Immortal Ideas

 

photo credit: Kevin Wright

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

"Immortal ideas, pure, perfect, and enduring, are transmitted by the divine Mind through divine Science, which corrects error with truth and demands spiritual thoughts, divine concepts, to the end that they may produce harmonious results." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 259: 27-31

Shifting Consciousness and Clinging ego

 

When people would tell me how difficult the shift into fourth-dimensional consciousness was going to be, I never believed them. I naively underestimated the power we have given this thing we call ego. Our pandemic-enforced isolation was a darned good catalyst for the rising consciousness which is washing over humanity, but it seems many people were not prepared. I’m watching a few friends sinking deeper into depression, becoming extremely anxious about resuming social interactions, and feeling hopeless for many reasons. The ego, or mortal mind, is screaming loudly as we near an awakening unlike anything humans have allowed for themselves. It’s upon us and far too many people are far too afraid of losing control — control of themselves and others. It’s been taught to us from an early age that we must have goals, set limitations, and plan for every possibility. The realization that divine Mind’s elucidation is being felt and followed, causes the mortal mind to fight back, feeding our angst and increasing our desire to be in charge. This egotistic mind thinks it knows more than the omnipresent, omniscient Presence which we think of as God. “Let go and let God” turns out to be harder to do than to say — but most of us are trying! We’re studying and putting into practice what feels right deep inside us. We’re gathering together, whether in person or in spirit (or internet), and the tipping point is closer than ever before. Join with me in celebration of our true independence, finding freedom from the false demons which taunt us and embracing all which Life has to offer!

"As a material, theoretical life-basis is found to be a misapprehension of existence, the spiritual and divine Principle of man dawns upon human thought, and leads it to 'where the young child was,' -- even to the birth of a new-old idea, to the spiritual sense of being and of what Life includes. Thus the whole earth will be transformed by Truth on its pinions of light, chasing away the darkness of error." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 191:8

To See As Love Sees

photo credit: Arthur Bruno

Years ago, I had friends who were expecting their first baby. They joked about teaching it the "wrong" things -- such as, blue would be red, a table might be called a chair, maybe a dog would be a cat. That would certainly be seeing things differently! There’s a correlation in their mis-information scheme and the illusions and limitations we have set up for ourselves in our world. There is a Course in Miracles workbook lesson which asks us to give up any notions we have concerning the meaning of anything and everything. By doing this, we enable ourselves to drop what we've always thought about a particular thing and allow ourselves to be open to what it is and what it is for. I love where this exercise takes us! When we begin asking what things are, rather than telling them what they are based on our previous labeling of them, interesting answers come our way. For instance, the way we, as a society, punish wrong-doing: Does our present system of retaliation and retribution actually accomplish anything? In ​the book, "The Buddhist and the Terrorist", an alternative to the treatment of a murderer is explored. This book is one of many which encourage​s​ me to see differently, to see myself as Love sees me. This concept strikes me as worthy of exploration!

"The objects cognized by the physical senses have not the reality of substance. They are only what mortal belief calls them." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 311:26-28

To Teach Is To Learn

 

photo credit: Kevin Wright

The act of communicating knowledge can be interpreted as implying that others are ignorant and need to be ​schooled about something. So we may ​remain silent rather than ​correcting inaccuracies we may hear or read​. ​Maybe we fear an angry response, or perhaps we are being polite, or we don't want the conflict we fear will occur. ​Sincere communication seems to be riddled with pitfalls, but I don't think it has to be this way. Perhaps this is a reason our world is suffering so severely when solutions seem simple: people are not willing to step outside their belief systems and listen to logic and scientific fact. ​Perhaps it’s a lack of trust ​which causes the idea that others want to indoctrinate us into their way of thought. I’d love to see us all step back from labels such as liberal and conservative and simply seek truth. Who cares if someone is a man or a woman, or a member of a certain political party or religion? Let’s not be afraid to speak out, to question, to listen, to learn, to love each other without caveat!

“The role of teaching and learning is actually reversed in the thinking of the world. The reversal is characteristic. It seems as if the teacher and the learner are separated, the teacher giving something to the learner rather than to himself. Further, the act of teaching is regarded as a special activity, in which one engages only a relatively small proportion of one's time. The course, on the other hand, emphasizes that to teach is to learn, so that teacher and learner are the same. It also emphasizes that teaching is a constant process; it goes on every moment of the day, and continues into sleeping thoughts as well.” A Course in Miracles, Manual for Teachers

Oh, The Places You'll Go!

