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 a finger is pointed at anyone, three are pointing back at me, perhaps I’ve made up a mythical me, wishing to be above untruth and misplaced beliefs. Convincing myself that I can differentiate between truth and lies has caused a separation between myself and whomever I deem to be a liar. We all have a personal agenda, which can clash with another person’s personal agenda. I cannot change what anyone else thinks; only myself. As ACIM daily lesson #335 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 …

“In silence, close your eyes upon the world that does not understand forgiveness, and seek sanctuary in the quiet place where thoughts are changed and false beliefs laid by.”
—A Course in Miracles W-126.10:1

“The nearer a false belief approaches truth without passing the boundary where, having been destroyed by divine Love, it ceases to be even an illusion, the riper it becomes for destruction. The more material the belief, the more obvious its error, until divine Spirit, supreme in its domain, dominates all matter, and man is found in the likeness of Spirit, his original being.”
—Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 97:13-20

The Senselessness of Conquest

A favorite spiritual seer told this story. In the struggle to control civilization, the same fight has been fought through the ages. As an example, you have a pragmatic king who is greedy and power-hungry and takes advantage of people at every opportunity. On the other side, you have the idealistic church, forcing everyone to follow the same rules and believe the same things. Neither the king nor the church have ever been completely right or wrong. Both sides end up doing terrible things to get what they want — really terrible things. The point of the story is this: this struggle has been going on forever. The church and the king might take on different forms and philosophies, but they will always fight each other, pragmatists and idealists. And most times, you’re better off standing on the sidelines and letting them fight it out. But every once in a while, one side or the other decides it might be better to just blow up the whole world to get its own way. And when that happens, you can’t stand on the sidelines anymore; you have to pick a team.

“The ‘still, small voice’ of scientific thought reaches over continent and ocean to the globe’s remotest bound. The inaudible voice of Truth is, to the human mind, ‘as when a lion roareth.’ It is heard in the desert and in dark places of fear. It arouses the ‘seven thunders of evil’, and stirs their latent forces to utter the full diapason of secret tones. Then is the power of Truth demonstrated — made manifest in the destruction of error.”
—Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 559:8-15

“Those with the strength of God in their awareness could never think of battle. What could they gain but loss of their perfection? For everything fought for on the battleground is of the body; something it seems to offer or to own. No one who knows that he has everything could seek for limitation, nor could he value the body’s offerings. The senselessness of conquest is quite apparent from the quiet sphere above the battleground. What can conflict with everything? And what is there that offers less, yet could be wanted more? Who with the Love of God upholding him could find the choice of miracles or murder hard to make?”
— A Course in Miracles T-23.IV.9:1-8

Awake or Sleeping

Book Club Delight — And Rosie’s Tail

Returning from our monthly book club meeting, where we discussed the Dan Brown book, Secret of Secrets, my thoughts are excited from thinking of the word consciousness. We can be unconscious to events happening and the environment around us, or we can be unconscious from anesthesia prior to surgery. We can be conscious of what is being said at a lecture, or we can be consciously empathetic toward those in need. Conscious can mean “awake”, while unconscious indicates sleep, or torpor of some sort. We can think of “subconscious” as something mysterious which manifests as intuition, or a strong desire to act in a particular way. Or we can see the subconscious as being all the knowledge of the universe showing us truth, which our thinking brain tries to hide with ego-based belief and information. On the other hand, some think of being “consciously aware” as something they have figured out on their own, then quickly make plans to tell everyone how enlightened they are. Does intuition qualify as conscious unawareness? Should we look toward that lack of planning as a step toward higher thinking? Are we afraid to go forward with no plans, allowing consciousness to lead us? These thoughts, and more, I’ve allowed to flow from my brain to my fingers, and I send them to you. Not with any purpose, only for you to ponder …

“Consciousness, the level of perception, was the first split introduced into the mind after the separation, making the mind a perceiver rather than a creator. Consciousness is correctly identified as the domain of the ego. The ego is a wrong-minded attempt to perceive yourself as you wish to be, rather than as you are. Yet you can know yourself only as you are, because that is all you can be sure of. Everything else is open to question.
—A Course in Miracles T-3.IV.2:1-5

“As mortals gain more correct views of God and man, multitudinous objects of creation, which before were invisible, will become visible. When we realize that Life is Spirit, never in nor of matter, this understanding will expand into self-completeness, finding all in God, good, and needing no other consciousness.”
—Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 264:13-19

A Magical Mystery Tour

Photo by Lisa West

Consciousness. Through the ages, the definition of what this actually is has changed drastically. Although I won’t list them here, Merriam-Webster definitions are all firmly based in the material states of being, and are caused by outside influences. Years ago, a group of us met every month for the better part of a year, with the purpose of discussing subjects which had no definable parameters. Our first meeting is etched in my memory and the topic we focused on was consciousness — what is it, where does it come from, how is it defined, does it change — you get the idea of how much fun we had! Currently, our bookclub will soon be discussing the Dan Brown book, Secret of Secrets. Consciousness and its manifestations are the main themes around which this mystery is built. Also, a book which I’ve had on hold for months has become available — Michael Pollan’s latest, A World Appears. It is an in-depth study of consciousness — do plants have it, what is the difference in being sentient and being conscious, and other tantalizing questions. This is an exciting time in our experience, with veils lifting and egos disappearing!

