Special Relationship?

ACIM Workbook Lesson #205

Central Theme: “I am not a body. I am free. For I am still as God created me.” Review: #185 "I want the peace of God.”

I find myself slipping back into old ways of destructive behavior. The special relationship, as defined by A Course in Miracles, is an ego-based interaction characterized by expectations of having our needs met — i.e., someone making us happy, or any number of things we have come to expect an outside influence to bring to us. Meeting someone in the holy instant is only possible if we do not bring experiences of the past into the moment. A clean, clear, untarnished meeting is the beginning of giving a relationship to divine Love for definition and purpose. Ego tells us we are lacking and we need someone to partner with in order to complete us. It’s perhaps ironic that we carry these same ideas into our relationship with what we call God. We expect results if we’re going to give ourselves to this gentle, all-encompassing presence, and we’re often upset if our expectations are not met. In an attempt to see us all as the experience of divine Love, I am attempting to clear my self of emotional encumbrances and self-serving behaviors. I feel more peaceful just thinking about it!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"The calm and exalted thought or spiritual apprehension is at peace."

Science & Health with Key to the Scriptures Page 506:11-12

Happy Independence Day, Indeed!

photo credit: Richard Quick

ACIM Workbook Lesson #185

“I want the peace of God.”

On this day of celebrating the independence of these United States, I'm reminded of something from Eckhart Tolle's book, "A New Earth". He speaks of collective consciousness being more powerful than individual thought. He cites instances of groups of people doing things which one alone cannot. He also tells how some of the things countries do would be thought of as insanity if one person were committing the action. With this in mind, I urge everyone to hold to our topic for the day: "I want the peace of God." With a tipping point of people in the world wanting the same thing, then everyone will join together in not only wanting this peace, but having it! Happy Independence Day indeed!!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"A few immortal sentences, breathing the omnipotence of divine justice, have been potent to break despotic fetters and abolish the whipping-post and slave market; but oppression neither went down in blood, nor did the breath of freedom come from the cannon’s mouth. Love is the liberator."

Science & Health Page 225:16-22

No Sacrifice in This Trade-off

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #343 "I am not asked to make a sacrifice To find the mercy and the peace of God."

I’m witnessing more and more people accepting the gift of peace in exchange for the turmoil and tormented lives they’ve experienced in the past. Perhaps I notice it because I’m accepting peace for myself! I have often fallen totally into sadness of various types, wallowing in the misery, then breaking through the murky belief of whatever it was, with no need of revisiting and retelling the pain. I have done much the same thing in regard to what I perceive to be recent backward steps in the climb to the new earth which is within sight. After spending days in fear and depression, it has been washed away with the realizations of what must be done. What a joy it is to give up personal agendas and preconceived notions of how things should be, welcoming Love without the expectations I so often have of others! I feel no sense of sacrifice in this trade-off!

Mary Baker Eddy quote: “…divine Principle never repents, but maintains the claim of Truth by quenching error. The pardon of divine mercy is the destruction of error.” Science & Health Page 329:24-26 

Peace in Every Situation

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #205

Central Theme: “I am not a body. I am free. For I am still as God created me.” Review: #185 "I want the peace of God.”

I met a woman who had lived in our mountain town for about a year. She wasn't happy here in any way. She told me how she couldn't stand the weather, her job, her apartment, the lack of public transportation, our farmers' market. For most of her diatribe, I calmly listened to her and agreed that she should probably go back to Houston where she was happier. But when she started to put down our local farmers' market, I verbally retaliated in a fashion more vehement than expected! Looking back on the situation, I realize the "peace of God" which we are contemplating today has nothing to do with degrees. Divine Love doesn't stay calm and then get upset if someone says something derogatory about a cause close to Its heart. Today my focus will be on experiencing peace in every situation, not just the ones I have no emotional connection towards! 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"The calm and exalted thought or spiritual apprehension is at peace."

Science & Health with Key to the Scriptures Page 506:11-12

Pink Cows and Silver Pillows

"Andy Warhol Exhibit"

ACIM Workbook Lesson #205

Central Theme: “I am not a body. I am free. For I am still as God created me.” Review: #185 "I want the peace of God.”

