Gratitude

ACIM Workbook Lesson #330

“I will not hurt myself again today.”

"Let us this day accept forgiveness as our only function." [ACIM] On this day of national gratitude, I revel in the joy of forgiveness and the happiness which is its inevitable result! Our local Course in Miracles group celebrated Thanksgiving last night and I feel full to the brim with love and peace. Part of the joyous evening consisted of a beautiful, talented musician taking our favorite quotes from The Course and, with the help of her guitar and creative Spirit, turning them into wonderful, heartfelt songs for us to sing and enjoy. What fun we had! I feel totally prepared to go forth with the utmost appreciation for every little thing which will grace my existence on this beautiful day!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

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

Science & Health Page 3:26-27

I Thought I Wandered ...

photo courtesy of Christopher Fischer

ACIM Workbook Lesson #329

“I have already chosen what You will.”

I spent years searching for love, grasping at brightly colored baubles and bangles, not realizing that I am Love and nothing can be more beautiful and complete than that. Seeing wholeness and unity where I once saw separation has brought the contentment which was so illusive. The false contentment found in marijuana and alcohol was an illusionary peace used as a hiding place for a while, but eventually I had to emerge and face what it was which kept me restless. When nothing ever seems to be enough, perhaps it's because we need it All, and that Allness can only be found in one place, a place not present in changing, temporal life. This study which teaches me the meaning of reality also fills me with a calm before unknown, and I am very grateful!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Who hath found finite life or love sufficient to meet the demands of human want and woe, — to still the desires, to satisfy the aspirations? Infinite Mind cannot be limited to a finite form, or Mind would lose its infinite character as inexhaustible Love, eternal Life, omnipotent Truth.”

Science & Health Page 257:24-29

Resolving Things Into Thoughts

photo credit: Chris Fischer

ACIM Workbook Lesson #328

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

How do we ”resolve things into thoughts”? Let's say we need a place to live. How do we think about this in order to manifest it in our existence? By understanding the substance of an idea! What are the spiritual qualities of this place to live, this house, this home? What does it represent? Some of the qualities of home could be warmth, comfort, peace, safety, beauty, love, hospitality. Home is really a spiritual idea, and these qualities already exist in our individual consciousness, so we don't have to go out and find them because they're already a permanent part of our being. We can express all the qualities included in the concept of home no matter where we are, and by this expression we are cherishing our spiritual home. This blessing is extended to others as well, so as we consistently demonstrate these and other spiritual qualities, we won't be surprised when every need is supplied.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

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

Science and Health Page 123:12-15

That is Enough!

photo credit: Richard Quick

ACIM Workbook Lesson #327

"I need but call and [Love] will answer me."

Our neighborhood is having a situation with house cats which are being neglected. Their person went into a nursing home about a year ago and they have been living by themselves since then, with someone coming to feed them once a day. Occasionally they are let outside, and when this happens they go to someone’s door and cry for attention. There has been talk of many ways to help them. It has suddenly come to me that if anyone or anything is outside our door, crying in need, we should open the door. In our society, it’s very easy to think someone else should take care of people in need or animals crying from loneliness. Although I have no hard and fast answers, I do know that Love has an answer. Today I will listen for these answers and hear where divine Mind is leading me!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

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

Science & Health Page 519:3-5

Keep Reading!

photo credit: Richard Quick

ACIM Workbook Lesson #326

“I am forever an Effect of God.”

Recently someone told me that the writings of A Course in Miracles are incomprehensible. The stock answer for this comment is, Keep Reading!  My suggestion was that they read the text with an open mind, not trying to make any intellectual evaluations, and listening for inspiration within their own self. At some point, the confusion related to hearing new ideas will pass and we will experience a new world. Today's lesson states: "Let us today behold earth disappear, at first transformed, and then, forgiven..." What a perfect time today is to let it all go and surrender to our true being as the expression of divine Love!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

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

Science & Health Page 468:9-15

Every Thought is Important

photo credit: Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #325

“All things I think I see reflect ideas.”

