Seeing Each Other In A Holy Light

Have I been superimposing my feelings onto my fellow humans? For the last decade, I’ve made a special effort to examine my beliefs and opinions about the political atmosphere. Fully realizing that when I point a finger at anyone, three are pointing back at me, I have made up a mythical me which I think of as above untruth and belief. I’ve convinced myself that I can differentiate between truth and lies, which brings a separation between myself and whomever I deem to be a liar. We all have a personal agenda, which can clash with another person with a personal agenda. I cannot change what anyone else thinks; only myself. As the daily lesson tells us: “I never see my brother as he is, for that is far beyond perception. What I see in him is merely what I wish to see, because it stands for what I want to be the truth.”  Today I shall release humanity from my false beliefs, thereby releasing myself. Namaste …

“I choose to see my brother’s sinlessness. Forgiveness is a choice. I never see my brother as he is, for that is far beyond perception. What I see in him is merely what I wish to see, because it stands for what I want to be the truth. It is to this alone that I respond, however much I seem to be impelled by outside happenings. I choose to see what I would look upon, and this I see, and only this. My brother’s sinlessness shows me that I would look upon my own. And I will see it, having chosen to behold my brother in its holy light.

“What could restore Your memory to me, except to see my brother’s sinlessness? His holiness reminds me that he was created one with me, and like myself. In him I find my Self, and in Your Son I find the memory of You as well.”

A Course in Miracles W-335.1:1–2:3

“Reasoning from cause to effect in the Science of Mind, we begin with Mind, which must be understood through the idea which expresses it and cannot be learned from its opposite, matter. Thus we arrive at Truth, or intelligence, which evolves its own unerring idea and never can be coordinate with human illusions."

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 467:29-3

The Peace of Forgiveness

Eureka Springs, AR trail

Photo Credit:Richard Quick

Many people are in a state of fear and anger. After receiving a phone call from an old friend, whom I had not seen since the early part of the 21st Century, I stopped to ponder how many people may feel as helpless as she does. This beautiful, smart woman has a PhD and is working in her chosen field. She feels estranged from her family. She is seeing a psychiatrist and has been diagnosed with Asperger’s. He wants her to take antidepressants and other medications. When she finished hurriedly telling me these things (and more), I was silent. She said, What do you think? I laughed and said I thought she shouldn’t listen to what other people thought she should do, but rather to do what was right for her. Because she felt hurt by her family’s words and actions, I reminded her that she needn’t take personally what others say, and not to assume that she knew why they said/did what they did. By this time I was ready to jump up on my soapbox, so I continued. My advice was to enjoy each and every thing, and a good way to begin this practice was by walking in the woods, stopping and noticing flora and fauna, being grateful for every breath, planting things in the ground, swimming — enjoying life! She said she had goosebumps and felt these words were true. As my friend, Jim, often says: We’re here to lend ourselves to each other. Let us not fear to “claim the gifts forgiveness gives”!

“Today I claim the gifts forgiveness gives. I will not wait another day to find the treasures that my Father offers me. Illusions are all vain, and dreams are gone even while they are woven out of thoughts that rest on false perceptions. Let me not accept such meager gifts again today. God’s Voice is offering the peace of God to all who hear and choose to follow Him. This is my choice today. And so I go to find the treasures God has given me.

“I seek but the eternal. For Your Son can be content with nothing less than this. What, then, can be his solace but what You are offering to his bewildered mind and frightened heart, to give him certainty and bring him peace? Today I would behold my brother sinless. This Your Will for me, for so will I behold my sinlessness.”

A Course in Miracles W-334.1:1–2:5

“Think of this, dear reader, for it will lift the sack cloth 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

The Dream of Conflict

Getty Images

The days between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day are traditionally times of parties and gatherings where family and friends enjoy the connections which tie us together. This year, in particular, we have some major disagreements about the way our government should be conducted. This is a perfect time to turn to our Course in Miracles Workbook Lessons for guidance. In addition to advising us to “blast the room with love before you walk in”, Marianne Williamson has given us some important pointers for these trying times. She ends with these: “In A Course in Miracles it says that if we’re judging someone, we’re wrong even if we’re right. We think we’re going to understand someone to see whether or not they’re worthy of our love, but until we love them we will never understand them. Seek to be a vessel of love at the table more than anything else. Speak your truth without withholding respect for the truths of others. Be nice to people; it makes all the difference.” For the past two weeks, I’ve become dependent on unpacking of our daily lesson with Nouk and Coreen. Here is the link, in case anyone needs a boost of good vibes! 