We have the most delightful museum here in northwest Arkansas: Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art! Through it, my consciousness has been expanded in ways I never would have dreamed. Today a friend and I went to see the Andy Warhol special exhibit. We knew little about his art other than that he inundated us with Campbell Soup cans and called it art. Today, I learned a bit more about this interesting man. One thing is that he wanted peace and satisfaction in his life and thought he might achieve that through controlling his art, hence the duplication of images. He also had a lively sense of humor, as shown with this room full of pink cows and floating silver pillows. It brings laughter simply to be in their presence! And he had heart, which he showed in his Endangered Species psychedelic prints. Wow, what a day full of calm and exalted thought!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"The calm and exalted thought or spiritual apprehension is at peace."

Science & Health Page 506:11-12

Independence: Do I Have It?

"Beaver Bridge"
photo by Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #185

“I want the peace of God.”

On this day of celebrating independence, I pause to examine what self-imposed shackles may still be holding me in bondage. There could be many things which keep me from feeling the peace of God, but I don’t think I’m going to concentrate on those today. All of those fears, worries, habits, and such will fall away when I am single-minded in what I truly want. Do I have goals that I have set for myself, limiting in and of themselves, or am I willing to open myself to Spirit’s guidance? We are told in today’s lesson that if we really, truly want the peace of God, we will have it. I’m happy for the reminder to examine my motives. For instance, why am I writing this right now?? Is it for accolades from others or is it to learn how to be open to and learn from what comes through me? Good question! I hope this recognition will allow me to be willing to examine my actions and words, stepping aside and wanting only Peace. Now there’s something to celebrate!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"A few immortal sentences, breathing the omnipotence of divine justice, have been potent to break despotic fetters and abolish the whipping-post and slave market; but oppression neither went down in blood, nor did the breath of freedom come from the cannon’s mouth. Love is the liberator."

Science & Health Page 225:16-22

August 18, 2014 - The Seeds of Peace

Yoga in Park City, Utah

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, peace are all spiritual attributes which shine forth through us as the expression of God. 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

July 24, 2014 - Calm, Exalted Thought

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #205

Central Theme: “I am not a body. I am free. For I am still as God created me.” Review: #185 "I want the peace of God.”

In the past 19 years, since I've given up my washer and dryer, I've spent quite a bit of time in laundromats, and I've met the most interesting people there. Recently, I met a woman who had lived in our mountain town for about a year. She wasn't happy here in any way. She told me how she couldn't stand the weather, her job, her apartment, the lack of public transportation, our farmers' market. For most of her diatribe, I calmly listened to her and agreed that she should probably go back to Houston where she was happier. But when she started to put down our local farmers' market, I verbally retaliated in a fashion more vehement than expected! Looking back on the situation, I realize that the "peace of God" that we are contemplating today has nothing to do with degrees. Divine Love doesn't stay calm and then get upset if someone says something derogatory about a cause close to Its heart. Today my focus will be on experiencing peace in every situation, not just the ones I have no emotional connection towards. Namasté.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"The calm and exalted thought or spiritual apprehension is at peace."

Science & Health Page 506:11-12

July 19, 2014 - Peace

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #200

“There is no peace except the peace of God.”

Peace is a spiritual attribute. While we may perceive peace as changeable, that is only our material perception of it. As our topic today tells us, "There is no peace except the peace of God." Now, this statement may bring to mind a picture of a big Buddha ohm-ing away up in the sky, because that's the way we've come to think of deity -- something outside of us, looking down on us, watching over us, giving us things. But that's not the God we're beginning to know as Life, Truth, Love. This divine Mind, infinite Spirit, eternal Soul is you and me. As I learn to recognize the difference in material belief and spiritual truth, life becomes easier. The peace that is God is mine right now for the acceptance of it. We can't lose it, because it's eternally available no matter what the outward circumstance!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“It is our ignorance of God, the divine Principle, which produces apparent discord, and the right understanding of Him restores harmony. Truth will at length compel us all to exchange the pleasures and pains of sense for the joys of Soul.”

Science and Health Page 390:7-11

July 7, 2014 - Oh, What a Love!

ACIM Workbook Lesson #188

“The peace of God is shining in me now.”

