A Quietness That Cannot Be Disturbed

In Memory of Cricket

When I was a small child, my parents owned and operated a slaughter house in a small town. People would bring in their cows and pigs, which they had raised for food, to be processed — killed, dressed, and packaged. I knew this was a part of living and dying and the food was treated with respect. Whether anyone actually thanked the animals for their part in this, I don’t know. But I was taught to do so. A book in my parents’ home was “Kinship With All Life”. Through this interesting book, I learned that inter-species communications is possible. When I really got interested in this sharing of thoughts, I was grown up and saw an article in The Sun magazine. It documented a woman’s life who lived alone in the woods, and occasionally she would slaughter a goose for her food. She and her birds were in such communion that the chosen goose would lay its head on the chopping block in acquiescence. These events have been playing in my mind today, but I have found no peace concerning the blatant killing of a dog by a major political figure. I know true forgiveness involves not placing blame; then there is nothing to forgive. I am judging this woman who is the governor of South Dakota, and I want to stop. Today I will live with A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #122 and allow it to lead me to peace. 

“Forgiveness offers everything I want.

What could you want forgiveness cannot give? Do you want peace? Forgiveness offers it. Do you want happiness, a quiet mind, a certainty of purpose, and a sense of worth and beauty that transcends the world? Do you want care and safety, and the warmth of sure protection always? Do you want a quietness that cannot be disturbed, a gentleness that never can be hurt, a deep abiding comfort, and a rest so perfect it can never be upset?

All this forgiveness offers you, and more. It sparkles on your eyes as you awake, and gives you joy with which to meet the day. It soothes your forehead while you sleep, and rests upon your eyelids so you see no dreams of fear and evil, malice and attack. And when you wake again, it offers you another day of happiness and peace. All this forgiveness offers you, and more.”

A Course in Miracles - W-122.1:1–2:5

“Mind, joyous in strength, dwells in the realm of Mind. Mind's infinite ideas run and disport themselves. In humility they climb the heights of holiness.” 

Mary baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 514:6-9

Redeeming the Past

Photo credit: Nick Franchi

Today’s Course in Miracles workbook lesson tells us: “Forgiveness is the key to happiness.” When we have a lesson which mentions forgiveness in its topic, I always pause and search my memories for remnants of treasured pain and long-held grievances. While I don’t find many of these feelings toward others, there are a few recurring things I hold against myself. These unforgiven episodes range from childhood mistakes to unthinking acts in later life, and some bring tears because I find them to be so heinous. I stop to wonder how these actions were interpreted by those toward whom I feel such guilt. Perhaps they didn't know, and if they did, they may not remember it in the same light as I do. In this reliving of the past, I recall a quote from someone, somewhere, which brings me solace: "What you do in the present redeems the past and changes the future." And these hopeful words bring peace. 

“Here is the answer to your search for peace. Here is the key to meaning in a world that seems to make no sense. Here is the way to safety in apparent dangers that appear to threaten you at every turn, and bring uncertainty to all your hopes of ever finding quietness and peace. Here are all questions answered; here the end of all uncertainty ensured at last.”

A Course in Miracles W-121.1:1-4

“The depth, breadth, height, might, majesty, and glory of infinite Love fill all space. That is enough!”

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 520:3-5

Sickness is Not Your Fault

Photo Courtesy of Aaron Springston

A trusted friend recommended that I read, “Dying to be Me: My Journey from Cancer, to Near Death, to True Healing”, by Anita Moorjani. One of the important points made in this book is something which is recognized in our metaphysical studies: Sickness is not your fault. Often new-age teachings say that past thoughts and actions create karma which returns to you in terrible ways. Ms. Moorjani assures us that this is not the case. The recognition that you are pure Love, the knowledge that you are connected to everything, the joy which comes from acceptance of yourself just as you are -- this understanding is what allows the body to be well. It doesn't matter what caused it, what "stage" the problem has advanced to, what mortal predictions are on the table -- nothing matters but the acceptance of yourself as a product of Love. When feeling the purity of Oneness, all material thoughts must be silenced. We can stop striving and start Being. When slipping into this space of pure Love, nothing else matters. And all is well.