 

Hawksbill Crag - photo credit: Aaron Springston

Oh, the Places You'll Go! -- By Theodore Geisel

“I'm afraid that sometimes you'll play lonely games too. Games you can't win, cause you'll play against you.

All Alone! Whether you like it or not,

Alone you will be something quite a lot.

And when you're alone. There' a very good chance

You'll meet some things that scare you right out of your pants.

There are some, down the road between hither and yon,

That can scare you so much you won't want to go on.

But on you will go, though the weather be foul,

On you will go, though the Hakken-Kraks howl.

Onward up many a frightening creek,Theodore

Though your arms may get sore

And your sneakers may leak

On and on you will hike.

And I know you'll hike far

And face up to your problems

Whatever they are.

You'll get mixed up, of course,

As you already know.

You'll get mixed up with many strange birds as you go.

So be sure where you step.

Step with care and great tact

And remember that life's a Great Balancing Act.

Just never forget to be dexterous and deft.

And never mix up your right foot with your left.”

By: Dr. Seuss

A Happy Trip

 

photo credit: Aaron Springston

Someone I admire said, “I don’t want my imagination to die before I do”. That’s the open secret to a happy life, don’t you think? When each day brings new adventure, we are joyous! And this adventure doesn’t consist of doing something you’ve never done before, or something which others think of as exciting; it’s simply enjoying every moment of what you do and not being afraid of a break in routine. That’s an ah-ha moment. How often do we become disgruntled because our plans for the day are interrupted by an unexpected occurrence? These may be happy interruptions, such as a surprise visit from an old friend, or an necessary chore like changing a flat tire on the car; either scenario causes a readjustment of our plans. When we are able to face whatever may come our way, with an inexhaustible joy, life is fun! Imagination and creativity are directly linked to this ability to enjoy ups and downs, without even thinking of them as such. Rolling with the flow makes for a happy trip!

“You can make an empty shell, but you cannot express nothing at all. You can wait, delay, paralyze yourself, or reduce your creativity almost to nothing. But you cannot abolish it. You can destroy your medium of communication, but not your potential.” A Course in Miracles - Chapter 1 V:1

To Arrive Where We Started

 

photo credit: Aaron Springston

A friend once said to me, "There are only two powers, and she's chosen the wrong one." I had to step back and wonder how it felt to believe in such a duality as this. Once we've split power into a loving God and Its evil twin, some seriously hard-to-let-go images have taken hold in our mind. I don’t want to focus on the myriad of ways we've constructed to cloud our vision, but I'll ask to see with my true sight as a reflection of Love. T. S. Eliot’s quote from Little Gidding reminds me what "seeing" is. “We shall not cease from exploration, / And the end of all our exploring / Will be to arrive where we started / And know the place for the first time.”

"To teach is to demonstrate. There are only two thought systems, and you demonstrate that you believe one or the other is true all the time. From your demonstration others learn, and so do you. The question is not whether you will teach, for in that there is no choice. The purpose of the course might be said to provide you with a means of choosing what you want to teach on the basis of what you want to learn. You cannot give to someone else, but only to yourself, and this you learn through teaching. Teaching is but a call to witnesses to attest to what you believe. It is a method of conversion. This is not done by words alone. Any situation must be to you a chance to teach others what you are, and what they are to you. No more than that, but also never less." A Course in Miracles -  Manual for Teachers

Pouring Love on the Fire

 ​

photo credit: Arthur Bruno

We humans think in terms of something upsetting us, then find reasons why we are justified in this upset. When a friend shared with me a step into peace and out of worry which she experienced, I was reminded that we don't need to fan the flame of anger. One of her daughters was very upset with her, for reasons which are not important to this writing. My friend chose to not make those reasons important to her either. She was aware that her beloved daughter was upset, but she was also aware that she couldn't fix it. She knows that her peace doesn't depend on any outside source. She knew she was being honest and straightforward, and no amount of erroneous thought could affect her natural state of harmony. She didn’t try to change her daughter’s mind about things, but she did examine her own motives and actions. I look forward to seeing the effect of pouring more love on this fire!

