October 4, 2014 - Material Laws Change

ACIM Workbook Lesson #277

“Let me not bind Your Son with laws I made."

A universal shift in thought is upon us and we're each feeling it in our own way. The understanding that our true identify is spiritual, and that we aren't bound by any material beliefs, is bringing us to a tipping point in thought. Mass media and collective human consciousness tell us what to expect from material laws of cause and effect. Just think about how many things have been "proven" untrue which we learned as "fact" at some point. We can laugh when we see old advertisements proclaiming that lard makes families happy, or that cigarettes are good for you, but many of us are frightened by giving up the crutches we have relied on for years. Today I will notice the appearance of long-held beliefs telling me what is good and bad for me. I'll let them go and listen within for Truth!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The supposed laws which result in weariness and disease are not His laws, for the legitimate and only possible action of Truth is the production of harmony. Laws of nature are laws of Spirit; but mortals commonly recognize as law that which hides the power of Spirit. Divine Mind rightly demands man's entire obedience, affection, and strength. No reservation is made for any lesser loyalty. Obedience to Truth gives man power and strength. Submission to error superinduces loss of power.”

Science & Health Page 183:16-25

October 3, 2014 - See, Hear, Repeat Nothing Unlike Good

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #276

“The Word of God is given me to speak.”

Following the advice of Mary Baker Eddy, to neither see, hear, nor repeat any imperfection -- no matter what may appear to the contrary to material senses -- I look forward to today's lesson to reinforce these lofty goals.  It seems most people want you to join in their misery, so the goal of hearing and repeating only good becomes an interesting exercise. I find myself simply witnessing, without comment, while engaging in lots of smiling. A good friend taught me to say, "You may be right!" This is a good comment to make just before wandering away -- which I'm prone to do. I'm sure many think I'm daft, but that's okay. I often tell people I wake up in a new world every day, and this excuses many of my actions, as they think I'm addlepated and forgive me -- or at least they don't push me for comments! Whatever the case, it's all right as long as I don't feel that uneasiness which comes from not living Truth.

 Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Let discord of every name and nature be heard no more, and let the harmonious and true sense of Life and being take possession of human consciousness.”

Science and Health Page 355:11-14

October 2, 2014 - Happiness, Revisted

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #275

“God's healing Voice protects all things today.”

Yesterday, I talked about a man who had a blow to the head which left him in a happy state. What I did not mention was that when his wife passed on, he was upset because he wasn't upset. He wanted to cry for his wife, but he didn't feel there was any reason to do so. In order to feel grief, he allowed an operation to take away the blood clot which had supposedly caused his joyous demeanor. Afterwards, he was back to his old unhappy self, being mean and miserly and able to cry. The questions this story brought to me were multiple, but mainly I wonder why we feel the need to grieve. Is this some sort of duality belief or a learned behavior which demands we are sad in certain situations? Have we become accustomed to extremes of emotions to convey that we are caring human beings? Perhaps peace of mind in any situation comes from that healing Voice for God protecting me from grief and other unnecessary human beliefs. I shall continue to listen for answers.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Faith, if it be mere belief, is as a pendulum swinging between nothing and something, having no fixity. Faith, advanced to spiritual understanding, is the evidence gained from Spirit, which rebukes sin of every kind and establishes the claims of God."

Science & Health Page 23:14-17

October 1, 2014 - Happiness Grows

photo by Aaron Springston

A Course in Miracles Lesson #274

“Today belongs to love. Let me not fear.”

I saw a movie in which a character was hit in the head, had a blood clot, and became happy all the time. Since happiness cannot be contained and overflows with no expectations, wonderful things began to happen. He ran a very large, very money-making-oriented company  which had always catered to the prospering of the business, not the contentment of the employees. After he became happy, he built a daycare center, gave everyone raises in salary, and began to see money as a tool rather than a goal. Then his children became angry because the company wasn't making as much money and they were afraid. While he recognized what was important in life, his children wanted him to go back to his money-based way of living, fearing they wouldn't have enough. He was living Love; they were living fear. We see it every day, don't we? I vow today to support every act of Love-based living I see. While we can't set out to eradicate fear, we can scatter joy and happiness, and watch Love blossom.

