Fear of Humiliation

photo credit: Richard Quick

ACIM Workbook Lesson #131 "No one can fail who seeks to reach the truth."

I've heard it said the fear of humiliation is at the top of our dread list, which contributes to why we remain with the familiar. As I think of the things we do in life, the foods we eat and how we obtain them, modes of transportation we utilize, the lies we tell ourselves every day — realization surfaces that we are craving simpler ways of doing everything. We want to eat fresh food in season. We want to heat our homes and travel without sucking the life out of the earth. What does this have to do with "seeking the truth"? In opening to our inner knowing, to the Truth that is waiting for us to remember it, solutions to problems which may have seemed insolvable to material sense suddenly are found. Ways of approaching everything in our lives, from healthcare to relationships, are seen in a different light and we wonder why we never thought of it that way before. How will you, personally, see it? That, I do not know. This adventure is quite an individual trip! However truth is seen in your world gives you glimpses of the Oneness we speak of. This pearl of great price, recognized and known, is what I seek today.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"All nature teaches God’s love to man, but man cannot love God supremely and set his whole affections on spiritual things, while loving the material or trusting in it more than in the spiritual.”

Science & Health Page 326:8-11

What Am I Accepting as Truth?

photo credit: Chris Fischer

ACIM Workbook Lesson #130

"It is impossible to see two worlds."

Today’s lesson topic reminds me that there is a world of Love, and there is a world of fear, and I cannot see them both at the same time. A friend recently asked me what frightens me. My first reaction is that nothing does, but upon examination I see perhaps everything does! Is it possible to think I’m living a life of Love while underneath the surface I’m not accepting this spiritual truth as my own? Maybe I’m just mouthing the words and not living Truth. I am going to examine these thoughts very closely today, asking to see what I truly am accepting. Having built a reality for myself, is it possible there is no basis for it? Not truly, no. But illusions are strong and belief seems solid. Which world am I seeing? I can’t see them both.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

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

Science & Health Page 573:29-2

Imagine That!

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #129 "Beyond this world there is a world I want."

To the uninitiated in this way of thought, the sentence above may appear to refer to a world experienced at the change we call death. The "beyond" spoken of here is made manifest through the death of old beliefs and a rebirth in new thought. Wouldn't it be great if we lived in a world where loss is impossible, where love lasts forever, where hate does not exist and vengeance has no meaning? What if we had no misunderstandings, nor hard feelings between people, because we didn't blame others for thinking differently than we do? Our world is wonderful in many ways, but there are also horrors beyond words, and this is what causes people to lose faith in this thing we call God. We have created an un-God-like world and blame an unknown deity for what we think we cannot change. What if we're wrong and what we see is not true creation? Imagine that!!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“How true it is that whatever is learned through material sense must be lost because such so-called knowledge is reversed by the spiritual facts of being in Science. That which material sense calls intangible, is found to be substance. What to material sense seems substance, becomes nothingness, as the sense-dream vanishes and reality appears."

Science & Health Page 312:1-6

The Road Less Traveled

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Lesson #128

"The world I see holds nothing that I want."  

The topic of today's ACIM lesson is one of those which could cause you to say, "Thanks, but no thanks”!! But before you close the door, really think about the meaning of “The world I see holds nothing that I want”. It isn't asking you to give up enjoyment of everyday life. On the contrary! It's asking you to look past the world which is the creation of mortal mind, to the world of divine Mind. By setting aside the unrealities of belief, we are breaking the same kind of thought barriers which had to be set aside for humanity to realize the world was round. When asked to see everything with new eyes, daring to stretch past belief and learned behavior, we may be frightened or confused. In this state of mind, our "ego" can tell us it's all just nonsense and we’d best stay with what is well-known. But is it? If you feel -- really feel, deep inside, there must be more to this existence than meets the human eye, then you will want to know what that is. We are capable of so much more than we realize. The veil is getting thinner! 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"In the material world, thought has brought to light with great rapidity many useful wonders. With like activity have thought's swift pinions been rising towards the realm of the real, to the spiritual cause of those lower things which give impulse to inquiry. Belief in a material basis, from which may be deduced all rationality, is slowly yielding to the idea of a metaphysical basis, looking away from matter to Mind as the cause of every effect."  Science & Health Page 268:1-9

