December 4, 2012 - Metaphysical Joke

Christian Science Edifice
painting by Julie Kahn Valentine

ACIM Workbook Lesson #338

"I am affected only by my thoughts."

When our nearly 100-year-old Christian Science church was on the Christmas Tour of Homes, I had the opportunity to talk to lots of people who wanted to know more about our way of thought. A man came in who told me he knew lots of Baptist jokes, because that's what he was, but he only knew one Christian Scientist joke, and asked if I wanted to hear it. Of course I did! A little girl comes home from school and tells her mother that her teacher, Mrs. Smith, is sick. The girl's mom says, No, dear, she only thinks she's sick. A few days later the girl comes home and tells her mother that Mrs. Smith is still sick. The mother once again explains that Mrs. Smith only thinks she's sick. A few days later the little girl comes home and tells her mom that Mrs. Smith thinks she's dead. While I chuckled with him over this joke, I also told him the reason it was funny was because it was true! And then we really laughed!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"The artist is not in his painting. The picture is the artist's thought objectified. The human belief fancies that it delineates thought on matter, but what is matter? Did it exist prior to thought? Matter is made up of supposititious mortal mind-force; but all might is divine Mind. Thought will finally be understood and seen in all form, substance, and color, but without material accompaniments. The potter is not in the clay; else the clay would have power over the potter. God is His own infinite Mind, and expresses all."

Science & Health Page 310:1-10

December 3, 2012 - Protection

"Mount Superior in Utah"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #337

"My sinlessness protects me from all harm."

First of all, let's define sin as anything which separates us from the Love which is God. When my children were small, we'd often talk about how they could experience the safety which comes from listening to intuition. When driving a car, I often hear an inner prompting to slow down or sometimes to speed up, once to even stop completely. So when my children began driving, I naturally talked to them about this listening which insures we are where we need to be. That split second which puts you in the same place as a car crossing into your lane, or the moment a deer is stepping into your path, these are the situations which are avoided by listening to intuition. And what allows us to hear this inner direction? First it takes a willingness to hear it, of course. And the recognition of our Oneness with All that Is creates an open heart, willing to know God. To the so-called logical mind, this listening to intuition makes no sense, and so we don't pay attention. Think how many times you've said to yourself that you felt like you should or shouldn't have done something -- after the fact, after you refused to listen because you decided it was just your imagination. And if you do pull to the side of the road due to a "feeling", there's usually no proof that it was necessary. So living this way of life does develop a certain trust in yourself. What could be better than that!!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"In reality there is no mortal mind, and consequently no transference of mortal thought and will-power. Life and being are of God. In Christian Science, man can do no harm, for scientific thoughts are true thoughts, passing from God to man." Science & Health Page 103:29-32

December 2, 2012 - Joined Minds Demonstrate Truth

"Victorian Drummers - 2012"
photo by Jeremy McGraw

ACIM Workbook Lesson #336

"Forgiveness lets me know that minds are joined."

Reading this lesson reminds me of a day when a longstanding, mutually-profitable business relationship ended. My first reactions were entirely ego-based: What have I done wrong? What has she done wrong? What could I have done differently? Is she crazy?? So when I read the words, "Forgiveness lets me know that minds are joined", I really wanted to understand this seemingly illusive concept. But it's not a concept, it's Truth. Concepts are changeable and illusive; Truth just stands smiling contentedly. I don't know where this seeming separation will take us, but I'm excited to find out! When she comes to mind, I will not dwell on any thoughts of unease we have put on each other. When I see her beautiful art, I will think only of what we have brought to each other over the years. Our minds are joined, and I allow forgiveness to show me this union.

Mary Baker Eddy quote: "In reality, the more closely error simulates truth and so-called matter resembles its essence, mortal mind, the more impotent error becomes as a belief.

Science & Health Page 97:5-8

December 1, 2012 - Forgiveness is a Choice

[source unknown]

ACIM Workbook Lesson #335

"I choose to see my brother's sinlessness."

