What is the Real World?

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #300

“Only an instant does this world endure.”

This is the last of ten lessons which ask the question, "What is the real world?" Is reality what we are told it is by the daily news? Is it what we learn in school? I remember how surprising and  embarrassing it was to learn that most of the American history we 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 that we have been told which has affected the way we view life. It is such a relief to know that we can leave behind all of these stories! It's freeing to understand we need do nothing but silently listen within ourselves to hear and know the Truth which is waiting for our awareness.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Life is divine Principle, Mind, Soul, Spirit. Life is without beginning and without end. Eternity, not time, expresses the thought of Life, and time is no part of eternity. One ceases in proportion as the other is recognized. Time is finite; eternity is forever infinite. Life is neither in nor of matter. What is termed matter is unknown to Spirit, which includes in itself all substance and is Life eternal. Matter is a human concept. Life is divine Mind. Life is not limited. Death and finiteness are unknown to Life. If Life ever had a beginning, it would also have an ending.”

Science & Health Page 468:26-6

November 18, 2011 - Reality

ACIM Lesson #322
“I can give up but what was never real.”

[Marsha's thoughts]

Oftentimes we don't realize we're holding on to unnecessary illusions. As I look at this world, many metaphors for this holding-on-letting-go action come to thought. The proliferation of storage sheds illustrates how we've fallen into the belief that we need more of everything. And the vastness of our trash dumps are the flip side of this record, where we leave all the big plastic things we've amassed. Most everyone I know is yearning for a more simple existence, in which their needs are met in nurturing ways. We want real food, grown by people we know, with Love. We don't want knick-knacks to fill our shelves, but search for meaningful objects which bring grace and beauty to our lives. These changes in material trappings exemplify the changes in our thought whereby we strive to release illusive beliefs in exchange for the new/old ideas of Soul. Today I will recognize the difference in the unnecessary illusions which only serve to dull my sense, and the palpably glowing Ideas which nourish me.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Man is the idea of Spirit; he reflects the beatific presence, illuming the universe with light.”

Science and Health Page 266:27–29