Holding Thought to Love

photo credit: Heather Peters

ACIM Workbook Lesson #310

“In fearlessness and love I spend today.”

From the moment we stand up and toddle we hear, Be careful, don't fall!! We instill fear and worry in our children even before they're born, don't we? Most mothers-to-be are worried about a myriad of things, and have been taught to believe it's necessary to do so. Everywhere we turn, there is something to fear. When I was a kid, the only things I was warned about in the woods were snakes, poison ivy, and perhaps an occasional wild carnivore. Nowadays, everything from ticks to the sun may attack us, and we go to great lengths to protect ourselves, putting poisons on our skin to avoid something we perceive to be worse. This is yet another example of the material illusions we have made for ourselves.  As I go through this day, I will notice what learned behaviors are ruling my life, holding me in fear rather than Love. The words of a great teacher come to mind: Perfect Love casts out fear!

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

What If ...?

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #309

“I will not fear to look within today.”

Why would we fear to look within? Why would we fear seeing our true self? I think it's because we believe all the little horrible things we've done in our lives are what we'll be looking at. Perhaps we feel that to look within would involve some sort of life review which would require us to answer for every supposed sin we've committed. But what if we're looking within at our pure and perfect Self, as we are created by divine Mind? And what if, after we find what we've forgotten, we allow it to come forth and live with us, as us? In the process, we truly forgive ourselves for all of it, allowing thought to stay in the realm of Oneness, releasing guilt and fear, living only in Love. What if ...

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“For right reasoning there should be but one fact before the thought, namely, spiritual existence. In reality there is no other existence, since Life cannot be united to its unlikeness, mortality.” Science & Health Page 491:3-6

No Time Like The Present!

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #308

"This instant is the only time there is."

Numerous sayings about time come to thought when reading today’s topic: “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the present.” (Kung Fu Panda) I'm also reminded of something Deepak Chopra said: "Time is something we have made up so everything doesn't happen all at once." Albert Einstein showed us that time is relative. Time spent in a dentist chair passes differently from time spent visiting with a dear friend. Later in life, Mr. Einstein came to believe that time was not just relative, but unreal! Here is a quote from him, written in a letter to a friend: "To those of us who believe in physics, this separation between past, present, and future, is only an illusion, if a stubborn one." So why do we limit ourselves with time? We always think we're too young or too old, or this physical malady will pass with time, or that we simply don't have time to do the things we want to do. When I realize that I'm not a mortal living in what seems to be now, but an immortal living in eternity, then some major shifts in perception can take place. Only "time will tell" what happens with that realization!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Never ask for tomorrow: it is enough that divine Love is an ever-present help; and if you wait, never doubting, you will have all you need every moment.” Miscellaneous Writings Page 307

No Conflict

photo credit: Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #307

“Conflicting wishes cannot be my will.”

When someone close to us has a problem, we tend to think of it as our own. We have been conditioned to think we can fix others, and if we don't try, we fear people will think we don't care. Then we're thrown into a quandary of feelings: love for them, perhaps embarrassment over their actions, worry about what will happen to them, concern over what others will think -- the list can be endless! When we are able to release these feelings and see everyone as the spiritual creation they truly are, we begin to release our sense of personal responsibility, while affirming their goodness as a reflection of divine Love.  Claiming as our own the thoughts of divine Mind frees us from the conflict imposed by material wishes!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“We cannot serve two masters nor perceive divine Science with the material senses.”

Science and Health Page 167:11-12

Question Values

photo courtesy of Angela McNeal

ACIM Workbook Lesson #306

“The gift of Christ is all I seek today.”