“Mortal mind must part with error, must put off itself with its deeds, and immortal manhood, the Christ ideal, will appear.”

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 430:3-5

“I am as God created me. We will repeat today’s idea from time to time. For this one thought would be enough to save you and the world, if you believed that it is true.”

A Course in Miracles W-110.1:1-2

Correction at the Level of Thought

Art from Catrin Welz-Stein

It seems there are any number of errors to correct in this world. It’s quite a relief to discover that I only need to correct them in my mind, not in the fearful and angry minds I witness around me. If I look at things with horror, or disgust, or anger, or fear, I have become a part of them, sharing the ugliness. If I look on people perpetrating these acts as Love’s reflection, there is forgiveness. When I voice these forgiving ideas in public, I run the risk of someone telling me I don’t know what I’m talking about  — and, perhaps, they wouldn’t be using words quite so kind! There is a young woman who makes videos about A Course in Miracles teachings. She is often verbally attacked in the comments section of YouTube. If the speaker and her supporters are willing to give these derogatory words energy in retaliation and defense, they are accepting attacks within themselves. But if we send forth forgiveness, realizing we are all One in Truth, then we give the gift of Love — and receive it ourselves. Therein lies correction!

“Because Truth is infinite, error should be known as nothing. Because Truth is omnipotent in goodness, error, Truth's opposite, has no might.” 

Mary Baker Eddy- Science and Health Page 367:3-1

“It is essential to remember that only the mind can create, and that correction belongs at the thought level. To amplify an earlier statement, spirit is already perfect and therefore does not require correction. The body does not exist except as a learning device for the mind. This learning device is not subject to errors of its own, because it cannot create. It is obvious, then, that inducing the mind to give up its miscreations is the only application of creative ability that is truly meaningful.” 

A Course in Miracles T-2.V.1:7-11

Be Still and Listen

Photo courtesy of Richard Quick

News sources were bombarding us with predictions of high winds and tornadoes. I know this because everyone I saw told me about it!  While in our beautiful Carnegie Public Library, the attendant was very nervous, flitting about, even talking to herself. When I was checking out my chosen items, I asked her what was wrong. She told me she was upset about the weather and stated she wished it would just get bad and go past and be done. I assured her we had never had a tornado in Eureka Springs, and she was quite safe in these mountains. In thinking about this, I marvel at how readily we receive into our consciousness warnings of destruction and other erroneous beliefs. On the other hand, we balk at the admission, or even the possibility, that spiritual goodness trumps error every time. When our minds are busy with worries and repetitive thoughts, when we're voicing our concerns (either orally or mentally) it's very difficult to hear the still, small voice of Truth. Viewing life in its harmonious reality is known in divine Science as "knowing the Truth". It's hard to do this if I'm thinking about horrible "what-ifs" which may occur. As usual, I have a choice. And if I'm not happy with that choice, guess what? I get to choose again!! For this, I am most grateful.

“Lips must be mute and materialism silent, that man may have audience with Spirit, the divine Principle, Love, which destroys all error.”

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page15:11-13

“Listen, and hear your Father speak to you through His appointed Voice, which silences the thunder of the meaningless, and shows the way to peace to those who cannot see. Be still today and listen to the truth. Be not deceived by voices of the dead, which tell you they have found the source of life and offer it to you for your belief. Attend them not, but listen to the truth.”

A Course in Miracles W-106.2:1-4

Our Natural State of Happiness

At a gathering of women, talk centered around how stereotypes of people have changed over the years. We wondered what keeps these generalizations alive, and what we really, truly think about these antiquated ways of thinking. While the conversation was stimulating and fun for all involved, we were looking at this from an entirely matter-based standpoint. No mention or thought was given to the reality of our Being and the fact that there truly is no difference in any of us. Our race, nationality, and teachings — these things, and more, are thought to combine to make us who we are. We supposedly have differences which are irreconcilable with others of our species. In our study of metaphysical realities, we are eager to let go of these beliefs which keep us shackled to thinking which is stagnant. Living every moment in Love precludes thinking of others as different. We are beginning to understand that there are no others! It may seem impossible that we could all live in Love, doing no harm to anyone or anything, always expressing our perfection as a reflection of God. This possibility is an actuality which we're seeing more clearly every day. Love and happiness are our realities, and this Truth is seen clearly when the veil of material belief is lifted. Ah, the freedom of happiness! 