https://youtu.be/9h1CuyrBkuk?si=k7hNA98jAl8IHlqY

“Forgiveness ends the dream of conflict here. Conflict must be resolved. It cannot be evaded, set aside, denied, disguised, seen somewhere else, called by another name, or hidden by deceit of any kind, if it would be escaped. It must be seen exactly as it is, where it is thought to be, in the reality which has been given it, and with the purpose that the mind accorded it. For only then are its defenses lifted, and the truth can shine upon it as it disappears.

“Father, forgiveness is the light You chose to shine away all conflict and all doubt, and light the way for our return to You. No light but this can end our evil dream. No light but this can save the world. For this alone will never fail in anything, being Your gift to Your beloved Son.”

A Course in Miracles W-333.1:1–2:4

“The suppositional warfare between truth and error is only the mental conflict between the evidence of the spiritual senses and the testimony of the material senses, and this warfare between the Spirit and flesh will settle all questions through faith in and the understanding of divine Love.”

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 288:3-7

Thankful For This Day

As a child growing up in Berryville, Arkansas, we didn’t watch very much television. We received one channel, the NBC affiliate out of Springfield, Missouri. When a favorite yearly event would take place, such as The Wizard of Oz or the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, it was cause for great excitement in my small world. Unfortunately, my parents insisted I accompany them to the Thanksgiving morning service at a nearby Christian Science Society. As a participant in our local marching band, I was eager to see bands from all over the country in this annual event. But alas, after a few minutes of the televised parade, we would be out the door for a dreaded day with old people. While that’s the way I felt decades ago, now things have turned around. I can’t think of many things I’d rather NOT do than watch the Macy parade, either in person or on television. Now I love the study of divine metaphysics, particularly in the company of old people! I hope each and every one of you are doing exactly what you’d like to do today. Happy giving of thanks, today and every day!

“The ego makes illusions. Truth undoes its evil dreams by shining them away. Truth never makes attack. It merely is. And by its presence is the mind recalled from fantasies, awaking to the real. Forgiveness bids this presence enter in, and take its rightful place within the mind. Without forgiveness is the mind in chains, believing in its own futility. Yet with forgiveness does the light shine through the dream of darkness, offering it hope, and giving it the means to realize the freedom that is its inheritance.

“We would not bind the world again today. Fear holds it prisoner. And yet Your Love has given us the means to set it free. Father, we would release it now. For as we offer freedom, it is given us. And we would not remain as prisoners, while You are holding freedom out to us.”

A Course in Miracles W-332.1:1–2:6

“The human mind, imbued with this spiritual understanding, becomes more elastic, is capable of greater endurance, escapes somewhat from itself, and requires less repose. ... It raises the thinker into his native air of insight and perspicacity." 

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 128

My Will is Yours

Photo credit: Kailey Jones

When did you last tell a lie? Perhaps it was a “polite” lie, designed to protect someone’s feelings, or maybe a “white lie” to cover an embarrassing situation. But what about a lie told to benefit yourself, without caring who it hurts or what harm it causes? And what of cheating? Maybe you moved your Monopoly piece too many squares during family game night, but how about taking goods and services from people, then refusing to pay for them? I don’t know many, if any, people who do this. Everyone I interact with has a higher sense of integrity and a moral standard which precludes such actions. Actually, most people I know would never consider lying or stealing or cheating, be it a small indiscretion or grand theft. It always comes as a surprise to me when I witness blatant misconduct in public officials, movie stars, ministers — anyone, anywhere. I remind myself constantly that everything is either expressing Love or calling out for love. And so I shall not look the other way, and I will do my best to answer that call. Namaste...

“Take away wealth, fame, and social organizations, which weigh not one jot in the balance of God, and we get clearer views of Principle. Break up cliques, level wealth with honesty, let worth be judged according to wisdom, and we get better views of humanity." 