No Division in Love

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #127 “There is no love but God's”

Often self-help books talk of the many faces and facets of love. In divine metaphysics, there is no division in Love. Love does not judge. No one is more worthy than another. No one is more able than another, when it comes to expressing Love. Love may not appear to be a factor in the world we daily witness. We see love that’s variable and hate that is solid, but we are learning the unreality of changing love and abiding hate. Reality is the Love which is God. Today's ACIM workbook lesson asks us to affirm this often today: "I bless you, brother, with the Love of God, which I would share with you. For I would learn the joyous lesson that there is no love but God's and yours and mine and everyone's." My awareness of this true Love allows me to experience it. It is always present, and I'm learning to be, also.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Love is infinite. Therefore all that really exists is in and of God, and manifests [Its] love.”

Science & Health Page 340:12-14

Giving and Receiving

photo credit: Richard Quick

ACIM Workbook Lesson #126 "All that I give is given to myself."

Here are a few examples of what we often give: advice, judgment of another's actions, support for loved ones, opinions which we hope will change the world — this list could go on and on. In examining what I'd like to give today, I see that the only true thing which can be given is Love; anything else is but a material opinion in some form. Often what we think of as forgiveness is a mortal concept which generally includes stipulations. There may be an implication that I'm forgiving you because I'm a better person than you are. Oh my! We know that forgiveness is the key to the door of truth, so how do we forgive without material trappings? Love! When we give and live Love, there is nothing else to think about. Before I give anything today, I will ask myself, Is this what I want to receive? If it's not, then I'd best not give it. My realization that God is Love and that Love is all there is, allows me to slip into that sweet space of living from Truth, which is expressing all the Good which is our essence.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“We cannot fathom the nature and quality of God's creation by diving into the shallows of mortal belief. We must reverse our feeble flutterings--our efforts to find life and truth in matter--and rise above the testimony of the material senses, above the mortal to the immortal idea of God. These clearer, higher views inspire the God-like man to reach the absolute centre and circumference of his being.” Science & Health Page 262:9-16

Lifted Above the Thinking of the World

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #125

"In quiet I receive God's Word today."

I’ve been having conversations with someone about listening, finding common ground, and seeing the sameness in our differences. Today’s topic highlights things we have been discussing, and I find comfort and courage in the text, including this: “Only be quiet. You will need no rule but this, to let your practicing today lift you above the thinking of the world, and free your vision from the body's eyes.” [ACIM #125] Today I will practice silencing my busy thoughts while listening quietly for guidance from divine Mind. This is what I think of as God’s Word — the voice heard only when my own is quiet. We, as the experience and expression of God, are capable of this listening and hearing. My gratitude is overflowing for these teachings and the people from whom I continually learn!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The ‘still, small voice’ of scientific thought reaches over continent and ocean to the globe's remotest bound. The inaudible voice of Truth is, to the human mind, ‘as when a lion roareth’. … Then is the power of Truth demonstrated,--made manifest in the destruction of error.”

Science & Health Page 559:8-16

Just As You Are

photo credit: Aaron Springston

A Course in Miracles Lesson #120 Review of: #109 "I rest in God." #110 "I am as God created me."

An astute reader tells me that I skipped Lesson #120 a few days ago. To rectify that error, I repeat the entry from last year. 

A friend recommended that I read, Dying to be Me: My Journey from Cancer, to Near Death, to True Healing by Anita Moorjani. One of the important points made in this book is something that is recognized in our studies: Sickness is not your fault. Often new-age teachings tell us that past thoughts and actions create karma which returns to you in terrible ways. Ms. Moorjani assures us that this is not the case. The recognition that you are pure Love, the knowledge that you are connected to everything, the joy which comes from acceptance of yourself just as you are -- this understanding of your being is what allows the body to be well. It doesn't matter what caused it, what "stage" the problem has advanced to, what mortal predictions are on the table -- nothing matters but the acceptance of yourself as a product of Love. When feeling the purity of Oneness, all material thought must be silenced. We can stop striving and start Being. When slipping into this space of pure Love, nothing else matters. And all is well.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Mortal mind must part with error, must put off itself with its deeds, and immortal manhood, the Christ ideal, will appear.”