Mary Baker Eddy quote: 

"As human thought changes from one stage to another of conscious pain and painlessness, sorrow and joy, — from fear to hope and from faith to understanding, — the visible manifestation will at last be man governed by Soul, not by material sense."

Science & Health Page 125:12-16

September 30, 2014 - The Perception of Peace

photo courtesy of Jim Young

ACIM Lesson #273

“The stillness of the peace of God is mine.”

I've heard it said that the older we get, the less things bother us. In earlier years, when I was bothered by everything, it seemed impossible that this could be so. While it seems to be true now, I see plenty of people riper in years who are much-bothered all the time! My conclusion is that peace is a state of mind. As we cultivate an awareness of the presence of God within ourselves, it becomes natural to turn to that gentleness in times of seeming turmoil. The peace of God is always there, whether we choose to acknowledge it or not. Today I look forward to relishing this gentle presence every moment.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Mind [God] demonstrates omnipresence and omnipotence, but Mind revolves on a spiritual axis, and its power is displayed and its presence felt in eternal stillness and immovable Love.”

From Retrospection and Introspection Page 88-89

September 29, 2014 - Satisfied With Illusions?

"Shibori Dancer"
created by Sandy Starbird

ACIM Lesson #272

“How can illusions satisfy God's Son?”

Today's topic causes me to pause and ask myself what illusions, if any, have worked for me over the years. During the "years that the locust ate", as I tend to think of a particular 20-year period, I generally felt happy, but never complete or fulfilled. Years of substance abuse, flitting from man to man, and activities which kept me busy but never satisfied are what I refer to as the lost years. Looking back, I hardly recognize that person. It's not that I was mean or horrible or anything, but I was living a drama-filled life, going from one disaster to another, finding solace by hiding in hedonistic pleasures. The peace which is found from wanting nothing other than to know God is astounding in its magnitude. When did I realize the emptiness and want to fill in the blanks with true substance? Ultimately, it doesn't matter because now is all we have! Let's go forward with joy into what awaits us this day!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Higher enjoyments alone can satisfy the cravings of immortal man. We cannot circumscribe happiness within the limits of personal sense. The senses confer no real enjoyment.”

Science & Health Page 60:31-3

September 28, 2014 - No Need to Wait

photo by Richard Quick

ACIM Workbook Lesson #271

“Christ's is the vision I will use today."

Many times in these past few days I've thought how much easier it is to see with Christ's vision when I'm home alone rather than when being bombarded by questions and noise. I've been judgmental toward others for many reasons. There was the man who opened our front door and shouted a question, without as much as a nod of thank you when he got an answer. Or the countless people who exclaim how great it is to find locally-made things, and then rush through the gallery without even looking at anything. I've found myself falling into the mindless rush of those who speak without thought. Then I grab onto the lifesaver of Truth which is always there waiting for me to notice, and I realize it doesn't matter what's going on around me. Does God wait for things to calm down before seeing the perfection inherent in all Being? As a reflection of divinity, I shan't wait either!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“This dual personality of the unseen and the seen, the spiritual and material, the eternal Christ and the corporeal Jesus manifest in flesh, continued until the Master’s ascension, when the human, material concept, or Jesus, disappeared, while the spiritual self, or Christ, continues to exist in the eternal order of divine Science, taking away the sins of the world, as the Christ has always done, even before the human Jesus was incarnate to mortal eyes.”

Science & Health Page 334:12-20

September 27, 2014 - Spiritual Vision

"It's All About the Leaves"
creation from Sandy Wythawai Starbird

ACIM Workbook Lesson #270

“I will not use the body's eyes today.”

