Who Are You Without Your Name?

Basin Park, Eureka Springs, AR 

Photo credit: Richard Quick

There is an Eckhart Tolle video called "The Flowering of Human Consciousness." This talk starts out with him asking us to pretend we have no name. He wants us to examine how this feels and see who we are without this part of our "story" in place. I feel fortunate to have discovered that my personal history isn't exactly what I had been told it was. My parents took me from a relative shortly after my birth, moved to another state, and invented a history for their new baby.  Finding out at the age of 37 that my given name and birthdate were fiction enabled me to begin to see who I Am, in reality. My only parent is divine Mind. I have no birth date as I am eternal, without beginning or ending. Every single part of my material history is a temporary illusion which can be released in favor of Truth. This doesn't mean that I will lose my individuality. On the contrary! I am set free to be more of mySelf when I dismiss the limitations imposed by heredity, circumstance, and other material beliefs concerning my past. Although this changing of history was rather traumatic when I discovered my personal data was fiction, I rapidly found out what was important in this life on earth. Our sustenance, our comfort, are all found within. We are free!

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

Mary Baker Eddy - Science  & Health Page 285:2-6

“Today you can achieve a state in which you will experience the gift of grace. You can escape all bondage of the world, and give the world the same release you found. You can remember what the world forgot, and offer it your own remembering. You can accept today the part you play in its salvation, and your own as well. And both can be accomplished perfectly.”

A Course in Miracles W-183.9:1-5

True Home

“Homeless … Again”

Ceramic Sculpture by Ken Starbird

A number of friends have told me they don't feel they belong here. I think we all, at some time or another, have felt this way. What if, rather than us not belonging here, this "here" we speak of isn't what we think it is? What if we don't belong in this crazy world, but the world we see isn't as solid as we think it is? Perhaps our true home is something we've sensed is there, sort of like seeing something out of the corner of your eye, but when you look directly at it, it's not there.  For years, I grasped at straws while ignoring the vast Truth of eternity. We're not strangers in a strange land when we realize the truth of the land in which we abide. We think everything is real that we touch and see, but it's shifting and changing, as opposed to the omnipresent stability of our true home. So let's be still a moment and ask to know what that home is. We want it so badly, but we've forgotten what it is. Now we're not afraid to remember!

“This world you seem to live in is not home to you. And somewhere in your mind you know that this is true. A memory of home keeps haunting you, as if there were a place that called you to return, although you do not recognize the voice, nor what it is the voice reminds you of. Yet still you feel an alien here, from somewhere all unknown. Nothing so definite that you could say with certainty you are an exile here. Just a persistent feeling, sometimes not more than a tiny throb, at other times hardly remembered, actively dismissed, but surely to return to mind again.”

A Course in Miracles W-182.1:1-6

“As mortals begin to understand Spirit, they give up the belief that there is any true existence apart from God.”

Mary baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 282:30-32

Beyond the Appearance

Drumming in Eureka Springs

Photo courtesy of Richard Quick

“I trust my brothers, who are one with me.” I'm very happy to have this beautiful Course in Miracles lesson to guide my thoughts away from a defensive mode to an understanding which affirms the goodness of all -- and explains the reason why. Many teachings help us to deal with material circumstances, and they are lovely reminders of how to improve what we call the human condition. Some teachers 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 the truth of their spiritual being. 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 experiment, 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

“Trusting your brothers is essential to establishing and holding up your faith in your ability to transcend doubt and lack of sure conviction in yourself. When you attack a brother, you proclaim that he is limited by what you have perceived in him. You do not look beyond his errors. Rather, they are magnified, becoming blocks to your awareness of the Self that lies beyond your own mistakes, and past his seeming sins as well as yours.”

A Course in Miracles W-181.1:1-4

Unity of Spirit

 

Photo courtesy of Susan Luddy

Words from Kahlil Gibran

“Pity the nation that is full of beliefs and empty of religion. 

Pity the nation that wears a cloth it does not weave 

and eats a bread it does not harvest. 

Pity the nation that acclaims the bully as hero, 

and that deems the glittering conqueror bountiful. 

Pity a nation that despises a passion in its dream, 

yet submits in its awakening. 

Pity the nation that raises not its voice 

save when it walks in a funeral, 

boasts not except among its ruins, 

and will rebel not save when its neck is laid 

between the sword and the block. 

