February 10, 2014 - Heaven Within

"South Africa Sunset"
photo by Heather Magnan

ACIM Workbook Lesson #41 

“God goes with me wherever I go.”

Sitting quietly this morning with today's topic, many thoughts run through my mind. I smile at them and reach deeper within for silence. All seers and great teachers, such as Jesus, tell us the same thing: The kingdom of heaven is within. For years I knew this, but did not understand it. Without understanding, it is not a real knowing, but a blind belief. I suffered all the symptoms of separation from God: depression, anxiety, worry, a sense of helplessness and loneliness. I also went through the typical material means to quiet these feelings. None of them worked. It took a major wake-up call to break the spell, and I am so grateful to have answered it. When thinking that "God goes with me wherever I go", it's very easy to visualize a little angel on our shoulder, or someone walking beside us. This shows the importance of going deep within, silencing the interesting beliefs we have acquired in this existence. To know ourselves as consciousness, melded as a drop of water in the ocean, as a ray of sunshine with its source -- that's the feeling we're hoping to remember. I say remember because it's something we've always known, but perhaps have forgotten. Peace, joy, happiness: these are yours in the kingdom of heaven within, no matter what the outward circumstances may appear to be. Take a deep breath and feel the Oneness. 

Mary Baker Eddy quotes:

“Existence, separate from divinity, Science explains as impossible.” 

Science & Health Page 522:10-11

February 9, 2014 -

"Heather at Snowbird"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM  Workbook Lesson #40:

“I am blessed as a Son of God."

Today I send apologies to everyone I may have offended.  Our lesson topic emphasis joy and happiness. It tells us to remember and affirm this every ten minutes or so throughout the day. We can say things like "I am happy, peaceful, loving and contented." In thinking about these things, I realize that oftentimes I become too solitary and judgmental. And often I say things which are better left out of thought, and certainly shouldn't come out of my mouth! This will be my focus today. To remember things such as this: I Am blessed as a Child of God; I Am kind, loving, helpful, and compassionate. But I will also remember that my loving nature doesn't include critical thinking towards others. I love this quote a friend gave me, which is in the signature line of my emails: “One must see in every human being only that which is worthy of praise. When this is done, one can be a friend to the whole human race. If, however, we look at people from the standpoint of their faults, then being a friend to them is a formidable task." --`Abdu'l-Bahá

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Man is, and always has been, God's reflection."

Science & Health Page 471:17-18

February 8, 2014 - No Blame, No Guilt, Salvation

"Mark in Mongolia"
photo by Aaron

ACIM Workbook Lesson #39:

"My holiness is my salvation."

As stated in today's lesson, "No one needs practice to gain what is already his." It's easy to forget that holiness is and always has been ours for the simple acknowledgement of it. There are so many things in daily life telling us the opposite. But let's not put our attention on trying to forget these beliefs, but instead let's concentrate on remembering our wholeness as the image and experience of God! I'm reminded of a Catch-22 situation of life in our little tourist town. Many of our businesses are not open in the winter. Logic dictates that we don't get enough business to stay open, and so many do not. But perhaps we don't get enough business because not enough of us are open. Often people come in my gallery and ask why so many places are closed. My response could be a rather exasperated one, as I wish they were open. But looking at the situation from my holiness, I can cheerfully respond that I don't have any idea why they're closed, but I know why we're open! And while responding from my holiness, I can see a vision of the entire town as vibrant and joyful, whole and free. Seeing everything as complete leaves no room for missing pieces or lack of any kind. Where there is no blame, there is no guilt. No guilt equals salvation!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Who would stand before a blackboard, and pray the principle of mathematics to solve the problem? The rule is already established, and it is our task to work out the solution. Shall we ask the divine Principle of all goodness to do His own work? His work is done, and we have only to avail ourselves of God's rule in order to receive blessing, which enables us to work out our own salvation.”

