Listening For Echoes

ACIM Workbook Lesson #151 “All things are echoes of the Voice for God.”

What is truth? Everywhere we look, it seems we have been and are being told lies. Religion, science, politics, the news media, advertisements, history — the list goes on. If something is a lie, why do we cling to it so adamantly? Perhaps we prefer to live in a world of well-rehearsed lies rather than to take a step into the great unknown universe of Truth. And then we ask, How do we know what is Truth in a world of lies? That, dear Ones, is why we must listen within. Today’s Course in Miracles workbook lesson describes this as “echoes of the Voice for God”. We are told all things are these echoes, so what of the material, mortal, ego-based beliefs which simply don’t feel right when we hear them or speak them? The reality of our existence is covered up so thoroughly we often forget how to experience it. But we’re remembering, aren’t we? Infinite Mind never hides Its voice, and we’re learning to hear.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The substance, Life, intelligence, Truth, and Love, which constitute Deity, are reflected by creation; and when we subordinate the false testimony of the corporeal senses to the facts of Science, we shall see this true likeness and reflection everywhere.” Science & Health Page 516:4-8

There Is No Spoon

creation of Sandy Wythawai Starbird

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #150 Review of: #139 "I will accept Atonement for myself." #140 "Only salvation can be said to cure." The main thought to hold to in this review: “My mind holds only what I think with God."

In the movie, "The Matrix", there were some profound metaphysical principles addressed. I particularly liked when Neo is in what appears to be some sort of center for extraordinary behavior. He goes up to a person bending a spoon without touching it. Neo tries to bend the spoon with his mind, but cannot. He is told that the way to do this is through knowing the truth: The spoon is not there. This is what metaphysical healing is all about. Today's ACIM review tells us the only cure is the understanding that there is no place where sickness can abide. In other words, the spoon is not there. If we are attempting to change a material condition through metaphysical practice, it's just like trying to bend the spoon with the power of your mind. Only by the knowledge of its unreality is it seen for what it actually is: an idea. We are all ideas of divine Mind. In that metaphysical reality, we are all One. What will this realization unfold in experience today? I am open to everything with no expectations whatsoever!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“What to material sense seems substance, becomes nothingness, as the sense-dream vanishes and reality appears.”

Science & Health 312:5-7

Heaven Within

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #149 Review of: #137 "When I am healed I am not healed alone." #138 "Heaven is the decision I must make." The main thought to hold to in this review: “My mind holds only what I think with God.” 

Jesus taught how knowing the Truth would set us free. He also mentioned the kingdom of heaven is within. With these ideas in mind, it seems possible to understand the Truth which will set us free is the inner knowing we all hold inside of us: the knowledge that we are holy. We really are the image and likeness of divine Mind, with all the perks that implies. We are the experience and expression of God! We have no function other than to live every moment in the acceptance of our holiness. As spiritual sight outshines material illusions, the kingdom of heaven is our only reality! 

Mary Baker Eddy quote: “The great miracle, to human sense, is divine Love, and the grand necessity of existence is to gain the true idea of what constitutes the kingdom of heaven in man.” Science & Health Page 560:12-15

How Far Down the Rabbit Hole Do You Want to Go?

photo credit: Heather Peters

ACIM Workbook Lesson #148 Review of: #135 "If I defend myself I am attacked." #136 "Sickness is a defense against the truth."

The main idea to hold to in this review: “My mind holds only what I think with God.”

These two review topics take us all the way down the rabbit hole! If you simply want feel-good, improve-your-relationships, make-more-money types of reading material, I suggest you stay away from this. And I don't mean that in an ugly way. I've found that a momentary recognition of the Truth of Being leads me to want more, but I've known many people who won’t go there. And that's cool, too. The present beliefs we espouse and demonstrate in daily life are comfortable to us, and it can be difficult to let them go. Often we have held on to stubborn memories of the past for so long that we can't seem to dig our way out and up. These things can be frightening, especially if we've convinced ourselves we don't like change. If you become afraid while trying on these new ideas we are exploring, step back for a moment and sing a Beatles song or two! Do anything you can to cultivate joy. Live life fully in the whirlpool of divine Love! Go all the way down the rabbit hole, knowing every step is sure when you walk with Love.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Identity is the reflection of Spirit, the reflection in multifarious forms of the living Principle, Love.”