To learn this course requires willingness to question every value that you hold. To allow the sun to shine into your mind, to allow grace to be your natural state, to learn this course and have your mind healed from shadows and fear and limitation, requires you to be willing to question every value you hold. We tend to think it’s a good thing to hold strong opinions on any number of things, like politics. It may seem I’m saying we shouldn’t work for social reform, that we shouldn’t stand up to wrong-doers, that we should become the proverbial doormat. I think that giving up the things which make us angry, the things for which we become fighting mad, enables us to open ourselves to this gift of the Christ, this Love which guides us to do meaningful work in ways we haven’t realized, because strong mindsets were hiding them. I think it will be an interesting exercise to take note of the thoughts I have which keep me from the gift of divine Love. I hope you’ll join me!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Christ is the true idea voicing good, the divine message from God to men speaking to the human consciousness.” Science & Health Page 332:9-11

Bathed in Light - November 1, 2015

photo credit: Gerry Toler

ACIM Workbook Lesson #305

“There is a peace that Christ bestows on us.”

You've probably heard of, or witnessed, accounts of people facing the direst of situations calmly, with a seeming other-worldly sense of peace. I experienced one of these situations when visiting with a couple who were learning how to cope with the change we call death. When I walked into their home, the first thing I felt was an all-encompassing peace. My dear friend related how inspired she was by the leaves falling from the trees in their regular autumnal cycle. She told me how they take care of themselves. She never rakes them up into piles, but allows them to go where they need to be, and there they change to whatever form is required of them -- soil, protection for seedlings, shelter for insects and small animals. She sees perfection in this plan and knows that the same perfection is taking place in all existence. I am grateful to have experienced this deep and quiet peace with them. The peace of God is there for all, no matter what the material circumstance. The gift of Love satisfies the hungering senses, it calms fear, it allows us to release the ties which bind us to material existence, giving us more than we knew was possible.

Mary Baker Eddy quote: “Life is reflected in existence, Truth in truthfulness, God in goodness, which impart their own peace and permanence. Love, redolent with unselfishness, bathes all in beauty and light.”

Science & Health Page 516:9-13

Perception is a Mirror

photo credit: Richard Quick

ACIM Workbook Lesson #304

“Let not my world obscure the sight of Christ.”

When my oldest son was in school, we watched a movie that both he and I thought was hilarious. Shortly afterwards, he took the movie over to a friend's house and shared it with her and her mother. The mother thought the movie was a tragedy and cried through most of it. This perfectly illustrates a part of today's workbook lesson: "Perception is a mirror, not a fact. What I look on is my state of mind, reflected outward." Isn't that the truth!! I’m sure we can all remember times when you and someone interpreted things totally differently. I will try to remember this dichotomy when someone looks at something in a way I do not understand. Today I will strive to clear my mind, in order to allow Truth to melt away illusion.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Corporeal sense, or error, may seem to hide Truth, health, harmony, and Science, as the mist obscures the sun or the mountain; but Science, the sunshine of Truth, will melt away the shadow and reveal the celestial peaks.”

Science & Health Page 299:26-30

Resurrect Gratitude Daily!

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #303

“The holy Christ is born in me today.”

Hearing that the holy Christ is born in me today will probably bring something to mind within your thought system. Some will think, oh good! Some may feel this is a blasphemous thought, and then others will feel a sense of relief, knowing that this means that Love can rule in our thoughts and actions with no worries of whatever else may be going on around us. To me, I think, Ah, the second coming is being born right now, just as soon as I get out of Its way! A dear friend made a profound statement this evening, which seems appropriate in connection with this lesson: Resurrect Gratitude Daily!! Is this not the second coming? The moment-by-moment rebirth of Love, gratitude, joy, beauty, harmony, and all that The Christ embodies opens us to the unity of Life. Sharing this gift is as individual as we are, and as timely as our interactions. Freely I have received, freely I give!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Having no other gods, turning to no other but the one perfect Mind to guide him, man is the likeness of God, pure and eternal, having that Mind which was also in Christ.”

Science & Health Page 467:13-16

Paradigm Shift

photo credit: Chris Fischer

ACIM Workbook Lesson #302

“Where darkness was I look upon the light.”