Today's lesson tells us that forgiveness is a choice. I remember years ago during a metaphysical society meeting someone saying that evil is a choice. She said this in relation to years of sexual abuse and psychological torture, perpetuated by the two people she should have trusted most as a child. She recognized that evil was a choice when she was presented with what seemed to be an overwhelming suggestion to do something similar to her infant child. In that moment, she realized she could choose. And she did. And now she chooses forgiveness in all aspects of her life. She has chosen to see her parents in the holy light of Love. She has chosen to live her life in peace, with a willingness to turn from past remembrances and see things in the reality of God's Love. She has chosen forgiveness for herself and her brother, knowing that they are One.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Reasoning from cause to effect in the Science of Mind, we begin with Mind, which must be understood through the idea which expresses it and cannot be learned from its opposite, matter. Thus we arrive at Truth, or intelligence, which evolves its own unerring idea and never can be coordinate with human illusions. If Soul sinned, it would be mortal, for sin is mortality's self, because it kills itself. If Truth is immortal, error must be mortal, because error is unlike Truth. Because Soul is immortal, Soul cannot sin, for sin is not the eternal verity of being."

Science & Health Page 467:29-7

November 30, 2012 - Forgive and Not Forget?

"Ozark Full Moon"
photo by Lorri Carter

ACIM  Workbook  Lesson #334

"Today I claim the gifts forgiveness gives."

I've often heard people say they can forgive, but they'll never forget. But isn't forgetting a result of true forgiveness? When we actually let go of our thoughts of any given circumstance, isn't it as though it never happened? I feel certain this has happened within myself, but since the remembrance is gone, I couldn't tell you what has been forgotten! But a small event which remains unforgiven is brought to mind every time I see a turtle crossing the road. When I was quite young, I was sent to get the mail from the box which was located across the highway from our house. As I was going to the mailbox, I met a turtle coming toward me as he crossed the road. I thought I'd get the mail and then pick him up and take him across on my way back. Before I completed my task and turned back, a car came by and hit the turtle. The regret in not picking it up immediately, the guilt for "failing" to safely carry it across the road, these feelings recur every time I see a turtle. In recounting this event, I realize there is no need to examine each supposed wrongdoing on our part. There is no need to examine our lives and be sorry and be forgiven. To accept the gifts of this forgiveness is our heritage when we clear our minds of blame.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"We acknowledge God's forgiveness of sin in the destruction of sin and the spiritual understanding that casts out evil as unreal. But the belief in sin is punished so long as the belief lasts."

Science & Health Page  497:9-11

A Course in Miracles Workboo

November 29, 2012 - Ho Ho Ho!

"Night Blooming Cirrus"
photo by David Roll

ACIM Workbook Lesson #333

“Forgiveness ends the dream of conflict here.”

The dream of conflict spoken of here reminds me of the myth of Santa Claus and how conflicted I was when it was expected that I participate in it. When my son was two and I was expecting my second child, I announced to a friend that I wasn't going to do the Santa-thing. She told me that was a terrible thing to do to children and gave me many reasons why I shouldn't do away with their belief in this massive illusion. And so in the face of this hysteria, I gave in and perpetuated the suppositional conflict within myself. This is a perfect example of all the illusion we willingly put on ourselves, isn't it? The spirit of Christmas is defined in many superficial ways, and it seems the most blatant of these is Santa Claus. It is used in the same way religion tends to use God. If you are good, if you don't cry, if you don't pout, then Santa/God will give you certain things. If you break these rules, you'd better watch out! Yes, Santa is fun and yes God is good. And there are so many ways to celebrate the goodness which is innately ours through our inseparable Oneness with God! So let's face up to what is real and true about our Life. There is so much to celebrate in that perfect experience!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The suppositional warfare between truth and error is only the mental conflict between the evidence of the spiritual senses and the testimony of the material senses, and this warfare between the Spirit and flesh will settle all questions through faith in and the understanding of divine Love.”