This photo of Ken and Sandy Starbird is my very favorite one. I first met these artists when they came to my gallery seeking representation. No, that's not right. They presented themselves and we all saw at least a glimmer of why we were being brought together. Our association grew into friendship and loving appreciation. Seven weeks ago, Ken was told he had a brain tumor which was termed aggressive. I've always admired their interaction with each other. There is a palpable trust and respect running through their pure and passionate love for each other. In these past few days, I've witnessed an all-encompassing peace surrounding them. They know Love is eternal, and they have inspired me to live Its ever-presence. As I ponder metaphysical statements on physical so-called death, I see that all of us can transcend material belief and see what is just out of sight. As we are told today, "Enlightenment is but a recognition, not a change at all." Here's to you, Ken and Sandy! Cheers for leaving behind the fear and embracing the Love!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Truth and Love enlighten the understanding, in whose "light shall we see light;" and this illumination is reflected spiritually by all who walk in the light and turn away from a false material sense.”

Science & Health Page 510:9-12

September 24, 2013 - Peace of God

"Montana Sunset"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #267

“My heart is beating in the peace of God"

Living the "peace of God" may seem like a fantasy to those who abide by the laws of materiality. Some think we're delusional, or sticking our heads in the sand, or denying reality in favor of wishful thinking. But that's okay! When you know the Truth of being, put it into practice in daily life, and watch the demonstration of it bloom in your every activity, your "heart is beating in the peace of God". And that state of mind does more for the world than all the preaching we may be tempted to do!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“More effectual than the forum are our states of mind, to bless mankind”

Pulpit and Press, p. 87

August 8, 2013 - Peace

"Bella Donna Eureka"
photo by Richard Quick

ACIM Workbook Lesson #220

Central Theme: “I am not a body. I am free. For I am still as God created me.” Review: #200 “There is no peace except the peace of God.”

It is quite lovely to watch this peaceful thought demonstrated throughout a group of people who gather together to share good food, companionship, and our understanding of the Principle of A Course in Miracles. Having been acquainted for a number of years, we relish seeing the calm demeanor, the single-eyed pursuit, the palpable peace emanating from and through each other. Some of us are amazed that this could happen to us! Some are surprised that it is even possible. We all are tickled pink that it can be as simple as surrendering belief and embracing Knowledge. How thrilling to know we're all in this together!

Mary Baker Eddy quotes:

"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

July 27, 2013 - Peace No Matter What

"Mongolia - Altai Mountains"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #208

Central Theme: “I am not a body. I am free. For I am still as God created me.” Review: #188 “The peace of God is shining in me now."

It's comforting to know that peace is always waiting within, no matter how jarring outside circumstances may seem. Sometimes I fall into that disharmony, forgetting that I have a choice in the matter. Right now my dog is barking at something outside. I feel my muscles becoming tense as the noise reverberates in the house. Should I join in his tension and anxiety, or would I rather bring him along into my oasis of peace? It seems like a "no-brainer" there, huh? But how often have I let outside circumstances dictate my mood? I'm glad I don't need to relive all those moments! Today I will remember I have a choice, and not be swept along in a current of dis-ease.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Undisturbed amid the jarring testimony of the material senses, Science, still enthroned, is unfolding to mortals the immutable, harmonious, divine Principle,—is unfolding Life and the universe, ever present and eternal.”

Science & Health Page 306:25-28

July 24, 2013 - Peace of God

Exhibit at Crystal Bridges Museum
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #205 Central Theme: “I am not a body. I am free. For I am still as God created me.” Review: #185 "I want the peace of God.”

"The peace of God is everything I want." What a lovely thought to hold to today! I just read a Facebook post by one of our social media mavens. She tells us that people seem volatile, jumping to conclusions and reacting in anger. Her advice to us all was to "Calm the f… down!"  I can translate that into wanting the peace of God and making a choice to have it. If you're having trouble slipping away from tension and letting peace be felt, try doing things which can facilitate this: float on a river, walk in the woods, have a massage, get a Oneness Blessing. There are so many avenues to this end. Mainly, I think it's the realization that we have a choice. That opens the door to peace.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“This material world is even now becoming the arena for conflicting forces. On one side there will be discord and dismay; on the other side there will be Science and peace. The breaking up of material beliefs may seem to be famine and pestilence, want and woe, sin, sickness, and death, which assume new phases until their nothingness appears. These disturbances will continue until the end of error, when all discord will be swallowed up in spiritual Truth.” Science & Health Page 96:12-20

July 19, 2013 -Claim Peace!

"Utah Sunset"
photo by Aaron Springston

A Course in Miracles Lesson #200

“There is no peace except the peace of God.”

