United in Mind

"Thailand"
photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #336

"Forgiveness lets me know that minds are joined."

[Today’s lesson is so beautifully perfect that I am simply going to post it here!]

“Forgiveness is the means appointed for perception's ending. Knowledge is restored after perception first is changed, and then gives way entirely to what remains forever past its highest reach. For sights and sounds, at best, can serve but to recall the memory that lies beyond them all. Forgiveness sweeps away distortions, and opens the hidden altar to the truth. Its lilies shine into the mind, and call it to return and look within, to find what it has vainly sought without. For here, and only here, is peace of mind restored, for this the dwelling place of God Himself.

In quiet may forgiveness wipe away my dreams of separation and of sin. Then let me, Father, look within, and find Your promise of my sinlessness is kept; Your Word remains unchanged within my mind, Your Love is still abiding in my heart.” [ACIM workbook lesson #336]

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"The nearer a false belief approaches truth without passing the boundary where, having been destroyed by divine Love, it ceases to be even an illusion, the riper it becomes for destruction. The more material the belief, the more obvious its error, until divine Spirit, supreme in its domain, dominates all matter, and man is found in the likeness of Spirit, his original being."

Science & Health Page 97:14-20

Choose Forgiveness - December 1, 2015

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #335

"I choose to see my brother's sinlessness."

Forgiveness is a choice. I remember years ago, during a metaphysical society meeting, someone saying, "Evil is a choice". She said this in relation to years of sexual abuse and psychological torture, perpetrated by the two people she should have trusted most as a child. She recognized that evil was a choice when she was presented with what seemed to be an overwhelming suggestion to do something similar to her infant child. In that moment, she realized she could choose, and she did. Now she chooses forgiveness in all aspects of her life. She has chosen to see her parents in the holy light of Love. She has chosen to live her life in peace, with a willingness to turn from past remembrances and see things in the reality of God's Love. She has chosen forgiveness for herself and everyone, knowing that we are One.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Let Truth uncover and destroy error in God’s own way, and let human justice pattern the divine.”

 Science & Health Page 542:17-21

The Gift of Forgiveness

Image Created by
Judith Ann Griffith

ACIM Workbook  Lesson #334

"Today I claim the gifts forgiveness gives."

An event which remains unforgiven within myself is brought to mind every time I see a turtle crossing the road. When I was quite young, I was sent to get the mail from the box which was located across the highway from our house. As I was going to the mailbox, I met a turtle coming toward me as he crossed the road. I thought I'd get the mail and then pick him up and take him across on my way back. Before I completed my task and turned back, a car came by and hit the turtle. The regret in not picking it up immediately, the guilt for "failing" to safely carry it across the road, these feelings recur every time I see a turtle. In recounting this event, I realize there is no need to examine our lives and be sorry and beg forgiveness. To accept the gift of forgiveness, we need only clear our minds of blame and accept Love with an open heart!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“…the spiritual recompense of the persecuted is assured in the elevation of existence above mortal discord and in the gift of divine Love.”

Science & Health Page 97:1-3

A Return in Thought to Love

"Mexico"
photo by Richard Quick

ACIM Workbook  Lesson #333

“Forgiveness ends the dream of conflict here.”

My youngest son and I have fallen into the habit of fixing a nice meal and watching Master Chef Junior. Recently when we sat down to do this, the Hulu website seemed to be malfunctioning to the point of causing me to call customer service. In the past, I have dreaded phone calls to techies, which can be fraught with conflict, whether from my ignorance or their arrogance. I vowed to return to Love in my thought before picking up the phone and contacting them. I was quickly connected with someone, who passed me on to someone else, who sent me to his supervisor, who told me I needed to talk to the first person I spoke with. The good side of this was that it happened quickly, with much laughter and good will on all our parts, and the illusion of a problem being fixed within a few minutes. I am grateful for the tools which allow me to be absolutely certain that all is well, without expectation of what comes next!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The suppositional warfare between truth and error is only the mental conflict between the evidence of the spiritual senses and the testimony of the material senses, and this warfare between the Spirit and flesh will settle all questions through faith in and the understanding of divine Love.”

Science & Health Page 288:3-7

Fear Binds, Forgiveness Frees

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #332

“Fear binds the world. Forgiveness sets it free.”

How many things are you bound to by fear?I know many of my actions have been dictated by fear. Perhaps fear of being alone binds you to relationships which have served their purpose and need to be changed. This could be thought of as a "failure" -- which brings up another fear, huh? What if we don't think of the ending of a marriage or friendship as a failure, but as a natural progression to be embraced? The same may be said of a career or hobby. These cessations may simply be steps on a journey to somewhere you never dreamed you would go. If you've planned your life in every detail, it may seem like giving up to move on to something else. That's why I love this way of thought I’m learning! There are no rules, other than listening for divine Mind to guide and lead me to wherever I need to be. This guidance doesn't always mean leaving something -- it could be staying with a job or relationship, regardless of what logic dictates. Listening and following is always an adventure!!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Until the majesty of Truth should be demonstrated in divine Science, the spiritual idea was arraigned before the tribunal of so-called mortal mind, which was unloosed in order that the false claim of mind in matter might uncover its own crime of defying immortal Mind." 

Science & Health Page 564:19-23

Sleeping or Awakening?

photo credit: Christopher Fischer

ACIM Workbook Lesson #331

“There is no conflict, for my will is Yours.”

"Conflict is sleep, and peace awakening.” I love this line from today's ACIM lesson. And so we begin a series of ten teachings geared to help us understand what the ego (which is spoken of so often in these writings) actually is. If the thoughts we are having cause us conflict, they are of the ego -- or mortal mind, as Mary Baker Eddy refers to it. If there is harmony and peace, then our thoughts are God's ideas. Actually, there is nothing other than divine Idea; everything else is illusion, which is why erroneous thought is considered unreal. The only reality is God, which means either God is All or God is not. Hearing statements like this is when that little ego kicks in and makes a fuss. How can that be, it says? What about me?? Don't be afraid to tell it to be still. It is, after all, unreal. The silence that replaces the clamor holds the harmony of Being.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Will, as a quality of so-called mortal mind, is a wrong-doer; hence it should not be confounded with the term as applied to Mind or to one of God’s qualities.” Science & Health Page 497:24-26

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