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 239:5

“There is no conflict, for my will is Yours. How foolish, Father, to believe Your Son could cause himself to suffer! Could he make a plan for his damnation, and be left without a certain way to his release? You love me, Father. You could never leave me desolate, to die within a world of pain and cruelty. How could I think that Love has left Itself? There is no will except the Will of Love. Fear is a dream, and has no will that can conflict with Yours. Conflict is sleep, and peace awakening. Death is illusion; life, eternal truth. There is no opposition to Your Will. There is no conflict, for my will is Yours.

“Forgiveness shows us that God’s Will is One, and that we share it. Let us look upon the holy sights forgiveness shows today, that we may find the peace of God. Amen.”

A Course in Miracles W-331.1:1–2:3

From Depression to Gratitude

One of my favorite Buddhist gurus, Rick Hanson, shared this quote from Leonard Cohen: “I know your burden’s heavy as you wheel it through the night. The guru says it’s empty; that doesn’t make it light.” Wow! The last few days, I’ve felt as though I was wheeling a heavy burden. After sleeping as many hours as possible, only waking to slog through necessary duties, today was a wholly different experience. Everything was a joyous event, from washing my vehicle, filling up with gas, doing laundry, shopping for food, visiting with a friend — for every little thing, I was grateful. The gratitude I felt often was expressed through verbal outbursts, sometimes tears, always a calm joy running through every movement and activity. Yes! Let’s not be afraid of dark feelings of depression; rather, follow your heart and do what you must do. For me, it was excessive sleep and a pulling away from unnecessary activity. Keep on keeping on, until you’re able to rise in gratitude! “The mind that is made willing to accept God’s gifts has been restored to spirit, and extends its freedom and its joy, as is the Will of God united with its own.” ACIM #330 

“I will not hurt myself again today. Let us this day accept forgiveness as our only function. Why should we attack our minds, and give them images of pain? Why should we teach them they are powerless, when God holds out His power and His Love, and bids them take what is already theirs? The mind that is made willing to accept God’s gifts has been restored to spirit, and extends its freedom and its joy, as is the Will of God united with its own. The Self which God created cannot sin, and therefore cannot suffer. Let us choose today that He be our Identity, and thus escape forever from all things the dream of fear appears to offer us.

“Father, Your Son cannot be hurt.  And if we think we suffer, we but fail to know our one Identity we share with You. We would return to It today, to be made free forever from all our mistakes, and to be saved from what we thought we were.”

A Course in Miracles W-330.1:1–2:3

“Error begins by reckoning life as separate from Spirit, thus sapping the foundations of immortality, as if life and immortality were something which matter can both give and take away.”

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 539:3-7 

Satisfied Aspirations

Art: Duy Huynh Studio

I spent years searching for love, grasping at brightly colored baubles and bangles, not realizing that I am Love and nothing can be more beautiful and complete than that. Seeing wholeness and unity, where I once saw separation, has brought the contentment which was so elusive. The false contentment found in marijuana and alcohol was an illusionary peace used as a hiding place for a while, but eventually I had to emerge and face what it was which kept me restless. When nothing ever seems to be enough, perhaps it's because we need it All, and that Allness can only be found in one place, a place not present in changing, temporal life. This study which teaches me the meaning of reality also fills me with a calm before unknown, and I am very grateful!

“Who hath found finite life or love sufficient to meet the demands of human want and woe, — to still the desires, to satisfy the aspirations? Infinite Mind cannot be limited to a finite form, or Mind would lose its infinite character as inexhaustible Love, eternal Life, omnipotent Truth.”

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 257:24-29

“I have already chosen what You will. Father, I thought I wandered from Your Will, defied it, broke its laws, and interposed a second will more powerful than Yours. Yet what I am in truth is but Your Will, extended and extending. This am I, and this will never change. As You are One, so am I one with You. And this I chose in my creation, where my will became forever one with Yours. That choice was made for all eternity. It cannot change, and be in opposition to itself. Father, my will is Yours. And I am safe, untroubled and serene, in endless joy, because it is Your Will that it be so.

“Today we will accept our union with each other and our Source. We have no will apart from His, and all of us are one because His Will is shared by all of us. Through it we recognize that we are one. Through it we find our way at last to God.”