"Harmony is produced by its Principle, is controlled by it and abides with it. Divine Principle is the Life of man. Man's happiness is not, therefore, at the disposal of physical sense. Truth is not contaminated by error. Harmony in man is as beautiful as in music, and discord is unnatural, unreal." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 304:17-22

To See Or Not To See

 

photo credit: Arthur Bruno

We practicing metaphysicians often hear words like these: "Get real! Face facts! Pull your head out of the sand!" I usually just smile and say, "You may be right", and politely wander away. Rather than explaining -- or worse, arguing! -- I ​try to ​hold to the spiritual reality, Love, while allowing the material arguments to pass through and be gone. I have not always been so easy to get along with! Recently, I've had the opportunity to spend time with an old friend who moved far, far away. A number of years ago, she and I had an altercation which was deeply interconnected to many areas in our friendship. If either she or I had held onto the past, we wouldn't share the palpable Oneness we feel today. It's not a choice of seeing past or present, but a choice to see or not to see. And I am grateful​ for the ability to choose again …

"Spiritual causation is the one question to be considered, for more than all others spiritual causation relates to human progress. The age seems ready to approach this subject, to ponder somewhat the supremacy of Spirit, and at least to touch the hem of Truth's garment." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 270:22-27

Living the Life of Light

 

photo credit: Richard Quick

Seeing everything in light brings ​us ​happiness and peace. Reflecting t​his light​ to others ​brings them into the realization of harmony. A few simple words, expressing what we are seeing, brings joy to those we come into contact with every day. A compliment shared with someone in the grocery store or library may be just the encouragement ​needed at that moment. Shining the light of Oneness from within brings big blessings! I think we all know at least one someone whose expression of love seems to be a bit contrived. It's been my observation (both in others and within myself!) that these loving expressions must be sincere, not simply something we decide to say to make someone feel good. So today I will ​focus on feeling the joy which comes from seeing everything in light, and ​sharing the heart-felt expression to that joy, blessing the world​ as I bless myself​.

“Spiritual vision is not subordinate to geometric altitudes. Whatever is governed by God, is never for an instant deprived of the light and might of intelligence and Life." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 215:11-14

Inventions of Human Belief

 

Longmont, Colorado - PC: Marsha Havens

For students of human behavior, it’s been fascinating to watch select groups of people's evolution during these past few years. Many folks seem to be incapable of making a decision until they hear others speak in favor or against a topic. Perhaps they need confirmation that their beliefs about a situation are worthy of them, and so they wait for someone else to tell them they think that way, too. This need for validation is not a rare condition. I believe I may have suffered from it at points in my life. The tools we have at our disposal from the study and practice of divine metaphysics tend to let us walk past the temptation to feel so self-important that we're afraid to be wrong. While it's usually thought of as low self-esteem which causes this indecision and need for confirmation, it seems to me that it's valuing your own forever-believed image of yourself over your true image as the likeness of God. Releasing many long-practiced ways of living facilitates our recognition of this, and thus we are freed! This spiritual sense allows us to speak without fear. I love listening to the guidance afforded by divine Mind, rather than running in circles following so-called mortal thoughts. It's more interesting, it frees me from worry and doubt, it leads me in fascinating paths, and it teaches peace.

"Human belief has sought out many inventions, but not one of them can solve the problem of being without  the divine Principle of divine Science. Deductions from material hypotheses are not scientific. They differ from real Science because they are not based on the divine law."

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 273:4-9

The Cookie Thief

I stumbled upon a delightful thing today! The University of California Medical School, San Diego, has a Center for Mindfulness in its Department of Family Medicine and Public Health. In it, I saw this poem. Dr. Wayne Dyer introduced me to it years ago and I was delighted to read it today! Please enjoy “The Cookie Thief” by Valerie Cox.

Cookie Thief

“A woman was waiting at the airport one night,
With several long hours before her flight.
She hunted for a book in the airport shop,
Bought a bag of cookies and found a place to drop.

She was engrossed in her book, but happened to see,
That the man beside her, as bold as could be,
Grabbed a cookie or two from the bag between,
Which she tried to ignore to avoid a scene

She read, munched cookies, and watched the clock,
As the gustly "cookie thief" diminished her stock
She was getting more irritated as the minutes ticked by,
Thinking, "If I wasn't so nice, I'd blacken his eye!"

With each cookie she took, he took one too.
When only one was left, she wondered what he'd do.
with a smile on his face and a nervous laugh,
He took the last cookie and broke it in half.

He offered her half, and he ate the other.
She snatched it from him and thought, "Oh brother,
This guy has some nerve, and he's also so rude,
Why, he didn't even show any gratitude!"

She had never known when she had been so galled,
And sighed with relief when her flight was called.
She gathered her belongings and headed for the gate,
Refusing to look at the "thieving ingrate".

She boarded the plane and sank in her seat,
Then sought her book, which was almost complete.
As she reached in her baggage, she gasped with surprise.
There were her bag of cookies in front of her eyes!