In this season of thanksgiving, I ponder what homeless children are thinking about. Do they have visions of sugarplums dancing in their head? Maybe! I hope so. I think most children manage to get through the early years with the help of a rich imagination. If they're lucky and haven't been indoctrinated with foolish and perhaps violent beliefs, they may even remember the divine Love which created them. One thing I'm sure of, every thought I think about them is important. Our evolution in thought is spurred on by challenges and we certainly are seeing those these days! I was recently inspired by this short Eckhart Tolle video. If you need a boost, jump into this! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWcRyJ7LAXI

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Ideas of Truth alone are reflected in the myriad manifestations of Life, and thus it is seen that man springs solely from Mind.” Science & Health Page 543:26-28

Am I Following or Leading?

photo credit:
Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #324

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

I often find myself thinking I’m following the guidance of divine Mind, but then I suddenly realize I have an agenda and I’m manipulating my thought in order to believe I’m listening! Recently, I decided I was doing some odd sort of listening by saying I didn’t feel I should attend a social gathering because one of the hosts “didn’t like me”. I had self-righteously convinced myself it would be best to not disrupt the party by making anyone uncomfortable. The sweet person who asked me to attend reminded me that whatever I was feeling was coming from me. Suddenly I realized that we tend to project our feelings onto others, and I admitted to myself that I really didn’t care to be in his company and so I was saying he didn’t want to be in mine. Well, how’s that for a kick in the behind!! Thank you, dear Friend for reminding me that I am leading in the direction I want to follow. Namastè!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The Christian Scientist wisely shapes his course, and is honest and consistent in following the leadings of divine Mind.” 
Science & Health Page 458:26-28 

Nothing to Lose in This Sacrifice!

photo credit: Chris Fischer

ACIM Workbook Lesson #323

"I gladly make the 'sacrifice' of fear"

Why is it so difficult to let go of something we don't want? No one wants to live in fear, but it seems we've convinced ourselves its necessary for survival. I know I fall into this trap. I want to think subjectively from divine Mind, but constantly fall into the objective stance of thinking about God rather than thinking as the expression of God. The fear-based life going on around us seems to be contagious. I'm tired of living from a place of worry about what-if situations. The confusion which comes from a mind full of crazy scenarios and potentially dangerous situations is not the way I choose to be. So today I am actively giving away these feelings in favor of peace and Love, knowing it becomes easier with every so-called sacrifice of fear.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Give up your material belief of mind in matter, and have but one Mind, even God; for this Mind forms its own likeness."

Science & Health Page 216:30-32

Illumined by Light

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #322

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

Have you noticed we often want to hold on to illusions, perhaps fearing that giving up long-held beliefs will diminish us? Today's lesson explains how we cannot give up anything real, so there is nothing to fear. As I look at this world we have made, many metaphors for this holding-on-letting-go action come to thought.  Most people I know are yearning for a more simple existence, in which needs are met in nurturing ways. We want real food, grown by people we know, with love. We don't want knick-knacks to fill our shelves, but instead find meaningful objects which bring grace and beauty to our lives. These changes in material trappings exemplify the changes in our thought, whereby we strive to release illusive beliefs in exchange for the new/old ideas of Spirit. Today I will recognize the difference in unnecessary illusions, which only serve to dull my sense, and the palpably glowing Ideas which nourish me.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Man is the idea of Spirit; he reflects the beatific presence, illuming the universe with light.”

Science and Health Page 266:27–29

Freedom in Love

photo credit: Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #321

“Father, my freedom is in You alone.”

What wondrous freedom we are finding through our recognition of everyone as the expression of divine Love! Recognizing our being as this Creation frees us from hurt feelings and thoughts of retaliation during times when things don't go as we had hoped and expected. I have a dear friend who has gone through what is traditionally known as a break-up with the woman he was going to marry. He sees this as a natural progression of their relationship, feeling that they had a wonderful time together, that they learned a lot about life, and it's all right if they go their separate ways. I think he feels this way because he knows that Love includes everyone, not just those whose actions we like. This knowledge brings us the freedom to be joyful and allows others the same right! I am very grateful.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“God’s being is infinity, freedom, harmony, and boundless bliss.” Science & Health 480:3-4

Powerful Thought

ACIM Workbook Lesson #320

“My Father gives all power unto me.”

Most religious doctrine and non-secular belief propounds the idea that we, as humans, are weak, sinful, and powerless. Our interpretation of the language of ACIM and Mary Baker Eddy could tend to keep us in that belief too, if we are holding onto past perceptions. But we are being asked to release everything we ever knew in order to see ourselves as the actual experience of God. It's very difficult to stop thinking of God as somewhere out there, and that's why I find it helpful to use some of the synonyms for Deity. Thinking of myself as a creation of divine Mind, a reflection of divine Love, makes it easier to grasp these concepts without separation. Would I rather see God as an old man in the sky, or as divine Love flowing in and through everything, not as a judgmental figure but as a gentle presence? I know which one brings me peace!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Mortals must look beyond fading, finite forms, if they would gain the true sense of things. Where shall the gaze rest but in the unsearchable realm of Mind? We must look where we would walk, and we must act as possessing all power from Him in whom we have our being."