A Courser in Miracles W-329.1:1–2:4

Upside Down Perceptions

Photo from National Geographic

 Fear

by Khalil Gibran

It is said that before entering the sea 

A river trembles with fear.

She looks back at the path she has traveled,

from the peaks of the mountains,

the long winding road crossing forests and villages.

And in front of her,

she sees an ocean so vast,

that to enter

there seems nothing more than to disappear forever.

But there is no other way.

The river can not go back.

Nobody can go back. 

To go back is impossible in existence.

The river needs to take the risk 

of entering the ocean

because only then will fear disappear

because that’s where the river will know

it’s not about disappearing into the ocean,

but of becoming the ocean.

“Every concept which seems to begin with the brain begins falsely. 

Divine Mind is the only cause or Principle of existence. Cause does not exist in matter, in mortal mind, or in physical forms.” 

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 262:28-32

“I choose the second place to gain the first. What seems to be the second place is first, for all things we perceive are upside down until we listen to the Voice for God. It seems that we will gain autonomy but by our striving to be separate, and that our independence from the rest of God’s creation is the way in which salvation is obtained. Yet all we find is sickness, suffering and loss and death. This is not what our Father wills for us, nor is there any second to His Will. To join with His is but to find our own. And since our will is His, it is to Him that we must go to recognize our will.

“There is no will but Yours. And I am glad that nothing I imagine contradicts what You would have me be. It is Your Will that I be wholly safe, eternally at peace. And happily I share that Will which You, my Father, gave as part of me.”

A Course in Miracles W-328.1:1–2:4

Empty Conceptions of Deity

Photo attributed to Agneta Cristea 

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 think 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, often before we know what they are …

“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. We plead for unmerited pardon and for a liberal outpouring of benefactions. Are we really grateful for the good already received? Then we shall avail ourselves of the blessings we have, and thus be fitted to receive more. Gratitude is much more than a verbal expression of thanks. Action expresses more gratitude than speech.”

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 3:17-27

“I need but call and You will answer me. I am not asked to take salvation on the basis of an unsupported faith. For God has promised He will hear my call, and answer me Himself. Let me but learn from my experience that this is true, and faith in Him must surely come to me. This is the faith that will endure, and take me farther and still farther on the road that leads to Him. For thus I will be sure that He has not abandoned me and loves me still, awaiting but my call to give me all the help I need to come to Him.

“Father, I thank You that Your promises will never fail in my experience, if I but test them out. Let me attempt therefore to try them, and to judge them not. Your Word is one with You. You give the means whereby conviction comes, and surety of Your abiding Love is gained at last.”

A Course in Miracles W-327.1:1–2:4

A Transformed and Forgiven World

Photo credit: Aaron Springston

Do you have an incident from childhood which has stayed with you, perhaps affecting the way you live today? I know someone who, as a young child, caught her mother in a compromising position with a man other than her father. She refuses to marry. I know a man who found his father dead from a self-inflicted gunshot to the head. His whole life is a series of dramatic events which he blames on that incident. I'm sure you know many stories, too. The Disappearance of the Universe, a book by Gary Renard, speaks to events such as these, and more. When we let go of beliefs, we can release our personal history, too. I love hearing stories of people who experience horrendous events and remain not only happy, but proactive. This thing we call forgiveness isn't some sort of divine pardon, but a yielding within ourselves to purity of thought, without the impediments of holding on to memories of wrongdoing, resentment, and pain of all sorts. This yielding includes the release of things we think have been done to us, along with things we think we have done to others. So let's choose again, rest in Love, and go forward with joy!

“As the crude footprints of the past disappear from the dissolving paths of the present, we shall better understand the Science which governs these changes, and shall plant our feet on firmer ground.”  

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 223:4

“I am forever an Effect of God. Father, I was created in Your Mind, a holy Thought that never left its home. I am forever Your Effect, and You forever and forever are my Cause. As You created me I have remained. Where You established me I still abide. And all Your attributes abide in me, because it is Your Will to have a Son so like his Cause that Cause and Its Effect are indistinguishable. Let me know that I am an Effect of God, and so I have the power to create like You. And as it is in Heaven, so on earth. Your plan I follow here, and at the end I know that You will gather Your effects into the tranquil Heaven of Your Love, where earth will vanish, and all separate thoughts unite in glory as the Son of God.