“Consciousness is the receptive mechanism, receiving messages from above or below; from the Holy Spirit or the ego. Consciousness has levels and awareness can shift quite dramatically, but it cannot transcend the perceptual realm. At its highest it becomes aware of the real world, and can be trained to do so increasingly. Yet the very fact that it has levels and can be trained demonstrates that it cannot reach knowledge.”
—A Course in Miracles C-1.7:3-6

“Lulled by stupefying illusions, the world is asleep in the cradle of infancy, dreaming away the hours. Material sense does not unfold the facts of existence; but spiritual sense lifts human consciousness into eternal Truth.”
—Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 95:28-32,

Disappearing Footprints of the Past

Photo by Catherine Reed 

Is there 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 knew a man who found his father dead from a self-inflicted gunshot to the head. His whole life was a series of dramatic events which he blamed 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

“Between the future and the past the laws of God must intervene, if you would free yourself. Atonement stands between them, like a lamp shining so brightly that the chain of darkness in which you bound yourself will disappear.”
—A Course in Miracles T-13.IX.1:7-8

Empty Conceptions of Deity

Art by Rick Ortega

How surprised would you be if your prayers were answered? A friend tells me she's given up on praying, because she's never seen any proof it “does any good”. 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, which 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

“Prayer is the medium of miracles. It is a means of communication of the created with the Creator. Through prayer love is received, and through miracles love is expressed.”

—A Course in Miracles T-1.I.11:1-3

Satisfied Aspirations

Art: Duy Huynh Studio

After spending years searching for love, grasping at brightly colored baubles and bangles, the realization came that I am Love and nothing can be more beautiful and complete than that. Seeing wholeness and unity, where once was 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 it was necessary to 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 peace, 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

“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-329.2

The Zombie Phenomenon

Michael Jackson’s Thriller

Zombies have invaded our little town of Eureka Springs this weekend. It’s time for 

the annual zombie crawl, and it’s a perfect fall evening for the parade. Personally, I have never understood the appeal of dressing up in ugly apparel, with macabre makeup and bloody accoutrement. As we drove through “the loop” this evening, I contemplated the zombie phenomenon. Why dress up in this way and congregate to parade the streets? It’s beyond my imagination why they enjoy doing it! Perhaps “living dead” personifies what many of us are exhibiting in these human bodies. Maybe we’re simply animated flesh, performing our human activities without ever realizing we’re alive. The dead-eyed stares of these Halloween zombies are vaguely familiar. When we haven’t looked beyond the surface of our human existences, there isn’t a whole lot to be excited about. 

A Bruce Springsteen song comes to mind:

“Dancing in the Dark” — 

I get up in the evening 

And I ain't got nothing to say 

I come home in the morning 

I go to bed feeling the same way

I ain't nothing but tired 

Man, I'm just tired and bored with myself 

Hey there, baby 

I could use just a little help.” 

Could it be the zombies are helping us wake up? I hope so!

“‘Rest in peace’ is a blessing for the living, not the dead, because rest comes from waking, not from sleeping. Sleep is withdrawing; waking is joining. Dreams are illusions of joining, because they reflect the ego’s distorted notions about what joining is. Yet the Holy Spirit, too, has use for sleep, and can use dreams on behalf of waking if you will let Him.”

—A Course in Miracles T-8.IX.3:5-8

“Naturalists describe the origin of mortal and material existence in the various forms of embryology, and accompany their descriptions with important observations, which should awaken thought to a higher and purer contemplation of man’s origin. This clearer consciousness must precede an understanding of the harmony of being. Mortal thought must obtain a better basis, get nearer the truth of being, or health will never be universal, and harmony will never become the standard of man.”

—Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 552:32-9

The Door is Open

Photo credit: Aaron Springston

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 — 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 give and receive!

“The door is open, that all those may come who would no longer starve, and would enjoy the feast of plenty set before them there. And they will meet with your invited Guests the miracle has asked to come to you.”
—A Course in Miracles T-28.III.8:7-8

“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.”
—Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 8:28-30

My Mother Loved Baseball

Sophia Anita Bravo Havens

Through an invitation from a dear friend, I discovered the annual baseball World Series is upon us. This reminded me of a past writing about my mother, which I repeat here.

