May 15, 2015 - No Defense

"Artrageous Parade"
photo from Richard Quick

ACIM Workbook Lesson #135

"If I defend myself I am attacked."

The last topic we pondered had to do with forgiveness. In my discourse on this, I opened with the words “righteous indignation”. It occurred to me that this topic was pertinent to some of the happenings in our town which centered around an election having to do with  discrimination and civil rights. So I posted my words to Facebook to see what reactions might come back to me. In rereading the post, I see that either “side” could think I was pointing a finger at them. I was actually pointing a finger at myself. I don’t feel the need to defend my way of thought with anyone who thinks I’m wrong. It’s an interesting experience, witnessing events without blame or excuses. The main thing I need be mindful of is thinking I have answers, as this will close my mind to hearing Truth!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The time for thinkers has come. Truth, independent of doctrines and time-honored systems, knocks at the portal of humanity.” 

Science & Health Page vii:13-15

May 14, 2015 - As It Is

"Chris & Mary's Garden"
photo by Chris Fischer

ACIM Workbook Lesson #134

"Let me perceive forgiveness as it is."

Righteous indignation: There's a lot of it going around, don't you think? Maybe I notice it so much because it's alive and well-established within me. Maybe I'm too quick to jump on my high horse and adopt a holier-than-thou attitude. It seems there are so many injustices which need righting. We have been told that forgiveness is looking the other way and doing nothing. I see forgiveness as looking past the illusion of separation from others to the realization of our unity. With this view, I can set aside my stories of right and wrong and open thought to the reality of Love as a palpable healing force. How wonderful to feel a kinship with everyone and everything, knowing that minus illusions of belief, we are all the same. What a joy to be finding our voice!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Love inspires, illumines, designates, and leads the way. Right motives give pinions to thought, and strength and freedom to speech and action.”

Science & Health Page 454:18-21

May 13, 2015 - Shared Value

City Art in Eureka
photo by Richard Quick 

ACIM Workbook Lesson #133

"I will not value what is valueless."

To quote Joel Goldsmith: ”Groups of people who have shared spiritual Love are bound together for eternity." These words float into my mind often. There are so many people who live in our little town whom I feel I've always known. People are drawn here, usually having no idea why, wondering if their friends are right and they’ve lost their minds. And perhaps they have. When we quit listening to the practiced beliefs of our mind and begin to hear what seems to be an other-worldly calling, we have lost a material outlook in exchange for a spiritual perception. I value every bit of lovingkindness I feel and see expressed. Anything else is valueless, a call for love, unrequited until the way is cleared for the flow to reach it. Let’s scatter joy today!!

Mary Baker Eddy quotes:

“Everything good or worthy, God made. Whatever is valueless or baneful, He did not make,--hence its unreality.”

Science & Health Page 525:20-22

May 12, 2015 - I Loose the World

"Mongolia"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #132

"I loose the world from all I thought it was."

I’m the type of person who will happily invite the Jehovah Witnesses in to chat when they knock on my door seeking to spread their beliefs. I’m not afraid of varying opinions and enjoy finding out how others view the things of the world and spirit. And so I’m very surprised at my reaction to a group of people who are seeking to promote fundamentalist christian views by way of fear about silly things. They shouldn’t be a blip in my radar, but the hair on the back of my neck stands up when I’m around them. One came to the door today and it was all I could do to keep my mouth shut. Thanks to my dog, I didn’t have to make that decision. Sweet Chili Dog was barking and snarling in a most menacing way, so we had a difficult time hearing each other speak and the man wasn’t willing to get too close in his attempts to hand me his propaganda. Ideas leave not their source, and that source is in my head — unless I’m willing to let these go and listen to divine Mind as the source and Principle of all. In examining my reactions, I am very much willing to release the world of illusions and grasp the truth of our being. This Truth will embrace all, simply by my acceptance of it. How selfish to withhold that!

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."

Science & Health Page 467:29-3

May 11, 2015 - Seeking and Finding Truth

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #131

"No one can fail who seeks to reach the truth."

