Releasing Illusion, Embracing Peace

photo credit:
Heather Peters

ACIM Workbook Lesson #6

“I am upset because I see something that is not there.”

While we may not be able to apply these ideas to every faction of our daily life, we are beginning to understand how such a thing could be possible. For example, if we wake up in the morning and are upset about something which was happening in our sleeping dream, it only takes a moment to shake off the feeling of fear or anxiety as we affirm the illusory nature of it. In our waking dreams, we often experience upset in many forms because we have accepted the illusion of separation from divine Love and each other. Perhaps we’re feeling sad or depressed; maybe we’re unhappy or have a bit of ennui following us around. Whatever form it takes, it matters not if the upset is small or large, it is all a mistaken interpretation of the reality of our being. Often it is distressing to think we have a choice in these feelings, as we don’t want to think this is our own fault. I will strive to not apportion blame to others or to myself, but rather to release upsetting emotions the way I would a bad dream. I'm willing to admit I don't know why or how these feelings come to me, but I am willing to open my mind to All that Is, moving into a new world created by Love.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Mortal mind is constantly producing on mortal body the results of false opinions; and it will continue to do so, until mortal error is deprived of its imaginary powers by Truth, which sweeps away the gossamer web of mortal illusion.” Science & Health Page 403:16-20

Where Do We Go Now?

"Mongolia"
photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #5

“I am never upset for the reason I think.”

We think in terms of something upsetting us, and then we usually build up reasons why we are justified in this reaction. Today we are asked to forget about any reason for feeling hurt, or anger, or irritation. One of my favorite movies is called "Where Do We Go Now?”, which is set in a small village in Lebanon. It starts out with a group of women, Christian and Muslim, making their weekly visit to the side-by-side cemeteries where their husbands and sons are buried. This movie is a combination of musical comedy and tragedy. I won't give away the ending as you may want to enjoy this fine film, but I will say that these women find a unique way of stopping their men from fighting over religious beliefs. When I think back on their disagreements (about what I deem to be nothing), I wonder if they are truly upset over what they think they're upset about! It seems that sometimes we're distraught because things are changing, new ideas are causing us to see everything in a different light, and we're afraid of the necessary shifts which are staring us in the face. I pray to not fear change, nor to wonder what others think of me for leaving behind anything which binds me to anger in any form. The harmony we long for is waiting for us!

Mary Baker Eddy quote: "Harmony in man is as beautiful as in music, and discord is unnatural, unreal."

Science & Health Page 304:20-21

Divine Mind or my mind

"Mongolia"
photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #4

“These thoughts do not mean anything. They are like the things I see in this room [on this street, from this window, in this place].” 

Our focus for today is to notice that my thoughts do not mean anything, other than the value which I give to them.This is a fun exercise! Sometimes I think I can trick myself into not placing meaning on things. For instance, it seems like I wouldn't put meaning on something I've never seen before, but I've found I do! I saw a photo of an animal I didn't recognize. My first thought was of how cute it looked, then I decided it was a squirrel -- nope, too small; it must be a chipmunk -- and on and on my thoughts went about it. It will be interesting to practice placing no meaning, neither "good" nor "bad" on anything. To "let go and let God" requires a willingness to see everything around us just as it is, with no long-held beliefs being expressed toward anything, and to have a willingness to listen inwardly for Truth. I look forward to the time of a universal epiphany of understanding that thought is, in its truest form, Spirit. The time of seeing reality as spiritual, not material, is visible to all who awaken to its knowledge. What an exciting thought!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Thought will finally be understood and seen in all form, substance, and color, but without material accompaniments. The potter is not in the clay; else the clay would have power over the potter. God is His own infinite Mind, and expresses all." Science & Health  Page 310:6-10 

I Understand Nothing

"Snow"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #3

“I do not understand anything I see in this room

[on this street, from this window, in this place].”