Haven't we all had times when we were recounting an event  and someone insists that the details are different than what we remember? Our perceptions are nuanced by expectations and personal experiences, including our understanding of these teachings. A mere hundred years ago, the things we speak of today would have been thought of as blasphemous. What a relief to openly speak about quantum theory and metaphysics without fear! Any bookstore will have an abundance of books by people looking “upon the light”, and they give us confidence to admit that we see it, too! Remember the story of ”the emperor has no clothes"? If everyone were pretending not to see and feel this paradigm shift, then we might stay silent, too. But they're not! We are joyfully acknowledging this shift, and we're shouting it from the pinnacle of our understanding. We look upon the light!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Willingness to become as a little child and to leave the old for the new, renders thought receptive of the advanced idea. Gladness to leave the false landmarks and joy to see them disappear, — this disposition helps to precipitate the ultimate harmony.” Science & Health Page 323:32-4

The Second Coming?

NYC from the Brooklyn Bridge
photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #301

“And God Himself shall wipe away all tears.”

There are any number — perhaps thousands — of wonderful teachings in this world. I have always leaned toward a non-dualist teaching which doesn’t leave me asking questions which are answered with non-answers such as, “you just have to believe”. These ten workbook lessons are under the heading of “What is the Second Coming”. This term has long been interpreted from a material standpoint, with expectations a human form appearing and then everything will be all right. ACIM and MBE assure us that everything is all right here and now, and that we don’t have to wait until some future time or event to bring us happiness and peace. One of the phrases in workbook lessons tells us the second coming “restores the never lost”. In other words, everything we are searching for is ours already! Our judgment in a dualistic world reflects back to us our losses and griefs, and the understanding of unity allows us to choose a brand new world of Love, and all our tears are wiped away. 

For a short explanation of this lesson, I would recommend this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWGt8ODgr-A

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Take heart, dear sufferer, for this reality of being will surely appear sometime and in some way. There will be no more pain, and all tears will be wiped away. When you read this, remember Jesus' words, ‘The kingdom of God is within you.’ This spiritual consciousness is therefore a present possibility.”

Science & Health Page 573:28-2

What is the Real World?

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #300

“Only an instant does this world endure.”

This is the last of ten lessons which ask the question, "What is the real world?" Is reality what we are told it is by the daily news? Is it what we learn in school? I remember how surprising and  embarrassing it was to learn that most of the American history we learned in school was no more than a myth perpetuated by men who wanted it to be that way. We are beginning to understand that spiritual Truth is not to be found within the religious institutions of our world. Everywhere we turn, there is a story that we have been told which has affected the way we view life. It is such a relief to know that we can leave behind all of these stories! It's freeing to understand we need do nothing but silently listen within ourselves to hear and know the Truth which is waiting for our awareness.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

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

Science & Health Page 468:26-6

Divesting Thought of False Trust

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #299

“Eternal holiness abides in me.”

When you ask someone who/what they are, the answers typically will be name, profession, perhaps astrological sign, and things of this sort. We are learning that we embody something entirely different from our history and the material stories which have acted as our identity. I heard a story today which was described as a tale of “betrayal bordering on fraud”. Apparently a young woman came to town a couple of years ago and got a job in a popular restaurant. Everyone likes her, she’s very competent, and has helped the business to grow. It has recently come to light that she is not who she says she is. Whereas everyone thought she was from somewhere in the Hebrides and knew the story she had told of herself, now it seems she made everything up and she’s “not who she said she was”. Upon hearing this, I had to laugh! As my friend told me of people’s reactions to this fantasy, I stopped her and said that we shouldn’t make assumptions about any of this. What if she had something traumatic happen and wanted a brand new start, so she went all the way with a complete change of her story? Whatever the case, I hope that all involved can put their ego-based reactions aside and listen with their heart, letting Love lead their actions, with their intention set for a good result!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“To divest thought of false trusts and material evidences in order that the spiritual facts of being may appear, — this is the great attainment by means of which we shall sweep away the false and give place to the true.” Science & Health Page 428:8-12

Love Without Fear

"Marsha and The Junes"

ACIM Workbook Lesson #298

“I love You, Father, and I love Your Son.”