Peace is a spiritual attribute. While we may perceive it as changeable, that is only our material perception of it. When I walked into work yesterday morning, the temperature inside was 93-degrees. The air conditioner was doing nothing to cool things down. I got a bit testy and thought I had lots of reasons to feel that way. But ultimately, whatever is going on around us has absolutely nothing to do with how we feel -- at least once we are able to separate Truth from erroneous belief! Yet once we get into a space of chagrin, it can be difficult to exchange it for peace. True peace, the peace that is God, is ours right now for the accepting. We can't lose it, because it's eternal. 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“It is our ignorance of God, the divine Principle, which produces apparent discord, and the right understanding of Him restores harmony. Truth will at length compel us all to exchange the pleasures and pains of sense for the joys of Soul.”

Science and Health Page 390:7-11

November 1, 2012 - Peace in Any Circumstance

"St. Liz Belfry in Fall"
photo by Dale Johnson

ACIM Workbook Lesson #305

“There is a peace that Christ bestows on us.”

Absolutely any situation can be filled with peace. There are accounts of people facing the direst of situations calmly, with a seeming other-worldly sense of peace. I witnessed one of these situations when visiting with a couple in the midst of a life-changing disease. When I walked into 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 this autumn. She told me 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. The peace of God is there for all, no matter what the material circumstance. It satisfies the hungering senses, it calms fear, it answers questions before they're asked.

Mary Baker Eddy poem

“Satisfied”

 It matters not what be thy lot,

        So Love doth guide;

For storm or shine, pure peace is thine,

        Whate'er betide.

 And of these stones, or tyrants' thrones,

        God able is

To raise up seed — in thought and deed —

        To faithful His.

 Aye, darkling sense, arise, go hence!

        Our God is good.

False fears are foes — truth tatters those,

        When understood.

 Love looseth thee, and lifteth me,

        Ayont hate's thrall:

There Life is light, and wisdom might,

        And God is All.

 The centuries break, the earth-bound wake,

        God's glorified!

Who doth His will — His likeness still —

        Is satisfied.

 (Poems by Mary Baker Eddy, p. 79)

September 24, 2012 - Changing Thought

"Eureka Fairy"

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #267

“My heart is beating in the peace of God"

I've become acquainted with four wonderful women who meet here every year for vacation. They have made lots of friends in past stays, and I was very pleased when they invited me to their place for dinner. While listening to their happy banter, it became clear that they think Eureka Springs is utopia, in that no one lives in "reality" here. I certainly can see why they think that, as we seem to have a different sense of time, of what is and is not "appropriate" -- and then there's that total sureness that we're on the "right track". Living the "peace of God" may seem like a fantasy to those who abide by the laws of materiality. Some think we're delusional, or sticking our heads in the sand, or denying reality in favor of wishful thinking. But that's okay! When you know the Truth of being, put it into practice in daily life, and watch the demonstration of it bloom in your every activity, your "heart is beating in the peace of God". And that state of mind does more for the world than all the preaching we may be tempted to do!

“More effectual than the forum are our states of mind, to bless mankind”

Pulpit and Press, p. 87

August 8, 2012 - Choose Peace

A Course in Miracles Lesson #220 (review)

“I am not a body. I am free,

For I am still as God created me.”

Specific review: (#200) “There is no peace except the peace of God.”

"Buzzards in Eureka Spring"
photo by Marsha Havens

In reading and pondering the above words, my mind turns to events in the past where I had the choice of either living peace or doing what I thought would defend my "cause".  A few years ago, I became embroiled in a controversy concerning turkey vultures roosting in our wooded town. Mosts of them were congregated in our neighborhood, in a hollow between two residential streets. Some of my neighbors were convinced that the birds were dangerous and needed to go away. Through their efforts, sonic cannons were going to be fired with the hope of sending the birds somewhere else. At this point in my life, I try not to have strong opinions about anything. But for some reason, I chose to jump up on my high-horse and start gathering signatures on a petition to stop the cannons. Eventually the whole neighborhood was up in arms over this and most of them were not speaking to me. At a particularly hostile point, the realization came that I had made the wrong choice. I had not chosen the peace of God, but my own self-righteous reasoning, and no one was the better for it. The vulture known as buzzard is called the "peace eagle" by the Cherokee people. It is named this because it's the only bird which does not kill. And so I quietly backed away from the situation. This doesn't mean that I stopped being an advocate for the birds, but I did change my actions. From an approach which was mainly on the material plane, rabble-rousing and trying to change things, I shifted to quietly seeing the Truth of everyone and everything in the situation, knowing that we are all reflections of divine Love.  By affirming that divine order is ever-present and that I didn't need to do anything other than allow that order to guide my thoughts, any sense of personal responsibility was released.  If you're wondering what happened, they did shoot off the sonic cannons, the birds left temporarily, and within a short time they came back. Everyone is speaking to each other again, and we seem to be closer than ever for the conflict. Isn't it wonderful that we can always choose again!!