Science & Health Page 288:3-7

November 28, 2012 - Things Into Thought, or Thoughts into Things?

"Snowbird Sunrise"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #332

“Fear binds the world. Forgiveness sets it free.”

Many mind-over-matter systems are a part of our society. In the 1800's, mesmerism and hypnotism were thought to be the route to changing our physical experience and getting us what we want. Today we have "The Secret" and other systems telling us how to get the mate of our dreams, hot cars, and other material desires. Some may think that the way of thought we're studying here falls into the same category, because we are "resolving things into thoughts". Here is an example of how it differs: Let's say we need a place to live. How do we think about this in order to manifest it in our existence? By understanding the substance of an idea! What are the spiritual qualities of this place to live, this house, this home? What does it represent? Some of the qualities of home could be warmth, comfort, peace, safety, beauty, love, hospitality. So the thought of "home" is really a spiritual idea, and these qualities of home already exist in our individual consciousness. We don't have to go out and find them, because they're already a permanent part of our being. We can express all these qualities included in the concept of home no matter where we are. And when we express these qualities, we are cherishing our spiritual home, and this blessing is extended to others as well. As we consistently express these and other spiritual qualities, we won't be surprised when every need we have is supplied.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Divine Science, rising above physical theories, excludes matter, resolves things into thoughts, and replaces the objects of material sense with spiritual ideas.”

Science and Health Page 123:12-15

November 27, 2012 - Radical Reliance

photo by Heather Magnan

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #331

“There is no conflict, for my will is Yours.”

I am reminded of many friends and loved ones who consider themselves victims, at the mercy of drugs and alcohol. With the proliferation of prescription drugs, I must include those dear imbibers in this group, too.  In hoping to find fixes for various maladies, we turn to drugs for cure. Seeking a way out of depression and sadness and fear, we turn to so-called recreational drugs to hide. The drugs taken for cure of disease rarely do more than mask symptoms and bring about other interesting side effects. The drugs we use to hide from ourselves usually work for a while, but then we're left in a deeper well than we were before. I've found the only way through this despair is a radical reliance on the Truth of our Being -- going within, if you will. Resting in the One. Relying on Love. Living in Truth. This is where healing is found, in this single-minded realization that my will is God's, and God's will is mine. There is nothing to fear when we see the truth in the acronym for that word: False Evidence Appearing Real.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"The flesh and Spirit can no more unite in action, than good can coincide with evil. It is not wise to take a halting and half-way position or to expect to work equally with Spirit and matter, Truth and error. There is but one way--namely, God and His idea--which leads to spiritual being. The scientific government of the body must be attained through the divine Mind. It is impossible to gain control over the body in any other way. On this fundamental point, timid conservatism is absolutely inadmissible. Only through radical reliance on Truth can scientific healing power be realized.”

Science & Health Page 167:20-3

November 26, 2012 - Love More

"Loving and Learning in Mongolia"
photo by Justin Myers

ACIM Workbook Lesson #330

“I will not hurt myself again today."

The words attributed to Jesus teach us many things, not the least of which is how to be nice to each other. His two commandments were to love God above all else and to love our neighbor as ourself. I've often thought that we need to love ourselves more, because it seems so many of us are expressing the lack of love for ourselves in our actions toward others. Jesus also told us we are capable of so much more than we know. We are not powerless victims of circumstance. Power and dominion have become ugly words because of the things done to others by ruthless people. True power and dominion have to do with peace and grace and Love expressed. We are capable of more than we know. Let's not be afraid to express that power in healing every ill which seems so real to our material sense. We are spiritual Beings, expressions of God, perfect and whole, needing nothing to be added or taken away for that perfection to show forth and bless all mankind.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“In divine Science, man is the true image of God. The divine nature was best expressed in Christ Jesus, who threw upon mortals the truer reflection of God and lifted their lives higher than their poor thought-models would allow,--thoughts which presented man as fallen, sick, sinning, and dying. The Christlike understanding of scientific being and divine healing includes a perfect Principle and idea,--perfect God and perfect man,--as the basis of thought and demonstration.”