Science & Health  Page 264:7-12

Unprejudiced Minds

"Mexico"
photo credit: Richard Quick

ACIM Workbook Lesson #319

“I came for the salvation of the world.”

During the five years in which our metaphysical society met weekly, I had the chance to experience a multitude of folks who wanted to save the world. Today's lesson topic, "I came for the salvation of the world", seems to be telling us to go forth and proselytize, or perhaps to save souls or something of that sort. It is not. This lesson tells us, "...what one gains is given unto all", and the salvation spoken of is not to be found at some future date, but now, always. Every iota of Truth we accept is a gift to the world. We are all the expression of divine Mind and it only takes a cleansing of ego-based thought to accept this. By our humble yielding, we begin to understand that our salvation lies in this knowledge!

Mary Baker Eddy quotes:

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

Science & Health Page 570:14-17

We're All This Together

"Early Morning Skiing in Utah"
photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #318

“In me salvation's means and end are one.”

We're all in this together, although it appears as though we all see things through different eyes. We seem to be satellites, rotating around something unseen, sometimes floating in unison, often bumping into each other and throwing our orbit out of sync — but we're all in this together. Let's leave out the word "in": We're all this together. This togetherness sometimes manifests itself as groups of people who commingle for the joy of being with each other. We may have book clubs, and study groups, and sewing circles, and various groups of people who come together in communion. This fellowship has been sought-after since the beginning of time. Personally, I have no interest in being a part of any group simply to be with others. There must be a communication which surpasses the ordinary. I want stunning honesty, inspiring exchanges, Love shared. From this demonstrated Oneness with each other as the experience of God, salvation is realized as the means, the end, the Only.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

 "Knowing the Science of creation, in which all is Mind and its ideas, Jesus rebuked the material thought of his fellow-countrymen: 'Ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?' How much more should we seek to apprehend the spiritual ideas of God, than to dwell on the objects of sense! To discern the rhythm of Spirit and to be holy, thought must be purely spiritual."

.Science & Health Page 509:28-5

Yielding to Truth

photo credit: Kailey Jones

ACIM Workbook Lesson #317

“I follow in the way appointed me.”

"Isn't it interesting ...". When I hear this phrase coming out of my mouth in a sanctimonious tone, I've found it to be an indicator that I'm getting ready to give a speech based on strong opinions and unnecessary emotions. Watching people in leadership roles, I've noticed something similar with them, too. Their words seem to be ego-based, their ideas headstrong, and their demeanor unhappy. Then I look at my friends who are following the law of Love, scattering contagious joy as they "follow in the way appointed". This comparison gives me renewed resolve to break away from the bonds of learned behavior and let myself follow Truth's calling. And if I err and jump up on my high horse to pontificate, thank goodness I get to choose again!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“All the evidence of physical sense and all the knowledge obtained from physical sense must yield to Science, to the immortal truth of all things.”

Science & Health 493:6-8

Finding One's Own

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #316

“All gifts I give my brothers are my own.”

I’m thinking of all the good that is being given and received by everyone, everywhere, and I’m thinking of all that goodness being given by and to me, right here, right now, all the time – Well, how far out is that??! After expressing this thought to someone, they said, "But what about the bad? Isn’t it given and received by everyone, and doesn’t it cancel out the good?" We could go through lots of conversations about these points, concerning the unreality of bad and the only-ness of good. But I don’t want to think in those ways any longer -- of right and wrong, good and bad -- so I won’t speak or write in those ways either. There is only One God, expressing only Itself. If we are the idea of God, there’s nothing else to consider. God is Love. We are Love and that’s a powerful principle by which to abide! “Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and right doing, there is a field. I will meet you there.” Rumi

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“… that joy which finds one’s own in another’s good”

Miscellaneous Writings 1883–1896, p. 127

All For One and One For All!

photo credit:
Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #315

“All gifts my brothers give belong to me.”