Releasing of beliefs involves, in part, allowing the need to know answers to fall by the wayside. I’ve started to think I’m the least inquisitive person I know. When I’m told something is going to happen, I’m fine with it. I don’t wonder if it’s a good or a bad thing, or if it will or will not happen, if it should or should not happen, or whether I want it to happen. I don’t do chants or affirmation to facilitate my wishes, nor do I pass petitions to rally folks to take sides. I don’t like to give political opinions and people think I’m wishy-washy when they push me to do so and I say I really have no strong opinions about such things. I strive to hold thought to Truth which is brought to my thought by divine Mind. I try to live as Love lives. Now, I’m not always successful in this quest, but I’m not going to stop seeking and finding the truth which is brought to me by the Principle of all being. It’s nice to not wonder how I’ll spend my days, but rather to know I’ll be led in paths which will be fruitful!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"All nature teaches God’s love to man, but man cannot love God supremely and set his whole affections on spiritual things, while loving the material or trusting in it more than in the spiritual.”

Science & Health Page 326:8-11

May 10, 2015 - One World

photo courtesy of Chris Fischer

ACIM Workbook Lesson #130

"It is impossible to see two worlds."

There is a world of Love, and there is a world of fear. I cannot see them both at the same time. This seems like an easy choice, but fear is often insidious and I may not realize that's what's guiding my choices. I can't know the world of Spirit when I'm thinking from the standpoint of mortal sense. I can't love my neighbors when I'm judging them. I can't hear that "still, small voice" when my thought is full of chaotic chatter. These dualities represent the two worlds we wish to embrace simultaneously, but find we cannot. Everything I do, or say, or think, places me firmly in one world or the other. Moment by moment, I choose what to accept as truth. By consistently turning thought away from mortal concepts and looking to spiritual interpretations, I am choosing the world I want to see. And if I'm not comfortable with what I'm seeing, guess what? I can choose again!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The visible universe and material man are the poor counterfeits of the invisible universe and spiritual man.”

Science & Health Page 337:22-24

May 9, 2015 - Imagine

photo by Jodie English

ACIM Workbook Lesson #129

"Beyond this world there is a world I want."

Wouldn't it be great if we lived in a world where losing is impossible, where love lasts forever, where hate does not exist, and vengeance has no meaning? It would be grand if we never had misunderstandings because communication was clear and precise, without the burden of forming words to tell others what we mean. There would be no hard feelings between people as we wouldn't blame others for thinking differently than we do, because we know that at our core all of us are One. This world is wonderful in many ways, but there are also horrors beyond words, and this is what causes people to lose faith in this thing we call God. We have created an un-God-like world and blame an unknown deity for what we think we cannot change. What if we're wrong and what we see is not true creation? Imagine that!!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“That which material sense calls intangible, is found to be substance. What to material sense seems substance, becomes nothingness, as the sense-dream vanishes and reality appears."

Science & Health Page 312:3-6

May 8, 2015 - Looking Through the Illusion

"No Looking Back"
created by Sandy Starbird

ACIM Lesson #128

"The world I see holds nothing that I want."  

The topic of today's ACIM lesson is one which could cause you to say, "Thanks, but no thanks!!" But before you turn away, really think about what this means. It isn't asking you to give up enjoyment of everyday life. On the contrary! It's asking you to look past the world which is the illusion of mortal mind, and see the creation of divine Mind. In looking through the unreality of beliefs, we are breaking the same kind of thought barriers which had to be set aside for humanity to realize the world was round. When asked to see everything with new eyes, to dare to stretch past belief and learned behavior, we may be frightened or confused. In this state of mind, our "ego" can tell us that it's all just nonsense and it's better to stay with what is well-known. But is it? If you feel -- really feel, deep inside, that there must be more to this existence than meets the human eye, then you will want to know what that is. We are capable of so much more than we realize. The veil which hides reality is getting thinner! 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Belief in a material basis, from which may be deduced all rationality, is slowly yielding to the idea of a metaphysical basis, looking away from matter to Mind as the cause of every effect." 