Science & Health Page 3:4-11

February 7, 2014 - Recognition

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #38:

"There is nothing my holiness cannot do"

I love the first two sentences of today's ACIM lesson: "Your holiness reverses all the laws of the world. It is beyond every restriction of time, space, distance and limits of any kind." Haven't you always felt this to be true? Isn't that the appeal of Harry Potter books and movies? We know -- we just know! -- that there is more to all this than meets the mortal eye.  I get very excited when pondering these concepts! How grand it is that we have such a plethora of writings from people who know A Course in Miracles! What a treasure to have more than a hundred years' worth of detailed writing from the Christian Science movement! Through these tomes we find encouragement and support when we find it easier to bow to the pull of the material world, rather than walking through the veil to the Truth it is masking.  And what a fine tool the internet is for this study! A simple search on either discipline puts information at our fingertips in an instant. Tapping into our inner knowing has much the same result. There are lots of ways to practice recognizing intuition. And that's all it is: recognition. No one is without this ability. I play a word game online, Hanging With Friends. This is a great way to test your openness to the field of possibilities, as there are lots of choices and few chances. As with many decisions in life, if we choose based on material evidence, everything may seem to be a matter of luck. When we allow our holiness to guide us, there is only the peaceful certainty of Good.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Lulled by stupefying illusions, the world is asleep in the cradle of infancy, dreaming away the hours. Material sense does not unfold the facts of existence; but spiritual sense lifts human consciousness into eternal Truth." 

Science & Health Page 95:28-32

February 6, 2014 - Beyond the Material Horizon

"Eureka Deer"
photo by Richard Quick

ACIM Workbook Lesson #37

"My holiness blesses the world."

We've been having exceptionally cold weather this winter. There is lots of snow with below freezing temperatures almost every day. While I was clearing snow from the driveway and feeding the wild birds today, my thought turned to friends who have farms and spend their days tending to animals and the multitude of chores which that entails. I feel such admiration for the dedication they exhibit daily in their lives. Their holiness blesses the world in ways I can only imagine. At first, I feel inadequate when thinking about all the things I could be doing to help wildlife and people who are cold and hungry. Then I realize that the act of seeing everything in its spiritual reality is my function. It is everyone's function. By our realization of spiritual Truth, we understand that everything is already complete and whole. I look forward to our expanding vision of new forms of existence which await us, just beyond the horizon of our material views.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"We are all sculptors, working at various forms, moulding and chiseling thought. What is the model before mortal mind? Is it imperfection, joy, sorrow, sin, suffering? Have you accepted the mortal model?" "We must form perfect models in thought and look at them continually, or we shall never carve them out in grand and noble lives." 

Science & Health Page 248:15-17 and 26-29

February 5, 2014 - How Do I See?

"Aaron at Zion NP"

ACIM Workbook Lesson #36

"My holiness envelopes everything I see."

Markawasi, Peru is found high in the Andes Mountains in South America. This is the site where there are hundreds of figures, faces, and various shapes which may be seen in the living stone. There is much speculations concerning the origins of these fabulous monuments. Yet some people cannot see them. As shown by time-lapse photography, these illusive figures are more obvious at some times of the day than at others. I would suppose it also is predicated (as so many things are) on whether we want to see or not. While watching a documentary on this subject, I was repeatedly reminded of its metaphorical relationship with our spiritual study. The very first Wayne Dyer book I read jumped out at me because of its title: When You Believe It, You'll See It. This is the exact opposite of our material basis of truth: When I see it, I'll believe it! These stone faces are the same way. They are easily overlooked if you don't want to see. So as I go through this day seeing my holiness enveloping everything, I shall keep in mind that many things are beyond my ability to see. But that's okay, because knowing they're there is enough for now.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"As mortals gain more correct views of God and man, multitudinous objects of creation, which before were invisible, will become visible. When we realize that Life is Spirit, never in nor of matter, this understanding will expand into self-completeness, finding all in God, good, and needing no other consciousness."

Science & Health Page 492:7-11

February 4, 2014 - I Am ...

"Snowy Ozark Sunset"
photo by Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook lesson #35

"My mind is part of God. I am very holy."

