Dreaming of My Brother's Kindness

Pow-Wow in Eureka Springs
Photo credit: Richard Quick

In today’s bridge game, my partner made two gaffs which kept us from being in 1st place. Although I don’t usually hold onto blame in such situations, he has told me how mistakes haunt him. As I reviewed our percentages on each of the 25 boards, it stood out to me that he had performed well on all other hands. This reminded me of the times I hold onto an assumed mistake rather than glorying in loving words and actions! How often have I replayed in my mind unkindnesses which have been taken personally? And how often do I replay sweet, compassionate actions which bring us all to a higher level of living? My goal shall be to stop any mindless reiterations, and bounce back to the ruling majority of goodness!

“Dream of your brother’s kindnesses instead of dwelling in your dreams on his mistakes. Select his thoughtfulness to dream about instead of counting up the hurts he gave. Forgive him his illusions, and give thanks to him for all the helpfulness he gave. And do not brush aside his many gifts because he is not perfect in your dreams.” A Course in Miracles

Love Thy Neighbor

Mary Baker Eddy was once asked about her political beliefs. She said she really had no politics, other than to pray for a righteous government, to love her neighbor as herself and God above all else. I’ve always tried to live by this for myself. But today when the pastor of the Methodist church was talking about the horrid divisions in our country, I realized I am guilty of any number of self-righteous thoughts. When he mentioned that 75% of people stated they would not marry someone of an opposing political belief, I realized that was true for me, too. I truly cannot imagine falling in love with someone who supports our current president and his cohorts, much less marrying them. While my beginning statement speaks of loving our neighbor, it also states she prays for a righteous government. I have decided to stand by the morals and principles I’ve developed over a lifetime, while being watchful for any self-righteous judgment to sneak in. When confronted with gross actions, I will strive to see the person in the pure light they were born, remembering that nastiness is a learned behavior. Namaste..

“The Golden Rule is the rule for appropriate behavior. You cannot behave appropriately unless you perceive correctly. Since you and your neighbor are equal members of one family, as you perceive both so you will do to both. You should look out from the perception of your own holiness onto the holiness of others.” A Course in Miracles

Reactions Redefined

photo credit: Aaron Springston

I watched a movie called Diane, starring Mary Kay Place. This woman is hounded by guilt from the past, a drug addicted son in the present, and no hope for the future. The phrase, “but for the grace of God go I”, kept coming to mind. I think this is a horrid phrase and sentiment. It’s one of those sayings which casts stones at others and, at the same time, promotes an unhealthy expectation of what to expect from divine Love. Another story from the Bible turned around in my thought, one where someone is thanking God that he’s not like that Philistine over there. It bring up ideas that I’m better than that guy, I am somehow more blessed than that poor woman, if God wants to punish me I will be like her — well, you get the idea. What I’d rather think is, How can I show compassion to others, how can I help someone see they needn’t be victims of the past, what can I do to improve the future. I’m reminded of a quote from Einstein’s Dreams: “What we do in the present redeems the past and changes the future.” Yes...

“Only the sane can look on stark insanity and raving madness with pity and compassion, but not with fear. For only if they share in it does it seem fearful, and you do share in it until you look upon your brother with perfect faith and love…” A Course in Miracles

Innovation Requires Inspiration

Today marked the very first 2020 Strike, a day when students would walk out of schools and protest our gross negligence in taking care of planet Earth. Greta Thunberg began raising awareness when she would stand outside the Swedish Parliament every Friday entreating the lawmakers to pay attention to what was going on in our world. People like this wonderful child and Marianne Williamson are not afraid to speak up and point out what many of us may be missing: We're in trouble! Greta convinced her parents to stop traveling by air and to stop eating meat. Her speeches at the United Nations and the United States Congress have caused many others to think about how they live on a day-to-day basis. As an editorial in the Christian Science Monitor stated: "Innovation requires inspiration fueled by a view of possibilities not yet seen." I applaud all the people who are thinking in new ways and helping us to do the same! 

“The sun, giving light and heat to the earth, is a figure of divine Life and Love, enlightening and sustaining the universe.” Mary Baker Eddy 

Cozy Neighborhood

Photo credit: Richard Quick
Basin Park in Eureka Springs

As a child, I always wanted to live in town. My parents were older, I was an only child, and we lived in the country. I longed for the kind of neighborhood I heard my friends talk about. They had Beatles clubs, rode their bicycles together, had sleepovers — it sounded wonderful! So when I had children, I made sure to have two and to move to a quiet street in a small town. I still live here and am in love with my neighborhood! The first time I came home and found a note on my refrigerator telling me one of these fine folks had borrowed an egg, I knew I’d never leave. The camaraderie I feel toward them is a great feeling. We rarely visit each other, but think of one another as close friends, and we know we can call for help (or an egg!) at any time. It’s a cozy, comfortable neighborhood. And I am grateful...