“Let us today behold earth disappear, at first transformed, and then, forgiven, fade entirely into God’s holy Will.”

A Course in Miracles 26.1:1–2:1

Reflecting Truth or Dreams

Once a month, I play the organ at what previously was the Christian Science society. I was one of three remaining members of that organization and when we closed our doors, the building was deeded over to a non-profit organization called Heart of Many Ways. This was the dream of a local woman — to create a safe space for smaller spiritual groups to meet.  This month, a flutist joined me. She chose a beautiful number called Deer Song, from the oratorio, Concerning Matthew Shepard. We asked a local Englishman to narrate the beautiful words along with this exquisite tune. We ended our hour of classical duets with this emotional piece. (If you’re interested in knowing more about this young man, Matthew, or the song, it’s easily found online). After the well-received program, the woman who facilitates happenings in this group called me with fears and concerns. She was worried that this emotionally-charged selection could cause people to sink into despondency, perhaps even triggering suicide. I listened to her. Realizing that “all things I think I see reflect ideas”, I understand everyone will not interpret events the same. I choose to see this song as a beautiful call to action for those of us who stand up for human rights. I realize, also, that some may see it as a sad event which stays with them, creating anxiety. I am grateful to see both sides of this story. 

“All things I think I see reflect ideas. This is salvation’s keynote: What I see reflects a process in my mind, which starts with my idea of what I want. From there, the mind makes up an image of the thing the mind desires, judges valuable, and therefore seeks to find. These images are then projected outward, looked upon, esteemed as real and guarded as one’s own. From insane wishes comes an insane world. From judgment comes a world condemned. And from forgiving thoughts a gentle world comes forth, with mercy for the holy Son of God, to offer him a kindly home where he can rest a while before he journeys on, and help his brothers walk ahead with him, and find the way to Heaven and to God.

“Our Father, Your ideas reflect the truth, and mine apart from Yours but make up dreams. Let me behold what only Yours reflect, for Yours and Yours alone establish truth.”

A Course in Miracles W-325.1:1–2:2

“Ideas of Truth alone are reflected in the myriad manifestations of Life, and thus it is seen that man springs solely from Mind.” 

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 543:26-28

Political Events and Spiritual Insights

Starting on November 6, in these daily writings I included a definitive statement on my feelings about the recent presidential election. Throughout the past 13 years of writing this blog, I have either blatantly or by inference addressed different political situations. For the past two weeks, I have steeped myself in writings and videos from spiritual seers who are very helpful in the present situation we face. When it seems appropriate, I will be sharing my interpretations of this wisdom. I fully understand if someone does not want to read about this, and I will not be upset if you ask to be removed from this mailing list. Today I went to lunch with old friends, and one of my Course in Miracles buddies was with us. As we entered the restaurant, I asked him to not bring up politics. While I have come to terms with my feelings about this situation, I’m not ready to speak to anyone who wants to argue points of fact. One of our group knows nothing about current events, and the other is in the midst of cognitive decline. At this point, and perhaps for a long time to come, it’s important to be aware of others’ feelings. Tomorrow, I will have something to say about that, as there was an inadvertent upsetting of others in a musical performance I was involved in today. May we be kind to others, ourselves, and all the animals and plants around us … Namaste. 

“Life, Truth, and Love are the realities of divine Science. They dawn in faith and glow full-orbed in spiritual understanding. As a cloud hides the sun it cannot extinguish, so false belief silences for a while the voice of immutable harmony, but false belief cannot destroy Science armed with faith, hope, and fruition.” 

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 298:2-7

“I merely follow, for I would not lead. Father, You are the One Who gave the plan for my salvation to me. You have set the way I am to go, the role to take, and every step in my appointed path. I cannot lose the way. I can but choose to wander off a while, and then return. Your loving Voice will always call me back, and guide my feet aright. My brothers all can follow in the way I lead them. Yet I merely follow in the way to You, as You direct me and would have me go.

“So let us follow One Who knows the way. We need not tarry, and we cannot stray except an instant from His loving Hand. We walk together, for we follow Him. And it is He Who makes the ending sure, and guarantees a safe returning home.”

A Course in Miracles W-324.1:1–2:4