“Higher enjoyments alone can satisfy the cravings of immortal man. We cannot circumscribe happiness within the limits of personal sense.”

Mary Baker Eddy - Page 60:31-2

“God, being Love, is also happiness. Let me remember love is happiness, and nothing else brings joy. And so I choose to entertain no substitutes for love.

A Course in Miracles W-117.1:1-3

Happy Dreams

Happy Women of Eureka Springs

Photo courtesy of Richard Quick

Arthur C Brooks has spent decades studying happiness. We all know that things which bring us pleasure in our early years are not necessarily what nurtures us in our later ones. In his recent book, “From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness, and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life”, this columnist for The Atlantic reports, “Those who are unhappiest later in life are often the strivers on a continual quest for money, power, pleasure, and prestige.” Mr. Brooks also teaches a class on happiness at Harvard Business School. He tells us what most of us already know: “The world gives you a bogus formula for happiness. No 1: Use people. No. 2: Love things. No 3: Worship yourself. And it actually seems right because it’s so close to the truth. It just mixes up the nouns and the verbs. The right formula, based on all of the best neuroscience, clinical, and social scientific research, is simply: Use things, love people, and worship the divine. You can boil down all of the studies of happiness to five words. Those words are: Happiness is love. Full stop.”

"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

“Happy dreams come true, not because they are dreams, but only because they are happy. And so they must be loving. Their message is, ‘Thy Will be done,’and not, ‘I want it otherwise.’” 

A Course in Miracles Text Page 223

Listening For Salvation

It’s very easy for me to say that I am going to see the innocence in my fellow beings, that I shall not condemn actions or words which bombard me daily, and that I will recognize my essential part in this universe. But then I find myself in a situation where I’m insistent on being right about some point, and all my good intentions are laid aside in the pursuit of this goal. I’ve written numerous times in the past about the continuing saga of my neighbor and his vendetta against the turkey vultures which live in our woods. The issue has been raised once again, in a way I deem to be even more bizarre than ever before. It would be easy to dismiss his words as nonsensical ravings, but I truly want to look at the feelings behind them. My quest for listening to others with the intent of understanding (rather than responding) will not allow me to dismiss him so easily. Following the guidance of divine Mind, I will endeavor this day to listen, not just to others, but to the still, small voice inside, allowing my heart to lead my actions.

“‘Now,’ cried the apostle, ‘is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation,’ --meaning, not that now men must prepare for a future-world salvation, or safety, but that now is the time in which to experience that salvation in spirit and in life. Now is the time for so-called material pains and material pleasures to pass away, for both are unreal, because impossible in [the] Science [of the Christ]. To break this earthly spell, mortals must get the true idea and divine Principle of all that really exists and governs the universe harmoniously. This thought is apprehended slowly, and the interval before its attainment is attended with doubts and defeats as well as triumphs.”

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 39:18-30

“Forgive all thoughts which would oppose the truth of your completion, unity and peace. You cannot lose the gifts your Father gave. You do not want to be another self. You have no function that is not of God. Forgive yourself the one you think you made. Forgiveness and salvation are the same. Forgive what you have made and you are saved.”

A Course in Miracles  W-99.10:1-7

Earth Day Thoughts

The beauty of nature inspires me to be more aware and in tune with the rhythm of Life. Leaving habitual behaviors behind opens us to new-old thought and the experiences which come with this spiritual sight. Perhaps inspired by Earth Day activities, my thoughts go to sustainable farms, organic and pure food, happy animals, pesticide-free vegetables! How wonderful to attend farmers' markets and actually talk to the people who grow our food. In the last fifty years, the production of food has changed so drastically that most of our young people have no idea how it is produced. (And, in too many cases, we don't want to know.) Every decision I make at the supermarket casts a vote for the process involved in its production. Every dollar I spend at a Farmers' Market also casts a vote. I want food produced with love. As I release all guilt, as I see that forgiveness is there for the realization of it, new worlds become visible. The New Earth has always been here. Now we're remembering it, and discovering heaven Within. 

