Allowing Peace

 

photo credit: Gerry Tyler

You've probably heard of, or witnessed, accounts of people facing the direst of situations calmly, with a seeming other-worldly sense of peace. I experienced one of these situations when visiting with a couple who were learning how to cope with the change we call death. When I walked into their home, the first thing I felt was an all-encompassing peace. My dear friend related how inspired she was by the leaves falling from the trees in their regular autumnal cycle. She told me how they take care of themselves. She never rakes them into piles, but allows them to go where they need to be, and there they change to whatever form is required of them -- soil, protection for seedlings, shelter for insects and small animals. She sees perfection in this plan and knows that the same perfection is taking place in all existence. I am grateful to have experienced this deep and quiet peace with them. The peace of God is there for all, no matter what the material circumstance. The gift of Love satisfies the hungering senses, it calms fear, it allows us to release the ties which bind us to material existence, giving us more than we knew was possible.

“Life is reflected in existence, Truth in truthfulness, God in goodness, which impart their own peace and permanence. Love, redolent with unselfishness, bathes all in beauty and light.” Mary Baker Eddy- Science & Health Page 516:9-13

What, Me Worry?

photo credit: Aaron Springston

The sky is falling!! I'm often reminded of the proverbial Chicken Little and his worries about everything. Many people I know remind me of him, with their certainty that something awful is going to happen. A dear woman came to me asking for advice. She told me that she was afraid to go outside her home, and so she would drink alcohol before she went out to have the courage to leave. She had been drinking heavily when she came to talk to me. She related many concerns she had about life in general and a few things in specific. I mentioned Wayne Dyer's words about worry: If you can do something about a situation, you will; if you can't, why worry?? She was very excited by this because she has heard him on television and she really wants to think this way, too. I told her she can, that all it takes is practice and applying the ideas to daily life. Replacing practiced, circular thought with realized spiritual Truth may seem difficult, but a happy outcome is sure!

“Choke these errors in their early stages, if you would not cherish an army of conspirators against health, happiness, and success.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 405:9-11

The Real You

 

When you ask someone who/what they are, the answers typically will be name, profession, perhaps astrological sign, and things of this sort. We are learning that we embody something entirely different from our history and the material stories which have acted as our identity. I was told a story which was described as a tale of “betrayal bordering on fraud”. Apparently a young woman came to town a couple of years ago and got a job in a popular restaurant. Everyone liked her, she is competent, and helped the business to grow. It has recently come to light that she is not who she says she is. Whereas everyone thought she was from somewhere in the Hebrides and knew the story she had told of herself, now it seems she made everything up and she’s “not who she said she was”. Upon hearing this, I had to laugh! As my friend told me of people’s reactions to this fantasy, I stopped her and said that we shouldn’t make assumptions about any of it. Perhaps there had been a traumatic event and she needed a brand new start, so she went all the way with a complete change of her story? Whatever the case, I hope that all involved can put their ego-based reactions aside and listen with their heart, letting Love lead their actions, with their intention set for a good result!

“To divest thought of false trusts and material evidences in order that the spiritual facts of being may appear, — this is the great attainment by means of which we shall sweep away the false and give place to the true.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 428:8-12

True or Not?

 

Is reality what we are told it is by the daily news? Is it what we learn in school? I remember how surprising (and  embarrassing) it was to learn that most of the American history we learned in school was no more than a myth, perpetuated by men who wanted it to be that way. We are beginning to understand that spiritual truth is not to be found within the religious institutions of our world. Everywhere we turn, there is a story that we have been told which has affected the way we view life. It is such a relief to know that we can leave behind all of these stories! It's freeing to understand we need do nothing but silently listen within ourselves to hear and know the Truth which is waiting for our awareness.