A good friend has struggled with depression all her life. She feels her existence has been a series of horrible events, occasionally interrupted by happy times which inevitably end in pain. In an attempt to escape this existence, she has turned to alcohol, drugs, and God. But the judgmental God she sees makes deals with her, and never deems her worthy of favor. The repetition of the past seems to be in her thought constantly, affecting her every action. By accepting today's lesson which tells us that we are actually holy as a reflection of God, the feelings of hopelessness and sadness can disappear in an instant! By releasing our material history, we are free to learn the reality of our spiritual Self, which is unending, uninterrupted good. It's a beautiful thing to see someone realize the nothingness of their personal history, and to realize the wondrous peace which lies within. I think of God as defined by Mary Baker Eddy: Mind, Spirit, Soul, Principle, Life, Truth, Love. Divine Mind is a palpable presence, realized when we release false belief. To misquote a well-known Bible verse: Let this Mind be you, which was also Christ Jesus. This Mind is you, and me, and everyone, because it is God, which is omnipresent, omniscient, always.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Immortal ideas, pure, perfect, and enduring, are transmitted by the divine Mind through divine Science, which corrects error with truth and demands spiritual thoughts, divine concepts, to the end that they may produce harmonious results."

Science & Health Page 259:26-31

February 3, 2014 - Scatter Peace

ACIM Workbook Lesson #34:

"I could see peace instead of this."

Family disputes, contentious work situations, people acting in ways we think to be wrong -- every day we witness situations which give us opportunities to see peace. Even if we're not directly involved in these scenarios, we are given the opportunity to "see peace instead of this". We are learning to sit quietly, with Love, and watch how that spiritual truth brings healing. Peace is inherent in every seemingly volatile situation. A calm glow is brought forth when Love is felt within! By practicing peace, we are allowed to witness its inevitable spread through everything it touches. I have numerous opportunities to practice this with my dog. He exhibits aberrant, aggressive behavior towards people and other dogs. It's difficult for me to not become aggressive myself! I've witnessed calm, assertive behavior on my part bringing this little bundle of nervousness to a relaxed state, but all too often I simply join with him in his tense communication. So today I scatter Love everywhere, with particular attention to myself, as I watch Its manifestation grow.  

   

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

February 2, 2014 - Shifting Perception

"Dismal Creek"
photo by Gerry Toler

ACIM Workbook Lesson #33:

"There is another way of looking at the world."

     

This lesson asks us to recognize that we can shift our perception of the world in both its outer and inner aspects. We are asked to look at things around us, and then to look at our thoughts. This is to be done casually, with no judgment, only noticing. Okay. I'm looking around the room. The first thing I see is a lamp which was bought at a Clear Spring School auction. Interestingly, it was donated by Victorian Reflections, a shop which occupied the space Eureka Thyme Gallery now has. This lamp has a story. It brings back lots of memories and feelings within me, all lovely to remember. Now when I close my eyes and follow my thoughts, a long trail has opened up with memory links galore! I could follow them and spend a great deal of time living in the past. Or I can simply see it for what it is and ask myself why that lamp makes me smile. It represents to me light, beauty, happy times with children and friends. Whether this exercise brought me lovely thoughts or caused distress makes no difference, because they both need to be released. This doesn't mean that I must never feel the Love reflected by this lamp and its connections. That feeling is mine all the time. This release lightens the barriers I've built against Spirit. It helps me become more transparent and allows good, God, to be my only Sight. What an adventure this is!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Dear reader, which mind-picture or externalized thought shall be real to you,--the material or the spiritual? Both you cannot have. You are bringing out your own ideal. This ideal is either temporal or eternal. Either Spirit or matter is your model. If you try to have two models, then you practically have none. Like a pendulum in a clock, you will be thrown back and forth, striking the ribs of matter and swinging between the real and the unreal."

Science & Health Page 360:13-21

February 1, 2014 - See Love in Every Reflection

"Eureka Thyme"
photo by Richard Quick

ACIM Workbook Lesson #32:

“I have invented the world I see.”