Pity the nation whose statesman is a fox, 

whose philosopher is a juggler, 

and whose art is the art of patching and mimicking 

Pity the nation that welcomes its new ruler with trumpeting, 

and farewells him with hooting, 

only to welcome another with trumpeting again. 

Pity the nation whose sages are dumb with years 

and whose strongmen are yet in the cradle. 

Pity the nation divided into fragments, 

each fragment deeming itself a nation.” 

― Kahlil Gibran, The Garden of The Prophet

“You operate from the belief you must protect yourself from what is happening because it must contain what threatens you. A sense of threat is an acknowledgment of an inherent weakness; a belief that there is danger which has power to call on you to make appropriate defense. The world is based on this insane belief. And all its structures, all its thoughts and doubts, its penalties and heavy armaments, its legal definitions and its codes, its ethics and its leaders and its gods, all serve but to preserve its sense of threat. For no one walks the world in armature but must have terror striking at his heart.”

 A Course in Miracles W-135.2:1-5

“Unity of spirit gives new pinions to joy, or else joy’s drooping wings trail in dust.” 

Mary Baker Eddy - Page 58:2-4

Amazing Grace

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 which best suits today’s Course in Miracles Review of Lessons 160 and 170 would be 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. Grace is emerging in the synchronicities we see in daily life. 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 by acknowledging its presence. To quote William Blake:

“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.”

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

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

“Grace is acceptance of the Love of God within a world of seeming hate and fear. By grace alone the hate and fear are gone, for grace presents a state so opposite to everything the world contains, that those whose minds are lighted by the gift of grace can not believe the world of fear is real.”

A Course in Miracles W-169.2:1-2

The Affection and Purpose of the Heart

Photo courtesy of Aaron Springston

When someone tells me I’m mistaken about a “fact”, or that I’m interpreting something incorrectly, or maybe that my memory is faulty, I’m grateful for the correction. Much in the same way I’m thankful when someone tells me my skirt is stuck in my waistband — thereby sparing needless embarrassment — I’m glad if knowledge keeps me from spreading information which is not factual. Apparently not everyone feels this way! Not only are we seeing public figures who are afraid to say “I was wrong and I’m sorry”, but I’ve been witnessing a situation with a friend whose family has maligned him for years because of his understanding of current events. When did knowledge and the accumulation of information become something to be ridiculed? Metaphysical practitioners recognize that energy follows thought, and so I do my best to not replay memories of behaviors which I don’t want to manifest. Some days it’s a full-time job!

“We should examine ourselves and learn what is the affection and purpose of the heart, for in this way only can we learn what we honestly are. If a friend informs us of a fault, do we listen patiently to the rebuke and credit what is said? Do we not rather give thanks that we are ‘not as other men’? During many years the author has been most grateful for merited rebuke. The wrong lies in unmerited censure, — in the falsehood which does no one any good.” 

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 8:28

“You do not recognize the enormous waste of energy you expend in denying truth. What would you say of someone who persists in attempting the impossible, believing that to achieve it is to succeed? The belief that you must have the impossible in order to be happy is totally at variance with the principle of creation. God could not will that happiness depended on what you could never have. The fact that God is Love does not require belief, but it does require acceptance. It is indeed possible for you to deny facts, although it is impossible for you to change them. If you hold your hands over your eyes, you will not see because you are interfering with the laws of seeing. If you deny love, you will not know it because your cooperation is the law of its being. You cannot change laws you did not make, and the laws of happiness were created for you, not by you.” 

A Course in Miracles T-9.I.11:1-9

Let Spiritual Harmony Reign

Photo credit: Mark McGee

In these times of radical religious pontificating, we often hear disparaging words about science. So when the subject of melding science and religious is mentioned, many people think it is impossible. In the traditional meaning of religion, this would be true. Religion has taken on too many facets to be purely the knowledge of God. On many levels, it has become more political than spiritual. Science, on the other hand, means knowledge. But since its definition includes rational explanations and predictable results, it has long been left out of spirituality. Typically, religion encompasses the knowledge of God, but could never qualify as a provable science. When Mary Baker Eddy discovered the science of the Christ in the 1860s, she envisioned that religious leaders would be excited and happy to share in her vision. In her 600-page textbook, Science and Health, With Key to the Scriptures, she explains this Science to be demonstrable by anyone and everyone. In this time of rapidly shifting perceptions, many people are grasping what this means and embracing the beauty and perfection of it. Mary would be pleased!