Science & Health Page 268:6-9

May 7, 2015 - One Love

from the garden of Chris Fischer

ACIM Workbook Lesson #127

“There is no love but God's”

Self-help books talk of the many faces and facets of love. In divine metaphysics, there is no division in Love. Love does not judge. No one is more worthy of receiving than another. No one is more able than another when it comes to expressing Love. Love may not appear to be a factor in the world we witness daily. We see love which is variable and hate that is solid, but we are learning the unreality of changing love and abiding hate. Reality is the Love which is God. Today's ACIM workbook lesson asks us to affirm this often today: "I bless you, brother, with the Love of God, which I would share with you. For I would learn the joyous lesson that there is no love but God's and yours and mine and everyone's." My awareness of this true Love allows me to experience it. It is always present, and I'm learning to be, too.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Love is infinite. Therefore all that really exists is in and of God, and manifests His love.”

Science & Health Page 340:12-14

May 6, 2015 - What Am I Giving?

"Self and self"
by Sandy Wythawai Starbird

ACIM Workbook Lesson #126

"All that I give is given to myself."

Today brings an examination of what it is I’m giving. I would hope I’m giving happiness, peace, love, compassion — but sometimes I give judgment, condemnation, self-righteous thoughts, and false forgiveness. It’s all too easy to forgive in a way which is nothing more than a way of thinking that I’m superior and, in some way, better than the forgiven one. This is akin to the “back-handed compliment”, the way people may say “thank you very much” when they are not thanking someone but, rather, making a point of feeling slighted in some way by another’s actions. The forgiveness I give may be a charitable act on my part, an act I may withhold as punishment to them and self-aggrandizement for myself. I am working toward understanding this thing called forgiveness. I ask myself, How would Love look on this? What would Mind think about this? Today I will strive to see through the veil of belief which dictates how I should interpret others’ actions. 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“We must reverse our feeble flutterings--our efforts to find life and truth in matter--and rise above the testimony of the material senses, above the mortal to the immortal idea of God. These clearer, higher views inspire the God-like man to reach the absolute centre and circumference of his being.” Science & Health Page 262:11-16

May 5, 2015 - Nurturing a Quiet Mind

photo provided by Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #125

"In quiet I receive God's Word today."

Attention deficit disorder: ADD. Many who haven’t been diagnosed with this disorder often say they are afflicted with it. If you get right down to it, aren't we all? Doesn't it seem our "normal" state of mind wants to flit about from one topic to another, gathering steam as we go down all the avenues we are led in thought, as one triggers yet another? The thing I find unfortunate is that people really think they have no choice. As with anything else, it takes practice to calm thought. You have to want a quiet mind in order to attain one. I know I've said it before, but watch that first thought of the day. It can set the tone for everything which comes after it. Refusal to start the day thinking about worrisome things is a choice we have. Choose the quiet mind over the busy one, then choose again whenever needed. Sow meditation, nurture quiet, reap peace!!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“We must silence this lie of material sense with the truth of spiritual sense.”

Science & Health Page 318:12-13

May 4, 2015 - Experience and Expression

photo by Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #124

"Let me remember I am one with God."

Does the topic of today's ACIM lesson make you nervous? Perhaps there's a feeling that God won't like it if you think this -- much less if you say it! Somewhere along the path of Christian theology it was decided that Jesus is God and, because of this, he will take care of everything for us; all we have to do is believe and give ourselves to him. It's my understanding that Jesus was here to tell us he was one with God and so are we. Does this mean we are God? In the same way that a ray of sunlight is the sun, yes. It can't be said that it's the actual sun, but it certainly is the expression of it. A ray of sunlight is the experience of the sun, if you will, and we are the expression and experience of God. One with God; one with each other; one with everything. Let's spend some time contemplating that today. Say right out loud: "I Am one with God!" Let's not be afraid to think it and ask ourSelves exactly what that means. And don't forget to expect an answer!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Principle and its idea is one, and this one is God, omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent Being, and [Its] reflection is man and the universe."

Science & Health Page 465:17-1

May 3, 2015 - Thanksgiving

"Peony"
photo by Chris Fischer

ACIM Workbook Lesson #123

"I thank my Father for His gifts to me."