“Life is divine Principle, Mind, Soul, Spirit. Life is without beginning and without end. Eternity, not time, expresses the thought of Life, and time is no part of eternity. One ceases in proportion as the other is recognized. Time is finite; eternity is forever infinite. Life is neither in nor of matter. What is termed matter is unknown to Spirit, which includes in itself all substance and is Life eternal. Matter is a human concept. Life is divine Mind. Life is not limited. Death and finiteness are unknown to Life. If Life ever had a beginning, it would also have an ending.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 468:26-6

Alive and Kicking

 The swing dance called The Lindy Hop is happy, energetic, and a bit silly. While there are steps, it’s a free-form interpretation of music which is impossible to watch without smiling! There is a documentary called "Alive and Kicking", which celebrates this form of swing in particular. It’s a dance crossing all boundaries we have set for ourselves, freeing the dancer to live in the present, absolutely, while letting spirit move them into magical movement.  One of the statements a dancer made was, “It’s impossible to hate someone you’ve danced with.” Wouldn’t it be great if problems and disagreements could be neutralized by swing dancing? What a wonderful world it would be...

"Happiness is spiritual, born of Truth and Love. It is unselfish; therefore it cannot exist alone, but requires all mankind to share it." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 57:18-21

Keeping Quiet and Uncovering Error

 

It's sometimes difficult to know when to speak, when to act, or when to be quiet. It’s not always easy to remain silent about something we have passionate feelings toward. Sharing what we’re learning is a good thing, but pushing our attitudes on others, particularly if they’re not ready to hear them, serves no purpose. I recently had a lovely day with old friends who have very strong opinions about a number of things in this life. It was an opportunity to step back and ask myself if I wanted to express my opinions and engage in sport-arguing by joining in the contentious conversation, or if I would choose to enjoy listening while maintaining inner peace. I didn’t feel the need to make my views known or to correct what I feel is wrong, choosing rather to be led by Love. And I am grateful!

“Spiritual sense, contradicting the material senses, involves intuition, hope, faith, understanding, fruition, reality." Mary  Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 298:13-15

Many of One

 

Photo Credit: Aaron Springston

“Conscious human individuality is not individual as one of many but infinite as many of One.” [Margaret Laird] The enormity of Oneness may seem more than we can fathom, but knowing we are an individual reflection of goodness, and united therein, seems much more manageable! Realizing our spiritual nature as the experience of divine Love opens a new world in which I am not a victim of mortal mind and its manifestations. I am unafraid to take a stand for harmony and peace, knowing that it is our birthright as reflections of Mind.

“As mortals gain more correct views of God and man, multitudinous objects of creation, which before were invisible, will become visible.” Mary Baker Eddy- Science and Health page 264:13-16

Safety

 

photo credit: Christine Panas

People often talk about childhood experiences of playing freely in their yards, streets, and parks, with no fear of dangerous people or circumstances. It is thought by many that those days are gone, never to be revisited. I am reminded of an international news reporter who stated that in many war-torn countries life goes on peacefully outside of particular areas where violence is occurring. We all have the desire to be safe, to be happy, to be secure and loved. We cannot change others, but we can change ourselves. By replacing fear with the armor of Love, we can live without defense. By living Love, we are acting as the ministers of God, spreading truth with our actions. It all comes back to Love.  Namaste ---

“People go into ecstasies over the sense of a corporeal Jehovah, though with scarcely a spark of love in their hearts; yet God is Love, and without Love, God, immortality cannot appear.” Mary Baker Eddy- Science & Health Page 453:14-15

Forget About Enlightenment

 

Forget about enlightenment

Sit down wherever you are

And listen to the wind singing in your veins. 

Feel the love, the longing, the fear in your bones. 

Open your heart to who you are, right now, 

Not who you would like to be, 

Not the saint you are striving to become, 

But the being right here before you, inside you, around you. 

All of you is holy. 

You are already more and less 

Than whatever you can know. 

Breathe out, 

Touch in, 

Let go.