Science & Health Page 259:6-15

November 25, 2012 - Why Have Celebration Days?

"Aaron and Mom on
Graduation Day, 2009"

ACIM Lesson #329

“I have already chosen what You will.”

We have invented holidays to celebrate certain things -- such as, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving. I used to think it was silly to do this. Why would we forget to be grateful, or be thankful for everyone who works hard to insure that things keep on keeping on, or to remember loved ones? But now I see we're simply trying to remember that every day should be the way these days of celebration are. The custom of celebrating birthdays seems odd, too. I love the way the Aboriginal people think of this. They see no reason to celebrate being a year older, but instead announce to loved ones when they have grown in some way, and this is reason for celebration. I have never wanted my children to make a big deal of mother's day or my birthday. I really feel that we honor each other every day, and occasionally things happen which make us appreciate each other even more. Recently my son posted on Facebook that I am his hero. It doesn't get much better than that! The leaving behind of our personal sense of will and the acceptance of the divine Will leaves nothing but Thanksgiving every day. For this I am grateful.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. [MBE's spiritual interpretation of this line from the Lord’s Prayer] Enable us to know,--as in heaven, so on earth,--God is omnipotent, supreme.”

Science & Health Page 17:1-3

November 24, 2012 - Cause and Effect

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #328

"I choose the second place to gain the first."

"Montana Morning"
photo by Aaron Springston

Our material conceptions of reality are, for the most part, the opposite of the Truth of Being. We see the cause of our present existence and circumstances to be a direct result of past actions. I was recently given a 20-page address on the subject of "Cause and Effect". It is a thorough and clear explanation of the only Cause and why we cannot be anything other than an Effect of It. On the surface, it seems that knowing what we are would preclude the assumptions of what we aren't. But we seem to need proof -- material proof that we are something other than human beings who are vulnerable to material so-called laws. And that is why every humble protest for Truth is important. By totally giving myself to the pursuit of knowing this Truth, every day becomes an adventure in transformation!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"There is no life, truth, intelligence, nor substance in matter. All is infinite Mind and its infinite manifestation, for God is All-in-all. Spirit is immortal Truth; matter is mortal error. Spirit is the real and eternal; matter is the unreal and temporal. Spirit is God, and man is His image and likeness. Therefore man is not material; he is spiritual.”

Science & Health Page 468:9-15

November 23, 2012 - A New Paradigm

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #327

"I need but call and You will answer me."

photo by Aaron Springston

Change is liberating! I think we hold onto traditions and memories in the hopes of keeping the past alive. The letting go of memories, which I'm witnessing in so many, is bringing peace and a new level of joy. One friend tells me of her beloved cat being at the vet's office, perhaps getting ready to pass on. In times past she would have been distraught, but is surprised that she is not! It's not that she loves any less, and perhaps she's expressing Love even more fully in her peaceful acceptance of what is. Another friend tells me she's going through a time of letting go -- without even being aware of what is being loosed! Isn't this great? We don't have to know what it is that's bothering us in order to be freed from it! This concept in itself is freeing, to have no need for analysis or so-called deconstruction, but to simply give yourself the gift of freedom. These are just two of the ways in which our call is answered and every need is supplied. I am so grateful for all of you who stand unafraid, welcoming the new paradigm!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"God is not influenced by man. The 'divine ear' is not an auditory nerve. It is the all-hearing and all-knowing Mind, to whom each need of man is always known and by whom it will be supplied."

Science & Health Page 7:20-22

November 22, 2012 - Thank You Greatly ~~~

ACIM Workbook Lesson #326

“I am forever an Effect of God.”

As usual, these daily lessons are easily seen as Truth when we are able to remove our beliefs from the picture. I Am grateful for the footsteps of Truth which have brought me to this present understanding. I Am grateful for where these steps will take me tomorrow. I Am most grateful for the omniscient Love which upholds me right where I Am. Today will be a day of gratitude expressed in every action. Every abundance witnessed today leads me to a humble appreciation for All that Is.