Science & Health Page 477:20-22

What Do I Value?

photo credit: Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Lesson #147

Review of: #133 "I will not value what is valueless." #134 "Let me perceive forgiveness as it is." The main thought to hold to in this review: “My mind holds only what I think with God.”

One of the gauges we are given in Lesson #133, in order to recognize value, is to ask ourselves if what we’re valuing is changeable. What does not change? Certainly everything physical changes, often quite rapidly. Love, with a capital L doesn't change, although many of the fleeting things we call love do, perhaps growing, lessening, or even turning into other not-so-nice emotions. The next question we are asked is if we feel guilt in association with what we value. So now we have two tests to check for the reality of what we value: does it last and do we feel guilty in any way. I'm looking around the room right now and asking myself what do I value. Many things bring a smile, and some I enjoy seeing and remembering the events and people associated with them -- but value? No, I don't value anything in here as much as I value the living creatures in my life, whether present or remembered. I'm beginning to understand that Life, Truth, Love are mine as a reflection of divine Mind, and that these are universally shared through the Principle of Spirit and Soul. I'm recognizing this existence in everything and seeing that loss is, indeed, gain.

Mary Baker Eddy quotes:

“Break up cliques, level wealth with honesty, let worth be judged according to wisdom, and we get better views of humanity.”

Science & Health Page 239:7-10

Litmus Test

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Lesson #146

Review of: #131 "No one can fail who seeks to reach the truth." #132 "I loose the world from all I thought it was." The main thought to hold to in this review: “My mind holds only what I think with God.”

How do we know if our actions express divine consciousness or if we're simply doing things because we think we should? I read a book which contained a good test to help us know the difference. Doing involves planning and following steps to get us from here to there. Being, on the other hand, doesn't mean we just sit around and do nothing, but demands we follow our feelings while staying in the present moment. The author, Anita Moorjani, states she can tell the difference by looking at the emotions behind her everyday decisions. If her actions are the result of fear, she is in the doing mode, but if everything she does is driven by passion and a zest for living, then she is Being. As an example, she speaks to the process of buying a house. There are many steps and plans you might make when deciding between two places, but the ultimate decision would be how you feel about one of them. Let’s listen to our hearts today as we go about this business of life. By doing so, we will experience Life!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The divine Mind supports the sublimity, magnitude, and infinitude of spiritual creation.”

Science & Health Page 511:5-6

Two Worlds?

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #145 Review of: #129 "Beyond this world there is a world I want." #130 "It is impossible to see two worlds." The main thought to hold to in this review: “My mind holds only what I think with God.”

The changes we have witnessed in our lifetime have been exciting and — to take a phrase from the ‘70s — mind blowing! Decades ago, when we were told about the Age of Aquarius and, more recently, when 2012 was explained as a shift in consciousness, I'm not sure we recognized there would be any real change in our lives. Those who are looking for material reasons to explain the shifts in everything from politics to weather, are feeling helpless and overwhelmed. Looked at from a different perspective, we see changes are necessary in order to facilitate the realization of this new earth which we are ready to embrace. As with any shift in thought, some people are afraid and working to keep the old ways, but it is impossible to "see two worlds”. For this reason, I choose Love!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“During this final conflict, wicked minds will endeavor to find means by which to accomplish more evil; but those who discern Christian Science will hold crime in check. They will aid in the ejection of error. They will maintain law and order, and cheerfully await the certainty of ultimate perfection.”

 Science & Health Page 96:31-4

Through Love, With Love, As Love

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #144 Review of: #127 "There is no love but God's." #128 "The world I see holds nothing that I want.” And the main thought to hold to in this review: “My mind holds only what I think with God.”