"If selfishness has given place to kindness, we shall regard our neighbor unselfishly, and bless them that curse us; but we shall never meet this great duty simply by asking that it may be done." Mary Baker Eddy 

Am I For It?

Choices at Bootstrap Brewing

Today’s observation is of people making life choices because they’re “against” something. One of my acquaintances won’t vote for candidates who support reproductive rights because she is very much against abortion. Someone else I know won’t vote for a gay man because they think God says it’s wrong. I came home and was talking to Kevin about these things and he said his litmus test is to ask himself if he is for something or against something. If he is against it, he examines what he IS for to see where that takes him. We, as a people, are too busy casting stones to listen to ourselves. I remember hearing that Mother Teresa was asked to march in a Vietnam war protest. She stated she would not march against war, but would march for peace. Before I jump on my high horse next time, I shall notice from which perspective I am coming!

“A wise teacher teaches through approach, not avoidance. He does not emphasize what you must avoid to escape from harm, but what you need to learn to have joy.” A Course in Miracles

Fine Lines

A couple of interesting situations have been brought to my attention recently. They both have to do with saying something about a fact which is true, but might hurt someone’s feelings. In one case, it’s something that I would put in the category of better to be kind than right. We have some new bridge players at our club and one or two of the “oldsters” have told them they need more experience before they play at the duplicate level. Hogwash, I say! But the second situation concerns one of our political candidates who is making some unfortunate clothing choices. This could be easily fixed, but how to approach it? I’ve spoken with someone who is a friend of his and she is taking it under consideration. Every day we have decisions to make which can affect others. I’m trying to ask myself the question, Will this improve the situation or complicate it? It’s a fine line sometimes!   

“Honesty does not apply only to what you say. The term actually means consistency. There is nothing you say that contradicts what you think or do; no thought opposes any other thought; no act belies your word; and no word lacks agreement with another. Such are the truly honest.” A Course in Miracles Manual for Teachers

At The Bridge Table

Most of you know I play duplicate bridge; few of you know how super competitive it is. It’s one of the many things I love about this game! It’s fascinating to watch how we all react to the varied results in this interesting form of comparative bridge. I have one partner who can’t look me in the eye after one of us makes a major mistake in play or bidding. My favorite regular partner scares the dickens out of most other players, and many of them act defensively toward her. I, personally, have learned more about the play of the hand from this woman than I would from taking expensive lessons in a big city! Today I partnered with a new girl in town. Her personality is effervescent! When the opponents play exceptionally well, she lights up and congratulates them, truly from the heart. I love people like this, who glory in another’s fine showing. I’ve mentioned many times before the words, What blesses one, blesses all! Thanks for the life lessons, fellow bridge players!

"Love giveth to the least spiritual idea might, immortality, and goodness, which shine through all as the blossom shines through the bud."

Global Interpretations

Aaron in Mongolia

My favorite weekly news magazine has a regular segment on linguistics. This week the discussion was around “cultural pragmatics”. In Iceland, some of our favorite polite phrases are thought of as just the opposite. Please, thank you, you’re welcome: these are all thought of demeaning in various ways. For instance, if you say, Could I please borrow your car? This question, with the inclusion of “please”, implies that this is a big favor that not everyone would agree to; secondly, it is thought of as humbling yourself before a person who has the power to grant your request or not. And so Scandinavian countries have come up with the word “tack”, which reflects their ideals of equality, self-sufficiency, consensus seeking, and conflict avoidance — along with a desire to not be indebted to other people. So, in essence, requests are made with the expectation that they will be done, not that you’re asking a favor, hence no need for thanks when it is granted! I love seeing the interpretations and different ways of perceiving words and actions!

“Gratitude is a lesson hard to learn for those who look upon the world amiss. The most that they can do is see themselves as better off than others. And they try to be content because another seems to suffer more than they. “ ACIM Workbook Lesson 295

Civility in Discourse

I read an article titled, “Encircling the Interrupters With Civility”. It started out telling us there were 57 interruptions in the June Democratic debate. We are told that cable news shows experience higher ratings when pundits talk over each other. What’s happened to civility in dialogues? It seems as though we have decided that respecting someone’s viewpoint means we support that viewpoint. We apparently think we must refute them immediately or else we will be agreeing with them. There are many groups attempting to redirect this distressing road we’ve taken. John McCain’s widow, Cindy, has launched a social media campaign urging acts of civility by citizens. Another nationwide group of volunteers offer workshops to help liberals and conservatives discuss each side’s criticisms of the other. The First Amendment Center holds events which help the public and media understand each other. The National Institute for Civil Discourse has trained thousands on how to hold civil conversations. A poll shows that 92% of people think that civility among elected officials is important. As the above-referenced article from the Christian Science Monitor states: “The candidates’ interruptions in debates could someday go the way of dueling with pistols.” I sure hope so! 