Today is a day of thanks, a day of gratitude for all that we are learning and realizing in daily life. If looked at in day-to-day increments, it may not seem we are gaining in understanding, but when looking back through the years, it seems remarkable! This was brought home to me as I attended a 45-year-class reunion of high school graduation. Being with all these old friends and acquaintances brought back memories that had been long-forgotten. Listening to others tell stories of their lives, their jobs, their children and grandchildren, brought great thankfulness to my heart. I love where I've been and I love where I'm going. I am grateful for my friends and family, past, present, and future. The excitement which each day brings is cause for gratitude, and I plan to express it in my actions toward others and myself. The flowers blooming are a perfect reminder of the beauty of life and thankfulness for growth. Let's go forward today and scatter joy!!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Gratitude is much more than a verbal expression of thanks. Action expresses more gratitude than speech."

Science & Health Page 3:25-26

May 2, 2015 - Peaceful Living

photo courtesy of Chris Fischer

ACIM Workbook Lesson #122

"Forgiveness offers everything I want."

Immediately after reading the above-quoted topic, I read this: “We do ourselves a great disservice when we let the bitter opinions of others mingle and subvert our own thoughts.” (Dodinsky) This brought to mind one of the Four Agreements as interpreted by Don Miguel Ruiz: “Don’t take anything personally.”  It seems as though these two thoughts summarize exactly what I’m feeling right now. And these thoughts are followed up by Gandhi’s wisdom: “If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change. As a man changes his own nature, so does the attitude of the world change toward him.” Namastè

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

May 1, 2015 - The Forgiving Mind

"White River in Beaver, Arkansas"
photo from Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #121

“Forgiveness is the key to happiness.”

We are told in today’s ACIM lesson that “forgiveness is the key to happiness”. The unforgiving mind is sad, torn with doubt, confused, afraid, angry, weak, blustering, afraid of every sound and more afraid of stillness; terrified of darkness, but more so of approaching light. Recently I went with a friend to see the movie “Cinderella”. It was a visual treat, full of fun transitions and beautiful scenes. The wicked stepmother and her daughters exhibited all of the characteristics of an unforgiving mind, while Cinderella held to what her mother had taught her: courage and kindness. Because of her loving disposition and compassion, she was shown the way out of drudgery by a fairy godmother. In the final scene, she tells her stepmother she forgives her and, of course, lives happily ever after. Some people think of this as a silly story, something made up in order to give ourselves false hope, but I’ve seen some real-life fairy tales in action. When I attend an event and feel wicked-stepmother energy and sweet-princess energy, I’m going to go sit by Cinderella!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The depth, breadth, height, might, majesty, and glory of infinite Love fill all space. That is enough!

Science & Health Page 520:3-5

April 30, 2015 - All is Well

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Lesson #120

Review of:

#109 "I rest in God."

#110 "I am as God created me."

A friend recommended that I read, Dying to be Me: My Journey from Cancer, to Near Death, to True Healing by Anita Moorjani. Although this title would be sufficient to turn me away from it when seen on a book shelf, I trust my friend and immediately delved into this beautiful story. One of the important points made in the book is something that is recognized in our studies: Sickness is not your fault. Often new-age teachings tell us that past thoughts and actions create karma which returns to you in terrible ways. Ms. Moorjani assures us that this is not the case. Although many factors may be involved in physical illness, blaming yourself and seeking absolution has nothing to do with true healing. The recognition that you are pure Love, the knowledge that you are connected to everything, the joy which comes from acceptance of yourself just as you are -- this understanding of your being is what allows the body to be well. It doesn't matter what caused it, what "stage" the problem has advanced to, what mortal predictions are on the table -- nothing matters but the acceptance of yourself as a product of Love. When feeling the purity of Oneness, all material thought must be silenced. We can stop striving and start Being. When slipping into this space of pure Love, nothing else matters. And all is well.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Mortal mind must part with error, must put off itself with its deeds, and immortal manhood, the Christ ideal, will appear.”

Science & Health Page 430:3-5

April 29, 2015 - Correcting Error?

photo courtesy of Chris Fischer

ACIM Lesson #119 Review of: #107 "Truth will correct all errors in my mind." #108 "To give and to receive are one in truth."