“When the final physical and moral effects of Christian Science are fully apprehended, the conflict between truth and error, understanding and belief, Science and material sense, will cease, and spiritual harmony reign.”

Mary Baker Eddy - Science and Health Page 288:10–14

“Brother, this day is sacred to the world. Your vision, given you from far beyond all things within the world, looks back on them in a new light. And what you see becomes the healing and salvation of the world. The valuable and valueless are both perceived and recognized for what they are. And what is worthy of your love receives your love, while nothing to be feared remains.”

A Course in Miracles W-164.6:1-5

Destroy Erroneous Belief With Truth

Photo from Aaron Springston

An article was making the rounds on social media which concerned a public school in Tennessee forcing children to participate in Muslim practices. The comments to this post ranged from mildly ignorant to wildly speculative. Finally, someone named Doug calmly recited all the reasons this is not happening, stating that the article is a satirical joke, and nicely asking if all the responders felt silly for believing it. In other words, The Emperor has no clothes!!  We see this same scenario take place numerous times a day, in some form or fashion, and usually we look the other way — possibly because it’s happening on the television news! We must speak truth to error of all sorts. I encourage everyone to refute lies which are “going viral”. May the calm voices of reason prevail!

“Erroneous belief is destroyed by truth. Change the evidence, and that disappears which before seemed real to this false belief, and the human consciousness rises higher.” 

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health  Page 297:12-15

“Complete abstraction is the natural condition of the mind. But part of it is now unnatural. It does not look on everything as one. It sees instead but fragments of the whole, for only thus could it invent the partial world you see. The purpose of all seeing is to show you what you wish to see. All hearing but brings to your mind the sounds it wants to hear.”

A Course in Miracles W-161.2:1-6

Laugh and Choose Again!

I'm listening to Eckhart Tolle's classic book, A New Earth. It seems quite appropriate at this time of quickly-changing values. As consciousness unfolds into form, we are witnessing fearful reactions from millions of people who are stuck in old ways of thinking. Living from Love should be as easy as pie, but apparently mortal mind (as Mrs. Eddy refers to it, or ego as it’s known in A Course in Miracles) can misinterpret anything in multitudinous ways. Eckhart has reminded me that every one of us who accepts this shift from fear to Love helps to pave the way for others to move into this space. While every thought we have is important, let's not beat ourselves up when we feel we have failed -- because thoughts of failure and guilt are, once again, the ego jerking our chain. Let's learn to laugh at ourselves as we choose again and go forward with joy!

“Erroneous belief is destroyed by truth. Change the evidence, and that disappears which before seemed real to this false belief, and the human consciousness rises higher.” 

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 297:12-15

“There is a stranger in our midst, who comes from an idea so foreign to the truth he speaks a different language, looks upon a world truth does not know, and understands what truth regards as senseless. Stranger yet, he does not recognize to whom he comes, and yet maintains his home belongs to him, while he is alien now who is at home. And yet, how easy it would be to say, ‘This is my home. Here I belong, and will not leave because a madman says I must.’”

A Course in Miracles W-160.2:1-4

Love Leaves No Room For Fear

Glacier National Park

A friend went on an 8-month camping trip to remote regions of the United States. She’s 74-years-young and she jumped into her car with a pup tent, a few blankets and changes of clothing, her sketch pad, her dog — and not much else! She slept under the stars, when possible by a river, and met many interesting people, while getting quite an education about Kansas, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Oregon, Arizona, and Utah. As I related some of Lizzy’s adventures to a mutual friend, she said she could never do anything like that until she “conquered her fear”. Hum, what an interesting concept! I suppose we are taught that fear is something to be overcome, but I think of it as something to be replaced. I suggested she start by ceasing to listen to or watch the news, and definitely not to watch any crime dramas on television or horror movies. She thought I was joking, as she can’t imagine life without any of those activities. The conversation caused me to stop and think about the things I’m indulging unnecessarily which may bring on angst. I find there are a few!

"One moment of divine consciousness, or the spiritual understanding of Life and Love, is a foretaste of eternity."

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 589: 8-11

“Into Christ’s Presence will we enter now, serenely unaware of everything except His shining face and perfect Love. The vision of His face will stay with you, but there will be an instant which transcends all vision, even this, the holiest. This you will never teach, for you attained it not through learning. Yet the vision speaks of your rememberance of what you knew that instant, and will surely know again.”