"Self-denial is practical, and is not only polite to all but is pleasant to those who practice it. If one would follow the advice that one gratuitously bestows on others, this would create for one's self and for the world a destiny more grand than can issue from the brain of a dreamer." Mary Baker Eddy 

The Secret of Life

Today I saw this quote by Alan Watts: “This is the real secret of life — to be completely engaged in what you’re doing — and instead of calling it work, realize it is play.” Years ago I was extremely busy, as we all are when we’re working and have children. Someone once asked me what I did for fun, and I remember telling them everything I did was fun. And I meant it! Today life is much more relaxed and I love it even more! Today I spent the day playing — playing duplicate bridge all afternoon and playing the organ for a wedding rehearsal this evening. The above quote reminds me to remember to enjoy everything, whether it may seem difficult or easy, boring or exciting, comfortable or stressful. Life is ever-changing, and I am most grateful!

"The pains of sense quickly inform us that the pleasures of sense are mortal and that joy is spiritual." Mary Baker Eddy

Vote, Vote, Vote!!

I watched the Democratic debate Thursday night — or at least some of it. One thing rang true: all the candidates want what’s best for the people of our country and the people of every country. They care about people, they care about the earth and what needs to be done to save it; they care about helping us help ourselves. They care. Our current government situation is dire. I see no reason to go into specifics in this short writing. We all know the problems. I truly believe many of the candidates running for the Democratic nomination would be a great president, and I know that any of them can win the election if one thing happens: We all get out there and VOTE! How many of your friends don’t vote? I have been shocked to find out about two dear friends who believe their vote makes no difference and it isn’t worth the effort for them to vote. I ask you to join with me to help the non-voters see why it is so incredibly important. Explain to them that a special election was held this week in North Carolina and the decision was made by around 35% of the registered voters. There were less than 4,000 votes between the winner and the loser. Tell your friends: Vote in your school board elections, vote for city council candidates, vote for your representatives and senators, vote in the primaries, vote in the presidential elections — just vote! It’s fun!! 

"I am asked, 'What are your politics?' I have none, in reality, other than to help support a righteous government; to love God supremely, and my neighbor as myself." Mary Baker Eddy.

Remembering...

Today we remember a day none of us can forget. At the time the tragedy happened on 9/11/01, I remember thinking it was the perfect opportunity for the world to come together to demand peace; to stand up to abject terror and just say “NO”. But that didn’t happen. People became frightened and all sorts of laws were enacted to supposedly protect us. The fear we have fostered has blossomed into terror. We have believed lies, such as thinking it’s true that thousands of people were watching and cheering as the towers fell. We have allowed ourselves to be afraid of anyone with dark skin or certain clothing. Our children are afraid in schools, our adults go to church with guns, none of us are trusted to get on an airplane without being suspected of malicious intent. This is not what I want to remember on this day. I’d like to rewind the clock and go forward from that time, as one human race, insisting that violent terrorism will not be tolerated, embracing each other as members of one tribe, Earth, just as loving and trusting as the day we were born. Namaste...

"The history of our country, like all history, illustrates the might of Mind, and shows human power to be proportionate to its embodiment of right thinking. " Mary Baker Eddy

Hope

Tonight I went to the Carroll County Democrats quarterly meeting. It’s always nice to hear ideas and see old friends, but tonight was particularly enjoyable as there were two university students there to speak to us. They gave us hope with their enthusiasm, for sure! I loved how the young man told us that everything we do is political, and so when we encounter folks who righteously say “I’m not political”, that’s simply not true. I agree wholeheartedly! Every time we shop at a farmers’ market, we make a political statement: real people over corporations. When we choose to give up using plastic whenever possible, we make a statement in favor of our Earth. When we choose Love over hate, we find peace and give it. Tonight’s young speaker also mentioned this, saying that whatever we do in campaigning for our favorite candidates must be done with love to be effective. Agreed! — and Namaste.

"'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." Mary Baker Eddy 

Decisions

"Hobbs State Park"
photo by Gerry Toler

Have you ever noticed that once you think you have something figured out, it turns out you don’t? Usually I don’t worry about making decisions because I’ve learned that trusting intuition is the way to go, rather than making lists of pros and cons and becoming anxious about what is the right thing to do. Lately, I’ve come up against something where nothing feels right. I keep thinking I’d rather be kind than right, but it seems I can be neither. In my desire to understand what’s going on, I’ve been studying Chapter 30 in A Course in Miracles text, the part on Rules for Decision. This evening I’m holding to these words: “‘Today I will make no decisions by myself.’ This means that you are choosing not to be the judge of what to do. But it must also mean you will not judge the situations where you will be called upon to make response. For if you judge them, you have set the rules for how you should react to them. And then another answer cannot but produce confusion and uncertainty and fear.” May I not make up my mind and THEN decide to ask what to do!