Thank You greatly ~~~

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"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."

Science & Health Page 3:22-27

November 21, 2012 - Reflecting Ideas

ACIM Workbook Lesson #325

“All things I think I see reflect ideas.”

Humanity is so wondrous that we tend to glory in its magnificence. Some of the things humans do are so hideous we are repelled and saddened by the horror. Is one of these statements more true than the other? Both of them mirror the reflection of human ideas and can be classified as erroneous thought. So where does this leave us? "There is nothing good nor bad, ‘tis only thinking makes it so." (Shakespeare) By our giving up of insane expectations, foolish judgments, and other preconceived values, we are able to see the world as an unfolding of spiritual ideas. What this unfoldment of Truth consists of, we can't predict. What we do know is that this is our true Being, apart from any thought of good and bad, right and wrong. As difficult as it seems to let go of all these notions, the more we watch the unfoldment of these spiritual ideas, the more we are willing to let go of the contrived and untrue. And the noticing of this allows us to know the difference.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The creative Principle--Life, Truth, and Love--is God. The universe reflects God. There is but one creator and one creation. This creation consists of the unfolding of spiritual ideas and their identities, which are embraced in the infinite Mind and forever reflected. These ideas range from the infinitesimal to infinity, and the highest ideas are the sons and daughters of God.”

Science & Health Page 502:24-32

November 20, 2012 - Follow Your Heart

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #324

“I merely follow, for I would not lead.”

"The Gate"
painting by Paul O'Neill

This should be a simple lesson for us, as we seem to enjoy and even need to follow others in various ways. I see us as wanting someone to tell us what to do and when to do it. Often three or four cars turn down the dead-end street that I live on, each following the lead car without noticing that the signs indicate there is no way out and implying that turning around could be difficult. The lemming effect often takes over! We seem to seek out and follow orders from anyone we perceive to be wiser or more knowledgeable than we are. Perhaps we do this in case things go wrong, then we can say it wasn't our fault because someone else told us to do it (whatever it may be!). I'm sure there are more reasons for this behavior than the simplistic examples I've given here today. And these are really irrelevant because we don't need to tarry at the problem, but focus on the solution. And the solution is to follow the inward direction which we all hear, but often ignore. Today I confidently listen and follow, secure in the knowledge that a sure ending is inevitable.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“What we most need is the prayer of fervent desire for growth in grace, expressed in patience, meekness, love, and good deeds. Science & Health Page 4:3-5

November 19, 2012 - Sacrificing Fear

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #323

"I gladly make the 'sacrifice' of fear"

"Opening Day at Alta"
photo by Aaron Springston

Sacrifice is another of those words which can hold negative connotations to many of us. The idea of sacrifice seems to embody the thought of giving up something precious in order to gain favor from God. It can make us think of sacrificing our own happiness for that of another. Perhaps we think of giving up certain foods for the benefit of our bodies and the environment. But this sacrifice we speak of today only asks that we exchange pain for Love! Although it seems we'd be waiting in line to do this, I find it interesting that so many of us seem to enjoy our pain and work hard to hold onto it/ I have a friend who seems to enjoy his pain so much that he constantly recounts the events which have led up to his present circumstance. It seems it would be a diminishment of his perceived self to let go of this sadness in favor of joy. Just as we've let go of the idea that wearing animal furs makes us more beautiful, we shall release beliefs that being miserable will make us more interesting. Today I will see grace in everyone I meet, beauty in everything I see, acknowledging Love as reality.

.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Give up your material belief of mind in matter, and have but one Mind, even God; for this Mind forms its own likeness. The loss of man's identity through the understanding which Science confers is impossible; and the notion of such a possibility is more absurd than to conclude that individual musical tones are lost in the origin of harmony."