"If mine are here," she moaned with despair.
"Then the others were his and he tried to share!"
Too late to apologize, she realized with grief,
That she was the rude one, the ingrate, the thief!!!!”

By: Valerie Cox

Whole-i-ness, Expressed

 

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Love your neighbor as yourself. What a lovely world it is when we love ourselves more, and then let that love flow out to our neighbors. When we honor ourselves as reflections of Love, we are able to do no harm to others, because we wouldn't do it unto ourselves. Our purpose is to see this ever-present truth in everything. When I am interacting with someone who is living in fear, someone who turns every situation into a threat, I will turn it around in my​ ​​perception by seeing the situation differently. This allows me to release any thoughts of trying to change their attitude, any words of correction, ​and ​all attack thoughts of any kind. I will live ​by Love and express it with words and actions as I move through this day, knowing that whole-i-ness expressed is my only purpose.

"We must form perfect models in thought and look at them continually, or we shall never carve them out in grand and noble lives."
Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 248:25-29

Good Advice From Will Smith

 

I heard an interview with Will Smith where he was answering questions about his spiritual studies. There were a number of things I loved about this hour-long conversation, but I was especially pleased to hear that he and his wife had devoted a year of study to a number of religious disciplines -- a year to each path! They did this to grow in their knowledge, and to deepen their relationship. Toward the end of this video, he is asked this question: If you could create one law for everyone to follow, what would it be? His answer was that everyone would have to repeat back what was just said to them before they can respond to it. He expounded on this idea by saying that we are often not clear on what was said, whether we aren't listening deeply, or simply are misunderstanding the words. He said that we often paint the words of others, adding to whatever we hear, embellishing or taking away from the actual statement. He ended by expressing the importance of clearing our own vision, so we have a purified space from which to relate to others. I am using this photograph today because Kevin Wright, editor of the Gonzales, Texas newspaper, is talking with a conservative legislator at a Chamber of Commerce meeting. It would bode well for the politician if the journalist was misunderstanding!

​"​For communication embraces everything, and in the peace it re-establishes, love comes of itself.” A Course in Miracles Chapter 15 XI:7

“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:​11-14

Free Floating

creation of Sandy Starbird 

Have you ever dreamed you could fly? My favorite freedom dream is one of running fast, sometimes leaving the ground and floating in mid-stride. Although I haven't had this recurring dream for some time, I can still feel the perfection of it. As I watch people dance and use their bodies in other life-affirming ways, I marvel at the beauty and grace expressed in these activities. Just as physical boundaries are broken and new records set, there is more to come in this so-called physical existence. We are learning of the limitlessness of God's ideas, of which we are One. What is your highest ideal of freedom?

“Freedom cannot be learned by tyranny of any kind, and the perfect equality of all God's Sons cannot be recognized through the dominion of one mind over another.” A Course in Miracles

"This mortal is put off, and the new man or real man is put on, in proportion as mortals realize the Science of man and seek the true model." Mary Baker Eddy -Science & Health Page 408:22-26

Joined in Purpose

 

[I do not know who manipulated these photos of art in the Louvre during the pandemic - but there is a whole series which may be found online]

Have you noticed people making major shifts in their lives? These changes do not seem to be painful, but rather are beautifully flowing shifts which seem almost effortless in their perfection. I love seeing people coming alive with the excitement of doing things which bring them happiness and deep fulfillment! Whether it's moving to another part of the globe, or starting a new career, or "retiring" and finding that life is just beginning, people are changing their focus in major ways. It's so wonderful that we're feeling free to follow our heart and move into the space of Love which fulfills our function. And how do we know what that is? Listen inwardly and trust what you hear!!

“Spirit, God, gathers unformed thoughts into their proper channels, and unfolds these thoughts, even as He opens the petals of a holy purpose in order that the purpose may appear.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 506:18-21

“When brothers join in purpose in the world of fear, they stand already at the edge of the real world. Perhaps they still look back, and think they see an idol that they want. Yet has their path been surely set away from idols toward reality.” A Course in Miracles 

Reactions in an Abnormal Society

 

photo credit: Richard Quick

Dr. Gabor Maté's writing and videos have caused me to look at my environment in a different way. Watching people react to the pandemic, I’ve wondered why some folks survive and thrive, while others seem to shrink and retreat into fearful ways of living. Dr. Maté has caused me to ask what behaviors children are exhibiting in reaction to trauma inflicted upon them by our society — shootings in school, the fear they are taught to exhibit toward anything outside their homes — worse yet, the fear precipitated inside their homes. And what of our adults? Trauma from childhood has affected far too many of us. We don’t know how to handle the abuses from family, friends, teachers and others in positions of authority. What if we recognized the source of mass shootings and other horrendous crimes? It’s too easy to say the cause is video games, mass media, and violent cartoons. What if we admitted it’s early childhood trauma which we have no idea how to assimilate, translate, and release? It’s time for each and every one of us to delve into the teachings of people like Gabor Maté and others who understand what is happening to us. If I am able to recognize the reactions to trauma in all its forms, perhaps I can release my own and allow others to have the courage to recognize theirs and see where that realization takes them. Namaste, my friends...