My mom was a baseball fan. She followed the St. Louis Cardinals and talked about the players with her friends. After I left home and lived in Fayetteville, she came to spend a few days at my house. My roommate was a baseball fan, too, so she and my mother spent some time watching games. Imagine my surprise when Brenda told me that my mother knew nothing about baseball! I was dumbfounded, and a bit embarrassed. This dear woman was a joyous ball of energy. She had a great laugh and rarely walked when she could run. But as children sometimes do, I didn’t realize how fabulous she was. She wore bright clothing and a flower in her hair, when my friends’ moms were non-descript. She painted doors bright red with black spots and gold doorknobs. She was happier than any other mom I knew. Looking back on her lack of baseball expertise, I see how cool that was! She enjoyed watching the players, cheered when they hit the ball (not caring if it was foul or fair), and was ecstatic when they made the playoffs. I wonder if she even knew what that meant? It didn’t matter! Sophia Anita Bravo Havens loved life! What I'd give to watch a game with her...


"Fed by Thy love divine we live,

For Love alone is Life;

And life most sweet, as heart to heart

Speaks kindly when we meet and part."

—Mary Baker Eddy

Perceiving Infinite Possibilities

Throughout the ages, we've been given hints about the unrealized possibilities in our world. We long for the ability to change what seems to be the reality of situations in and around our personal existence, and we enjoy stories of powerful mythological and fictional characters who do so. The world tells us that we are victims of circumstance, with our life experiences being changed at the whim of happenstance. Every time we hear a story telling of something we think is impossible, but which contains an outcome so beautiful we wish and hope it could be true, let's contemplate the possibility that there are no limits. Who knows what we're capable of doing? We seem to exceed expected outcomes in every avenue of our existence. Wasn't it said that running a mile in less than four minutes was impossible? Today let’s surrender any thoughts of limitation, thereby opening the door to a new understanding.

“Have you really considered how many opportunities you have had to gladden yourself, and how many of them you have refused? There is no limit to the power of a Son of God, but he can limit the expression of his power as much as he chooses.”
—A Course in Miracles T-4.IV.8:1-2

“Through all the disciples experienced, they became more spiritual and understood better what the Master had taught. His resurrection was also their resurrection. It helped them to raise themselves and others from spiritual dulness and blind belief in God into the perception of infinite possibilities.”

—Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 34:17-23

Bathed in Beauty and Light

Photo by Blake Lasater

You have probably heard of, or witnessed, people facing dire situations calmly, with an other-worldly peace. Years ago I was privileged to witness one of these times, visiting with a couple who were learning to cope with the change we call death. Upon entering 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 explained how they take care of themselves. She never rakes them up 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. Divine peace 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. This understanding is priceless …

“When you have looked on what seemed terrifying, and seen it change to sights of loveliness and peace; when you have looked on scenes of violence and death, and watched them change to quiet views of gardens under open skies, with clear, life-giving water running happily beside them in dancing brooks that never waste away; who need persuade you to accept the gift of vision?”
—A Course in Miracles T-20.VIII.11:1-2

“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. Every sensuous pleasure or pain is self-destroyed through suffering. There should be painless progress, attended by life and peace instead of discord and death.”
—Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 224:4-10

This Part of Our Journey is Important

This quote caused me to search for something to counter it.

“The more unpredictable and uncertain our world becomes, the harder it is for our brains to navigate it effectively. As a result, we struggle to make decisions, solve problems, and consciously communicate with each other. It can feel like having fog in our brains that just won’t clear.”

So I give you these words from Marianne Williamson:

“I read the news and like so many others these days, I grieve. So much that we thought of as the greatness of our country, even though we’ve been flawed and weak and wrong at times, appears to be crumbling into the dust of memory. Feeling sad and even depressed about this is not a dysfunctional reaction. In a way it’s healthy. Something has gone very wrong and we need to feel it.

The issue in life, whenever things have gone awry, is to pray ‘May I become a better person because of this.’ And it applies to the country too. What is going on in America now is humbling us in a way that can ultimately be positive. We need to think deeply about where we have gone wrong and to imagine ways to make things right. To be more responsible. To be more compassionate. To care more about what people are going through. To care more for our children. To care more for our elderly. To care more for the sick and suffering. To care more for the rest of the world. To be more just. To think more for ourselves. To stop allowing foolish and greedy people to make life-and-death decisions for millions of people. To be more wise. To stop treating life so carelessly.

The fact that it’s so sad thinking about some of this is not a bad thing. It’s good, because we’re burning through something. It’s how we mature. We have allowed ourselves to be infantalized in this country, remaining so often in shallow waters. We didn’t take life seriously enough, in large part because we took ourselves too seriously. Of course it doesn’t feel good to look at any of this, but there’s no real healing unless we do.