By: John Welwood

Zen Masters

 

There are many disciplines which teach us how to deal with material circumstances. They are lovely reminders of how to improve what we call the human condition. Many tell us that we're humans having a spiritual experience, but very few tell us that we're actually spiritual. In divine metaphysics we learn that everything is an idea of God. I am a spiritual idea right here and now! And you are, too! And so are all those who don't realize their inherent goodness. I'm going to pick a person who seems to fall into this category and concentrate on their true Being as an expression of divine Love. This feels like a Science project, don't you think? I shall record the results!

"It should be thoroughly understood that all men have one Mind …one Life, Truth, and Love. Mankind will become perfect in proportion as this fact becomes apparent, war will cease and the true brotherhood…will be established." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 467:9-13

A New-Old Earth

 

photo credit: Blake Lasater

"A new species is arising on the planet. It is arising now, and you are it!" These lines end the Eckhart Tolle book, A New Earth. I wish it could be required reading for every person on this old earth! The beautifully clear way he explains how we cling to old belief​​, allowing ourselves to be influenced by fear, by the past, by illusion, is both inspiring and illuminating. Mr. Tolle's book gives numerous examples of seeing differently. I wish to dedicate every moment to seeing this new world, allowing the disappearance of old beliefs and hypnotic thoughts to provide a transparency for the arising of our new way of Living. What an exciting time for humanity!

“The Revelator tells us of “a new heaven and a new earth.” Have you ever pictured this heaven and earth, inhabited by beings under the control of supreme wisdom?” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 91:1-4

Imagining Heaven

 

I heard well-known author and speaker, Marianne Williamson, say that worry was a lot like praying for something horrible to happen. Holding thought to the best possible outcome, without outlining what that outcome is, feels right to me. Whatever I put my attention on grows! Years of trying to plan my life (and that of those around me!) has taught me the futility of this. I now vow to listen for divine Mind’s ideas to lead me in the paths of Love. I don’t always hear this guidance above the cacophony of material existence, but I’m learning how to tune in to that still, small voice, and for this I am grateful.

“Life is divine Mind. Life is not limited.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 469:4-5

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Answered Prayer

 

Photo credit: Aaron Springston

How surprised would you be if your prayers were answered? I have a friend who tells me she's given up on God because she's never seen any proof. Upon questioning her, it turns out she has a laundry list of things she asks for regularly, and none of her wishes have come true. Once again, I feel we often confuse divine Love with Santa Claus. We may be asking some guy in the sky for special dispensation, rather than recognizing that this Principle is an eternal activity which we can plug into at any time. It's kind of like electricity: It's there, but it doesn't supply our needs unless we know how to utilize it. I’m learning the secret to plugging in is to not want anything! By not delineating what we think we need, but rather keeping our thoughts tuned to the divine Mind, all our needs are supplied. The nature of this Oneness ​brings what we need to us, and goes out to others, without us telling It about what that is!

“How empty are our conceptions of Deity! We admit theoretically that God is good, omnipotent, omnipresent, infinite, and then we try to give information to this infinite Mind.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 3:17-22

Potent Grace

 

unknown photographer

There are many definitions given in the dictionary for the word grace. It is a noun, a verb, and an adverb, so it covers a lot of ground. The definition I want to focus on is this: "Divine love and protection bestowed freely on people." This grace which is ours shows itself in many ways. Perhaps it is seen in our kindness to others, and in theirs to us. It is emerging in the synchronicities we see in daily life. It is active when everything works together to bring order to our activities. Perhaps it is demonstrated in an apology, or an act of benevolence, a charitable deed, or an acceptance of someone's opinion which is opposite of ours. Grace is mine today, simply for the knowing of it.

“To see the world in a grain of sand,

And heaven in a wild flower,

Hold infinity in the palm of your hand,

And eternity in an hour.”

William Blake

“Grace and Truth are potent beyond all other means and methods.” 