Thinking about love and perception reminds me of a story a friend once told about a relative who had been married seven times. This man felt he was a failure at love for having been divorced numerous times, so he was very much surprised when an uncle told him it was a wonderful thing! Why would you say that?, everyone wanted to know. The uncle said, How wonderful that seven women have loved you enough to marry you! This is an example of a slight shift in perception making a huge difference to everyone involved, don't you think? Seeing the world through Love shows us reality in a way which looks nothing like what we've become accustomed to viewing. A world of judgment and fear is not one which holds an interest for me.  I want nothing more than to see through Love, as Love, with Love.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“When the divine precepts are understood, they unfold the foundation of fellowship, in which one mind is not at war with another, but all have one Spirit, God, one intelligent source…”

Science & Health Page 276:4-8

Be Impeccable in Your Word

Photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #143: Review of: #125 "In quiet I receive God's Word today." #126 "All that I give is given to myself." And the main thought to hold to in these review: “My mind holds only what I think with God.”

Once again, I am reminded of the Toltec wisdom as translated by Don Miguel Ruiz in The Four Agreements. The first agreement is, "Be impeccable in your word." In the world we're learning of, the spiritual reality of our Being, there is only one Truth. Mortal mind, ego, fights against this and tells us that if there is only one truth, then we won't have individuality, we will be giving up free will, and we will all be the same. Looked at from another perspective, perhaps this loss of freedom is what happens to us when we steadfastly believe the material concepts which have been fed to us every day of our lives. What if freedom comes from being open to the reality of Spirit? To quietly "receive God's Word" would then be the ultimate impeccability. I needn’t rely on deciphering right from wrong, truth or lie, nor any other gauge I've set up for determining what to do. I need only be aware of what "my mind holds" with God. By this awareness and the expression of it, I allow myself to give and receive with every thought and action. There is no room for anything else when I fill my thought with Truth.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“There is but one I, or Us, but one divine Principle, or Mind, governing all existence; man and woman unchanged forever in their individual characters, even as numbers which never blend with each other, though they are governed by one Principle. All the objects of God's creation reflect one Mind, and whatever reflects not this one Mind, is false and erroneous, even the belief that life, substance, and intelligence are both mental and material.” Science & Health Page 511:11-19

The Gospel of Love

"Dancing With Your Shadow Self"
creation of Sandy Wythawai Starbird

A Course in Miracles Workbook lesson #142: Review of: #123 "I thank my Father for His gifts to me." #124 "Let me remember I am one with God." And our main thought to hold in these review lessons: "My mind holds only what I think with God."

I love “Dancing With The Stars”! I began watching it a couple of years ago and have found it to be entertaining and, also, a lovely reminder that we all have the same fears and insecurities, along with the same possibility of greatness. Through this twice-yearly show, which lasts a number of weeks, I have gotten to know some of the most amazing people. There is a beautiful 72-year old singer, a woman who dances like no one’s watching and exhibits the joy of a young child. I have been particularly inspired by a man missing an arm and a leg, and he made it to the finals of this demanding show. One season we were introduced to the offspring of well-known movie stars, a young woman who was convinced by the media that she wasn’t pretty. They said horrid things about her and she had no idea how beautiful and graceful she was, but she has discovered her gifts by way of dancing in this show. What a heart-expanding experience it is for these participants, as well as all who watch them discover more about their true Self. They inspire me to spread my wings!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The human sense of Deity yields to the divine sense, even as the material sense of personality yields to the incorporeal sense of God and man as the infinite Principle and infinite idea, — as one Father with His universal family, held in the gospel of Love.” Science & Health Page 576:31-4

Clearing the False Image

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #141: Today begins a review of the last 20 lessons. Our main theme is: “My mind holds only what I think with God"  Review of: #121 “Forgiveness is the key to happiness” #122 “Forgiveness offers everything I want.”