This part of our journey is important. Read history. Read about the great ones. Be inspired by great leaders. Become one yourself. Refuse to hate. Try to be more gentle. Let art uplift you. Don’t spend too much time on ultimately unimportant things. Despite it all so much good remains. There is so much to love in ourselves and others. Life is hard for people now and we need each other’s kindness. Listen more, forgive more, and bless more. Remembering all this is how we will make it through.

On any given day, we can improve. And we will rise up from this. It won’t be immediate, but we will rise.”

This part of our journey is important — vote!

A New Vision

Lovell Estates

Eureka Springs, AR 

In the early 1900s, people flocked to Eureka Springs for the healing waters. Thousands of people in need found their way here, as they still do today. People are drawn to our town, often without knowing why. I love watching the transformation as people's thoughts change from focusing on their problems to relaxing into solutions. In varying degrees, we are all realizing that true healing comes when we release our beliefs in things and open ourselves to feeling and understanding the presence of Love. When this is our only desire, when there is no other need or want, new perceptions become visible and viable. Often it takes extreme conditions to cause us to seek the understanding of our unity with the consciousness we call God. But isn't it sweet when we skip that step and fall straight into Love!

“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.”
—Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 560:11-15

“Miracles reawaken the awareness that the spirit, not the body, is the altar of truth. This is the recognition that leads to the healing power of the miracle.”
—A Course in Miracles T-1.I.20:1-2

Forgiving Everything

 Art: Adrian Borda

“Therefore, dark past,

I'm about to do it.

I'm about to forgive you

for everything.”

~ Mary Oliver

I knew a man who was the smartest, funniest, most messed-up person I’ve ever known. We met late in life and I felt he was the “love of my life”. Neither one of us were particularly easy to get along with — for various reasons. The four years we knew each other were an extremely turbulent time for us personally, and the world in general. He died nearly six years ago and recently I’ve been dreaming of him almost every night. This has caused me to examine my feelings about him and the time we shared. While I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything, there is much forgiveness needed in my thoughts and memories. A recent Course in Miracles workbook topic reminds us to “behold my brother in the light of holiness”. As I examine the grudges I’m holding and the guilt I’m feeling, I pray to release them from my being and know that “I am saved because the past is gone”.

“Let me forget my brother’s past today. This is the thought that leads the way to You, and brings me to my goal. I cannot come to You without my brother. And to know my Source, I first must recognize what You created one with me. My brother’s is the hand that leads me on the way to You. His sins are in the past along with mine, and I am saved because the past is gone. Let me not cherish it within my heart, or I will lose the way to walk to You. My brother is my savior. Let me not attack the savior You have given me. But let me honor him who bears Your Name, and so remember that It is my own.

“Forgive me, then, today. And you will know you have forgiven me if you behold your brother in the light of holiness. He cannot be less holy than can I, and you cannot be holier than he.”

—A Course in Miracles T-288.1:1–2:3

“Spiritually to understand that there is but one creator, God, unfolds all creation, confirms the Scriptures, brings the sweet assurance of no parting, no pain, and of man deathless and perfect and eternal.”

==Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 69:13-16

Untouched By The Past

Toni, Brud, Marsha

Class reunions are fascinating. The reasons people enjoy them are as varied as the people, but it seems many are wondering who is the most successful, or who has been married the longest, or if anyone still looks pretty. It's a perfect opportunity to think of today's ACIM workbook lesson topic: "The past is over. It can touch me not." In my observations of these get-togethers, we tend to revert into whatever we were umpteen years ago. The mean girls are still catty, the flirty girls are still flipping their skirts, and the cool kids are still hiding their feelings. While I've always enjoyed these get-togethers, I tend to either wander away with an old friend to talk in a corner or, perhaps, drink a bit too much and ask the cowboys to dance. I love this line from today's lesson: "Unless the past is over in my mind, the world must escape my sight." I want to live in the present, in a world full of divine Love and Truth. Reliving illusions can be fun, much like watching a movie. But I'd rather wake up in a new world every day, excited about the adventures it holds!

“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 224: 4-7

“The past is over. It can touch me not. Unless the past is over in my mind, the real world must escape my sight. For I am really looking nowhere; seeing but what is not there. How can I then perceive the world forgiveness offers? This the past was made to hide, for this the world that can be looked on only now. It has no past. For what can be forgiven but the past, and if it is forgiven it is gone.”
—A Course in Miracles W-289.1:1–2:5

A Day of Stillness and Peace

Félix Vallotton 

 Bridge Over Béal (Le Pont sur le Béal), 1922

It's a beautiful day in the Ozarks. Peace is easily felt in the splendor of a fall day. I am grateful for the words in A Course in Miracles. I am grateful for the writings of Mary Baker Eddy, and her determination to demonstrate the Science of The Christ. The words contained in these lessons point toward the Truth of our Being. We are assured Truth is eternally discoverable by anyone willing to see. We are shown how to move away from the learned behaviors of a lifetime. The stillness and peace of nature aids in leading me to the door of Truth, and I am grateful.