A Course in Miracles W-157.9:1-4

Peace For the Restless

Photo courtesy of Aaron Springston

Often we realize change is necessary in our lives, but various reasons may keep us from moving forward. Perhaps there are factors of fear, stubbornness, or hedonistic desires involved in our reluctance. Almost 30 years ago, I was prompted to make some major changes. I brought my children to Eureka Springs and started a new life. We changed everything from our furniture to our way of thinking and daily activities. The cleansing effect of this change brought happiness and peace where drama and turmoil had been before. Through an in-depth study of the works of Mary Baker Eddy, and eventually A Course in Miracles, life has become a walk on the path of “perfect holiness” — for which I am most grateful. Accepting that “God is Love and so am I” brings peace to the restless soul. Namaste …

"… we must first turn our gaze in the right direction, and then walk that way. We must form perfecta 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 247:25-29

“There is a way of living in the world that is not here, although it seems to be. You do not change appearance, though you smile more frequently. Your forehead is serene; your eyes are quiet. And the ones who walk the world as you do recognize their own. Yet those who have not yet perceived the way will recognize you also, and believe that you are like them, as you were before.”

A Course in Miracles W-155.1:1-5

Seeing Love

We are the consciousness of God, or divine Mind. With this realization we are stepping into a new/old world. Our expanding understanding is allowing natural shifts in our lives. But it's easy to slip back into discarded ways of thinking, and I've done so more than once. I've been defending silly behavior on my part, lashing out if anyone comes close to exposing my foolishness. I must keep in mind that when I judge others, I judge myself. When I defend, I become defenseless. When I live in Love, I am among the ministers of God. One of my favorite statements from A Course in Miracles is, "Choose again!" And so when I find myself indulging in erroneous thinking and/or actions, I won’t beat myself up metaphorically; but rather shall remember I can, literally, change my choice and go forward with joy! 

“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 453:14-15

“But see the Love of God in you, and you will see it everywhere because it is everywhere.”

A Course in Miracles T-7.VII.10:4

Fall in Love

Photo courtesy of Richard Quick

"May you fall madly in love this year ...in love with someone who unhinges your tired trajectory, in love with a spouse of several years who might be aching for lightning, in love with demanding children and crazy relatives ... in love with the particular pedigree of genius insanity that has perhaps claimed you in spite of your reluctance .. and certainly in love with an animal, a cloud, a redwood, the wild .. these at least once a day.

May you fall in love with this fragile jewel of a world, with hard work, real learning, just causes, petitioning and prayers. May you fall in love with wonder itself, with the grand mystery, with all that feeds you in order that you may live .. and with the responsibility that that confers.

May you fall in love with heartbreak and seeing how it's stitched into everything.

May you fall in love with the natural order of things and with tears, tenderness and humility. May this be a magnificent year for you.

May you fall deeply, madly, hopelessly, inextinguishably in love."

~ Rachelle Lamb: Poetess

“The course does not aim at teaching the meaning of love, for that is beyond what can be taught. It does aim, however, at removing the blocks to the awareness of love’s presence, which is your natural inheritance. The opposite of love is fear, but what is all-encompassing can have no opposite.”

A Course in Miracles T-in.1:6-8 

“From Love and from the light and harmony which are the abode of Spirit, only reflections of good can come. All things beautiful and harmless are ideas of Mind. Mind [Love] creates and multiplies them, and the product must be mental.”

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 280:4-8 

Justifiable Defense?

 

Photo of Unknown Origin

The belief in separation fosters fear. Fear and cruelty go hand in hand. Fear causes us to act defensively: standing up for our loved ones, along with values which are of importance to us, and our way of life. To this defensive end, we are willing to attack others in both our words and actions, not listening to the voice of sanity which divine Mind is forever supplying. This sentence from today’s Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson speaks to these defenses: “It is their enemies who are unreasonable and insane, while they are always merciful and just.” As I witness attack thoughts around me today, I will remember that those propounding such ideas believe they are justified in their defenses, and I will see them as a child of Love, knowing they will see our commonality, also.

“And we solemnly promise to watch, and pray for that Mind to be in us which was also in Christ Jesus; to do unto others as we would have them do unto us; and to be merciful, just, and pure.” 