A couple of years ago, I spent time in the offices of a company where I was being fitted for a prosthetic leg. While sitting in the waiting room, I met a number of angry and sad people. One woman blamed her husband for wrecking the motorcycle she was riding on, another woman condemned herself for a lifestyle which brought about the loss of a limb, a man was angry because he couldn’t continue his former way of living. I never asked anyone questions; these stories came pouring forth. Of course, not everyone was unhappy. There was a guy who used this circumstance as a way to pick up women. He’d been married five times and was looking forward to the sixth! I sat there smiling and doing my best to think loving thoughts toward everyone. They probably thought I was on heavy drugs — haha! Forgiving is the undoing of the denying of Love. Forgiving clears the false image and opens my mind to Love. If I can manage to live this forgiveness within myself, I am extending it to a world in need of Love. Namastè!!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Mind, joyous in strength, dwells in the realm of Mind. Mind's infinite ideas run and disport themselves. In humility they climb the heights of holiness.” Science & Health Page 514:6-9

Remembering Who We Really Are

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #140: “Only salvation can be said to cure.”

Almost everyone has something they wish could or would be cured. Perhaps it’s an addiction to cigarettes, or maybe you have a relationship which is painful and you wish for resolution. Of course, there are the myriad of physical maladies which we are bombarded with daily, many of which are manifest in us or those we love. The multitude of magic potions given us to deal with these conditions are proof that none of them are a healing cure, only a temporary stop-gap put into place while we falter towards salvation. And this salvation spoken of is “the day when separation ends and we remember Who we really are.” (ACIM) Today let’s remember that illusions are not true, and we needn’t feel guilty for denying their veracity!

Mary Baker Eddy quote: “Salvation: Life, Truth, and Love understood and demonstrated as supreme over all.” Science & Health Page 593:20-21

Unity of Mind

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #139:

"I will accept Atonement for myself."

Atonement is one of those words which may trigger uncomfortable feelings. Visions of atoning for sins can be rather frightening, especially when we may have committed these sins without even knowing it! This is the way the concept of atonement has come to be interpreted by many, but we are learning to define sin as anything which separates us from the Love which is God. Simple, huh? Atonement is accepting our Oneness as the expression and experience of God. It may sound like a form of sacrilege to say you're one with God, but I think it's sacrilege not to! To acknowledge God as the only Cause, and to see ourselves as the effect of that Cause, is to accept our at-one-ment with All that Is. What could be more humble? I will accept this reality today, and see everyone I meet in this light. Namasté!!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Atonement is the exemplification of man’s unity with God, whereby man reflects divine Truth, Life, and Love."

Science & Health Page 18:1-3

Heaven Within

ACIM Workbook Lesson #138 “Heaven is the decision I must make.”

Years ago, I knew a young woman who would often fall to her knees and beg God to forgive her and not send her to hell. At the slightest transgression, she would verbally do this! She wouldn’t always kneel during this entreaty, but even a simple verbal request was a surprising event for everyone in her presence. She also would tell me I was going to hell for numerous reasons, one of which was because I didn’t believe in it. She told me that was the devil’s greatest victory, convincing people there was no such place. I remember mentioning that Jesus told us the kingdom of heaven was within, and she said yes, that it was within Jesus; not us. Nowadays, I would probably tell her this was the ego’s biggest victory to think this was so. I might have a discussion with her about duality and the belief that there must be an opposite for everything. I could even tell her that the acceptance of Truth obviates any need for choosing heaven or hell, because there is only Truth with no opposite. Hum — maybe I should just decide this for myself and let it Be!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The great miracle, to human sense, is divine Love, and the grand necessity of existence is to gain the true idea of what constitutes the kingdom of heaven in man.” Science & Health Page 560:12-15

“HEAVEN: Harmony; the reign of Spirit; government by divine Principle; spirituality; bliss; the atmosphere of Soul." Science & Health Page 587:25-27

The Bow of Promise

photo credit: Richard Quick

ACIM Workbook Lesson #137 “When I am healed I am not healed alone.”