"Certain moods of mind find an indefinable pleasure in stillness, soft, silent as the storm's sudden hush; for nature's stillness is voiced with a hum of harmony, the gentle murmur of early morn, the evening's closing vespers, and lyre of bird and brooklet."  
—Mary Baker Eddy - Christian Science versus Pantheism Page 3:8-13

“This is a day of stillness and of peace. Christ’s vision looks through me today. His sight shows me all things forgiven and at peace, and offers this same vision to the world. And I accept this vision in its name, both for myself and for the world as well. What loveliness we look upon today! What holiness we see surrounding us! And it is given us to recognize it is a holiness in which we share; it is the Holiness of God Himself.

“This day my mind is quiet, to receive the Thoughts You offer me. And I accept what comes from You, instead of from myself. I do not know the way to You. But You are wholly certain. Father, guide Your Son along the quiet path that leads to You. Let my forgiveness be complete, and let the memory of You return to me.
—A Course in Miracles W-291.1:1–2:6

Seeing Happiness Today

My Scout Kitty as a Baby

Glancing through the magazine, Real Simple, my attention was caught by an article titled, “It’s Better to be Happy for a Little While Than Unhappy Forever”. The short narrative told of a couple who found a stray kitten, loved it dearly, never took trips because they would miss their cat, then when the sweet kitty, Gem, passed on, they decided to travel. They enjoyed it very much, and were happy to come back to their home. But something was missing. They needed a cat. A friend saw one that needed a home, which reminded them of Gem, but the couple was reluctant because the cat was older and seemed to have some health problems. They decided against getting it. When the woman was lamenting their decision to her hairdresser, the stylist’s response was: “It’s better to be happy for a little while than unhappy forever.” A lightbulb went on over the woman’s head. And so they adopted the cat. Its health problems cleared up with tender, loving care, and they have loved it for five years, to the betterment of all involved! The idea of being happy right now without worrying about the possible perils of tomorrow makes me smile. I hope it does you, too!

“My present happiness is all I see. Unless I look upon what is not there, my present happiness is all I see. Eyes that begin to open see at last.”
—A Course in Miracles W-290.1:1–2

“Earth has little light or joy for mortals before Life is spiritually learned. Every agony of mortal error helps error to destroy error, and so aids the apprehension of immortal Truth. This is the new birth going on hourly, by which men may entertain angels, the true ideas of God, the spiritual sense of being.”
—Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 548:9-167t5

Feeling Inadequate?

Often we don’t witness our own reactions to life’s circumstances. Each morning, I listen to Nouk and Coreen’s unpacking of the Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson, and today’s was an eye-opener! Coreen told of her realization that she had set up her “story” to insure that she would never be “good enough”. She had accepted the expectations of others; the expectations that she could never achieve, as the bar was always raised a step above where she was — e.g., you could have run faster, gotten a better grade, been a better parent. When we accept the story of being unfairly treated, we don’t see that the ego wants us to feel put-upon, so that we will close ourself off from the truth of our being. These projections are often manifested within our bodies, and show themselves in many physical complaints. Nouk suggested we read “Fear of Healing” in the Course textbook. It’s easy to blame others for the blocks in our lives, but when we see the whole picture, we can stop accusing others, release the anger we are harboring, and walk away free of recriminations. Feel free to respond to these ideas, as there’s a lot to “unpack” here!

“How just are miracles! For they bestow an equal gift of full deliverance from guilt upon your brother and yourself. Your healing saves him pain as well as you, and you are healed because you wished him well. This is the law the miracle obeys; that healing sees no specialness at all. It does not come from pity but from love. And love would prove all suffering is but a vain imagining, a foolish wish with no effects. Your health is a result of your desire to see your brother with no blood upon his hands, nor guilt upon his heart made heavy with the proof of sin. And what you wish is given you to see.”
—A Course in Miracles T-27.II.7:1-8

“Right is radical. The teacher must know the truth himself. He must live it and love it, or he cannot impart it to others. We soil our garments with conservatism, and afterwards we must wash them clean.”
—Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 452:18-22

Happy Outcomes

In 1999, I took my young boys on a 3,000-mile road trip. We made no reservations at hotels and had no definite plans -- other than to attend women's World Cup soccer games and look for miniature golf courses. In preparation for this trip, I spent a great deal of time studying the science of Mind and bringing my thoughts into alignment with the metaphysical Principle. On this trip, we witnessed many happy outcomes, but the most dramatic was on the first day. I had worn glasses to see at a distance for more than 30 years and suddenly found I could see without them. I enjoyed this freedom until a number of years later. When renewing my driver's license, I found that glasses were needed again. Although I complied with the law and obtained glasses, I steadfastly refused to accept this prognosis as reality. The next time I applied for renewal, there were no restrictions as to sight. Instances such as this affirm my conviction to live single-mindedly, with God as my only goal, expecting happy outcomes!