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 497:24-28

“It seems to be the enemy without that you attack. Yet your defense sets up an enemy within; an alien thought at war with you, depriving you of peace, splitting your mind into two camps which seem wholly irreconcilable. For love now has an ‘enemy,’ an opposite; and fear, the alien, now needs your defense against the threat of what you really are.”

A Course in Miracles - W-170.3:1-3

Inevitable Grace

“Grace is acceptance of the Love of God within a world of seeming hate and fear.” [A Course in Miracles] While having an anything-goes conversation with a group of friends, it became apparent that we have different ways of talking to people with whom we disagree. In recent years, I have made an extreme effort to listen to others rather than immediately responding with admonitions and/or corrections of what I deem to be their erroneous thought. I’ve written in the past that a favorite statement in such situations is, You may be right about that. This is something I don’t say anymore. In the face of “alternative facts” I now say something like, “If that’s true, we need to do something about it.” And then I’ll suggest we research the topic and begin a dialogue about it. This has opened up a whole world of communication I would not normally be willing to have. And so “By grace I live. By grace I am released.” [A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson 169] These conversations feel like amazing grace to me!

“The miracle of grace is no miracle to Love.” 

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 494:15

“Grace is an aspect of the Love of God which is most like the state prevailing in the unity of truth. It is the world’s most lofty aspiration, for it leads beyond the world entirely. It is past learning, yet the goal of learning, for grace cannot come until the mind prepares itself for true acceptance. Grace becomes inevitable instantly in those who have prepared a table where it can be gently laid and willingly received; an altar clean and holy for the gift.” 

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #169.1:1-4

The Power of Grace

I remember a young woman who came into my gallery one evening and told me that she loved art, but that she didn't have any talent because she had been sexually abused as a child. I smiled at her and she said, No, really, every day for years and years! I told her I wasn't smiling about what she had said or what had been done, but I was smiling at the part of her which had never been touched by any of this. I told her everyone has tons of talent, and I hoped she would continue trying things until she found something she really loved -- and then keep on doing it! Her eyes lit up as she listed things she loved and wanted to do. By practicing kindness when faced with hardness of heart, meekness when those around us are aggressive, loving those who seem unlovable, and paying it forward at every opportunity, we acknowledge the grace which is our true heritage. By this, we learn what it feels like, not just what it means.

“The notion that animal natures can possibly give force to character is too absurd for consideration, when we remember that through spiritual ascendency our Lord and Master healed the sick, raised the dead, and commanded even the winds and waves to obey him. Grace and Truth are potent beyond all other means and methods.”

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 67:18-24

“If you but knew the meaning of His Love, hope and despair would be impossible. For hope would be forever satisfied; despair of any kind unthinkable. His grace His answer is to all despair, for in it lies remembrance of His Love. Would He not gladly give the means by which His Will is recognized? His grace is yours by your acknowledgment. And memory of Him awakens in the mind that asks the means of Him whereby its sleep is done.”

A Course in Miracles - W-168:2:1-6

Life Is Not Limited

Art by Kaoru Yamada

“There is one life, and that I share with God.” ACIM Lesson #167. This topic reminds me of being in the check-out line at the market when the young man sacking groceries was trying on the checker's glasses. He said he didn’t know how anyone could see through them, and she told him they're reading glasses and he'll find out someday.  He said, "I hope God comes before that happens." The checkout lady replied, "That's horrible! No, that's wonderful. No ..." At this point, I also was somewhat speechless! She had interpreted his comment to mean he hoped he died before he lost his 20/20 vision. But upon reflection, he could have meant other things -- perhaps "the rapture"?? The whole conversation reflected our society’s muddled, confused thought. He was assuming that getting older requires a loss of sight, she was assuming he wanted to die before he was old, he was believing God was somewhere separate from him. Erroneous assumptions were rife. Rather than wonder what others were thinking, I asked myself what I thought of my life, realizing that to relish every moment is enough for me.  Using the word Life as a synonym for deity helps me see that there is no separation, and I can relax into the ever-constant wonder of loving existence!

“There are not different kinds of life, for life is like the truth. It does not have degrees. It is the one condition in which all that God created share. Like all His Thoughts, it has no opposite. There is no death because what God created shares His life. There is no death because an opposite to God does not exist. There is no death because the Father and the Son are one.”

A Course in Miracles W-167.1:1-7

“Question: What is Life?

Answer: 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 Pages 468:26-6