“So much of what we call abnormality in this culture is actually normal responses to an abnormal culture. The abnormality does not reside in the pathology of individuals, but in the very culture that drives people into suffering and dysfunction.” — Dr. Gabor Maté

Fearing Love?

 

I heard a program on National Public Radio where people who had been involved with hate groups, who were presently in recovery, were interviewed. There were white nationalists, new-age nazis, and Islamic terrorists. Some wanted out because they realized they were wrong, others had wives who gave them ultimatums when they saw their children behaving in this way, but whatever the reason, they all had something in common: they couldn’t leave without support from groups. It was very similar to Alcoholics Anonymous. The interviewees said they were addicted to the feelings, the strong emotions, which were aroused when they screamed messages of derision toward others. Listening to these dear people talk about their experiences — how and why they were drawn to such a destructive group of people, the way it made them feel, why they had to get away from them — I was struck by how much we truly are all the same. Sometimes we lose our way and think that pain is pleasure, hate is love, and ugliness is beauty. I’m going to double down on my efforts to scatter joy and love my neighbor. It is, indeed, important!

"...fear demands the sacrifice of love, for in love's presence fear cannot abide. For hate to be maintained, love must be feared; and only sometimes present, sometimes gone. Thus is love seen as treacherous, because it seems to come and go uncertainly, and offer no stability to you. You do not see how limited and weak is your allegiance, and how frequently you have demanded that love go away, and leave you quietly alone in 'peace.'" A Course in Miracles T-29.2.7.

Constantly Changing Form

 

photo credit: Richard Quick

If I have something and give it away, my material belief is that I don't have it any longer. I am learning through these studies how giving will increase what I possess. I am also learning that things represent thoughts. I am discovering when I give ideas away, they become stronger in everyone's mind. The form is often changed in what we give and and what we receive, but it never leaves us lacking. Thoughts and ideas cannot be lost, whereas material form is constantly changing. By allowing ourselves to bless ourselves, we bless the world.

“In the scientific relation of God to man, we find that whatever blesses one blesses all, as Jesus showed with the loaves and the fishes,--Spirit, not matter, being the source of supply.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health, Page 206:15-18

ACIM Workbook Lesson #187
“I bless the world because I bless myself.  Protect all things you value by the act of giving them away, and you are sure that you will never lose them. What you thought you did not have is thereby proven yours. Yet value not its form. For this will change and grow unrecognizable in time, however much you try to keep it safe. ⁵No form endures. ⁶It is the thought behind the form of things that lives unchangeable." ACIM, W-187.4:1-6

Many Paths

 

photo credit: Heather Peters

The following tale of five men lost in the woods has appeared in many forms throughout the years. I did a search and cannot find anyone to whom it's attributed. I saw it again today on an Eckhart Tolle group chat and it felt perfect for this time of searching.

​"​Five men got lost in a vast forest. They tried to find their way out.

The first man said, “I will follow my intuition and go left.”

The second man said, “I will go right. I have a strong feeling about this.”

The third man said, “I think I will walk back the same path we came. This should be the safest option.”

The fourth man said: “I think we are on the right track already, so I will keep going straight. I am sure this forest will end and I will find a village or a farm to ask for directions.”

The fifth man said, “I don’t know what to do. I think I will climb up this tall tree and take a better look around before I make up my mind.”

So the fifth man did that. While he was climbing, the other four men scattered towards their own directions. The fifth man now could see from above what was the shortest way to a village. He thought that the others should not have chosen the paths they did. He was wrong, though.

Each man chose his own path and gained a different experience. The man who went left, found a long path but in the end, it led him to the town.

The man who went right, had to fight a pack of wolves, but this way he learned how to survive in the forest.

The man who went back, met another team of hikers and he made new friends.

The man who went straight, found a farm and was hosted by the family for a couple of days before leaving for the village.

