Peaceful Exalted Thought

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Lesson #273

“The stillness of the peace of God is mine.”

We have many experiences which bring tastew of the stillness of the peace of God. I love the quiet moments watching a sunset, or sitting in the woods listening to its sounds, or that sublime moment when slipping quietly to sleep. Recently a friend asked me to listen to and give an opinion on a CD having to do with alien beings controlling our actions on the planet Earth. Although much of what was said could be considered rhetoric of the conspiracy-theory crowd, the main theme was the Principle we are studying and hearing from various avenues. This Truth involves turning away from the illusion and seeing reality. While the woman on this recording was telling us that lizard people were controlling our actions, she also advised to not be frightened or give it too much importance, but to focus on Love and see through any supposed power these creatures may have. What a wonderful metaphor! It certainly is no more outlandish than the Adam and Eve story or any other legend meant to show us the difference between the illusion and the Truth. And so as I go through this day hearing all the insanity, I know it can only disturb my tranquility if I give it more power in thought than I give the stillness of peace.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The calm and exalted thought or spiritual apprehension is at peace.Thus the dawn of ideas goes on, forming each successive stage of progress.” Science & Health with Key to the Scriptures Page 506:11-14

Infectious Joy

Creation of Sandy Wythawai Starbird
"Happy Bird"

ACIM Workbook Lesson #230

“Now will I seek and find the peace of God."

I read about an interesting experiment. Two people were placed face to face. One was instructed to smile as happily as possible, and the other was asked to retain a neutral look. In most of the cases, the person who was supposed to stay neutral couldn't keep from smiling, too. Happiness, joy, and peace are all spiritual attributes which shine forth through us as the experience of divine Love. They are infectious, don't you think? Let's broadcast this seed far and wide today and watch it grow!

 Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Spiritual living and blessedness are the only evidences by which we can recognize true existence and feel the unspeakable peace which comes from an all-absorbing spiritual love.”

Science & Health Page 264:24-27

Disturbed or At Peace?

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #273

“The stillness of the peace of God is mine.”

“If we give way to a disturbance, let us learn how to dismiss it and return to peace.” [ACIM] This evening at a monthly gathering of friends, I was talking to someone about how to leave behind disturbing events and hold to the peace of which we speak today. It seems that when this woman wakes up in the night, her thoughts turn to troublesome things which seem to have no solution. Another friend spoke up and said that when this happens to her, she takes deep breaths and repeats the word, “thankful”. As she loses herself in her breath and gratitude, she peacefully returns to sleep. I like that a lot. We all have our ways of turning off this voice which is based in mortal mind, not divine Mind. I love hearing how others tune into the channel of peace, so let me know what you do! I love the realization that if we get lost in the insanity we have the choice of returning to tranquility!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The calm and exalted thought or spiritual apprehension is at peace.Thus the dawn of ideas goes on, forming each successive stage of progress.” Science & Health with Key to the Scriptures Page 506:11-14

Stillness and Peace

photo courtesy of Chris Fischer

ACIM Lesson #273

“The stillness of the peace of God is mine.”

I've mentioned before -- actually more than once -- that a neighborhood situation with turkey vultures nesting in our wooded hollow has been a cause for disagreement amongst residents. The issue has raised its head again and I have the choice of being upset or being at peace. When I was first told of the situation, memories of harsh actions flooded back into thought, but by the time a local newspaper asked for my opinion, I was able to accept everything as it is, and recognize that my thought about the matter is the only thing I can change. As this lessons states: “If we give way to a disturbance, let us learn how to dismiss it and return to peace.” It’s nice to know that if I get lost in the insanity, I have the choice of returning to tranquility!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Mind demonstrates omnipresence and omnipotence, but Mind revolves on a spiritual axis, and its power is displayed and its presence felt in eternal stillness and immovable Love.”

From Retrospection and Introspection Page 88-89

August 18, 2013 - Peace Within

"Ozark Sunset"
photo by Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #230 

“Now will I seek and find the peace of God."

Although the peace we say we want is ours for the acceptance of it, sometimes it seems difficult to clear the way for it to shine through us. Someone was telling me how difficult they find it to know -- to really know! -- that it is safe to walk the streets of Eureka Springs. Of course, it doesn't matter what I say to her, she must find this peace within herself. It was brought home to me when I left the gallery after dark and walked down a little side street to my car. There's quite a bit of nightlife on this street and lots of people hanging out who could be thought of as frightening. As I was passing one of the bars, a man was walking toward me in what seemed to be a drunken manner. As we got close to each other, he reached his hand out to the side, I did too, and we had a short clasp of hands and a nod and a smile. Not a word was spoken, but it was a perfect moment of peace! Priceless ---

Mary Baker Eddy quote: “Spiritual living and blessedness are the only evidences by which we can recognize true existence and feel the unspeakable peace which comes from an all-absorbing spiritual love.”

Science & Health Page 264:24-27