Peace Abides

photo credit: Chris Fischer

ACIM Workbook Lesson #93

“Light and joy and peace abide in me.”

So-called hate groups have increased by 14% in this country over the past year. A man named Tony McAleer describes himself as being beaten and bullied as a child; bitter and isolated as a teenager. He became involved in one of these groups while seeking a connection with others. To quote him: "When you're starving and somebody keeps feeding you what you think are your favorite foods, even though it's junk food, there's going to be a while where you're not going to get up from the table." He continued to practice violence and anger until after the birth of his daughter. He said that was the first time in his life he had felt connected to another human being, and he started to want to change. He has now organized  a group called "Life After Hate" and is helping others to build relationships with people. He says if we are to counter these groups, we must get to a place where empathy outweighs fear. That is what we are realizing through these studies, too. "Light and joy and peace abide in me" -- and in everyone!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Light is a symbol of Mind, of Life, Truth, and Love, and not a vitalizing property of matter. Science reveals only one Mind, and this one shining by its own light and governing the universe, including man, in perfect harmony.."

Science & Health Page 510:27-1

The Dawn of Sight

photo credit: Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #92

“Miracles are seen in light, and light and strength are one.”

I saw a clip from a morning show in which they were asking people questions about spirituality and religion. Most people they asked thought of themselves as spiritual but not religious, and the few self-proclaimed religious people were mainly looking for a sense of community and fellowship. A sense of inclusiveness was often mentioned in the answers. People are looking for a spiritual group which will accept them as they are, without trying to change them. Many spoke of doubt and said they needed groups of like-minded people to help them in times of loss and fear. It seems so simple for everyone to live together in Love, being kind, helping each other. Apparently it is not. Long-held beliefs cloud our vision and we fearfully try to pull others into our illusion. Today I will see the light of miracles everywhere I look, refusing to be pulled into darkness, even in jest.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“As a material, theoretical life-basis is found to be a misapprehension of existence, the spiritual and divine Principle of man dawns upon human thought and leads it to 'where the young child was,' --even to the birth of a new-old idea, to the spiritual sense of being and of what Life includes. Thus the whole earth will be transformed by Truth on its pinions of light, chasing away the darkness of error."

Science & Health Page 191:7-15

Live In Light!

Photo by Richard Quick

ACIM Workbook Lesson #91

“Miracles are seen in light.”

Material vision is dimmed by any number of events and circumstances which may cause us to believe that darkness is as real as light. I love the first paragraph of today's workbook lesson and quote it here: "The miracle is always there. Its presence is not caused by your vision; its absence is not the result of your failure to see. It is only your awareness of miracles that is affected. You will see them in the light; you will not see them in the dark." I'm sure you can think of a circumstance which you see as wonderful and someone else does not. We all know people who find fault with everything no matter what. Then there are those of us who are accused of having a Pollyanna attitude because we insist on seeing the good in situations. Albert Einstein described this well: "There are only two ways to live your life: One is as though nothing is a miracle, the other is as if everything is a miracle." Come on, fellow Pollyannas -- Let's go forth and scatter Light!

Mary Baker Eddy quote: "Divine Science rolls back the clouds of error with the light of Truth, and lifts the curtain on man as never born and as never dying, but as coexistent with his creator."

Science & Health Page 596:11-19

Problems Solved!

Part of Our Book Club

ACIM Workbook Lesson #90

Review: “Let me recognize the problem so it can be solved.” and “Let me recognize my problems have been solved.”

I’ve mentioned my book club a number of times in past writings. We are a group of women who have met for over twelve years with a book as the center of our monthly discussion, but really that’s just a reason to get together and enjoy each others’ company. We have some who think logically from the standpoint of science, and some who live intuitively from the heart. We have teachers, a yoga instructor, a veterinarian, businesswomen, cattle and turkey farmers, a librarian — actually, a single definition isn’t enough for any one of these women. They are multi-talented and diverse. We have incredible discussions and enjoy one another more than I can say. While I feel that this group of women could solve all the problems of the world — and actually feel like we do that every time we get together! — I believe this feeling comes because despite our various opinions, we all live from Love. Everything we do is guided by something larger than what our human reason can encompass. And so as I bask in the glow of being with them, I will remember that the only problems comes from a belief in separation, and I thank these women for helping me to feel whole. Namastè ~~~

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Human reason and religion come slowly to the recognition of spiritual facts, and so continue to call upon matter to remove the error which the human mind alone has created.”