It's difficult for most of us to admit that we don't understand anything, don't you think? We are taught from childhood that it's good to know things, to understand everything, and to be able to figure out what we don't know or understand. Today's lesson, which asks us to admit we don't know anything, might be thought of as a dumbing-down process, but this is not the case.  We're simply learning to look within for an innate knowledge which resides there. The workout we're engaged in is designed to develop spiritual sense. It's difficult, if not impossible, to recognize Spirit if we think we know and understand everything through our material senses. While the knowledge we've amassed can serve us well in this world, let's not allow it to preclude a deeper knowing which is only audible when the material senses are stilled.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"God's ideas reflect the immortal, unerring, and infinite. The mortal, erring, and finite are human beliefs, which apportion to themselves a task impossible for them, that of distinguishing between the false and the true. Understanding is a quality of God ..." 

Science & Health Page 505:26-2 & 506:5

What Does It Mean?

ACIM Workbook Lesson #2 

photo credit: Aaron Springston

“I have given everything I see in this room [on this street, from this window, in this place] all the meaning that it has for me.”

While walking in a cemetery, I was struck by how different people would look at the grave markers and their possible meaning. There is a plot which has a mother and father and six children, all of whom died before reaching adolescence, all on different dates. In another part of the maze, there is a grave totally covered with crystals of varying sizes. The only thing the marker says is their surname. As I pondered the stories behind these stones and markers, I realized how very true it is that the meaning of anything is exactly what we give to it. Perhaps that's why we like to be in groups, such as churches or families, so there will be others who know where we're "coming from". And maybe that's why we're afraid to step outside of long-held beliefs. To me, the realization that we can give up belief and all walk together in Truth is far more unifying than wandering through changeable illusions. What heady heights await us!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"The only fact concerning any material concept is, that it is neither scientific nor eternal, but subject to change and dissolution."

Science & Health Page 297:16-19

Listening For Meaning

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #1

“Nothing I see in this room [on this street,

from this window, in this place] means anything.”

It's a new year! I love the prospect of receiving new inspiration each day when reading these daily workbook lessons. The wondrous thing about this spiritual study is that there is no end. No matter how much you understand, no matter how much you feel you're grown in experience, there is always more! For instance, today's topic says that nothing means anything. Reading this for the first time, someone might think that we are being told not to love, not to care, not to help others. On the contrary! We are being asked to give up all the beliefs and interpretations we have put on everything, clearing the way to hear the ever-present truth of divine Mind. Following these intuitions, we can experience thought-expanding ideas which will lead us to exactly where we need to be and what we need to be doing. What an exciting time to be alive!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"The enslavement of man is not legitimate. It will cease when man enters into his heritage of freedom, his God-given dominion over the material senses."

Science & Health Page 228:11-13

Heaping Helpings of Love

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #365

"This holy instant would I give to You. Be You in charge. For I would follow You,  Certain that Your direction gives me peace."

The last day of the year! When people make decisions on how they will change their lives, it’s always an exciting time, full of hope and expectations. We love to dream of how we will become “better”, and often are disappointed in ourselves when this doesn’t happen the way we have dictated. I think one of the problems with these resolutions is that we want to take away things from ourselves, but have nothing to fill the space left behind. So I’ve decided not to attempt to delete anything from my existence, but to add heaping helpings of Truth instead! There are four books I resolve to when tempted to have popcorn at midnight or something like that! Your Divinity Revealed by Helen Wright; Christian Science Re-Explored written by Margaret Laird; and the textbook of A Course in Miracles and the writings of Mary Baker Eddy. May we all have a joyous and happy New Year —and remember to be gentle with yourself. You deserve it! 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The image of Spirit cannot be effaced, since it is the idea of Truth and changes not, but becomes more beautifully apparent at error’s demise.” Science & Health Page 542:5-7             

The Smile of Spirit

"Mongolia"
photo by Aaron Springston

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #364

"This holy instant would I give to You. Be You in charge. For I would follow You, Certain that Your direction gives me peace."