During these times of shifting thought, many of us are frightened by the feelings and insights we are having. I love working with artists, and one of the reasons is that they fearlessly allow multi-dimensional energy into their experience. By the act of looking upon their palpably loving works of Art, I am guided to other ways of seeing. Their artistic expressions take me past the obvious into the ethereal. Every instance of this "seeing through the veil" brings us closer to our goal of seeing that way all the time. Slipping into the silence between thoughts, seeing past the obvious, listening within -- all this and more seeks our awareness. Listen, See, Be.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Spiritual vision is not subordinate to geometric altitudes. Whatever is governed by God, is never for an instant deprived of the light and might of intelligence and Life.”

Science & Health Page 215:11-13

September 26, 2014 - Your Face

ACIM Workbook Lesson #269

“My sight goes forth to look upon Christ's face.”

As we begin to understand our Oneness as the expression and experience of God, we realize that every time we look in the mirror or greet a friend or stranger, we're seeing the face of Christ. Jesus was here to teach us many things, but it all boils down to the Oneness factor. All the great prophets have told us the same thing: We are all the children of God. What a beautiful day it is seeing everyone in this light! Everywhere we are seeing people being inclusive rather than focusing on their differences and watching them multiply. I'm very happy for this lesson today, at a time when there are thousands of people in town who seem to want things from life which have nothing to do with peace. I vow to see the face of Oneness everywhere today!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The eternal Truth destroys what mortals seem to have learned from error, and man's real existence as a child of God comes to light.”

Science and Health Page 288:31–1

September 25, 2014 - One Cause

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #268

“Let all things be exactly as they are.”

Today's Course in Miracles lesson perfectly states the basis of Christian Science healing. The spiritual, metaphysical Truth is that there is no cause for anything unlike good, God, as God is the only Cause. Anything unlike God, good, can be challenged with divine authority. Erroneous thoughts of any sort are the same as a dark closet in a light room. When you open the door, the dark doesn't escape into the light. The light dispels the darkness. And so it is with our realization of the unrealities which seem so solid. When we open the door and acknowledge the Truth, anything unlike God, good, simply dissipates before the certainty of light. I needn't judge or condemn any seeming error. I need only acknowledge the Truth of how things are.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Human sense may well marvel at discord, while, to a diviner sense, harmony is the real and discord the unreal. We may well be astonished at sin, sickness, death. We may well be perplexed at human fear; and still more astounded at hatred, which lifts its hydra head, showing its horns in the many inventions of evil. But why should we stand aghast at nothingness?”

Science & Health Page: 563: 1-7

September 24, 2014 - Peaceful Possibilities

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 that in order to live this way they would have to be delusional, or sticking their heads in the sand, or denying reality in favor of wishful thinking. But many of us don't! 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

September 23, 2014 - Mastering Belief

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #266

“My holy Self abides in you, God's Son.”

Peace is a state of mind. We can feel the epitome of peace in the midst of turmoil. At other times, we may be in an oasis of stillness but, due to our tumultuous state of mind, be experiencing stress and upset. It helps me to know that we are all the "son of God". With this realization, I am able to see everything through the eye of divine Love. This is not to say that I'm always calm. Sometimes I forget I am the idea of God, and that everyone else is, too. At those times, who knows how I may be interpreting events! In a state of forgetfulness, I am at the mercy of material belief, being swayed by thought systems which were put in place long before my appearance in this world. But when I remember my holy Self, things appear differently to me. And there is peace.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“He that touches the hem of [the] Christ’s robe and masters his mortal beliefs, animality, and hate, rejoices in the proof of healing,—in a sweet and certain sense that God is Love”.

Science & Health Page 569: 11-14

September 22, 2014 - Gentleness

Mt. Timpanogos Goat
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #265

"Creation's gentleness is all I see."