These teachings we're studying are so pure we may think we'll never be sick again, we'll never be unhappy again, we'll never have a need which is not immediately met. It's easy to feel this way when our first exposure to divine metaphysics is accompanied by immediate release from a physical malady. Of course, when this happens, we are very grateful for the relief it brings. Christian Science has been propounded as a healing Science since its discovery in 1865. This is because knowledge of the Truth of our being replaces erroneous thought and allows harmony to prevail. The discovery of this healing Principle was hailed by many to be the great turning point in the evolution of thought for all humanity. So what happened to stall this rise to freedom? While we could speculate for pages, I'll posit that it is, purely and simply, fear. Christian Science is the demonstration of divine Love.  It is the realization that nothing else truly exists, which allows all erroneous thought to disappear into its "native nothingness". It is not physical healing we're looking for, but a greater understanding of Truth, of God. As this understanding is attained through the opening of our thought to it, many adjustments take place simultaneously. I can't tell you how this unfoldment will bring freedom. I don't know what it will bring to enrich your life from moment to moment. But I do know it's a "bow of promise on the cloud"!

Mary Baker Eddy quote: "One moment of divine consciousness, or the spiritual understanding of Life and Love, is a foretaste of eternity. This exalted view, obtained and retained when the Science of being is understood, would bridge over with life discerned spiritually the interval of death, and man would be in the full consciousness of his immortality and eternal harmony, where sin, sickness, and death are unknown. Time is a mortal thought, the divisor of which is the solar year. Eternity is God’s measurement of Soul-filled years.”

Science & Health Page 598:23-2

No Meaningful Intent in Sickness

"Sequoia National Park"
pc: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #136:

“Sickness is a defense against the truth.”

Yesterday we pondered the defenses we set up to supposititious attacks. "If I defend myself I am attacked." This is the statement we endeavored to understand. Basically, if anything is a perceived danger and we make plans to counter-attack, we have set ourselves up for a continuous battle: my will against the world. Releasing this and being led by Truth, there is no need for defense. When looked at with our new knowledge of the defense/attack relationship, today's lesson that sickness is a defense against the truth holds some very interesting aspects for us to examine! First of all, let's be aware of something: We tend to take these statements personally, getting upset at the idea that we are "causing" our own illnesses. Please put that thought aside and try to see this without any kind of judgment. This is what we practiced for the first 50 lessons this year: looking at things as meaningless, not placing our preconceived notions on anything, being free to be led by spiritual sense. The topics we're studying are very important to overall understanding of our relationship with All That Is. I urge you to read the Course in Miracles for yourself. It is readily available online or at your library. I strongly encourage you to read Science & Health, with Key to the Scriptures, by Mary Baker Eddy. Let me tease you with this first paragraph of today's ACIM lesson: “No one can heal unless he understands what purpose sickness seems to serve. For then he understands as well its purpose has no meaning. Being causeless and without a meaningful intent of any kind, it cannot be at all. When this is seen, healing is automatic. It dispels this meaningless illusion by the same approach that carries all of them in truth, and merely leaves them there to disappear.” With this and the below Mary Baker Eddy quote to hold in thought, what an adventure we have in store today!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“That mortal mind claims to govern every organ of the mortal body, we have overwhelming proof. But this so-called mind is a myth, and must by its own consent yield to Truth. It would wield the scepter of a monarch, but it is powerless. The immortal divine Mind takes away all its supposed sovereignty, and saves mortal mind from itself. The author has endeavored to make this book the Aesculapius of mind as well as of body, that it may give hope to the sick and heal them, although they know not how the work is done. Truth has a healing effect, even when not fully understood.” Science & Health Page 151:31-8

Spiritual Activism

Central Park, NYC
photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #135 "If I defend myself I am attacked."