Events happen in our lives which we are hard-pressed to understand. Some people are able to say that it is the will of God and they will accept that, no matter how painful or difficult. I, personally, along with many others, do not accept this as a viable way to live. Turning my life over to the guidance of divine Mind does not mean that I also blame this Principle for all the pain I and others see and feel. The loss of a beloved child, particularly when it is unexpected, would be the worst thing I can imagine occurring in my life. I have, in the past, examined what my reactions would be and questioned some of them, embracing others as a healing step in the journey of living. Everyone has faced pain, and some of that pain probably has seemed to be insurmountable. There are hundreds of books and recordings addressing this issue, so we shan’t attempt to do that in these writings. The tools we are acquiring in this study are as individual and as universal as our lives are. And I am grateful.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Man is the expression of Soul. The Indians caught some glimpses of the underlying reality, when they called a certain beautiful lake “the smile of the Great Spirit.” Separated from man, who expresses Soul, Spirit would be a nonentity; man, divorced from Spirit, would lose his entity. But there is, there can be, no such division, for man is coexistent with God.” Science & Health Page 477:26-3

A Precious Period

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #363

"This holy instant would I give to You. Be You in charge. For I would follow You, Certain that Your direction gives me peace."

I received an email from a friend today who said that this time of year “continues being a precious period to fulfill and be fulfilled”. I love that! It seems to me that this is what every day should bring to us, fulfillment in a reciprocal flow of Love and kindness. The smallest acts of generosity often bring someone a glow of happiness. Looking beyond time-honored ritual and belief can bring a sense of unity and joy to our own hearts. Living in the moment fulfills an appreciation within, which is so easily overlooked in the busy-ness of planning the future. I will embrace this holy instant without looking forward to the next, but simply basking in the beauty and love right now!

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. The purification of sense and self is a proof of progress.”

Science & Health Page 323:30-4

My Peace

image from Peace Flash

ACIM Workbook Lesson #362

"This holy instant would I give to You. Be You in charge. For I would follow You, Certain that Your direction gives me peace."

I often remind myself that if I have a choice of being right or being kind, I’d rather be kind. Now another reminder is to choose peace over specialness. I’m sure I’ve gladly proclaimed to others about my pain, my divorce, my cold, my sciatica, my low bank account — you get the picture! It’s much nicer to look past MY specialness and look for guidance to the divine Mind which is everywhere, allowing feelings to flow with the divine Love which is eternal, and to live with the excitement of Spirit lifting daily activity to the miraculous adventure it can be when I stop dictating reality. Gratitude and appreciation is a peaceful, easy feeling. I choose the harmony of unity, releasing separation and relaxing into infinity!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Let us rid ourselves of the belief that man is separated from God, and obey only the divine Principle, Life and Love. Here is the great point of departure for all true spiritual growth."

Science & Health Page 91:5-8

The Supremacy of Peace

ACIM Workbook Lesson #361

"This holy instant would I give to You. Be You in charge. For I would follow You, Certain that Your direction gives me peace."

The final five workbook lessons in A Course in Miracles emphasize that we are at a point where we use as few words as possible. Having just watched a documentary entitled "Thrive", I'm tempted to use lots of words and talk of things we can do to facilitate change, such as shopping locally with small businesses, supporting organic farmers, and other ways of living in a state of awareness. But instead, I'll focus on something this film stressed as what we can do in order to heal our world: be quiet. We are urged to find our core of strength through silence, which connects us to everyone. This fits right in with the admonition to use as few words as possible. If you have a chance, watch this film. It could be thought of as frightening, but I see it as a reminder that every thought and action counts. Let's join together in silence and see where it leads us!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"It is only by acknowledging the supremacy of Spirit, which annuls the claims of matter, that mortals can lay off mortality and find the indissoluble spiritual link which establishes man forever in the divine likeness, inseparable from his creator."

Science & Health Page 491:12-16

Spreading Peace

photo credit: Richard Quick

ACIM Workbook Lesson #360

"Peace be to me, the holy Son of God. Peace to my brother, who is one with me. Let all the world be blessed with peace through us."

Let it go. Just breathe. We hear these instructions when learning how to break the hold of distress and open ourselves to peace. It took me years to realize that someone or something wasn't "making" me upset, it was my perception and interpretation and reaction to things that caused these feelings. Even with this realization, it's sometimes difficult to not get caught up in the craziness of the world. When I find myself becoming agitated about anything, I will remind myself to "let all the world be blessed with peace through us." After all, I can't change anything but my own self, and how wonderful that it’s the most important thing to do!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Let us learn of the real and eternal, and prepare for the reign of Spirit, the kingdom of heaven,—the reign and rule of universal harmony, which cannot be lost nor remain forever unseen."