Science & Health Page 430:3-5

Restored to Tranquility

"Bryce Canyon" photo credit Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #124 "Let me remember I am one with God."

"Today we see only the loving and the lovable. We see it in appearances of pain, and pain gives way to peace. We see it in the frantic, in the sad and the distressed, the lonely and afraid, who are restored to the tranquility and peace of mind in which they were created." [ACIM Lesson #124] Today I saw an old friend who feels like she’s drowning in sadness. A man she didn’t want to live without died, and she’s having a tough time going forward on her own. I can understand how she feels as she tries to remember how to be happy. The things we spoke of today led me to tell her about Mary Haskell, the woman who loved Kahlil Gibran. Although she was much older than him, he died many years before her. At his funeral, her friends were amazed that she was so peacefully happy and they wanted to know how that could be. She told them she felt closer to him than she ever had before. I talked to my friend about our unity in divine Love and our inseparability as the experience of God. I’m not sure if she felt better, but I certainly did!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Principle and its idea is one, and this one is God, omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent Being, and [Its] reflection is man and the universe." Science & Health Page 465:17-1

The Gifts of Divine Love

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #123 "I thank my Father for His gifts to me."

Our whole world seems to be telling us we are special and that we deserve much more than the gifts of divine Love can supply. We yearn for peace and plenty, purity of heart and environment, joy, satisfaction -- but we keep forgetting the spiritual Principle which guarantees this reality, simply for our perception of it. Sometimes we catch glimpses of what could be. For instance, I witnessed a man and woman in their 70s cavorting like teenagers in giddy expectation of exchanging marriage vows. Their happiness was infectious! A true new beginning is at hand -- your hand and mine, today, right now.  I will not be distracted by ego-based taunting to play the game being enacted all around me. I will look through the temptation to stay stuck in the muddle of material belief by giving energy to the lower propensities. Raising thought above what cries out so loudly for attention, I'll see a beginning in every situation. If there is no end, can there be a beginning? Ah -- ever-flowing, forever, now!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

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

Science & Health Page 3:25-26

Let it Go

PC: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #122 "Forgiveness offers everything I want."

Immediately after reading the above-quoted topic, I read this: “We do ourselves a great disservice when we let the bitter opinions of others mingle and subvert our own thoughts.” (Dodinsky) This brought to mind one of the Four Agreements as interpreted by Don Miguel Ruiz: “Don’t take anything personally.”  It seems as though these two thoughts summarize exactly what I’m feeling right now. And these ideas remind me of Gandhi’s wisdom: “If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change. As a man changes his own nature, so does the attitude of the world change toward him.” Namastè, dear Friends.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Hold thought steadfastly to the enduring, the good, and the true, and you will bring these into your experience proportionably to their occupancy of your thoughts." Science & Health Page 261:4-7

Unforgiven Episodes

photo credit: Nick Franchi

ACIM Workbook Lesson #121 “Forgiveness is the key to happiness.”

When we have a lesson which mentions forgiveness in its topic, I always pause and search my memories for treasured pain and long-held grievances. While I don’t find many of these feelings toward others, there are a few recurring things I hold against myself. These unforgiven episodes range from childhood mistakes to unthinking acts in later life, and some bring tears because I find them to be so heinous. I stop to wonder how these actions were interpreted by those toward whom I feel such guilt. Perhaps they didn't know, and if they did, they may not remember it in the same light as I do. In this reliving of the past, I recall a quote from someone, somewhere, which brings me solace: "What you do in the present redeems the past and changes the future." Namasté to myself, and you, and all ---

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

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

Science & Health Page 520:3-5

Omnipotent in Goodness

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Lesson #119

Review of:

#107 "Truth will correct all errors in my mind."

#108 "To give and to receive are one in truth."