Creation's gentleness is everywhere, but often is covered up by belief in harshness. More and more we're seeing animals showing us the way to being gentle with each other. In our realization of Oneness, we're beginning to understand that if violence is done to or by one, it's done to or by All. And we're allowing our thought to change from fear and anger to Love and gentleness. There may still be many people who want to stay with the old paradigm and say it's necessary for heinous acts to be committed. But there are more people everyday who realize the error of this and know it's possible for the lion to lay down with the lamb.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The new birth is not the work of a moment. It begins with moments, and goes on with years; moments of surrender to God, of childlike trust and joyful adoption of good; moments of self-abnegation, self-consecration, heaven-born hope, and spiritual love.” Miscellaneous Writings, 1883-1896, p. 15

September 21, 2014 - Unchanging Love

"Classic Car Parade"
photo by Richard Quick

ACIM Workbook Lesson #264

“I am surrounded by the Love of God.”

Some days I feel like a used car salesman -- only selling different things in an art gallery. "What do I need to do to put this lovely Van Hollow Pottery platter in your home??!!" Recently, I really had fun with this. There was a young woman from a nearby college town who fell in love with one of our outstanding Ashiko drums. I gave her a deep discount so she could take it home. The fun banter the customers and I had going on made for a delightful, Love-filled day. It's easy to get grumpy when things don't flow smoothly, and it's easy to be happy when they do. Recognizing that I Am surrounded by the Love of God makes it easier to stay on an even keel, because this Love is something which does not change.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The very circumstance, which your suffering sense deems wrathful and afflictive, Love can make an angel entertained unawares.”

Science & Health Page 574: 27-30

September 20, 2014 - Pure Sight

"Gallery Stroll in Eureka Thyme"

ACIM Workbook Lesson #263

“My holy vision sees all things as pure.”

When I first started greeting the public in my capacity as a gallery proprietress, there were many things people said to which I reacted negatively. If someone criticized the art, I would feel defensive. When people talked about politics and such, I would feel annoyed and perhaps angry. I see these things differently now. I find myself simply witnessing what is said in regard to our art and artists, with no feeling one way or another toward their comments. If someone wants to talk about their strong opinions, I smile and change the subject, with no worry about what they may think. If I happen to fall into old thought patterns, that's okay. I acknowledge what has made me uncomfortable and give a nod of gratitude for the ability to choose again.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“When we learn that error is not real, we shall be ready for progress, ‘forgetting those things which are behind.’”

Science & Health Page 353:22-24

September 19, 2014 - No Differences in Love

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #262

“Let me perceive no differences today.”

William Blake says it well: "I am in you and you in me, mutual in divine Love". I understand this to mean that the perfection we are learning to see as ourselves also is everyone else. I often tell people “We’re all in this together”, but I think I’ll change it to “We are all this – together!” I love the study of the Science of Being! Every day, every moment, revelations of thought bring me to a deeper understanding of how this Truth sets us free. I am learning what it means when I affirm that that God is Mind, Spirit, Soul, Principle, Life, Truth, Love. It's a joy to expand thought to include myself in that definition, as a reflection of All that Is!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“With one Father, even God, the whole family of man would be brethren; and with one Mind and that God, or good, the brotherhood of man would consist of Love and Truth, and have unity of Principle and spiritual power which constitute divine Science.”

Science and Health Page 469:30–5

September 18, 2014 - Secure Refuge

photo by Arthur Lau-Sed

ACiM Workbook Lesson #261

“God is my refuge and security."

It's easy to feel my security comes from physical things and my refuge is my home. I feel so safe and happy and often find myself expressing gratitude out loud for the peace and comfort I find here. To say that "God is my refuge and security" is, I feel, saying the same thing, but even more expansively and inclusively. As I learn to trust what is invisible to the human eye but palpable deep within mySelf, peace becomes possible no matter what the circumstance. Of course, it's easy to forget and become caught up with hectic circumstances in daily life. But the process of discovering Truth is an adventure which is never-ending. That's why I love it so much! No matter how much I come to know, there is always more.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Citizens of the world, accept the ‘glorious liberty of the children of God,’ and be free! This is your divine right. The illusion of material sense, not divine law, has bound you, entangled your free limbs,

crippled your capacities, enfeebled your body, and defaced the tablet of your being.”