Mary Baker Eddy Science & Health Page 67:23-24

Addictions, empathy, freedom

photo credit: Blake Lasater

 
I know numerous people who are living with addictions. Having been there myself with a variety of substances, I empathize and wish I could reach out and pull them from the quicksand. But no one can do that for anyone else. My beloved Kevin died from advanced alcoholism nine months ago today, and my dear friend Jane recently got home from two months in the hospital, and is working to recover from liver failure. Everyone perceives themselves differently, and these two people have helped me see these differences, and face my attitudes toward them and others who are struggling. Before knowing Kevin, my thinking toward addicts was probably ​more ​self-righteous than compassionate. Watching Jane struggle toward sobriety and healing is inspiring, yet frightening. Today I can’t help but feel gratitude to Kevin for passing quickly. What took him 40 years to cultivate was never admitted out loud, just as he never told me how horrible he felt all the time. The true compassion I have felt toward him since his death has changed my life. As a wise man once said, “We can’t change the past, but what we do in the present can rectify the past and change the future.” I will remember this when regrets try to push their way into my thoughts. And I’ll love more actively, right out loud.

“Nothing around you but is part of you. Look on it lovingly, and see the light of Heaven in it. So will you come to understand all that is given you. In kind forgiveness will the world sparkle and shine, and everything you once thought sinful now will be reinterpreted as part of Heaven. How beautiful it is to walk, clean and redeemed and happy, through a world in bitter need of the redemption that your innocence bestows upon it! What can you value more than this? For here is your salvation and your freedom. And it must be complete if you would recognize it.“ A Course in Miracles - T-23.in.6:1-8

The Miracle of Grace

 In 2016, then-president Barack Obama gave the eulogy at a memorial service for nine people who were murdered by a lone gunman in a church in South Carolina. Twice he repeated the words, amazing grace. Then he slowly started to sing the old hymn. The whole room began to sing along. In a lifetime of political rhetoric and drama, it was the most moving and heartfelt moment I have ever witnessed from a public figure. It is grace which allows us to embrace those who persistently speak words with which we disagree. It is grace which permits us to look beyond the actions of those whose lives run counter to the standard we have set for ourselves. It is grace which keeps us looking inward for peace while others shout for revenge. "Twas blind, but now I see."

"The miracle of grace is no miracle to Love." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 494:15

True Communication

photo credit: Aaron Springston

From the moment we come into this form, we are taught what things are called, what those names represent, and the meaning we should place on them. These names and meanings tend to separate us from each other: they de-unify us. We think of learning as knowing what these things are, and we study to find out everything about them. In this world we have made, we need these symbols, these names, in order to convey information, yet we keep getting glimpses of true communication -- and, if you're like me, you want more! Watching birds fly in formation is but one way we glimpse a higher form of knowing. Rather than learning more about the illusion of names and notions, I'd rather work toward understanding the reality of a shared unity, via divine Mind. The knowledge that the confusion we are faced with in daily life is not true creation is a key to the door of Truth, wherein we find peace.

“The press unwittingly sends forth many sorrows and diseases among the human family. It does this by giving names to diseases and by printing long descriptions which mirror images of disease distinctly in thought. A new name for an ailment affects people like a Parisian name for a novel garment. Everyone hastens to get it.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 196:31-5

Loving Kindness

 

photo credit: Jim Young

For several years I avoided one of my neighbors, who was 90-plus years old, because it seemed there was no such thing as a short visit. She would tell me things I didn't want to know about her family and other people, so I began to avoid her. One morning she was sitting on her porch and asked for my help. Her phone was not working and it's connected to a Lifeline button which she can push if she needs help. As it was going to take some time to get the phone company there to reconnect her, I told her I'd come over every hour and make sure she was okay. As we sat on her porch, she started talking about herself, from childhood through more recent times, and it was fascinating! She told me the happiest times of her life were picking cotton with her sisters in the 1930s on a farm in Mississippi. Every visit brought me new stories from her life. When she wandered into condemnation of others, I would simply tell her I had to go, but would be back soon and wanted to hear more stories about her -- not others. It was like watching a documentary -- and I'm glad I was tuned in! She’s gone now and although I’ve forgotten all of her gossipy news, I remember some delightful looks into her life experience — and I am grateful.