I often wonder if we are hesitant to live from the heart because others will think we're foolish. When we insist on seeing as God sees rather than through the interpretations of human belief, we are often looked at askance! Shortly before Christmas, there were two large purchases made in my retail establishment. Shortly after Christmas, these checks given in payment were returned unpaid -- not because of insufficient funds, but because the account was frozen. I was advised by fellow shopkeepers and friends to take legal measures to get the money. This did not feel right to me. Instead, I wrote the woman a letter explaining my position; telling her that I wasn't a large business which could absorb the cost of bad debt; that our items were made by real people, with love, and weren't meaningless trinkets. After two weeks, I hadn't heard from her and so I checked with the authorities as to what my options were. And it turns out there were none, other than filing a civil lawsuit against her. I have often said that nothing was so horrible as to cause me to file suit against someone, and so this wasn't an option. So I waited to hear what to do. One of the pieces of art she had taken was very special to both the artist and me.The thought came to send her the artist's explanation of her art. When she received this, she immediately called us saying she had every intention of paying the debt. Others who knew of this situation were happy to hear about this, but immediately had questions as to when and how she would do so. But this doesn't matter to me. I know all is well. I don't need details, but will continue to see her spiritual perfection every time I think of her, seeing a world of Love in every reflection.  

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“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

January 31, 2014 - What is Truth?

"Save the Ozarks"
digital depiction by Edward C Robison III

ACIM Workbook Lesson #31:

"I am not the victim of the world I see"   

Recently our book club of wonderful women met and discussed The Monkey Wrench Gang by Edward Abbey. This author led environmental activists in the 1970s by waking us up to what we were doing in the name of progress. Our discussions turned to the topic of environmental destruction being perpetrated by utility companies in our area. In our distress, one friend stated emphatically that she just wanted to know the truth. What is the truth of this and other situations, and how do we find out what that is?? It's very easy to feel victimized in these situations. It seems as though "they" are going to do whatever they want and come up with reasons why it's necessary. I don't know and don't want to wonder why things are as they are. But I am excited and expectant of good as I watch individuals doing things to improve communications and provide knowledge! We each are doing this in our individual ways. One of my heroes is a man named Michael Moore who has dared question powers that be on topics most are afraid to broach. His latest documentary I watched is "Capitalism: A Love Story". While he shows us transgressions of government and corporations, he also tells of individuals and businesses that dare to challenge the accepted standards and make a difference. He gives us hope by showing us how we, too, can carry a light and spread it to others. And while we can never know what material truth is, as it is ever-changing and fickle, we can know spiritual Truth and allow it to lead our way.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Man is tributary to God, Spirit, and to nothing else. God's being is infinity, freedom, harmony, and boundless bliss."

Science & Health Page 481:2-4

January 30, 2014 - Sight to Vision

"Montana"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #30:

"God is in everything I see because God is in my mind."

Seeing everything as a part of us by looking within rather than without is the point of today's exercise. And this is not limited to what we can see with our eyes in the limited proximity of them. Close your eyes and see what pops into your thought and include that in your knowing. We are working toward changing sight to vision. I look at my sweet dog and see my experience of him. I close my eyes and envision all the Love expressed by all the dogs I have known. I feel the Love expressed by my parents and children and friends. I can feel the warmth of a spring day, smell the earth and flowers, see past my limiting thoughts to the ideas of Soul. 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"It is the illumination of the spiritual understanding which demonstrates the capacity of Soul, not of material sense. This Soul-sense comes to the human mind when the latter yields to the divine Mind." Science & Health Page 85:2-6

January 29, 2014 - Everything I See

ACIM Workbook Lesson #29: 

"God is in everything I see". 