Science & Health Page 173:25-28

Held in Place by Thought

ACIM Workbook Lesson #89

Review: “I am entitled to miracles.” and “Let miracles replace all grievances.”

"The Dog Whisperer", (whom I mention often in these writings) Cesar Millan, tells us he rehabilitates dogs and trains people. He observes that dogs live in the moment. When he is helping people to understand a dog which seems maimed by past experiences in its life, he always tells us that feeling sorry for the animal is of no benefit. How can this be? The dog is hurting and we're being asked to deny that? Yes!! This is why we are learning that it's necessary to give up all beliefs -- not just those we deem to be "bad", but all material beliefs. By letting them go and replacing them with an openness of thought which allows us to hear the Truth of our Being, we experience the miracle which is the natural order of Life. It may not seem logical to say that we can simply release feelings of fear and anger. They can appear very real to us, but if we stop and examine them, do they have any purpose other than to bind us to the past? One dog Cesar worked with had slid into a glass door. The dog was now afraid to walk on any floor without a carpet. Upon investigation of its people's reactions, they had immediately reinforced the dog's fears by petting, and commiserating, and talking about what a horrible experience it had been. They held the dog in fear by acts they thought of as compassion. What Cesar explains is that dogs live in the moment, unless they're held in the past by everyone around them. I’m so grateful for every experience which helps me to discern between belief and reality -- especially when it's shown to me by a dog!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“When an accident happens, you think or exclaim, 'I am hurt!' Your thought is more powerful than your words, more powerful than the accident itself, to make the injury real."

Science & Health Page 397:12-16

Put the Big Rocks in First

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #88:

Review -- "The light has come." and "I am under no laws but God's"

Many of you have probably heard the story of the teacher who fills a pail with rocks and asks his student if it is full. Yes, says the student. Then the teacher pours gravel into it until it can hold no more. Is it full? Yes. Then he does the same with sand, then water. The moral of the story? Put the big rocks in first! I remembered this tale today when a series of events began to unfold which left me a bit flustered. I won’t go into detail, but I am getting ready for my book club to meet here in two days, and I had planned a leisurely two days of cooking and cleaning and arranging. After returning home from a fun day of bridge, there were phone messages which brought unexpected news, the most surprising was that I needed to take part in a memorial service and it would involve some rehearsal in preparation for the actual service on Wednesday. I had a few moments of panic until I reminded myself to sit down and breathe and remember that the reason I don’t make plans is because I don’t know what the future may hold. And as I tell you all often, we must simply face whatever is happening and do what we need to do! I welcome the guidance of divine Mind and the laws of Love which shall guide me through the activities of the next two day — and I’ll remember to put the big rocks in first!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“To suppose that God constitutes laws of inharmony is a mistake; discords have no support from nature or divine law, however much is said to the contrary.” Science & Health Page 183:4-7

Led By Love

"After the Metafizzie Meeting - 2007"

ACIM Workbook Lesson #87

Review: “I will there be light.” and “There is no will but God’s.”

I recently came into possession of the recordings from metaphysical meetings we had 8 or 9 years ago. Today I listened to a discussion which included people telling how they  came to live in Eureka Springs. In this joyous conversation everyone had a different story, but they had a common denominator: they had not consciously made the decision, but had been led, in various ways, to be here. There was something at work which had nothing to do with human will. People talked about divine guidance, serendipity, blind luck — it all involved a will which had nothing to do with logic or human understanding. The events which led to us being in the same room talking about metaphysics, God, Life, Love — all the while laughing and expressing joy openly — was also something which came about seemingly by chance. Life is so wonderful when we don’t have to know what’s going to happen next!

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 597:24-26

Resurrection of Thought

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #86

Review: "Only God's plan for salvation will work." and "Holding grievances is an attack on God's plan for salvation."