Everyone was enriched in their own unique way by the journey.

~~~

Some reflections on this story...

What if​ ​there are no "right" or "wrong" decisions?

Could it be that every decision offers us new experiences, which in turn offers us innumerable further opportunities for growth?

It has taken every decision of our life to bring us to where we are right now. In the fullness of the present, are we really in the wrong place? Even if it feels so, can we be sure?

What if there are no mistakes? ..... Only opportunities?​"​

​"Learning is joyful if it leads you along your natural path, and facilitates the development of what you have.​"  --  A Course in Miracles - T-8.II​

Impressions From Truth

 

Thailand  - photo credit: Aaron Springston

Spiritualization of thought is said to be a slow process, and many people think they don't have "time", hence it's not worth the effort to try. To remember that I am One with God is a giant step toward this spiritualization. This knowledge puts our goal right where we are, here and now, rather than somewhere far off which we may or may not reach at some point in the future. I am One with God right now! To know this intellectually and to understand it from the core of your being are not the same thing. The hunger to think AS divine Mind, the longing to know myself as Love, these desires cannot be satisfied with words. Glimpses of truth cause me to crave more. Rising above human belief may seem like the work of a lifetime, but the realization that you want to know God happens in a heartbeat. I want to be ready!

"Let me remember I am one with God." A Course in Miracles

“Before human knowledge dipped to its depths into a false sense of things,--into belief in material origins which discard the one Mind and true source of being,-- it is possible that the impressions from Truth were as distinct as sound, and that they came as sound to the primitive prophets.”  Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 213:30-3

Deciding to See

 

photo credit: Richard Quick

Recently, I’ve been noticing young women awakening to the beauty of their own being! It has been nice to see instances here and there, but this evening I opened up Facebook and saw three posts from young women wherein they claimed their joy — right now, not in the future when something changes, but right now! One of these is very close to my heart because she’s someone who felt incomplete because her biological father had not acknowledged her in the ways she had hoped. It took his death for her to realize she could claim her wholeness without him filling In the blanks for her. And she has! Another beautiful young friend has spent years plagued by insecurities. She has felt her family was disappointed in her, and she shared in their disappointment. She is beginning to glimpse that there is, as she put it, “beauty in imperfection”. I see her gaining in confidence and inner strength. The last of the three posts tonight was from a young, vibrant mother of three, whom I’ve known most of her life. She is a joy to watch glow in her daily activities, and she and her parents are very dear to my heart. She ended her post with these words: “I’m here. We ALLLLL are. So there’s NO one else to be except YOU. This world needs it desperately. Unapologetically you. My vulnerability lets me dance, speak, teach, love unattached to others judgements, my sensitivity lets me feel other people’s pains and problems, my passivity lets me see all sides to everything and not judge anyone or take on their experience. This took me years to learn! Your perceived ‘bad’ qualities… could they be your gift to this world? Your gift to you?” I treasure these women and will remember them as I notice everyone beginning to bloom!

“Your decision to see is all that vision requires. ²What you want is yours. ³Do not mistake the little effort that is asked of you for an indication that our goal is of little worth. ⁴Can the salvation of the world be a trivial purpose? ⁵And can the world be saved if you are not? ⁶God has one Son, and he is the resurrection and the life. ⁷His will is done because all power is given him in Heaven and on earth. ⁸In your determination to see is vision given you.” A Course in Miracles W-20.3:1-8

Spread Your Wings

art by J. Clement Wall

​

The Journey - poem by Mary Oliver

"One day you finally knew

what you had to do, and began,

though the voices around you

kept shouting

their bad advice --

though the whole house

began to tremble

and you felt the old tug

at your ankles.

"Mend my life!"

each voice cried.

But you didn't stop.

You knew what you had to do,

though the wind pried

with its stiff fingers

at the very foundations,

though their melancholy

was terrible.

It was already late

enough, and a wild night,

and the road full of fallen

branches and stones.

But little by little,

as you left their voices behind,

the stars began to burn

through the sheets of clouds,

and there was a new voice

which you slowly

recognized as your own,

that kept you company

as you strode deeper and deeper

into the world,

determined to do

the only thing you could do --

determined to save

the only life you could save.”

― Mary Oliver

To Listen or Not to Hear