“The poor suffering heart needs its rightful nutriment, such as peace, patience in tribulation, and a priceless sense of the dear Father’s loving-kindness.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science and Health Page 365:31-2

Those Who Help My Being

 

Be with those who help your being. I've always loved that thought, haven't you? More and more, I find myself reveling in the company of friends, and being even more content in solitude. This seeming conundrum feels similar to the realization that I'm not a body: It's both exhilarating and calming! I'm excited that I needn't be a victim of the false beliefs of material life. I'm content in knowing there is so much to realize in this unfolding life. Thinking back through the years and recognizing momentous friendships which have helped change my perspective from life to Life, I am grateful beyond words. The love I feel for these precious people is eternal, and with this knowledge comes a freedom which was before unknown.

"Mind has set me free from every error. Divine Love fills every avenue, flows through every channel and removes every obstruction." [This is an excerpt from an article entitled "Body" by Mary Baker Eddy, filed in the Congressional Library, January 19, 1886]

Peace That Is God

 

"Yesterday we obeyed kings and bent our necks before emperors. But today we kneel only to truth, follow only beauty, and obey only love." Kahlil Gibran — Truth, beauty, love, are spiritual attributes. Peace is a spiritual attribute. While we may perceive peace as changeable, that is only our material perception of it. As I learn to recognize the difference in material belief and spiritual truth, life becomes easier. The peace that is God is mine right now for the acceptance of it. We can't lose it, because it's eternally available no matter what the outward circumstance!

“Truth will at length compel us all to exchange the pleasures and pains of sense for the joys of Soul.” Mary Baker Eddy- Science and Health Page 390:10-11

No Separation

 

my wall at home 

We, as humans, make up thousands of designations in order to separate ourselves. We may be proud of our heritage, putting plaques on our walls ​reminding us that our ancestors came over on the Mayflower. We teach our children “where they came from" and tell them reasons they should be proud of this. We proclaim what state we hail from, what school we attended, which football teams we cheer for — the list goes on and on. I want to see past tribes and nations. I don’t want to think of myself as a Razorback or a woman. I don’t want to think of myself at all, but would rather rest in the knowledge that I am an Idea of God, individually expressing that in whatever way is my function!

“The eternal Truth destroys what mortals seem to have learned from error, and man's real existence as a child of God comes to light.” Mary Baker Eddy- Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures Page 288:31–1

Passive Resistance

 

Quote from Martin Luther King Jr.’s Pilgrimage to Nonviolence - “The phrase ‘passive resistance’ often gives the false impression that this is a sort of ‘do-nothing method’ in which the resister quietly and passively accepts evil. But nothing is further from the truth. For while the nonviolent resister is passive in the sense that he is not physically aggressive toward his opponent, his mind and emotions are always active, constantly seeking to persuade his opponent that he is wrong. The method is passive physically, but strongly active spiritually.” Martin Luther King Jr.

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

Disrobing Error

 

my parents -- Doc and Anita Havens - circa 1935​

A few years ago, I had a shift in thought toward my parents. They were beautiful, kind, generous people; this I've always acknowledged and appreciated. But those memories seemed to be dimmed by the stronger remembrances of their latter days. I had feelings of anger and betrayal, and guilt concerning my part in it all. I've realized that many things they did came from their love, although their actions were influenced by strong opinions about the way things should be. My regrets come from actions based in selfishness and fear. In acknowledging these memories (which may not be at all the way they actually occurred, as that’s how our ego remembers!) I feel as though they are falling out of me and I’m sweeping them away into the ethers. With every release of well-rehearsed past events, or the quiet recognition of rarely-remembered guilt and pain, peace becomes reality for me. It doesn't matter if anyone was right or wrong, it doesn't make any difference what motives were involved, part of me has been emptied to be filled with the only reality: Love.