A dear friend, Patricia Robinett, has recorded these daily workbook lessons, which can be found on youTube by searching for Auntie Patricia.  She also posts them on her Facebook page. Before starting to write, I went there to listen to this lesson. Following her post, someone had asked if God is in "rapists, pedophiles, and murderers". Mary Baker Eddy tells us that the word "in" is obsolete if used in reference to Spirit, or Deity. So just a slight change in thought would render the statement to be that God is Everything.  Where does that leave evil? "Spirit is the real and eternal; matter is unreal, temporal." (MBE) Evil is a mortal belief, often seeming vividly real. But it's not, because the only true reality is spiritual. To see past the material miasma to the spiritual Truth takes practice. And that's what we're doing today. I'm so glad we're doing it together!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"God is individual, incorporeal. He is divine Principle, Love, the universal cause, the only creator, and there is no other self-existence. He is all-inclusive, and is reflected by all that is real and eternal and by nothing else. He fills all space, and it is impossible to conceive of such omnipresence and individuality except as infinite Spirit or Mind. Hence all is Spirit and spiritual."

Science & Health Page 331:18-25

January 28, 2014 - What is This Really?

"Altai Mountain, Mongolia"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #28:

"Above all else, I want to see things differently."

Today's lesson asks us to give up any notions we have concerning the meaning of anything and everything. By doing this, we cease to look at a thing and start to look at the consciousness which sustains it. With enough practice, we can see everything as God revealed. When we begin asking what things are rather than telling them what they are, interesting answers may be coming our way. For instance, the way we, as a society, punish wrong-doing: Does our present system of retaliation and retribution actually accomplish anything? In reading a book, "The Buddhist and the Terrorist", an alternative to the treatment of a murderer is explored. This book is one of many which encourage me to see differently, to see myself as God sees me, to continue asking mySelf how that sight is gained and kept, to practice the Presence in every moment.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"The objects cognized by the physical senses have not the reality of substance. They are only what mortal belief calls them." Science & Health Page 311:26-28

January 27, 2014 - One Thing Have I Desired ...

"Montana Sunrise"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #27:

"Above all else, I want to see."

It's often said that waking up to Truth is simple, but not easy. It takes a dedicated desire to see, to know. It takes discipline of thought, of word, of action. It is suggested that we repeat these few words as often as possible today: "Above all else, I want to see." This has been the advice of many seers throughout the ages who have told us that this is "the way". The way to what? The way to everything! Yet no formula or ritual is involved. There is no dogma nor any form of worship. The path is an individual one and only you can know what it is. All we need do is admit that more than anything else we want to see; we want to know God.  Know thyself. One thing have I desired …

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

Question.--What is God?

Answer.--God is incorporeal, divine, supreme, infinite Mind, Spirit, Soul, Principle, Life, Truth, Love."

Science & Health Page 465:6-8

January 26, 2014 - Nothing Unreal Exists

"Montana Morning"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #26

"My attack thoughts are attacking my invulnerability."

In the introduction of A Course in Miracles textbook is the following statement: “Nothing real can be threatened. Nothing unreal exists.” At first glance this may seem to make no sense! But when you think of reality as being the creation of divine Love, the reflection of God (Love), and this is all that is real, then anything unlike God, good, is nonexistent -- hence its unreality is exposed. The realization that all attack comes from within is an eye-opener! When we worry about lack of money, or possible illness, or what our neighbor might do, these are thoughts which seem to attack our invulnerability.  Actually our invulnerability as an expression of God cannot be attacked, but we certainly can think of ourselves as weak victims of life's circumstances. Through a conscious choice to reject the unreality of material existence and claim our heritage as powerful spiritual beings, unafraid to stand up and declare our Oneness with God and all Its creation, we are able to transcend the fears we have thought to be inevitable. I love the new world which is being revealed through this understanding!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Every law of matter or the body, supposed to govern man, is rendered null and void by the law of Life, God. Ignorant of our God-given rights, we submit to unjust decrees, and the bias of education enforces this slavery." Science & Health Page 380:32-4

January 25, 2014 - What Does it Mean?

"Wonderment"
Primal Image
 by Sandy Wythawai Starbird

ACIM Workbook Lesson #25

"I do not know what anything is for".