 Face-to-face duplicate bridge is happening again. Throughout the game there was a phone ringing in someone’s purse. After the game, my partner looked at me and asked, Doesn’t that phone ringing drive you crazy? I laughed and told her no, because I didn’t pay it any attention. She was surprised and more than a bit disbelieving as she asked me how that could be possible. Many platitudes (or maybe truisms) went through my thoughts. “If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter”. And, “Don’t sweat the small stuff, and it’s all small stuff”. I told her I simply ignored it, to which she looked at me as though I might have sprouted wings! On the other side of this coin -- when I got home, a dear friend from California called and we had a long talk, solving most of the world’s messes in 30 minutes or so. As we hung up, I told him we had identified the problems, now it was time to implement change. While he agreed with me, I’m not sure he thinks it’s possible. Ignoring that phone ringing is the flip side of recognizing something is wrong, then translating my thoughts about it to facilitate change within myself. Then I’ll be prepared to listen, as affirmative action calls to me, and I hope I’ll be ready to Be The Change I Want To See!

“Mortal mind accepts the erroneous, material conception of life and joy, but the true idea is gained from the immortal side. Through toil, struggle, and sorrow, what do mortals attain? They give up their belief in perishable life and happiness; the mortal and material return to dust, and the immortal is reached.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 536:24

When Intuition Calls You

 

Intuition has been my focus today. I’ve pondered this spiritual quality quite a bit, so when my eldest son told me they are currently spending some time in Santa Fe, my thoughts went to a dear friend who followed her heart and studied for two years with a teacher in that area. Susan was visiting friends in Santa Fe and had been to the market to pick up supplies. On her way home, she had the radio on and suddenly a man speaking caught her interest. The station was fading in and out, and the man seemed to be using two or three different languages. She couldn’t understand him, but she told me it sounded like “flowers coming out of the radio”. When she got home, she called the station and found out who it was she had heard. His name was Martin Prechtel and he lived in Ojo Caliente, a small village between Taos and Santa Fe. She found out he was a teacher of accumulated knowledge from his childhood on a Pueblo reservation in New Mexico and adult life in Guatemala. Susan knew, intuitively, that she must study with this man. She left everything she knew well and moved into a tiny room in a house, living her life in the way she was called to do. I admire anyone who follows their dream, but especially those who don’t stop one step before fulfilling it!

“My angels are exalted thoughts, appearing at the door of some sepulchre, in which human belief has buried its fondest earthly hopes. With white fingers they point upward to a new and glorified trust, to higher ideals of life and its joys. Angels are God's representatives. These upward-soaring beings never lead towards self, sin, or materiality, but guide to the divine Principle of all good, whither every real individuality, image, or likeness of God, gathers. By giving earnest heed to these spiritual guides they tarry with us, and we entertain ‘angels unawares.’” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 299: 7-17

A Series of Unfortunate Events

 

photo credit: Aaron Springston

Looking back at the series of unfortunate events of today, I could be tempted to say “I’ve had a bad day”. But I don’t care for that phrase, or even believe that such a thing is possible. Days are, after all, neither good nor bad (only thinking makes them so!). The act of living in the present makes all the difference, don’t you think? I won’t list the mishaps and oddities which have occurred around me today, but I have closely examined my thoughts and actions. I’m not one to chant affirmations, but rather attempt to live by intuition, which can be heard from listening instead of telling. You can’t push the river, you know! Usually, before going out the door, I quiet myself and ask for the wisdom to listen for what I should do and where I should be. I did not do that today. As I sit here pondering, I think of my dear, departed Kevin and a serious accident he was involved in almost 40 years ago. If he had been a few seconds later or sooner in his arrival at an intersection, he wouldn’t have been hit by a motorcycle going more than 100 miles per hour. That one moment affected everything he did from that day forward. What I have experienced today will remind me tomorrow to surrender to the inner guidance which is available to us all. I’ll revel in the sweetness of moments, rather than rushing through things I’d rather not do. I don’t care for the choices I made today, so tomorrow I shall choose again!

“Shepherd, show me how to go, o’re the hillside steep.
How to gather, how to sow, how to feed thy sheep.
I will listen for thy voice, lest my footsteps stray.
I will follow and rejoice, all the rugged way.”
Poem from Mary Baker Eddy

A Quiet Mind

 

photo credit: Aaron Springston

Many of us feel we are exhibiting signs of attention deficit disorder. If you get right down to it, aren't we all? Doesn't it seem our thoughts want to flit about from one topic to another, gathering steam as we ​travel ​through all the avenues we are led into​,​ as one thought triggers yet another? The thing I find unfortunate is​ ​people think​ing​ they have no choice​ in these frantic ​thought processes. Like anything else, it takes practice to attain a quiet mind. I know I've said it before, but watch that first thought of the day. It can set the tone for everything which comes after it. Refusing to start the day with busy thoughts is key to choosing a quiet mind over a ​scattered one. And when we slip into worry and circular thoughts, just choose again! Before we know it, th​e​ choice of a moment extends to a way of life. Ah, peace…