What does the Easter story mean to you? I see it as a tale which illustrates the death of false beliefs and the resurrection of thought to the Truth of being. Jesus was here to teach us that we are all the children of God, that we are all capable of far more than we realize, and that we are all immortal. And he did teach these things, but people have diluted the message throughout the years. You would think such a lesson of power and freedom would grow in thought rather than dissipate, but it has not. At this point in time, we seem satisfied living a mortal life of fear and guilt. Perhaps it's easier than accepting the majesty of our Being. Truth is that we are not mortal sinners, but rather immortal reflections of divine Love. We crucify ourselves on the cross of belief and stay there because we don't know how to get down. Jesus told us to know the Truth and be freed. This Truth is that the kingdom of heaven is within! Today I want to celebrate a rebirth which is happening continually when I open myself to the Christ Idea within. And if you want to call it by another name, that’s just fine, too!!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Salvation: Life, Truth, and Love understood and demonstrated as supreme over all."

Science & Health Page 593:20-21

Let the Light

photo credit: Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #85

Review: "My grievances hide the light of the world in me." and "My salvation comes from me."

A dear friend passed on recently. I feel she died of a broken heart. She, like you and me, had the light of the world in her, but it was hidden by grievances. She felt let down by people and held back by life's circumstances. As today's review reiterates, we must want to see in order to do so. At times I thought she was ready to lay aside past hurts, but it never happened. As we are told in Lesson 70: “Today I will recognize where my salvation is...I will not look for it outside myself. It is not found outside and then brought in. But from within me it will reach beyond, and everything I see will but reflect the light that shines in me and in itself." During this time of renewal and resurrection, may we all look past the circumstances, turning to the Truth of being, and find salvation!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Ignorance of the divine idea betrays at once a greater ignorance of the divine Principle of the idea — ignorance of Truth and Love. The understanding of Truth and Love, the Principle which works out the ends of eternal good and destroys both faith in evil and the practice of evil, leads to the discernment of the divine idea."

Science & Health Page 560:28-4

Living Expressions of Love

photo credit:
Faith Pettit-Shah

ACIM Workbook Lesson #84

Review: “Love created me like Itself.” and “Love holds no grievances.”

Pondering today's review, I'm thinking of all the people I know who are living expressions of Love. There is the local woman who makes others happy by dressing up as a beautiful clown for various events and, on the side, cares for the elderly.  Down the street lives a physically handicapped woman who participates in various ways to help feed the needy in our town. Organizations, such as a small independent school, provide children an education in a free atmosphere, allowing many to develop in a joyous way that may not have been possible otherwise. I'm sure you can name a multitude of people who are examples of Love's reflection. Let's spend this day noticing examples in others -- and in ourselves, too!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Love giveth to the least spiritual idea might, immortality, and goodness, which shine through all as the blossom shines through the bud. All the varied expressions of God reflect health, holiness, immortality-- infinite Life, Truth, and Love."

Science & Health Page 518:18-22

Affection and Purpose of the Heart

Flowering Quince - Richard Quick

ACIM  Workbook Lesson #83

Review: “My only function is the one God gave me.” and “My happiness and my function are one.”

One of my friends has experienced problems getting along with others. In the past, she has had someone she thought of as a best friend leave her in a parking lot declaring that she couldn't stand to be around her another minute. She had no idea what she had done wrong. And so when another such incident happened, I felt this good-hearted, clueless woman deserved to know what was going on and have a chance to examine her actions. She recently told me it was the best gift I could have given her and expressed her sincere gratitude. How did I know what to say to her and when to say it? I think one of the sentences from today's review provides the answer: "With one purpose only, I am always certain what to do, what to say and what to think." As I'm not always certain about this, it must mean that my purpose is not yet single. I've always loved challenges!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“We should examine ourselves and learn what is the affection and purpose of the heart, for in this way only can we learn what we honestly are.” Science & Health Page 9:28-30

One Light Brings Peace

photo courtesy of Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #82

Review: “The light of the world brings peace to every mind through my forgiveness” and “Let me not forget my function.”