“A happy outcome to all things is sure. God’s promises make no exceptions. And He guarantees that only joy can be the final outcome found for everything. Yet it is up to us when this is reached; how long we let an alien will appear to be opposing His. And while we think this will is real, we will not find the end He has appointed as the outcome of all problems we perceive, all trials we see, and every situation that we meet. Yet is the ending certain. For God’s Will is done in earth and Heaven. We will seek and we will find according to His Will, which guarantees that our will is done.”
—A Course in Miracles W-292.1:1–2:2

“Let neither fear nor doubt overshadow your clear sense and calm trust, that the recognition of life harmonious — as Life eternally is — can destroy any painful sense of, or belief in, that which Life is not. Let Christian Science, instead of corporeal sense, support your understanding of being, and this understanding will supplant error with Truth, replace mortality with immortality, and silence discord with harmony.”
—Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 495:15-2

The Whole Truth

Art by Sandy Wythawai Starbird

Have you ever read or listened to a book, or a treatise of any sort, which caused you to think deeper and clearer about a subject than before? And what if part of that knowledge was so foreign that you were not able to accept it? Perhaps there were parts you felt were not true, or maybe it was simply outside your realm of understanding. Many people think that about A Course in Miracles and/or the teachings of Mary Baker Eddy. I have felt that way about many things which come to me from an entirely materialistic viewpoint, so can understand your reluctance to accept this information as Truth. For years, I’ve shied away from reading books which present good information, but have rabbit holes of erroneous thought. In relation to the two books I’ve cited in this writing, my dear friend, Jim Young, used to say that this way of living was not difficult if you accepted it 100%, but it was extremely hard if you only admitted 99% as reality. This writing has occurred because I want it all!

“There is a tendency to fragment, and then to be concerned about the truth of just a little part of the whole. And this is but a way of avoiding, or looking away from the whole, to what you think you might be better able to understand. For this is but another way in which you would still try to keep understanding to yourself. A better and far more helpful way to think of miracles is this: You do not understand them, either in part or in whole. Yet they have been done through you. Therefore your understanding cannot be necessary. Yet it is still impossible to accomplish what you do not understand. And so there must be Something in you that does understand.”
—A Course in Miracles T-16.II.2:1-8

“We must seek the undivided garment, the whole Christ, as our first proof of Christianity, for Christ, Truth, alone can furnish us with absolute evidence.”
—Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 142:7-10

A Little Love Sown

Art by Christian Frederik Vilhelm Pedersen 1854-1926

Watering the Flowers

“Did I offer peace today? Did I bring a smile to someone's face? Did I say words of healing? Did I let go of my anger and resentment? Did I forgive? Did I love? These are the real questions. I must trust that the little bit of love that I sow now will bear many fruits, here in this world and the life to come.”

—Henri Nouwen

“This world has much to offer to your peace, and many chances to extend your own forgiveness. Such its purpose is, to those who want to see peace and forgiveness descend on them, and offer them the light.”

—A Course in Miracles T-25.III.7:8-9

“The benign thought of Jesus, finding utterance in such words as ‘Take no thought for your life,’ would heal the sick, and so enable them to rise above the supposed necessity for physical thought-taking and doctoring; but if the unselfish affections be lacking, and common sense and common humanity are disregarded, what mental quality remains, with which to evoke healing from the outstretched arm of righteousness?

—Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 365:7-14

Redeem the Past; Change the Future

Photo by Aaron Springston

Paulo Coelho is one of my favorite authors. In his books, he takes us on spiritual journeys which show that we are indeed not alone, in either our fears or our realizations of Truth. Mr. Coelho’s novel, Aleph, was his most personal, and the main character seems to have many common characteristics with its creator. When he writes of spiritual progress feeling stagnant, I ache for him. These sentences stayed in my thoughts: "It isn't what you did in the past that will affect the present. It's what you do in the present that will redeem the past and thereby change the future." What a vibrant, hopeful statement! What you do right now is the pivotal point in your life. Let go of any and all grievances of any kind. Notice your thoughts as they peek out at you during the day. Are they reinforcing old, often-painful beliefs, or are they leading you out of them? Let’s redeem the past and change the future!