“Spirit am I, a holy Son of God, free of all limits, safe and healed and whole, free to forgive, and free to save the world.”

A Course in Miracles W-97.7:2

“Now is the time for so-called material pains and material pleasures to pass away, for both are unreal, because impossible in Science. To break this earthly spell, mortals must get the true idea and divine Principle of all that really exists and governs the universe harmoniously. This thought is apprehended slowly, and the interval before its attainment is attended with doubts and defeats as well as triumphs.”

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 39:21-30

Governed By Love

Photo courtesy of Richard Quick

As children, we are taught rules and the importance of following them. When we look to Spirit to guide and govern every action, there is no need for a multitude of laws to tell us what we can and cannot do. Take, for instance, laws which tell us how and who to love. There's a television series called "Big Love" which takes a look into the everyday lives of Mormon polygamists. In the United States, polygamy is illegal. When we hear accounts of cruel men with 20 wives and 100 children, it's tempting to agree with that decree, but when the beauty of deep Love is illustrated in a multiple-marriage situation, it seems not only plausible but admirable. Love cannot be legislated. And this takes us back to those rules we are taught to live by, the laws which we will be punished for breaking. Personal government is not dictated by statutes. No matter how many laws we make, there are still those who perpetrate horrendous acts. But when we are governed by divine Law, which is heard when listening to that "still, small voice" within, we truly can demonstrate the Golden Rule of doing unto others as we would have them do unto us. Living life by this rule results in a peaceful feeling. If uneasiness is bouncing around in my chest, it's time to examine my actions! When we are governed by the intuitive feeling which comes from listening through spiritual sense, this is our atonement!

“Atonement is the exemplification of man's unity with God, whereby man reflects divine Truth, Life, and Love. Jesus of Nazareth taught and demonstrated man's oneness with the Father, and for this we owe him endless homage.” 

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 18:1-5

“Serenity and perfect peace are mine, because I am one Self, completely whole, at one with all creation and with God.”

A Course in Miracles W-113.1:2

The Returns of Extended Love

Photo courtesy of Aaron Springston

Many of us have a difficult time seeing ourselves as a creation of 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 have shown us how 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.

“Think of this, dear reader, for it will lift the sackcloth from your eyes, and you will behold the soft-winged dove descending upon you. The very circumstance, which your suffering sense deems wrathful and afflictive, Love can make an angel entertained unawares.” 

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 574:25-30

“Why would you not be overjoyed to be assured that all the evil that you think you did was never done, that all your sins are nothing, that you are as pure and holy as you were created, and that light and joy and peace abide in you? Your image of yourself cannot withstand the Will of God. You think that this is death, but it is life. You think you are destroyed, but you are saved.”

A Course in Miracles W-93.4:1-4

Miracles Are Seen in Light

“Bryce Canyon”

Photo credit: Aaron Springston

When I first encountered A Course in Miracles, I was bothered by the use of the word "miracle". In Christian Science, I have learned that what we tend to think of as a miracle is actually the demonstration of divine law. In most cases, when someone says, "It's a miracle", there's the implication that material laws have been set aside for something unbelievable to happen. There is often the assumption that God has intervened and caused things to occur which otherwise wouldn't have. So I would cringe when hearing the word miracle. I have come to see that A Course in Miracles is using the word miracle in much the same way as Mary Baker Eddy refers to it. It is the demonstration of divine Principle, which is seen by replacing material illusions with spiritual sense. This experience is referred to in Science and Health as being "not supernatural, but supremely natural". I love that we are seeing ourselves as complete beings, utilizing the so-called sixth sense in everyday life, and not being surprised when "miraculous" things happen! When we wash away the dust of material belief, the light of Love can shine through, giving us strength where we before thought we were weak. The light of holiness and goodness, the light of God, gives us every right idea we need in order to advance in our individual way. We need not worry about which road to take when we trust our inner knowing, our intuition, our true Self.

"The miracle introduces no disorder, but unfolds the primal order, establishing the Science of God's unchangeable law."