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

A Cat's Reflection

Panda Cat - photo credit: Kevin Wright

This evening, while sitting in my easy chair, my cat jumped up on my lap. As I absentmindedly began to pet her, she started to growl. I looked at her and saw that her wrath was directed at the iPad screen. This device was next to me and leaned up against the arm of the chair, with its dark screen right in front of her nose. She was seeing her own reflection and thought it was another cat! This image of a sister cat so close to her, in her house, in her chair, brought up feelings of fear and anger. What a lesson! How often do I see a brother expressing an idea which raises my hackles, even though they are nothing more than a reflection of my own self? What bothers me about that guy over there? Could it be that I may be seeing my own reflection? Hum… I’m going to ​ponder this for a while. Happy weekend!

“Advancing to a higher plane of action, thought rises from the material sense to the spiritual, from the scholastic to the inspirational, and from the mortal to the immortal. Love, the divine Principle, is the Father and Mother of the universe, including man." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 256:3-8

Gratitude Earned Within

photo credit: Aaron Springston

How do we release a memory which haunts us? How do we forgive an incident which seems unforgivable? The ultimate understanding is that it never happened; that it's an illusion, a projection of thought from our mortal mind, and nothing more. But how do you see that reality when the seeming-reality keeps coming back, causing you to relive the painful memory of whatever it is? When my mind wants to replay a circumstance in all its glorified pathos, I recognize that I have a choice. I can choose again and not see that person, that event, in a way which causes me to feel yet more pain, anger, sorrow. I can think instead of the goodness, kindness, and love inherent in everyone, and allow its reality to form an image in my thought. I can play lots of games with myself in this way, and perhaps cajole myself out of thinking badly or sadly, but to get to the root of this circular dream, the answer may lie in an idea from A Course in Miracles: "It can be but my gratitude I earn". I take this to mean, in part, that I needn't worry about what anyone else thinks about me. If I am being true to myself, to God, that is enough!

“Willingness to become as a little child and to leave the old for the new, renders thought receptive of the advanced idea. Gladness to leave the false landmarks and joy to see them disappear, — this disposition helps to precipitate the ultimate harmony.” Mary Baker Eddy- Science & Health Page 323:32-4

Evolving Thought

photo credit: Aaron Springston

Recognition of our unity is a major turning point in our evolution. With the knowledge that everything is connected, that what affects one affects all, we are prompted to stand up and make the change within ourselves that we would like to see in the world. Knowing that there are only two choices, Love or fear, dispels the blindness which has kept us helpless for so long. We have within ourselves the ability to change the world! True evolution is an evolution of consciousness. To wake up from the hypnosis we have allowed ourselves to fall under is a very exciting proposition, don’t you think?  Love is the liberator! Open yourself to divine Mind and live as you were created, accepting your reality as the reflection of Love, allowing Spirit to guide your every action. The time is now!

“The miracle introduces no disorder, but unfolds the primal order, establishing the Science of God’s unchangeable law. Spiritual evolution alone is worthy of the exercise of divine power.” Mary Baker Eddy- Science & Health Page 497:24-27

What Do You Believe is Possible?

Chili Dog

"If you want to change your dog's behavior, you first have to change your belief of what you think is possible." This statement was made by Cesar Milan, a/k/a The Dog Whisperer. I've quoted this mindful man many times in the past, and his words have brought me guidance and comfort. We, as people, tend to hold on to our learned behaviors, keeping ourselves and our animals stuck in place, even as we recognize the need to move forward in thought. Our expectations are powerful hindrances to, or boosts for, upward movement. My dog teaches me many things, but the most important is how I sabotage myself with my fixed way of seeing the actions around and within me. Calm, assertive behavior brings an instant karma which allows Truth to be mirrored forth in both myself and those I see as others!