I know many people who consider themselves social activists. They have worked for years to improve our environment, politics, and the multitude of things in need of advancement. Some have told me they are tired of the fight. I am extremely grateful to each and every one of you who work to clean up rivers, who are passionate about producing uncontaminated food, who stand up to various tyrants and declare, "The emperor has no clothes!" Not a single person has told me that they're tired of the physical effort involved in these projects; it's the butting up against thought stuck in strong opinion, or fueled by hate and fear. That is what is frustrating to them. This is where our metaphysical advice can be helpful: Don't try to change anyone else's mind, only your own. More and more of us are witnessing Truth brought to seemingly impossible situations, and we're finding that new avenues of action appear when this is done. There is no need to defend ourselves nor to proclaim our own strong opinions in support of this Truth. Knowing it, within our own selves, is sufficient!

Mary Baker Eddy quote: “As when an acid and alkali meet and bring out a third quality, so mental and moral chemistry changes the material base of thought, giving more spirituality to consciousness and causing it to depend less on material evidence.”  Science & Health Page 422:14-18

Love Is Alive

"Utah" PC: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #134 "Let me perceive forgiveness as it is."

Righteous indignation: There's a lot of it going around, don't you think? Maybe I notice it because it's alive and well-established within me. Maybe I'm too quick to jump on my high horse and adopt a holier-than-thou attitude. It seems there are many injustices which need righting. We have been told that forgiveness is looking the other way and doing nothing, but we are learning to see forgiveness as looking past the illusion of separation from God to the realization of our unity. With this view, I can set aside my stories of right and wrong, opening thought to the reality of Love. Some wonder what good this could possibly do in a world rife with confusion. If everyone lived Love, opening themselves to listen for guidance on how to do that — well, just imagine the utopia! There is a voice audible to anyone willing to listen. Forgiveness, the releasing of illusions, allows this voice to be found. In our unity, one release is everyone's gift. There is no you, me, and God. There is only One. What a joy to be finding our voice!

Mary Baker Eddy quote: “Love inspires, illumines, designates, and leads the way. Right motives give pinions to thought, and strength and freedom to speech and action.” Science & Health Page 454:18-21

Unchangeable Values

Photo Credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #133

"I will not value what is valueless."

The ACIM workbook lesson today tells us to not value what is valueless. To discern what is valueless we are asked if it is changeable and if we feel any form of guilt surrounding it. Joel Goldsmith has said any number of things which have shaped my life, but this is one I’m reminded of often: “Groups of people who have shared spiritual Love are bound together for eternity.” I have friendships which run so deep I’m sure our essence has been together before. Having said this, I must note that it could not be any other way if we truly are One. There is no birth, no death, nothing other than an exchange of the energy which is divine Love, infinite Mind, endless Spirit. I revel in this shared Being!!

Mary Baker Eddy quotes:

“Everything good or worthy, God made. Whatever is valueless or baneful, He did not make,--hence its unreality.”

Science & Health Page 525:20-22

Tempest-Tossed Human Concepts

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #132 "I loose the world from all I thought it was."

Have you ever felt there isn’t time to study this way of thought? With a slight shift in thinking, it becomes apparent reality isn't what we've always believed it to be. When this happens, we don't need to set aside specific times to practice a spiritual discipline. Without the negative prayer of worry, by the refusal to dwell in fear and dread, we have more time to hold thought to "the enduring, the good, and the true". (S&H Page 261:4) By allowing this new way of thinking to become a present reality, I am stepping closer to where Mrs. Eddy was standing when she said, "The divine understanding reigns, is all, and there is no other consciousness." Every glimpse I have of this divine Principle is a moment which frees the world from the bondage of my thought. What a gift!

Mary Baker Eddy quote: "In the Apocalypse it is written: 'And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.' In St. John's vision, heaven and earth stand for spiritual ideas, and the sea, as a symbol of tempest-tossed human concepts advancing and receding, is represented as having passed away. The divine understanding reigns, is all, and there is no other consciousness." Science & Health Page 536:1-9