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 135:6-8

“Miracles are seen in light. I cannot see in darkness. Let the light of holiness and truth light up my mind, and let me see the innocence within.”

A Course in Miracles W-111.1:1-3

The True Reflection

Photo credit: Aaron Springston

During a conversation with friends, someone asked me how I could have come through a particularly traumatic time without some form of therapy. I hadn't really thought about this, but — upon reflection — realized it was because I had accepted reality over the illusion. The reality is that I am as God created me. The illusion is all the stories I encountered which could have affected how I felt about myself and others. Let's say you have just found out about something which happened in the past. This information changes many material truths you believed, including your name, age, and heritage. What reaction would you have? Perhaps your initial response would be anger, which people say is a normal reaction to betrayal. With the realization that you are as God created you, this situation is seen to have absolutely nothing to do with your true Self. This knowledge allows hurtful illusions to dissipate, as mist hit by sunlight. Hurt feelings and  fears disappear into their native nothingness, being replaced with the truth: "I Am as God created me." Anything other than our true creation is changeable. Today I choose unchanging, eternal Truth!

“Today’s idea is therefore all you need to let complete correction heal your mind, and give you perfect vision that will heal all the mistakes that any mind has made at any time or place. It is enough to heal the past and make the future free. It is enough to let the present be accepted as it is. It is enough to let time be the means for all the world to learn escape from time, and every change that time appears to bring in passing by.” 

A Course in Miracles W-110.2:1-4

“In divine Science, man is the true image of God. The divine nature was best expressed in Christ Jesus, who threw upon mortals the truer reflection of God and lifted their lives higher than their poor thought-models would allow.”

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 259:6-9

Resting in Peace — Here and Now

From Hippie Peace Freaks

To rest in peace frees us from all planning and worry. To give away all belief in — and living from — past experience, clears the way to knowing Truth. To know Truth means to know ourselves, and to demonstrate Principle in our every thought and action. Although I find this spiritual practice invigorating, not everyone feels the same. I know people who think they would be giving away their individuality if they let go of their personal history. I find the opposite to be true. When I lose a sense of personal responsibility, when I release the beliefs I've had about certain circumstances, there is a pure, empty space in thought. This space allows a recognition of what has always been there: Love. Divine Love. This is our power: the ability to accept the good which is there for us, the ability to rest in God. 

“This is the day of peace. You rest in God, and while the world is torn by winds of hate your rest remains completely undisturbed. Yours is the rest of truth. Appearances cannot intrude on you. You call to all to join you in your rest, and they will hear and come to you because you rest in God. They will not hear another voice than yours because you gave your voice to God, and now you rest in Him and let Him speak through you.

A Course in Miracles W-109.4:1-6

“…when we realize that immortal Mind is ever active, and that spiritual energies can neither wear out nor can so-called material law trespass upon God-given powers and resources, we are able to rest in Truth, refreshed by the assurances of immortality, opposed to mortality." 

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 387:8-12

Giving and Receiving

“Novel Women” book club members with 

the children’s book shelf they provide 

at a local food bank

Most of the people I know are givers. They give of their time and money to causes they support; they give love and affection to family and friends; they give of themselves generously, always stepping up when anyone is in need. But many of these wonderful people aren't comfortable receiving compliments, or taking a helping hand when they're having problems, or accepting a gift when they're in need. Why do they give so freely, but are uncomfortable accepting others’ offerings to them? This duality in thought is negated with the understanding of today's lesson, which tells us that giving and receiving are one in truth. "One thought, completely unified, will serve to unify all thoughts." [A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #108] This unification is the spiritual Principle which governs everything, when seen for what it is: Truth. Today I will open my heart to receive all the good which is innately mine, and this reception opens avenues to share in unexpected ways. I will offer to others everything I want for myself: peace, happiness, joy, contentment, satisfaction, grace, love. Freely I have received, freely I give!

“To give and to receive are one in truth. Vision depends upon today’s idea. The light is in it, for it reconciles all seeming opposites. And what is light except the resolution, born of peace, of all your conflicts and mistaken thoughts into one concept which is wholly true? Even that one will disappear, because the Thought behind it will appear instead to take its place. And now you are at peace forever, for the dream is over then.”