We all share the same light which brings peace to every mind. It's easy to forget this is true. Darkness often feels as real as light, but it's a mirage. We can go around telling people about light, but that doesn't take away the darkness in a room. By bringing light to a situation, no matter how small the flame, the darkness is dispelled as surely as if the sun were shining. We're like the rays of light from the sun. We are an emanation of the One light: the same essence, with the same function. Unhappy circumstances in life may cause us think we've lost our light, but that can't happen. An eclipse may cover the sun beams temporarily, but they are still there, shining as brightly as ever, although unseen by some. Our function is to remember our true being. We are Love with a capital "L"! By our remembrance of this Source, our function is fulfilled. Our light glows and grows, illuminating peace.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“One infinite God, good, unifies men and nations; constitutes the brotherhood of man; ends wars; fulfils the Scripture, "Love thy neighbor as thyself;" annihilates pagan and Christian idolatry,--whatever is wrong in social, civil, criminal, political, and religious codes; equalizes the sexes; annuls the curse on man, and leaves nothing that can sin, suffer, be punished or destroyed.”

Science & Health Page 340: 23-29

The Bridge to Forgiveness

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #81

Review: "I am the light of the world" and "Forgiveness is my function as the light of the world."

I am currently revisiting a passion from the past: duplicate bridge. I think one of the reasons I have always enjoyed card games is because of the insight they offer into personalities. If you want to really get to know someone, either play cards with them or clean their house — and I know which one I would choose! Today’s lesson review points me toward two things I will utilize in my visits to the card table: extending peace to all and letting go of my belief in separation, otherwise known as forgiveness. This is wonderful practice in releasing the thought that I have a special, specific identify that puts me on another level, either higher or lower, from everyone else. Seeing myself in others can be a sobering activity, but it’s one I’m willing to undertake. What fun life is when I allow it to be a flow of Love and acceptance rather than a battle of beliefs!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Self-forgetfulness, purity, and affection are constant prayers."

Science & Health Page 15:26-27

No Problem!

photo credit: Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #80

"Let me recognize my problems have been solved."

Yesterday we were told that our only problem is thinking we are separate from God. The understanding that it is impossible to be separated from our source solves that seeming problem! This topic caused a close friend to respond to yesterday's writing in the most perfect analogy, and I'd like to share it with you. "Oh that is perfect and just what is needed. I thought of it as a huge sigh...all tensions flowing away, and Peace returning. Our current situation, portrayed in a movie, would be like the moment when Luke Skywalker is led into the roots of that very large tree, meets Darth Vader, responds instantly with a lightsaber swipe and finds that the severed head is his own.  Observing without emotional reference to what we think we know would be a step in the right direction!" I love that she was inspired to write this! Let's all spread this knowledge by living it!!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"This is the doctrine of Christian Science: that divine Love cannot be deprived of its manifestation, or object; that joy cannot be turned into sorrow, for sorrow is not the master of joy; that good can never produce evil; that matter can never produce mind nor life result in death. The perfect man -- governed by God, his perfect Principle -- is sinless and eternal." Science & Health Page 304:9-15

What IS The Problem?

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #79

"Let me recognize the problem so it can be solved."

For someone who says she has no strong opinions, I certainly seem to have lots of them! In a recent conversation, I found myself critiquing a number of restaurants in a most judgmental way, one of which is frequented by many people that I know. Although I am a self-proclaimed "food snob", it hasn't been my habit to put down the opinions of others. And what is the problem with this thinking? I could say that it is my judgment, but actually it is my feeling of separation from divine Love. And so today I shall spend time pondering this lesson which begins with the following words: "A problem cannot be solved if you do not know what it is. Even if it is really solved already you will still have the problem, because you will not recognize that it has been solved. This is the situation of the world. The problem of separation, which is really the only problem, has already been solved. Yet the solution is not recognized because the problem is not recognized." ACIM

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Ontology receives less attention than physiology. Why? Because mortal mind must waken to spiritual life before it cares to solve the problem of being, hence the author's experience; but when that awakening comes, existence will be on a new standpoint."

Science & Health Page 556:25-30

No Room For Grievances

www.EroicaTrio.com

ACIM Workbook Lesson #78

"Let miracles replace all grievances."