Science & Health Page 216:30-5

November 18, 2012 - All I Can Lose Are Illusions

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #322

“I can give up but what was never real.”

"Geneva's Dinner"
photo by Marsha Havens

So often we don't realize we're holding on to illusions. We seem afraid that letting go of long-held beliefs will diminish us. Today's lesson explains how we cannot give up anything real, so there is nothing to fear. 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. Most people I know are yearning for a more simple existence, in which 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 instead find 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

November 17, 2012 - Heritage of Freedom

"Bird at Heart"
Sandy Starbird

ACIM Workbook Lesson #321

“Father, my freedom is in You alone.”

An old Kris Kristofferson song, "Me and Bobby McGee", has the line: Freedom's just another word for nothing left to lose. That seems forlorn on the face of it: I've already lost everything and have nothing left and so I guess that's supposed to be freedom. But then again, there's something to be said for nothing left to lose! Does it have to imply loneliness and emptiness? I don't think so. By not counting on another person, or yourself, or anything other than God to supply everything you need, there is an ultimate freedom in not worrying about what, who, where you'll be -- or anything else! Then you can happily follow that inner knowing which supplies you with the freedom to be open to anything and everything, without wondering or questioning your own motives or those of others. It's quite a delightful trip, this waiting with heart wide open to see what's coming next!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The enslavement of man is not legitimate. It will cease when man enters into his heritage of freedom, his God-given dominion over the material senses. Mortals will some day assert their freedom in the name of Almighty God. Then they will control their own bodies through the understanding of divine Science. Dropping their present beliefs, they will recognize harmony as the spiritual reality and discord as the material unreality.”

Science & Health Page 228:11-19

November 16, 2012 - Fake It 'Til You Make It

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #320

“My Father gives all power unto me.”

"Mongolia"
photo by Aaron Springston

The last phrase in the Eddy quote below reminds me of a popular new age saying that I've always liked: Fake it 'til you make it! Often we feel incapable of believing, much less understanding, that the reality of our being is limitless. We are capable of so much more than we realize. The word "power" has gotten a bad reputation because of people wielding material power over others and dominion being exercised in awful ways. But let's shed those notions and see its spiritual connotation. The power bestowed within us is a wonderful, beautiful thing! If we must, let's pretend that we are Love and nothing else. If we must fake it, let’s be certain that we will make it! It is something I will continue to do when I feel fear, or lack, or irritation with someone. My will and God's will are one and the same. I acknowledge that at every opportunity!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"The fading forms of matter, the mortal body and material earth, are the fleeting concepts of the human mind. They have their day before the permanent facts and their perfection in Spirit appear. The crude creations of mortal thought must finally give place to the glorious forms which we sometimes behold in the camera of divine Mind, when the mental picture is spiritual and eternal. Mortals must look beyond fading, finite forms, if they would gain the true sense of things. Where shall the gaze rest but in the unsearchable realm of Mind? We must look where we would walk, and we must act as possessing all power from Him in whom we have our being."

Science & Health  Page 263:32-12

November 15, 2012 - Arrogance or Humility?

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #319

“I came for the salvation of the world.”

"Sunrise Silhouette"
photo by Heather Magnan

I love that this lesson reiterates that there is no arrogance in the realization that I am here for the salvation of the world! We tend to feel that our material reasoning, our contrived actions and reactions are humble. And, alternatively, we think the admission that we share the thought of God indicates arrogance. We are frightened of the powerful capabilities which are ours by virtue of this acceptance. It seems to me that thinking we can do it all on our own is the height of arrogance. The understanding that I can do nothing on my own, but that I am capable of anything when I allow my true Self to be expressed, is powerful. By this humble yielding to the divine which we are, we are admitting that what/who we are is indeed spiritual. not material. From this point, there are no limits and we are free to live in Truth.

Mary Baker Eddy quotes: “Millions of unprejudiced minds--simple seekers for Truth, weary wanderers, athirst in the desert--are waiting and watching for rest and drink.”

Science & Health Page 570:14-17