“It requires courage to utter truth; for the higher Truth lifts her voice, the louder will error scream, until its in‐articulate sound is forever silenced in oblivion.”
—Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 278:1-11

“The Holy Spirit looks through me today. Christ asks that He may use my eyes today, and thus redeem the world. He asks this gift that He may offer peace of mind to me, and take away all terror and all pain. And as they are removed from me, the dreams that seemed to settle on the world are gone. Redemption must be one. As I am saved, the world is saved with me. For all of us must be redeemed together. Fear appears in many different forms, but love is one.”
—A Course in Miracles W-295.1:1-7

One Primal Cause

Is reality what we are told by the daily news? We know there are conflicting reports of current events, and it can be difficult to discern reality within human perspectives. Is it what we learn in school? I remember how surprising (and embarrassing) it was to learn that most of the American history I had 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 which we have been told that has affected the way we view life. It is such a relief to know we can happily leave behind our stories of duality and erroneous thought, which frees us to listen for the “still, small voice” of truth.

“There is but one primal cause. Therefore there can be no effect from any other cause, and there can be no reality in aught which does not proceed from his great and only cause.”
—Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 207:20-23

“The miracle sets reality where it belongs. Reality belongs only to spirit, and the miracle acknowledges only truth.”
—A Course in Miracles T-1.IV.2:2-4

Calling For Love

Crystal Bridges Dining Room 

If someone asks you what is the opposite of love, what would you say? Most of us would say hate, but some of us would say fear. For those of you who are students of the Bible, you well know the words found in I John 4:18 — “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” In A Course in Miracles, we learn that every word and/or action is either a product of love, or a call for love. Mary Baker Eddy mentions Love 465 times in Science & Health, but fear has a mere 163 inclusions. Hate appears in only 20 citations, my favorite one being this: “Divine Life destroys death, Truth destroys error, and Love destroys hate.” [page 339] And so the next time you feel fearful, or perhaps hateful, remember you are only crying out for Love. If you see these feelings coming from someone else, see it for what it is: a call for Love. Now for the fun part! Send Love right back at whatever appears otherwise! Namaste, dear friends ..

“The only judgment involved is the Holy Spirit’s one division into two categories; one of love, and the other the call for love. You cannot safely make this division, for you are much too confused either to recognize love, or to believe that everything else is nothing but a call for love. You are too bound to form, and not to content. What you consider content is not content at all. It is merely form, and nothing else. For you do not respond to what a brother really offers you, but only to the particular perception of his offering by which the ego judges it.”
—A Course in Miracles T-14.X.7:1-6

“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 454:18-24

Two Ways To Be Fooled

A quote from Soren Kierkegaard: “There are two ways to be fooled. One is to believe what isn't true; the other is to refuse to believe what is true." For me, social media is a way to keep up with loved ones who are far away, people close by, and cool happenings in town or otherwise. Of course, it is also the avenue for conspiracy theories and purveyors of horrid happenings. I truly believe most folks think they are helping others by warning them about trouble. The same holds true on the national level, when people warn us that Tom Hanks is a pedophile or that Hillary Clinton drinks baby’s blood. Hence, I come back to the sentiment in the Kierkegaard quote often: Am I being fooled by believing or not believing?? It has always seemed to me that truth just feels true. But with so much misinformation going around in everyone's heads, I think it's easier to be pulled into swirling, chaotic thoughts now than it used to be. It's rather like an approaching storm with its electric, exciting expectancy: will it be beautiful and cleansing or are we going to Oz? Hum...

"Science only can explain the incredible good and evil elements now coming to the surface. Mortals must find refuge in Truth in order to escape the error of these latter days. Nothing is more antagonistic to Christian Science than a blind belief without understanding, for such a belief hides Truth and builds on error."
—Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 83:6

“The idea for today simply states a fact. It is not a fact to those who believe in illusions, but illusions are not facts. In truth there is nothing to fear. It is very easy to recognize this. But it is very difficult to recognize it for those who want illusions to be true.”
—A Course in Miracles W-48.1:1-5

Giving Your All

Night-Blooming Cereus

Photo by Don Matt 

“Restraint is a very good partner to indulgence.” Hearing Nigella Lawson say this on The Great British Baking Show struck a chord deep within, as my tendency to overindulge is legendary in some circles. Not only with hedonistic pursuits, but when beginning a serious study of divine metaphysics in the 1990s, it was an all-encompassing lifestyle change. This was necessary to fill the gaps left by less-than-stellar practices which had come before. After children were grown, opening of an art gallery in our small tourist town offered an outlet for living the Love which was being realized in daily living. Everything was centered around promoting and growing that beautiful business, and it would still be in operation had life’s circumstances not stepped in. But back to the original quote from a great chef — restraint and indulgence are a beautiful pairing. I appreciate this wonderful baker who doesn’t need to eat everything she creates!