It seems there are any number of errors to correct in this world. It’s quite a relief to discover that I only need to correct them in my mind, not in the fearful and angry minds I witness around me. If I look at these actions with horror, or disgust, or anger, or fear, I have become a part of them and share in them. If I look on others as Love’s reflection, there is forgiveness. By making such statements in public, I run the risk of someone telling me I don’t know what I’m talking about — and, perhaps, they wouldn’t be using words quite so kind! There is a young woman who makes videos about these teachings. She is often verbally attacked in the comments section of YouTube. If the speaker and her supporters are willing to give these derogatory words energy through retaliation and defense, they are accepting attacks within themselves. If we rather send forth forgiveness, realizing we are all One in Truth, then we give the gift of Love — and receive it ourselves. Therein lies correction!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Because Truth is infinite, error should be known as nothing. Because Truth is omnipotent in goodness, error, Truth's opposite, has no might.”

Science & Health Page 329:21-24

Listening

ACIM Lesson #118 Review of: #105 "God's peace and joy are mine." #106 "Let me be still and listen to the truth."

Listening is a learned art, a choice, a possibility! I know how difficult it can be to truly listen to someone, without judgment, without thinking about what I’m going to say next, without daydreaming about something else other than hearing what’s in front of me. Not listening to others is a habit which can be broken. The deep listening which we are asked to practice in order to hear Truth, thereby knowing peace and joy, is also a possibility which can be learned if I so choose. It’s not always an easy task to get out of my own way and listen, to hear what Love is whispering within. These workbook lessons are invaluable in the development of spiritual sense: they teach us to be still and listen, and to recognize the Truth that we are hearing. I am very grateful —

LLL

Mary Baker Eddy quote: “Lips must be mute and materialism silent, that man may have audience with Spirit, the divine Principle, Love, which destroys all error.” Science & Health Page15:11-13

Lifting the Veil of Material Belief

photo credit: Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Lesson #117

Review of: #103 "God, being Love, is also happiness." #104 "I seek but what belongs to me in truth."

At a gathering of women, talk centered around how stereotypes of people have changed over the years, what keeps these generalizations alive, and what we really, truly think about such things. While the conversation was stimulating and fun for all involved, we were looking at this from an entirely matter-based standpoint. No mention or thought was given to the reality of our Being and the fact that there truly is no difference in any of us. Our race, nationality, teachings, are said to combine to make us who we are. We supposedly have differences which are sometimes irreconcilable with others of our species. In our study of metaphysical realities, we are eager to let go of these beliefs which keep us shackled to thought which is stagnant. Living every moment in Love precludes thinking of others as different. Although it seems impossible that we could all live in this way, doing no harm to anyone or anything, always expressing our perfection as a reflection of God, it is not. This possibility is an actuality in the reality of our Being, which we're seeing more clearly every day. Love and happiness are our realities, and this Truth is seen clearly when the veil of material belief is lifted.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“...God is Love, and without Love, God, immortality cannot appear. Mortals try to believe without understanding Truth; yet God is Truth.”

Science & Health Page 312:16-19

Rectifying the Past

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Lesson #116 Review of: #101 "God's Will for me is perfect happiness."

#102 "I share God's Will for happiness for me."

Yesterday I related a situation which was happening with my neighbor, in which I felt attacked by his words. I decided to listen for understanding rather than simply responding in the way I was tempted to do. After numerous emails, we have ended the day with a relatively calm truce in which I believe we both understand each other better. We all want happiness, safety, health, and good friends. We would all like to have our opinions respected. Many of us have many regrets from the past, and we feel trapped by the magnitude of some memories. Although we cannot change our past, I’m pretty sure what we do in the present rectifies the past and changed the future. Let’s all live in the moment, doing our very best in every situation, right here and now, and see what happens next!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Upon this stage of existence goes on the dance of mortal mind. Mortal thoughts chase one another like snowflakes, and drift to the ground. Science reveals Life as not being at the mercy of death, nor will Science admit that happiness is ever the sport of circumstance." Science & Health Page 250:28-1

Listening For Understanding

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #115 Review of:  #99 "Salvation is my only function here." #100 "My part is essential to God's plan for salvation."