Questioning Things

Not sure of origin of this...

What are your feelings when you hear someone justify their actions by stating that someone else did the same or “worse”? Do you cringe when you hear mention of woman being made from a man’s rib? Does the extreme duality of the majority of religion cause you to wonder if they know the meaning of One? When someone is feeling hurt by another’s actions, why is it so difficult to say so?   These are a few of the questions which came to my attention today. I, of course, could expound on my opinions concerning these dilemmas, but I’m trying to listen for the deeper question here. But, please, feel free to tell me what your questions are today — and if you want, I’d love to hear your answers, too!

"Comparison must be an ego device, for love makes none. Specialness always makes comparisons. It is established by a lack seen in another, and maintained by searching for, and keeping clear in sight, all lacks it can perceive." A Course in Miracles Text, Chapter 24, The Treachery of Specialness

The Circle's Not Broken

Ozark Folk Fair 1973​

In 1973, I was almost 20 years old and a student at the University of Arkansas. There was an outdoor music festival in Eureka Springs which was attended by around 100,000 people. I was one of those folks who spent the weekend in the rain and mud -- and it was wonderful! It was the first time I saw The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and I was hooked on bluegrass and soft rock the rest of my life. Tonight, 53 years after this band started playing as a group, they were again here in Eureka Springs and they were, perhaps, better than they had been 47 years ago when they were last in our town. Wow!! A series of recordings they are famous for are called Will The Circle Be Unbroken (1, 2, and 3). The unbroken circle I saw demonstrated in The Aud tonight was life affirming and inspirational. The humanity of 900+ people enjoying a group with deep roots brought tears and laughter more than once this evening. Let's all take a moment and notice our own circles and celebrate them! I am so thankful for all of mine...

​"​Home is the dearest spot on earth, and it should be the centre, but not the boundary, of the affections.​" Mary Baker Eddy​

Keep on Keeping On

Aaron and Mom at wedding

Since last Sunday, I’ve been pondering Pastor Blake Lasater’s question concerning how we spend our time, money, thoughts. It seems there are too many good causes I want to help advance. Some of these activities are beyond my physical capabilities at this time; others, I would need cash to help — i.e., Heifer International. But sometimes I find things which are a perfect fit. For instance, I can help our humane society, and farmers’ market, and a few spiritual and environmental focuses, by helping them reach others by way of social media. Or for political causes, I can write letters to the editor, call senators and representatives, and entreat others to do the physical work I cannot. Even if we feel helpless, let’s never lose hope. A simple word to a person can make all the difference — and we may never know it did. As you see from the accompanying photo at my son's wedding, I'll do whatever I can -- and you can, too!! 

"This scientific sense of being, forsaking matter for Spirit, by no means suggests man's absorption into Deity and the loss of his identity, but confers upon man enlarged individuality, a wider sphere of thought and action, a more expansive love, a higher and more permanent peace." Mary Baker Eddy

One From Many

2018 Celebration Choir

This evening, we began rehearsals with the Celebration Choir for a holiday concert in December. It is based around what is known as The Nine Lessons. The lessons I have learned from accompanying this choir are many, but I'm thinking now of how 40 people can come together as individuals and end up as one. The lessons in unity I've learned from this choir have changed my life. Yes, we are all individual expressions of Creation, but we are the same because of that Source. We share with all things living one force which flows through everything. This energy can be directed in many paths, but when we allow ourselves to be guided by our inner knowing (intuition, if you will), unexpectedly beautiful things happen. I am most grateful to everyone who teaches me these lessons on a daily basis. Many have paved the way for us and I am thankful for the books which help us see more deeply. Namaste dear Friends!

"Happiness is spiritual, born of truth and love. It is unselfish; therefore it cannot exist alone, but requires all mankind to share it." Mary Baker Eddy 

Staying in the Moment

Kevin has a dog named Jeter who occasionally has seizures. He has found that keeping himself and the dog calm facilitates an easy passage back to the happy dog mode. It’s a lovely thing to witness their bond, the trust the dog has for him, and the love Kevin has for this dog. Watching them I see how important it is to remain solidly in the moment, not worrying about the what-if possibilities, and not thinking about what has occurred in past similar circumstance. Animals teach us lessons every day, and I’m grateful to be surrounded by them!

"When angels visit us, we do not hear the rustle of wings, nor feel the feathery touch of the breast of a dove; but we know their presence by the love they create in our hearts." Mary Baker Eddy