It seems there are any number of errors to correct in this world. It’s quite a relief to discover that I only need to correct them in my mind, not in the fearful and angry minds I witness around me. If I look at these actions with horror, or disgust, or anger, or fear, I have become a part of them and share in them. If I look on others as Love, there is forgiveness. By making such statements in public, I run the risk of someone telling me I don’t know what I’m talking about — and, perhaps, they won’t be using words quite so kind! There is a young woman who makes video talks about these teachings. Today I witnessed someone attack her in the comments section of youtube. If the speaker and the listeners are willing to give this man energy in retaliation and defense, we are accepting this attack within ourselves. If we give him forgiveness and love, honoring him as he is, where he is in thought, realizing we are all One in Truth, then we give this back to ourselves. Therein lies correction!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Because Truth is infinite, error should be known as nothing. Because Truth is omnipotent in goodness, error, Truth's opposite, has no might.”

Science & Health Page 329:21-24

April 28, 2015 - Peace, Stillness, Truth

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Course in Miracles Lesson #118 Review of: #105 "God's peace and joy are mine." #106 "Let me be still and listen to the truth."

When our minds are busy with worries and repetitive thoughts, when we're voicing our concerns either orally or mentally, it's very difficult to hear the still, small voice of Truth. This is why I always recommend meditation for people who tell me they’re having problems sleeping. Not only must the mind be quiet for easy, peaceful falling into sleep, but the last thoughts we think before sinking into this other-worldly abyss are very important! We have been told by material practitioners of various disciplines that sound sleep is necessary for good health; that it facilitates healing in on-going ways which are necessary to our well-being. I've always felt this is true because we need to be quiet to hear the ever-present voice of Truth, which is often drowned out by the constant chatter we allow into our heads. This listening mode of being is essential to health, because this health we speak of comes from listening to our true Self rather than the material beliefs of the ages.  Silencing our lips and thoughts to materialism allows Love to replace error, then peace and joy reign supreme in our existence. What a lovely byproduct!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Lips must be mute and materialism silent, that man may have audience with Spirit, the divine Principle, Love, which destroys all error.”

Science & Health Page15:11-13

April 27, 2015 - God = Love = Happiness!

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Lesson #117

Review of: #103 "God, being Love, is also happiness." #104 "I seek but what belongs to me in truth."

Nothing can be imaged forth in form unless it exists in consciousness. What??  I know, I know. You may say you had never heard of such and such disease until you got it. Well, collective consciousness counts, too. Yikes! So how do we keep from contracting every disease and imaging forth all the horrors of the world? This is exactly what Gary Renard tells us in "The Disappearance of the Universe" and what Mary Baker Eddy means by "there is no life, truth, intelligence, nor substance in matter". When we put more faith in matter than Spirit, then, yes, we are subject to every little quirk of the universe. But the realization of Truth puts us under no government but that of divine Mind, God. It may seem that it would be impossible to come out from under the tent of materiality in favor of Spirit. I've had enough glimpses to know it is indeed very possible. But it takes work. When you listen to detailed stories of disease, it become embedded in consciousness. I'm never surprised when something jumps out of that vast forever, but I do negate it in thought -- to the best of my ability. And practice does make perfect, so I won't give up!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“...God is Love, and without Love, God, immortality cannot appear. Mortals try to believe without understanding Truth; yet God is Truth.”

Science & Health Page 312:16-19

April 26, 2015 - Happiness is the Way!

Marsha at Film Festival
photo courtesy of Jay Vrecenak

ACIM Lesson #116

Review of: #101 "God's Will for me is perfect happiness." #102 "I share God's Will for happiness for me."

As sage words tell us: There is no way to happiness; happiness is the way. I’ve had a lovely time at our local Independent Film Festival! It’s wonderful to see old friends again. I’ve been hermit-ing for the last few months, enjoying solitude after a change in my physical circumstance in December. Many people are surprised that I’m this happy after losing a lower extremity, but I hold to the perfect happiness which is mine as the experience and expression of God. Happiness and peace never change, and when my ego tries to tell me otherwise, that misperception is quickly corrected when I allow it to be. For the ability to see past material belief, I am very grateful!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Upon this stage of existence goes on the dance of mortal mind. Mortal thoughts chase one another like snowflakes, and drift to the ground. Science reveals Life as not being at the mercy of death, nor will Science admit that happiness is ever the sport of circumstance."

Science & Health Page 250:28-1