“When we fully understand our relation to the Divine, we can have no other Mind but His, — no other Love, wisdom, or Truth, no other sense of Life, and no consciousness of the existence of matter or error.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 205:32-3

Coyote Rising

photo credit: Christine Panas

It seems as though complacency breeds turmoil — at least in my life. I remember Kit Shepherd telling an old Native American tale about the coyote biting you in the butt just when you think you understand life. That’s what I’m reminded of when I’m excessively peaceful, and then the coyote rears its smirking head. Ha! Without going into detail, things have become complicated in my immediate vicinity — to the point where the two dogs and two cats living with me feel like needy children clinging to my arms and legs. This is how it felt today from my tumultuous viewpoint. A few minutes ago, I was stressing over the fact that I haven’t chosen music for an hour-long noon-time recital tomorrow at a lovely place called Heart of Many Ways. That caused me to sit down and think about how mindlessly I was reacting to everything which happened today. And, so, I am writing to you to clear my head and center my heart; to listen for divine Mind rather than running around in circles with my monkey mind. After I post this writing, I’m going to go into my music files and quietly say a poem/prayer, then I’ll allow selections to fall into my hands. Life is, indeed, good…

​"​The great miracle, to human sense, is divine Love, and​ ​the grand necessity of existence is to gain the​ ​true idea of what constitutes the kingdom of​ ​heaven in man. This goal is never reached while we​ ​hate our neighbor or entertain a false estimate of anyone whom God has appointed to voice His Word. Again,​ ​without a correct sense of its highest visible idea, we can​ ​never understand the divine Principle. The botanist must​ ​know the genus and species of a plant in order to classify​ ​it correctly. As it is with things, so is it with persons.​"​​ ​Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 561:11-21

Defining Self

Maureen, Kriste-lee, Marsha

We often define ourselves by our jobs, our talents, our looks, our cars, our children — well, the list goes on, doesn’t it? When I closed my beloved art gallery, many people warned me that it would be a huge adjustment, not going there every day and having it as the center of my existence. But it wasn’t! I think that’s because it never defined me. I never thought of myself as being what I was doing. It’s easy to think of ourselves as being a mother, or a mechanic, or any number of things which we do on a daily basis. And there is nothing wrong with that; nothing at all! But I’m very grateful that all the hats I’ve worn in this life are just that: accouterments to Life!

"God is divine Life, and Life is no more confined to the forms which reflect it than substance is in its shadow.” Mary Baker Eddy- Science & Health Page 331:1-3

The Perfect Concept

photo credit: Aaron Springston

Many of us have a hard time seeing ourselves as Love. We may feel there are events in our lives so unlovely that we couldn't possibly be the reflection of divine perfection. Many great sages have taught us how to save ourselves from the horror of past events. Thich Nhat Hanh and Mahatma Gandhi teach us ways to rise above our feelings of guilt. No matter how this advice is worded, it comes down to one basic concept: extend Love to others, to everything and everyone. This is our atonement, to see the Oneness of all that Is and realize that nothing can ever occur which will separate us from divine Love. By giving it to the world, we give it to ourselves and feel major changes within. We can forgive ourselves even as we are forgiven, because we were never condemned.

"Love inspires, illumines, designates, and leads the way. Right motives give pinions to thought, and strength and freedom to speech and action. Love is priestess at the altar of Truth. Wait patiently for divine Love to move upon the waters of mortal mind, and form the perfect concept. Patience must 'have her perfect work.'" Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 454:1

A Timbered Choir

painting by Carol Dickie

 A Timbered Choir by Wendell Berry

"I go among trees and sit still.

All my stirring becomes quiet around me

like circles on water.

My tasks lie in their places where I left them

asleep like cattle.

Then what is afraid of me comes

and lives a while in my sight.

What it fears in me leaves me

and the fear of me leaves it.

It sings and I hear its song.

Then what I am afraid of comes.

I live for a while in its sight.

What I fear in it leaves it

and the fear of it leaves me.

It sings and I hear its song."