Mary Baker Eddy quotes:

“Hold thought steadfastly to the enduring, the good, and the true, and you will bring these into your experience proportionably to their occupancy of your thoughts.”

Science & Health Page 261:4-7

July 19, 2012 - Obey Only Love

"Utah Sunset"
photo by Aaron Springston

A Course in Miracles Lesson #200

“There is no peace except the peace of God.”

The following  Kahlil Gibran quote is a strong statement of what it means to give up every material belief and live only the peace of God: "Yesterday we obeyed kings and bent our necks before emperors. But today we kneel only to truth, follow only beauty, and obey only love."  Truth beauty, love, are spiritual attributes. While we may perceive these things as changeable, that is only true of our material perceptions of such.  True peace, the peace that is God, is ours now for the accepting. An interesting event happened in the gallery today.  People often comment on how good it "feels" in our space, and this is because everything there is brought forth from love. I was not working today, but my wonderful employee tells me that a blade flew off of the ceiling fan. There were two customers in the room and thousands of dollars worth of pottery and sculpture and glassware which this blade flew over. It landed in an open space on the floor, stopping just short of the front window, which is also full of breakable objects. Some may say this was very lucky. Luck is one of the beliefs I've been working toward releasing. Why? Because if you believe in good luck you must believe in bad luck. This thing called luck is nothing more than a human concept, one which I want nothing to do with! This protection of everything and everyone was a demonstration of the ever-presence of divine Love. When I feel this  presence of Love emanating from the gallery, I am grateful once again for all the beauty brought forth into form by our loving, peaceful artists. We demonstrate this peace everyday as we share it with everyone -- even those who never walk into our space, because we are really, truly One.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“It is our ignorance of God, the divine Principle, which produces apparent discord, and the right understanding of Him restores harmony. Truth will at length compel us all to exchange the pleasures and pains of sense for the joys of Soul.”

Science and Health Page 390:7-11

This material is copyrighted by Marsha Havens, Eureka Springs, Arkansas. All rights reserved. All writings, other than quoted material from A Course in Miracles or Mary Baker Eddy are the personal interpretation and understanding of the author

July 4, 2012 - Freedom through peace

"London, England, 2006"
photo by Aaron Springston

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #185

“I want the peace of God.”

The first two sentences in today's lesson say it all: "To say these words is nothing. But to mean these words is everything." How easy it is to say we want the peace of God. But do we live as though we mean that? That is the question! I am often asked how I expect to pray for the world if I don't know what horrors are happening out there. Even though I don't watch or hear mainstream media news, I do have a few sources of information. My favorite is documentary films. Recently I've watched "Taking Root", telling us about the Green Belt Movement in Kenya. I've received an understanding of how lack of water and forests affect the people, and how things have gotten to the point they're at today. It leads my thought to the personal responsibility we each must take for the environment around us, and ourselves individually. The Christian Science Monitor is a wonderful resource which can be found online or in a weekly print publication. This is a stellar newspaper which Mary Baker Eddy started in the early 1900s, whose mission was and is to "injure no man, but to bless all mankind". Often people tell me that opposites are necessary. For instance, I've been told we wouldn't appreciate peace without unrest, and what would happiness be if we didn't know its opposite, and that we can't know light if we haven't experienced darkness. When these views are voiced, I'm always tempted to say, "Hogwash", or something similar in meaning!! And this seeming need for dualism is what keeps us from wholeheartedly wanting and accepting the peace of God which is ours. If we have peace, how would we recognize it without some sort of struggle to bounce it off of? Let's not think of these things when recognizing the peace of God, which has neither beginning nor end, and is ours now, in this eternity – simply for the acknowledging of it.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Glory be to God, and peace to the struggling hearts! Christ hath rolled away the stone from the door of human hope and faith, and through the revelation and demonstration of life in God, hath elevated them to possible at-one-ment with the spiritual idea of man and his divine Principle, Love.

Science & Health Page 45:16-21