When someone compliments us on something we have done, it feels like a gift, don't you think? Sometimes we'll feel like Snoopy when he levitates from pure joy! We're beginning to understand that any time anyone gives this gift to anyone, anywhere, it buoys us, too. When we open ourselves to the radiance of Love, which flows through all existence, we are carried along effortlessly and joyfully. We no longer expect the so-called murphy's law to be in effect, bringing us challenges rather than harmony. Instead, we allow all the goodness and knowledge of the universe to be ours, expecting nothing and welcoming everything. Every good thought we send out into the universe multiplies. The good we do for one is done for all!!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The sun, giving light and heat to the earth, is a figure of divine Life and Love, enlightening and sustaining the universe.”

Science & Health Page 538:11-13

Breaking the Cycle

photo credit: Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #314

“I seek a future different from the past.”

Have you ever felt that you're a victim of life's circumstances? Someone I know repeatedly falls into similar types of dramatic victimization. He spends his waking hours worrying about what will happen in the future and blaming others for what has happened in the past. His perception of the world is one of expecting the worst in every case scenario. Our lesson today explains how we can break free of this debilitating way of thought. "From new perception of the world there comes a future very different from the past." [ACIM] Could it possibly be so simple? It hasn't been easy for me to change the way I think and to allow myself to live with no expectations, but the concept is certainly simple enough. As with any new skill we learn, it's a matter of practice. Every day is yet another chance to live this new/old thought as the experience of Love!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The human mind, imbued with this spiritual understanding, becomes more elastic, is capable of greater endurance, escapes somewhat from itself, and requires less repose. A knowledge of the Science of being develops the latent abilities and possibilities of man. It extends the atmosphere of thought, giving mortals access to broader and higher realms. It raises the thinker into his native air of insight and perspicacity.”

Science & Health Page 128:11-19

It's All About How You See It!

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #313

“Now let a new perception come to me.”

Our thought for today is very exciting! "Now let a new perception come to me." It's my understanding that everyone sees a rainbow differently, according to where they are when they view it. Isn't that a perfect metaphor for everything from politics to the clothes we put on our bodies? Where I am, in thought, is how I will perceive something. Things which I may think of as being for the good of everyone, someone else may see as the downfall of society. It's just a matter of how you look at it. A line from a movie comes to mind in which an octogenarian tells us that life is like a ride on a roller coaster. She says that some people think the ride is frightening and stressful; others see it as fun and exciting. I love this reminder, and there are so many times in our experience where we could go either way with our perception of a situation. How exciting to test my understanding as I go through this day!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The human mind will sometime rise above all material and physical sense, exchanging it for spiritual perception, and exchanging human concepts for the divine consciousness. Then man will recognize his God-given dominion and being."

Science & Health Page 531:10-14

An Idea of Divine Mind

"Bryce Canyon"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #312

“I see all things as I would have them be.”

If I told someone I want to give up the thoughts I think and think the thoughts of divine Mind, they might assume I am involved in a cultish-type of group. But I think of it as just the opposite! If I am making decisions based on past events and learned behaviors, then I have no freedom of thought. I am living by material restrictions and repeating thoughts dictated by human opinion, my own included. My desire to live as an idea of divine Mind opens me to an expansion of thought and action which has no limit. What an exciting world this is, when we go beyond set boundaries dictated by past education and see our way to a deeper education, facilitated by divine Love!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"The supposed existence of more than one mind was the basic error of idolatry. This error assumed the loss of spiritual power, the loss of the spiritual presence of Life as infinite Truth without an unlikeness, and the loss of Love as ever present and universal."

Science & Health Page 479:5-10

Judgment Separates

"Eureka Springs"
unknown photographer

ACIM Workbook Lesson #311

“I judge all things as I would have them be.”

As I read today's lesson -- which begins the first of ten lessons asking us, "What is the Last Judgment?" -- I think of ancient Toltec wisdom as shown to us by Miguel Ruiz in the Four Agreements. Two of these agreements lead us easily to non-judgment: "Don't make assumptions" and "Don't take anything personally". These suggestions always come to mind when I'm tempted to take offense by someone's statements or to apportion blame in any way. If I don't take anything personally, then I need make no assumptions as to others' motives. If I make no assumption about why someone says or does something, then I won't be thinking they are attacking me or anyone else. With the realization that there is no judgment in divine Love, no condemnation in the one Mind, no censure from Spirit, we are able to stop doing those things to ourselves and those we perceive as others. Our thoughts of separation are free to cease as we embrace Unity!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The earth’s diurnal rotation is invisible to the physical eye, and the sun seems to move from east to west, instead of the earth from west to east. Until rebuked by clearer views of the everlasting facts, this false testimony of the eye deluded the judgment and induced false conclusions.” Science & Health Page 121:17-22