It’s very easy for me to say that I am going to see the innocence in my fellow beings, that I shall not condemn actions or words which bombard me, that I will recognize my essential part in this universe. But then, I find myself in a situation where I’m insistent on being right about something, and all my good intentions are laid aside in the pursuit of this goal. I’ve written numerous times in the past about the continuing saga of my neighbor and his vendetta against the turkey vultures which live in our woods. The issue has been raised once again, in a way I deem to be even more bizarre than ever before. It would be easy to dismiss his words as nonsensical ravings, but I truly want to look at the feelings behind them. My quest for listening to others with the intent of understanding rather than responding will not allow me to dismiss him so easily. Following the guidance of divine Mind, I will endeavor this day to listen, not just to others, but to the still, small voice inside, allowing my heart to lead my actions.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Society is a foolish juror, listening only to one side of the case. Justice often comes too late to secure a verdict. People with mental work before them have no time for gossip about false law or testimony. To reconstruct timid justice and place the fact above the falsehood, is the work of time.”

Science & Health Page 238:25-30

Cheers to Us!

photo credit: Chris Fischer

ACIM Workbook Lesson #114

Review of:  #97 "I am spirit." #98 "I will accept my part in God's plan for salvation."

Knowing that we are Spirit, and understanding what that means, allows us to live by divine law rather than material belief.  It's difficult to accept that we are so much more than we ever thought! We tend to continue behaviors which are comfortable, rather than opening up to a whole new paradigm of thought and action. Today I’d like to salute all people who have stood up to material laws and worked to end inhumane practices, from Joan of Arc to Elkhart Tolle. Also today I want to salute each and every one of you who aren’t afraid to express divine Love in all action and thought. Accepting our part as an emanation of Spirit brings a freedom to activity before unknown. The willingness to leave the old ways and embrace Oneness in every moment opens us to the grand adventure of Life. Cheers to us! 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Question. — What are the demands of the Science of Soul?

Answer. — The first demand of this Science is, ‘Thou shalt have no other gods before me.’ This me is Spirit. Thou shalt have no intelligence, no life, no substance, no truth, no love, but that which is spiritual.”

Science & Health Page 467:1-7

Uplifting Dialogues

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #113

Review of: #95 "I am one Self, united with my Creator." #96 "Salvation comes from my one Self."

Do you ever feel a kinship with others which is so perfect that you know you are one Self, united in Creation? Perfect unity precludes conflict, and we feel this perfection with people whom we love no matter whether they agree with our every idea or not. It seems difficult, if not impossible, to feel this wholeness with everyone, especially those who diametrically oppose our beliefs.  Today I will practice enjoying the middle road of conversations. If someone wants to talk about things I think are wrong, or foolish, or simply counter to my thought, I will listen with the purpose of understanding, not responding. I will find ways to encourage deep thinking without jumping up on my high horse and insisting that my way is the only way. It really doesn’t matter what the topic of conversation is, there is a middle ground to be found and an uplifting dialogue to be had. I want that. I want that a lot.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Atonement is the exemplification of man's unity with God, whereby man reflects divine Truth, Life, and Love. Jesus of Nazareth taught and demonstrated man's oneness with the Father, and for this we owe him endless homage.” Science & Health Page 18:1-5

Namastè - No Matter What!

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #112: Review of: #93 "Light and joy and peace abide in me" #94 "I am as God created me."

In the movie, “Gandhi”, a Hindu man comes to the Mahatma and tells him that he is going to hell because he has killed a little boy. He is asked, Why did you do this? He replies, Because the Muslims killed my little boy. Gandhi tells him there is a way out of this hell, and that is to find a little Muslim boy whose parents have been killed and raise this child as his own — as a Muslim. Forgiving ourselves is often the hardest thing to do. It helps to know that we are the image of Love, the idea of God, the expression of Spirit. It’s easy to see that Love would not condemn and has no need to forgive. Namastè.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Think of this, dear reader, for it will lift the sackcloth from your eyes, and you will behold the soft-winged dove descending upon you. The very circumstance, which your suffering sense deems wrathful and afflictive, Love can make an angel entertained unawares.” Science & Health Page 574:25-30