“The ‘still, small voice’ of scientific thought reaches over continent and ocean to the globe's remotest bound.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 559:8-10

Unspeakable Revelation

 

An online writing seminar called out to me today. It was basically an advertisement for ​a company called ​The Author Incubator, but my time was well-spent as Marianne Williamson talked to us about bringing light to the world through ACIM-oriented life coaching and writing. Also, I went to a restaurant which I’d never before been to, which hasn’t happened in a long, long time! While at this restaurant, I saw a number of people I knew, plus one who invited me to a widow’s meeting which she attends. I know many of the people involved with this group and think it’s a wonderful thing, but I declined her invitation. These two happenings brought revelations in thought for me, and I am most grateful. When Diana mentioned the widow’s group, I quickly questioned why I was averse to attending, realizing it was because I felt no need to work through my sadness. And the reason is simple: I have lived on my own most of my life, so it was not an adjustment when Kevin passed on. Yes, it was a surprise and there was an overwhelming grief, but I now openly admit that there is more joy than sorrow. I even told my friend today that the big adjustment had been having him living with me, and now I only have gratitude for all he brought to my life. And the little seminar caused me to realize I have more than 3,000 blog entries from which to cull a book. Indeed, much food for thought was brought to me ​on ​this beautiful day!

“Revelation is intensely personal and cannot be meaningfully translated. That is why any attempt to describe it in words is impossible. Revelation induces only experience. Miracles, on the other hand, induce action. They are more useful now because of their interpersonal nature. In this phase of learning, working miracles is important because freedom from fear cannot be thrust upon you. Revelation is literally unspeakable because it is an experience of unspeakable love.” A Course in Miracles, T:1:II

Cooperative Living

 

Cooperation at Aaron's Wedding Reception

Cooperation: This word has come to my attention in numerous ways today. While reading an article about the efforts in Oakland, California to protect inhabitants of their city’s Chinatown, I wept tears of joy, reading of the unity which is bringing them together for a common cause. A grassroots movement led by Carl Chan has provided security cameras, formed voluntary street patrols, and organized rallies to create this united effort. He states he became aware of the problem when he was a child in Hong Kong and a group of British boys beat him up. When he came to the United States with his parents, he first heard a black man speak out for justice. That was Martin Luther King who said, “I have a dream”, causing young Carl to realize he, too, dreamt of peaceful living. His work to foster cooperation has been a beautiful expression of what he has always felt in his heart. Another great cooperative story is about Chicago’s humane society working with store owners to naturally alleviate the rat problem in that city. There have been more than 1,000 neutered cats released on the streets, with foster businesses providing food and shelter in exchange for their hunting skills. This reminded me of Texas ranchers’ fight against wolves. The end result of all the wolf killing was that prairie dogs multiplied to the point that livestock died in larger numbers from stepping in prairie dogs' holes than ever lost their lives from wolves. These instances of cooperation cause me to think of the natural order of living, how we can get back to The Garden, and live realizing our oneness with all that is. Namaste...

“In this divinely united spiritual consciousness, there is no impediment to eternal bliss, — to the perfectibility of God’s creation.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 577:9

The Midnight Library

 

“She realized that you could be as honest as possible in life, but people only see the truth if it is close enough to their reality. As Thoreau wrote, ‘It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.’” This is a quote from the novel,​ ​The Midnight Library, by Matt Haig. This book explores the possibilities of what might be, had we chosen a different path in our lives. Not just major decisions, but small ones. There are billions of possibilities in these lateral lives which could be occurring right now, along with the reality we think we are experiencing. Fascinating stuff!! I know most of us have wondered what our lives would have been if we’d accepted that job in New York, or taken a plunge into whatever it was that scared us, or any number of decisions which could have taken us in another direction. The revelations of quantum physics have opened our minds to possibilities we may not be willing to accept. And that’s okay! ​We h​umans have spent our entire existence dumbing down the world because we can’t accept what we don’t understand. Our minds can’t see what they can’t handle. And that’s okay, too, because we don’t have to understand this life, we only must live it. I love life-affirming books such as this one! Let me know what you’re reading which has rocked your world!

“Metaphysics is above physics, ​and matter does not enter into metaphysical premises or conclusions. The categories of metaphysics rest on one basis, the divine Mind. Metaphysics resolves things into thoughts, and exchanges the objects of sense for the ideas of Soul.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 269:11