"Who that has felt the loss of human peace has not gained stronger desires for spiritual joy? The aspiration after heavenly good comes even before we discover what belongs to wisdom and Love. The loss of earthly hopes and pleasures brightens the ascending path of many a heart. The pains of sense quickly inform us that the pleasures of sense are mortal and that joy is spiritual." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 265:23

Get Up And Dance!

Aaron and Kailey's wedding

Today I wish you joy. To facilitate that fabulous feeling, I send you the happiest video I know. Get up and dance! 

Wishing you a day of digging in the dirt, riding in your car, chatting with friends, remembering that Love is all around. Happy Sunday everyone...

https://youtu.be/Kb4Qfo0HQrs

Science of The Christ

Moab - Photo credit: Aaron Springston

I have spent my life never fearing contagion, but for some reason, now I do. It could be social and other media; it could be overexposure to a material, fear-based way of thinking, or it could be I've let down my guard. Being raised in Christian Science, I saw healings of every kind, but never witnessed one within my own thought until after my children were born. Before that, it seemed unnecessary to spend every waking moment working to know the truth of our being, in the face of the great majority of people thinking erroneous beliefs are the law of the world. We think of material laws as being concrete, and spiritual truth as being ephemeral illusion. I was taught the opposite was true, but it seemed easier to go along with the crowd and believe what most everyone else thought of as fact. And so I did, until I had children and circumstances seemed to call for something more than medicine covering up causes for problems. So I had a sea change, moved to Eureka Springs, and began a concentrated study of the Science of the Christ. Then the children were grown and once again it seemed like too much trouble to study and work to keep Truth at the forefront of thought. I was wrong. And so I once again will work to keep thought stayed on spiritual creation rather than the material crapshoot we call life. Namaste...

"My weary hope tries to realize that happy day, when man shall recognize the Science of Christ and love his neighbor as himself, -- when he shall realize God's omnipotence and the healing power of the divine Love in what it has done and is doing for mankind. The promises will be fulfilled. The time for the reappearing of the divine healing is throughout all time, and whosoever layeth his earthly all on the altar of divine Science, drinketh of Christ's cup now, and is endued with the spirit and power of Christian healing." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 55:16