I grew up in a small town and have lived all my life in close proximity to it, and so there are many people I’ve known for decades. Looking back at my dearest friends through the years, most of us have grown apart, finding that we no longer share the same viewpoints or interests. This outgrowing has seemed to be a natural progression in life, and treasured relationships which have endured are deep and sweet. Someone I’ve known for years and liked very much, although we were never close, killed herself recently. It’s a natural response to wonder if we could have made a difference, and I remind myself that I am doing just that with every loving thought and every extension of appreciation and gratitude.  I am grateful for this burgeoning understanding which allows me to love without fear, to extend a hand when needed, and never fear the consequences. Namaste!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Love never loses sight of loveliness. Its halo rests upon its object. One marvels that a friend can ever seem less than beautiful. Men and women of riper years and larger lessons ought to ripen into health and immortality, instead of lapsing into darkness or gloom.”

Science & Health Page 249:3-7

Giving Forgiveness and Getting It

photo from Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #297

“Forgiveness is the only gift I give.”

Today’s topic turns my thoughts to wondering what it is which causes people to “get their feelings hurt” by the actions and words of others. One of the sentences from today’s workbook lesson is “Everything I give, I give myself.” I communicated with a young woman today who was very upset by something a mutual friend had said to her. She couldn’t seem to get it out of her mind and was telling of possible responses she could have made, the responses she did make, and what she thought about him, all from the perspective of being abused and denigrated by his words. While the principles of today’s lesson moved through my mind, I didn’t feel it wise to mention them to her at this point. But I did quote one of the Four Agreements having to do with not taking anything personally. Whatever anyone says or does truly has nothing to do with us, unless we choose to make it so. If I am tempted to get all het up about something, I hope to remember this advice!

 Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“True prayer is not asking God for love; it is learning to love, and to include all mankind in one affection.”

No and Yes, p. 39:17-18

Inspiration Rather Than Erudition

"Utah Fall"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #296

“The Holy Spirit speaks through me today.”

There are many ego-busters in this Course which may ruffle our feathers. I should start making a list of ones which do this to me, then I could mention a few of them, as there are certainly too many to put in one daily writing! I like to think I’m quietly listening for Spirit to speak through me today and everyday, but I’m sure that’s not always true. All too often I have an uneasy feeling somewhere around the solar plexus, or perhaps an odd, tired feeling in my spine, and I’ve learned to recognize these as symptoms of an errant ego making itself known. Sometimes I may be self-righteous in a response to a situation, or perhaps I feel defensive as I’m not absolutely sure about my position. But when these things happen, I have the choice to back up, perhaps say I’m sorry to someone, change my mind because it was coming from my mind rather than the one Mind, and start over with a fresh perspective. And so, dear Reader, please feel free to tell me if you think I’m wrong, or perhaps that I was insensitive. I promise not to take it personally! 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Eloquence re-echoes the strains of Truth and Love. It is due to inspiration rather than to erudition."

Science & Health Page 88:26-27

Never Fear the Light

"Central Park NYC"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #295

“The Holy Spirit looks through me today.”

“The Holy Spirit looks through me today.” I think that means to allow ourselves to drop the cloak of belief we perceive everything through and open ourselves to seeing with the eyes of God. I recently went to the movies and saw a film called “The Martian.” Imagine being stranded on Mars and finding ways to survive for more than 500 days. Seems impossible? To limiting human thought it probably would be, but to a quiet mind seeing never-before-thought-of ideas about how to do things — well, nothing is impossible in that sight! The main character reminded me that we never know what’s going to happen in our lives, but what we do in response to events is the life-changer. We aren’t trying to stop dreadful things, but we’re working toward changing our perception of and knee-jerk reactions to events. And it’s a brand new world!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“But eyes accustomed to darkness are pained by the light. When outgrowing the old, you should not fear to put on the new.” Science & Health Page 452:8-11

All Form is Neutral

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #294

“My body is a wholly neutral thing.”