Today's lesson asks us to choose one person and see them as God sees them, with pure eyes, rather than with all the muddled grievances we may be holding. I have just returned from an event which made it very easy to see with the eyes of divine Mind because this group of musicians were expressing divine Love to such an extent that they brought us along with them! The Eroica Trio are a cellist, a violinist, and a pianist who enjoy what they’re doing so much that any grievance I may have had toward anyone or anything has been driven from my body with their music and the joy flowing from their eyes. If fear or anger tempt me to join them today, I shall remember this beauty I’ve witnessed — and be at peace. 

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 Miracle of Love

Mr. Hoggett and Babe

ACIM Workbook Lesson #77

"I am entitled to miracles."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pExCByqi0NU

I’ve spent the last day joyfully celebrating the miracle of connectivity between people. Sometimes we meet someone and it seems as though we’ve known them forever, or perhaps you know a married couple who have been together for decades and still enjoy each others’ company, or maybe you have a childhood friend who has been a part of your life for as long as you can remember. I was recently at the bedside of a woman I’ve been friends with for 50 years. We learned to play the trumpet together and have memories of playing reveille for school flag raising and taps for soldiers’ funerals. I played the piano at her wedding and she held my hand through divorces. Our ties are deep and filled with Love. She is in hospice care and I knew it was our last visit. She was having a hard time talking, so we were sitting quietly and looking into each others eyes. Every moment we ever shared was relived in the space of a few seconds. It was a miraculous communication and I was reminded of Mr. Hoggett singing to Babe in the movie by the same title. And so I sang it to her, and I did his dance in my imagination! Namasté, sweet Friend! 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The miracle of grace is no miracle to Love.”

Science & Health Page 494:15

Glorious Liberty

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #76

“I am under no laws but God’s.”

How do we find out about these laws of God which we are under? Certainly they’re not in any book which has been written, even though many texts may be referred to as the word of God. I’m not trying to say that there isn’t some wonderful advice in these books. I particularly like Jesus’s words concerning commandments: love your neighbor as yourself and God above all else. How many wars could have been avoided by the simple realization that we are united in the Love which is God! Does it matter what historians or tyrants or mystical seers have dictated? Perhaps the world is not ready to live by the divine edict which is found within our consciousness — but I think we are!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Citizens of the world, accept the ‘glorious liberty of the children of God,’ and be free! This is your divine right. The illusion of material sense, not divine law, has bound you, entangled your free limbs, crippled your capacities, enfeebled your body, and defaced the tablet of your being.”

Science & Health Page 227:24-28

Inextinguishable Light

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #75

"The light has come."

Perseverance in dropping false testimony of the material senses is celebrated today: The light has come! Of course, it has always been there, waiting for us to notice it. Thinking that we need a tribe in order to prosper, or that family is necessary for us to feel whole, or that a religion is needed to see God, these are all beliefs we have come to rely upon. We are seeing the Truth, and it has nothing to do with belief, dogma, or creed. The light has come! Critical mass tipping point isn't 51%, because just a taste of goodness spreads exponentially, as all Reality must. The light has come! To very loosely quote Mahatma Gandhi: I am Muslim. I am Hindu. I am Christian. I am woman. I am man. I am gay. I am straight. I am everything and nothing. I am free!The light has come! Let's join thought today in the realization that Love is all that is enduring. Other things pass away, but not this light which cannot be extinguished.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Let us feel the divine energy of Spirit, bringing us into newness of life and recognizing no mortal nor material power as able to destroy. Let us rejoice that we are subject to the divine 'powers that be.' Such is the true Science of being. Any other theory of Life, or God, is delusive and mythological.” 

Science & Health Page 249:6-10

One Will, One Mind

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #74

“There is no will but God’s.”

Yesterday we pondered what it means to “will there be light”. Today we examine the thought, “there is no will but God’s”, and then ask ourselves what, exactly, that means. I don’t take this to mean that there is a divine laundry list which I am expected to complete each day to win favor from a higher being. Rather, by realizing that my will and God’s will are the same thing, by virtue of the fact that I am an idea of divine Mind, I can comfortably allow myself to listen inwardly for this thing we call intuition, trusting that I will be led in paths of productivity, harmony, and Love. I vow today to not dictate what those paths are, but I will go forward with an open heart and mind, letting my will be God’s! 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The scientific unity which exists between God and man must be wrought out in life-practice, and God’s will must be universally done.” 

Science & Health, with Key to the Scriptures 202:3-5