“Indirect proof of truth is needed in a world made of denial and without direction. You will perceive the need for this if you realize that to deny is the decision not to know. The logic of the world must therefore lead to nothing, for its goal is nothing. If you decide to have and give and be nothing except a dream, you must direct your thoughts unto oblivion. And if you have and give and are everything, and all this has been denied, your thought system is closed off and wholly separated from the truth. This is an insane world, and do not underestimate the extent of its insanity. There is no area of your perception that it has not touched, and your dream is sacred to you. That is why God placed the Holy Spirit in you, where you placed the dream.”
—A Course in Miracles T-14.I.2:1-8

“Let the slave of wrong desire learn the lessons of Christian Science, and he will get the better of that desire, and ascend a degree in the scale of health, happiness, and existence.”

—Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 407:17-20

Truth is a Deep Kindness

Photo from Aaron Springston

“Truth is a deep kindness that teaches us to be content in our everyday life and share with the people the same happiness.” 

—Kahlil Gibran

“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

“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

Common Ground

This has been a beautiful day, which marks the ending of a wonderful week, visiting with grandbabies and their dad. Today was fun, with old friends stopping by to visit and a sunset visit to a friend’s buffalo ranch. The words from an old Beatles song have been going around in my mind for most of the day: I get by with a little help from my friends. While visiting with a woman who was like a second mother to my boys, I realized what a bond of friendship we share — even all these years later. We don’t see each other regularly, but when we’re together it’s still a closely-bonded relationship. A long term ex-husband was here and although we disagree on almost every topic you could choose, we still have a couple of points we can agree on: grandsons. These are common denominators, no matter what transpired between friends and family in the past — or the so-called future! So friends, I leave you with this thought: We’re all in this together! Namaste …

“With one Father, even God, the whole family of man would be brethren; and with one Mind and that God, or good, the brotherhood of man would consist of Love and Truth, and have unity of Principle and spiritual power which constitute divine Science.”
—Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 469:30-5

“You respond to what you perceive, and as you perceive so shall you behave. The Golden Rule asks you to do unto others as you would have them do unto you. This means that the perception of both must be accurate. The Golden Rule is the rule for appropriate behavior. You cannot behave appropriately unless you perceive correctly. Since you and your neighbor are equal members of one family, as you perceive both so you will do to both. You should look out from the perception of your own holiness to the holiness of others.”
—A Course in Miracles T-1.III.6:1-7

A Day at the Museum

Art of Yayoi Kusama 

Crystal Bridges Museum Art Trail

“Great art picks up where nature ends.” This quote from Marc Chagall is a perfect statement to describe Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas. The architecture melds with the natural beauty surrounding it in ways which take your breath away. My sons and grandsons were the perfect companions for a day at the museum today. Watching the wonder in the children’s eyes and feeling the joy in my heart — What a day! And I am grateful …

“See how life springs up everywhere! The desert becomes a garden, green and deep and quiet, offering rest to those who lost their way and wander in the dust. Give them a place of refuge, prepared by love for them where once a desert was. And everyone you welcome will bring love with him from Heaven for you. They enter one by one into this holy place, but they will not depart as they had come, alone. The love they brought with them will stay with them, as it will stay with you. And under its beneficence your little garden will expand, and reach out to everyone who thirsts for living water, but has grown too weary to go on alone.”
—A Course in Miracles T-18.VIII.9:2-8

“The floral apostles are hieroglyphs of Deity. Suns and planets teach grand lessons. The stars make night beautiful, and the leaflet turns naturally towards the light.”
—Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 240:6-9

United By Empathy

Dan Rather’s book, What Unites Us, takes us on a journey. He is old enough to remember what life was like in the aftermath of the great depression, times before we had government programs to help people in need, along with the suffering which was thought of as normal. When someone lost their job, it felt like death, because there was not another job to be found. Neighbors would do what they could for each other, and when little Dan asked his mother why they were helping the people across the street (thinking perhaps it was pity which inspired his folks to give) he was told it wasn’t because they felt sorry for them, but because they understood the feeling of being in need. He writes of empathy building community. In the last three decades, I’ve watched our little town band together to help people in every kind of need that you can imagine. I have been the recipient of that kindness more than once, and it has built empathy within me, too. When we don’t blame people for their misfortune, we don’t judge their circumstances, but simply meet their need, whatever it may be. It seems so simple, and it is a beautiful thing to watch in action. I wish everyone in our country could read or listen to this book by Mr. Rather. Good will multiplies exponentially, don’t you think? Let’s go forth and multiply!

"Do we love our neighbor better because of this asking? Do we pursue the old selfishness, satisfied with having prayed for something better, though we give no evidence of the sincerity of our requests by living consistently with our prayer? If selfishness has given place to kindness, we shall regard our neighbor unselfishly, and bless them that curse us, but we shall never meet this great duty simply by asking that it may be done. There is a cross to be taken up before we can enjoy the fruition of our hope and faith."
—Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 9:6

“A miracle is a service. It is the maximal service you can render to another. It is a way of loving your neighbor as yourself. You recognize your own and your neighbor’s worth simultaneously.”
—A Course in Miracles T-1.I.18:1-4