Facilitating Peace

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #63

“The light of the world brings peace to every mind through my forgiveness.”

It’s easy to feel peaceful when everything is going according to our plans, but what about those unexpected events such as loss of a job, breaking up of a marriage, illness and accidents? At such times, it can feel as though our peace has been disrupted, perhaps never to be felt again. In order to extend peace to others, we must accept it for ourselves. How grateful I am for this inkling of knowledge about the Science of Being! The unfolding reality which has replaced the shattering illusions around me have been facilitating a change in perception and an acceptance of peace. It’s sort of like Michelangelo chiseling away everything but the image he was seeing. We are working to release everything unlike Love, leaving behind pure peace! 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Gladness to leave the false landmarks and joy to see them disappear,--this disposition helps to precipitate the ultimate harmony. The purification of sense and self is a proof of progress."

Science & Health Page 324:3-5

March 4, 2015 - Peace Through Forgiveness

"A Community at Peace"
photo series by John Rankine

ACIM Workbook Lesson #63

“The light of the world brings peace to every mind through my forgiveness.”

I used to have a bad temper. Starting in childhood, I was easily “irritated” by things. The sound of someone eating a banana noisily would “set my teeth on edge”. A lost item in the house would infuriate me. Teachers who I deemed to know less than I did would bring, at the very least, a roll of the eyes in exasperation. I’m not sure when those feelings fell away from me, but I’m really glad that they have! Being angry at anything, for any reason, is not the way I want to feel. I can only imagine the damage these feelings caused over the years. There were ruined relationships, missed opportunities, multitudes of circumstances which could have been joyful but instead were wasted. Nowadays, it’s pretty darned difficult to burst my bubble of happiness. I’m looking through the illusion of the past and forgiving myself more every day. For that, I am grateful.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Gladness to leave the false landmarks and joy to see them disappear,--this disposition helps to precipitate the ultimate harmony. The purification of sense and self is a proof of progress."

Science & Health Page 324:3-5

March 4, 2014 - Our Light-Bearing, Peaceful Function

"Snow Shadows"
photo by Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #63

“The light of the world brings peace to every mind through my forgiveness.”

Once we realize something is ours, then we are free to give it away. Once we realize something is ours, it is everyone's by virtue of our unity as expressions of God. Every time we choose peace, rather than joining with someone in anger or agitation, we have exercised our light-bringing peaceful function. I used to think it was impolite not to listen when someone wanted to tell me things I didn't need to hear. For instance, today a neighbor began to tell me of a situation where another neighbor had said things to him which hurt his feelings. As I realized he wasn't going to stop, but wanted to talk about it and speculate about why she was horrible, I simply said, "Wait. I'm not going to go there with you." Looking back on the conversation, I wonder why I didn't say this years ago! I no longer think it's impolite to speak the truth. Why should I listen to this any more readily than I would, for instance, watch a horror movie? I'll just say no!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Gladness to leave the false landmarks and joy to see them disappear,--this disposition helps to precipitate the ultimate harmony. The purification of sense and self is a proof of progress."

Science & Health Page 324:3-5

March 4, 2013 - Listen, Hear, Share

"Zion National Park"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #63

“The light of the world brings peace to every mind through my forgiveness.”

Today I will focus on accepting my function of seeing through illusions so that this sight may be extended to the world. By quieting my mind to the noises of materialism, I prepare myself to hear the voice of Truth, of Spirit, and hear the thoughts which are healing in any given situation. I'm reminded of a young newlywed couple who came into my gallery. They were filled with happiness and excitement about their new life together and their adventure in Eureka Springs. As we talked, she mentioned that it was her birthday and she was sad because it was her first celebration without her mom. As she told me about this, she became teary-eyed and seemed to lose the joy she had been expressing a moment before.  By listening to Spirit rather than her words, I was led to tell her something which was more than just sympathetic commiseration. Taking her hand I told her that Love was eternal and the love she and her mom felt for each other was present no matter where they were at any given time. Her sweet husband, who had been randomly patting her here and there, wanting to help but not sure how to do so, immediately started to smile and excitedly told her how true this was. He stated that he would remind her of that whenever she was sad. In this moment, I realized how important it is to listen and speak from the heart. Giving away whatever it may be that we hear when listening inwardly is Love expressed. Let us not be afraid to listen, hear, and share!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"The effects of Christian Science are not so much seen as felt. It is the "still, small voice" of Truth uttering itself. We are either turning away from this utterance, or we are listening to it and going up higher. Willingness to become as a little child and to leave the old for the new, renders thought receptive of the advanced idea. Gladness to leave the false landmarks and joy to see them disappear,--this disposition helps to precipitate the ultimate harmony. The purification of sense and self is a proof of progress. "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God."

Science & Health Page 323:28-6