Science & Health Page 208:20-24

Eloquent Silence

photo credit: Arthur Lau Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #359 "God's answer is some form of peace. All pain is healed; all misery replaced with joy. All prison doors are opened. And all sin is understood as merely a mistake." 

Amid all the hustle and bustle of these holy days, many of us are being called to spend time in solitude. I’ve always looked forward to the quiet of Christmas Day. I wish everyone happiness this day and every day, wherever you are, whatever you’re doing! 

Mary Baker Eddy quote: “I love to observe Christmas in quietude, humility, benevolence, charity, letting good will towards man, eloquent silence, prayer, and praise express my conception of Truth’s appearing." Miscellany Page 262:18-30

Reflections of Truth

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #358 "No call to God can be unheard nor left unanswered. And of this I can be sure; His answer is the one I really want." 

We have been created by Love, as Love, and our purpose is to extend Love. This truth of our existence is more than enough to bring peace and contentment to our lives, but things happen which we take as truth and then we get all upset because we’re not following some ritual or belief that others think is important. A friend called today, very upset because she was being chastised by her children for not buying gifts for her grandchildren. She has decided to spend time with them and has done a lot of planning concerning the stories and activities she will share with them. I applaud her! I reminded her that she is following her heart in this decision and I told her something my good friend, Jim Young, used to say: It’s none of my business what anyone else thinks of me!  As we enjoy these coming holy days, may we all be so brave as to live from our inner knowing of what we should be doing, following that leading, while scattering joy!!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Truth and Love enlighten the understanding, in whose “light shall we see light;” and this illumination is reflected spiritually by all who walk in the light and turn away from a false material sense.”

Science & Health Page 510:9-12

Harmony of Truth

photo credit: Heather Peters

ACIM Workbook Lesson #357

"Truth answers every call we make to God, Responding first with miracles, and then Returning unto us to be itself."

Most people I know are enjoying the beauty of the holidays, many even peacefully! But I've spoken with a few people today who are disenchanted with the commercialism and materiality associated with these times, and they're all too happy to tell others just how upset we should be, too! Although I don't want to be upset and, actually, refuse to be, I do want to spread peace and joy to those who can't or won't feel this harmony. I really wish I could spoon feed them and make them be as happy as can be! Unfortunately, there's no magic potion to cause this to happen. But there is a divine Principle which allows Truth to be heard and felt within ourselves, and shared through the miracle of forgiveness. The story of the Christmas miracle is the story of the daily miracle, the Truth, living within each of us, waiting for expression in the reality of Life!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Truth is affirmative, and confers harmony. All metaphysical logic is inspired by this simple rule of Truth, which governs all reality." 

Science & Health Page 418:20-22

The Sunlight of Truth

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #356 "Sickness is but another name for sin. Healing is but another name for God. The miracle is thus a call to Him."

When we read the above words, "Sickness is but another name for sin", the immediate response could be to think it's telling us that we're sinners and are being punished for it by sickness. We are learning that sin is defined as anything which separates us from the Love that is God.  Most of us have been taught that sickness, evil, and many other negative aspects of this existence are powers over which we have little to no control. Divine Principle, law, negates these material mesmeric thoughts. As we wake up to this truth, multitudes of things we thought to be our master turn out to be nothing more than smoke and mirrors. As we lift the veil and reveal reality, the quotations we read here today begin to be more than words. They are principles by which to live. I relish every step of this awakening!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Christian Science brings to the body the sunlight of Truth, which invigorates and purifies. The effect of this Science is to stir the human mind to a change of base, on which it may yield to the harmony of the divine Mind." 

Science & Health Page 162:4-5, 9-11

Peaceful & Joyful

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #355 "There is no end to all the peace and joy, And all the miracles that I will give, When I accept God's Word. Why not today?"