A Course in Miracles W-108.1:1-5

“Giving does not impoverish us in the service of our Maker, neither does withholding enrich us.” 

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 79:30-32

The Immune System of the Universe

Photo courtesy of Aaron Springston

I heard an interesting analogy concerning the body's immune system and the world's ability to heal itself. Each and every one of us is a cell in the immune system of the universe. Every thought we think is either contributing to the unified health of our planet or to the propagation of fear and terror. Every prayer, every meditation, every reaching out through inward listening — everything is magnified exponentially. We have the power to change the world through ourselves! Every interaction brings us closer to a world of love or a world of fear. This love which heals us personally spreads through the web of Oneness. In the same way that we take personal responsibility for ourselves, our health, our well-being, we can take responsibility for a return to Love. It makes a difference, what we do and what we think. We never know when an interaction with someone else will make the difference in that person's life which turns 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 to your role in being the change you want to see. 

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

A Course in Miracles W-107.1:1-7

"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

Listen, With An Open Mind

Photo courtesy of Aaron Springston

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #106 advises us to "be still and listen to the truth". We are also told that for every five minutes we spend listening, a thousand minds are opened to the truth we hear. Don't you feel we are very close to a tipping point in spiritual discernment? Every thought we have is important, especially during difficult times. When events occur which bring forth strong negative emotions in people, it is even more important to hold our thoughts to this truth which is heard in silence. Listening, hearing, receiving, and giving the Truth which is God — this is our job today and every day!

“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. The purification of sense and self is a proof of progress.”

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 323:32-5

“If you will lay aside the ego’s voice, however loudly it may seem to call; if you will not accept its petty gifts that give you nothing that you really want; if you will listen with an open mind, that has not told you what salvation is; then you will hear the mighty Voice of truth, quiet in power, strong in stillness, and completely certain in Its messages.”

A Course in Miracles W-106. 1:1

Extending the Limitless to the Unlimited

Photo courtesy of Aaron Springston

I love these words from A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #105: "True giving is creation. It extends the limitless to the unlimited, eternity to timelessness, and love unto itself." To live our lives from this perspective allows us to express love freely, with no fear of it being rejected or misinterpreted. We can gently reach out to people we've just met with heartfelt expressions of empathy and compassion. We bloom in unexpected ways when "extending the limitless to the unlimited". It's ours to give and to receive, in an eternal loop of Love. There's no way to measure how far the ripples of our joy and peace may extend. My cup runneth over!

"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

“God’s peace and joy are yours. Today we will accept them, knowing they belong to us. And we will try to understand these gifts increase as we receive them. They are not like to the gifts the world can give, in which the giver loses as he gives the gift; the taker is the richer by his loss. Such are not gifts, but bargains made with guilt. The truly given gift entails no loss. It is impossible that one can gain because another loses. This implies a limit and an insufficiency.” 

A Course in Miracles W-105.1:1-8

Joy, Peace, Happiness

Photo courtesy of Aaron Springston

Joy and peace and happiness are my birthright. These things are what belong to me in truth. These gifts do not need to be earned. We needn't barter with a faraway god in order to experience them. We don't need to wait until we die, we don't have to do a certain number of good deeds, we don't need to take communion, it's not necessary to belong to a church. We have been hoodwinked into believing that we must strive all our lives to attain something which seems unattainable. The conflict of the world is so great that we can't make our way through the maze to the prize we know must be hiding somewhere. We are learning that we can confidently clear the altar of our mind, freeing our thought from fear and pain, and embracing our function as forgiveness, thereby healing our mind and allowing us to find what has always been there: joy and peace and happiness!

“God has built a higher platform of human rights, and He has built it on diviner claims. These claims are not made through code or creed, but in demonstration of ‘on earth peace, good-will toward men’.”

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 226:14-17

“Today’s idea continues with the thought that joy and peace are not but idle dreams. They are your right, because of what you are. They come to you from God, Who cannot fail to give you what He wills. Yet must there be a place made ready to receive His gifts. They are not welcomed gladly by a mind that has instead received the gifts it made where His belong, as substitutes for them.” 

A Course in Miracles W-104.1:1-5