Being in the business of selling art gives me lots of practice in realizing "I do not know what anything is for"! Often I've advised prospective buyers to go with how the piece they're considering makes them feel. Does it bring a smile to your face? Will it add beauty and grace to your life? If it does these things, then don't miss your chance for that! And from the other side, the artists we represent bring forth their art from Love. One of our artists describes her style as abstract naturalism. Her love of nature glows forth in every painting she brings to canvas. Another artist births what she sometimes calls primal images. These fabric creations are profoundly moving.. For me, they elicit emotions which perhaps have been hiding for years. But this is neither here nor there. When this art is made, it is not examined for what it does for either the artist or the appreciator of it. When I put it on the wall, it is not placed there because of how much money it will bring. My exercise today is to allow everything to Be, with Love expressed all around, and to let its real meaning and purpose come forth without my personal sense being projected onto it. How fun to listen while deeper meaning seeks my awareness!!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"The chief difficulty in conveying the teachings of divine Science accurately to human thought lies in this, that like all other languages, English is inadequate to the expression of spiritual conceptions and propositions, because one is obliged to use material terms in dealing with spiritual ideas. The elucidation of Christian Science lies in its spiritual sense, and this sense must be gained by its disciples in order to grasp the meaning of this Science."

Science & Health Page 349:13-21

January 24, 2014 - Clearing the Way to Peace

ACIM Workbook Lesson #24:

"I do not perceive my own best interests.”

A number of years ago the art gallery that I run was on the verge of closing. We needed more business and I had exhausted every avenue I could think of to save it. And then I stopped thinking. It had seemed impossible to exchange worry for inner knowing (or gnowing, as a dear friend says -- equating inward knowing to Gnosis). After I stopped wondering about all the "what-ifs", after I stopped worrying about financial obligations, after I stopped imaging worst-case scenarios, something happened. The words of Mary Baker Eddy transformed before my eyes, as well-loved verses took on new meaning. Meditations brought peace before unknown. And things began to happen in relation to Eureka Thyme in ways I would never have imagined, much less planned. I tell you this story to remind myself of the feeling that surrounded that time. I was in awe, and joyous, and at peace. As I'm sure you know, once you've tasted that, you want it all the time!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"To those leaning on the sustaining infinite, today is big with blessings."

Science & Health Page vii:1-2

January 23, 2014 - Escape to Freedom

"Ozark Winter Sunset"
photo by Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #23:

"I can escape from the world I see by giving up attack thoughts."

I'm really tempted to tell you about all the attack thoughts I've been having lately toward coal companies and chemical producers, but I won't. (Actually, I just wrote two pages and then deleted them!) I won't do that to you, because feeding your attack thoughts does nothing to take mine away. This fertilizing of attack thoughts can be found everywhere, from coffee shops to churches, and it doesn't do a single thing to change the world. We are told today that the only way out of fear that will ever succeed is giving up attack thoughts. If the world we see is an effect, the only way to change this hallucination is to alter the cause: our thought. Some may ridicule this idea, and for those who do I only ask them if any of the material manipulations have ever in all of history affected a change? Did our civil war free the slaves? It was a beginning, of course, but many people stayed in bondage long past when laws were enacted. It takes a change of thought. Let's free ourselves today -- and forever! 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Legally to abolish unpaid servitude in the United States was hard; but the abolition of mental slavery is a more difficult task. The despotic tendencies, inherent in mortal mind and always germinating in new forms of tyranny, must be rooted out through the action of the divine Mind." Science & Health Page 225:22-28

January 22, 2014 - Love is Reflected in Love

Zion National Park
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #22

"What I see is a form of vengeance."

One of the definitions for vengeance is: "Punishment inflicted in retaliation for an injury or offense; retribution." And part of the commentary from this ACIM workbook lesson is: "Today's idea accurately describes the way anyone who holds attack thoughts in his mind must see the world. Having projected his anger onto the world, he sees vengeance about to strike at him. His own attack is thus perceived as self defense." When we see through the eyes of anything other than divine Love, we are seeing through the lens of mortal belief and all the erroneous thoughts which have always clouded our sight. Today I'm going to be aware of this and release all attack thoughts, leaving empty this vessel to be filled with divine Love.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Truth destroys error, and Love destroys hate. Being destroyed, sin needs no other form of forgiveness." Science & Health Page 339:2-4