At this time last year, I was in the hospital. The first few days, I requested that no visitors be admitted and I was at peace with the decision, happy to be listening to Mind rather than talking mindlessly. Numerous times a day, nurses and/or doctors would ask if there was anyone they could call for me, or if I’d like to visit with a counselor or pastor or someone. I assured them I was fine. I was fine because I realized that I was one with Love, without fear or worry, accepting the perfect peace that resides within. I think of those days occasionally when people tell me they are lonely and wish they had someone with which to share their lives. I feel I’m sharing everything with everyone, right now, right here, in the middle of the night without another human voice within range of my ears. I feel that way because the unity of Spirit is a never-ending giving and receiving. Accepting this fact, I feel complete, and there is no end to the peace and joy!

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 423:8-12

Certainty of Purpose

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #354

"We stand together, Christ and I, in peace And certainty of purpose. And in Him Is His Creator, as He is in me."

As the year draws to a close, our busy-ness tends to increase until we are, perhaps, in a tizzy all the time, much like the dreidel which is a staple of many celebrations. I witnessed a friend in such a dither today. As I watched her, I realized she was taking personal responsibility for everything around her. She felt put-upon and over-loaded with duties and chores. She breathlessly rushed about feeling that no one but her would know what to do about any number of things. I closed my eyes and breathed slowly and deeply, hoping it could spread to her, but she wasn’t receptive. She was no more able to accept the peace that was hers as the expression of Spirit than she was able to trust that everything would be done with or without her — or not! It easy to slip into the thought that we’re the only one who knows how to do certain things and everything will fall apart without us. I have found, time and again, that to stand with divine Love “in peace and certainty of purpose” allows great things to transpire!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Spirit, God, gathers unformed thoughts into their proper channels, and unfolds these thoughts, even as He opens the petals of a holy purpose in order that the purpose may appear.”

Science & Health Page 506:18-21

The Christ Idea

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #353

"My eyes, my tongue, my hands, my feet today Have but one purpose; to be given Christ To use to bless the world with miracles."

The use of the word "Christ" need not put off anyone who is not a follower of Jesus. Both Mary Baker Eddy and A Course in Miracles define The Christ in many ways. One of my favorites is this from Science & Health: "Christ is the true idea voicing good, the divine message from God to men speaking to the human consciousness." Every day is full of opportunities to bring Christ to a situation by listening to spiritual sense. When thinking about today's topic, I couldn't help but think about a media-perpetrated debate about the color of Santa Claus' skin. If we bring Christ to this or any other situation, there is no need to take sides, as there are none. Skin color, gender, sexual orientation -- the multitude of dualities we choose to subscribe to, all meant to blind us to our unity -- none of them mean anything when brought to Christ, or spiritual sense. Let's hold to spiritual Truth when faced with erroneous mortal thought. It certainly makes life much simpler!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"The illumination of Mary's spiritual sense put to silence material law and its order of generation, and brought forth her child by the revelation of Truth, demonstrating God as the Father of men.” Science & Health Page 29:27-29

Choosing Love

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #352

"Judgment and love are opposites. From one Come all the sorrows of the world. But from The other comes the peace of God Himself."

If I’m not peaceful, I must be choosing separation and exhibiting judgment. I’ve found this to be a good gauge in all areas of life. By noticing whether I feel agitated, perhaps nervous or angry, or if I’m calm and joyful, gives me the clues to recognizing if my thought is being ruled by emotions and beliefs or if I’m allowing a higher thought to be channeled through me. During the five years I spent attending a metaphysical gathering in our town, I had plenty of practice in recognizing these differences. You know how we often refer to people “pushing our buttons”, meaning that we get angry about most everything they say! During these meetings, there were numerous people I felt caused these reactions in me. Through years of examining my thoughts and reactions, I’m beginning to understand the source of peace, and it’s the same place I find its opposite: within.  Changing my thought from judgment to Love becomes a reward in and of itself, as I find the pure peace which has aways seemed so fleeting. 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Teach them that their being is sustained by Spirit, not by matter, and that they find health, peace, and harmony in God, divine Love.” Science & Health Page 416:32-2