Science & Health Page 227:24-29

September 17, 2014 - Experience and Expression

"Aaron"
photo by Nick Franchi

ACIM Workbook Lesson #260

“Let me remember God created me.”

I Am the experience and expression of God. We are learning what that means and it's a wonderful adventure! For too many years, high officials of churches have tried to tell us that we are mortal sinners and the only way we can gain favor with God is to go through them, performing odd penances and other rituals which I feel certain have nothing to do with the Oneness we are embracing. God Is; I Am. There really isn't anything else to say, but yet there is so much! We have questions that seem unanswerable, but perhaps that's because we have been told there are many things we must simply accept because we can't understand. Through the study of divine metaphysics, we find there are no unanswerable questions. In this remembering, I find there are no dead ends where I must simply "believe", relying on blind faith alone. God is as close as I am to myself, and all answers lie within, available for the asking -- and, most importantly, for the listening!! Remembering what is true leaves me with a wonderful peace. I am most grateful.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Infinite Mind creates and governs all, from the mental molecule to infinity. This divine Principle of all expresses Science and art throughout His creation, and the immortality of man and the universe. Creation is ever appearing, and must ever continue to appear from the nature of its inexhaustible source. Mortal sense inverts this appearing and calls ideas material. Thus misinterpreted, the divine idea seems to fall to the level of a human or material belief, called mortal man. But the seed is in itself, only as the divine Mind is All and reproduces all--as Mind is the multiplier, and Mind's infinite idea, man and the universe, is the product. The only intelligence or substance of a thought, a seed, or a flower is God, the creator of it."

Science & Health Page 507:24-6

September 16, 2014 - Pure Eyes

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #259

“Let me remember that there is no sin.”

In these "remember" lessons, I have been making an effort to forgive myself the things I continue to feel guilty for and about. There are only a few, but they recur in thought like the moon making an orbit. Today while talking to a friend, she told me how it took her a long, long time to forgive someone who accused her of terrible things years ago. After we finished talking I wondered if we ever truly forgive as long as we remember the occurrence. I have a feeling that some day I won't remember these things I hold onto today, they will simply be gone from thought because God is "of purer eyes than to behold iniquity", and I'm a reflection of that perfection. 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Question: Is there no sin?

Answer: All reality is in God and His creation, harmonious and eternal. That which He creates is good, and He makes all that is made. Therefore the only reality of sin, sickness, or death is

the awful fact that unrealities seem real to human, erring belief, until God strips off their disguise. They are not true, because they are not of God.”

Science & Health Page 472:23-30

September 15, 2014 - Emptiness Filled

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #258

“Let me remember that my goal is God.”

Many of us have gone through life feeling that something is missing; that there's an empty place which can never be filled. When we discover that it's not something lacking in us, we get very excited! This mind training, which is spoken of in today's lesson, is not a system of mind control, it's not hypnotism or cult-like obedience -- on the contrary! We train our mind to recognize and release all the "senseless aims ... and pointless little goals" which have become life practices and learned behaviors. The insights and answers which appear in our lives through spiritual awareness are often thought of as serendipitous, which implies an element of luck. This is yet again something we have made up to explain the inexplicable. But spiritual sense needs no explanation! A mere glimpse through the eye of Spirit is enough to convince us of our true Identity.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Spiritual sense is a conscious, constant capacity to understand God. It shows the superiority of faith by works over faith in words. Its ideas are expressed only in ‘new tongues;’ and these are interpreted by the translation of the spiritual original into the language which human thought can comprehend.”

Science & Health Page 209:31-4