We are learning that everything in form is wholly neutral except for the meaning we give to it. Although we feel defined by our bodies, we are learning that this is not true. Most of us can accept that the body is not truly who we are, and we don’t worry that our true self will be buried in the ground or burned to ash. In this lesson we’re being asked to put aside all thoughts of what we think our body is for, letting divine Love lead us in our purpose. Not being confined to this flesh and bone body, we experience an expansion in thought, seeing ourself as an Idea of Mind, and serving as a communication device for Spirit. As we serve this purpose, we are awakened from the ego dream and find another reality, right here and now, without having to leave this body.  We needn’t split ourselves into body, mind, spirit, as we are whole!   

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The elements and functions of the physical body and of the physical world will change as mortal mind changes its beliefs. What is now considered the best condition for organic and functional health in the human body may no longer be found indispensable to health. Moral conditions will be found always harmonious and health-giving."

Science & Health Page 124:32-6

All-Absorbing Love

photo credit: Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #293

"All fear is past and only love is here."

I love to watch the television show, Master Chef. In it, home cooks are called upon to compete in cooking a variety of dishes. They may be asked to cook something as basic as perfect sunny-side-up eggs, or maybe they are given a box of exotic food and must come up with a palatable dish using ingredients they may never have worked with before. Now there is a show called Master Chef Junior, where children aged 8 to 13 compete in the same format. These fearless children are amazing! Recently they were given a box with "bad" foods in it. There was liver, kidneys, snails, brussel sprouts, blue cheese, and a few other smelly things. As they were making interesting creations from the ingredients, one 9-year-old was asked if she was afraid of the ingredients and cooking them. No, she most definitely was not. When asked if she was afraid of anything, she answered yes, that she was afraid of clowns! What a perfect illustration of trusting yourself and, alternatively, the fear of illusion! Love and fear are opposites. Which do you choose?

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Spiritual living and blessedness are the only evidences, by which we can recognize true existence and feel the unspeakable peace which comes from an all-absorbing spiritual love.”

Science & Health Page 264:24-27

Happy Outcome to All Things

photo from Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #292

“A happy outcome to all things is sure.”

The sky is falling!! I'm often reminded of the proverbial Chicken Little and his worries about everything. Many people I know remind me of him, with their certainty that something awful is going to happen. A dear woman came to me asking for advice. She told me that she was afraid to go outside her home, and so she would drink alcohol before she went out to have the courage to leave. She had been drinking heavily when she came to talk to me. She related many concerns she had about life in general and a few things in specific. I mentioned Wayne Dyer's words about worry: If you can do something about a situation, you will; if you can't, why worry?? She was very excited by this because she has heard him on television and she really wants to think this way, too. I told her she can, that all it takes is practice and applying the ideas to daily life. Replacing practiced, circular thought with realized spiritual Truth may seem difficult, but a happy outcome is sure!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Choke these errors in their early stages, if you would not cherish an army of conspirators against health, happiness, and success.” Science & Health Page 405:9-11

What is the Real World?

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #291

“This is a day of stillness and of peace.”

What is the real world? This is the question we are exploring for the next few days in the ACIM workbook lessons. While we think we are seeing the real world, with all its pain, sorrow, fear, and horror, we are not. The unreal world, which is reported on the news and purported to be reality by those who scoff at anything unseen to human eyes, is not the reality of spiritual creation. After years of believing that this world of duality will in some way bring us peace and happiness, most of us are ready to release that perception and see with purer eyes, looking beyond the illusion toward the true substance of Life as created by divine Mind and interpreted through Love. Today I will look past the chaotic thoughts presented through outside sources and find the still, small voice of peace which is always present within mySelf. 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Certain moods of mind find an indefinable pleasure in stillness, soft, silent as the storm's sudden hush; for nature's stillness is voiced with a hum of harmony, the gentle murmur of early morn, the evening's closing vespers, and lyre of bird and brooklet." 

Christian Science versus Pantheism Page 3:8-13