Calm and Exalted Thought

photo credit: Aaron Springston

Long, long ago, perhaps in the 1980’s, I read a book called “Mary’s Message to the World”. It was purported to be a channeled writing in which Mary, Jesus’s mom, told us predictions for civilization. The only one which stuck in my mind was that this area of the country would become tropical. Judging from what has gradually happened with our weather, I would say that sounds accurate! We have practically no snow, and there is more rain along with moderately hot summers. I’ve always said if you don’t like the weather here, wait until tomorrow, because we’ve always been erratic in our little corner of the Ozarks. Perhaps abnormal is the new normal? Climate change is interesting in its intensity and unpredictability. During our metafizzie days, we had a number of folks who thought violent weather was caused by violent emotions. Whether or not this is true, we are all well-served to stay on an even keel in these tumultuous times, don’t you think? It feels like walking a balance beam, but I’ll keep on trying! 

"The calm and exalted thought or spiritual apprehension is at peace. Thus the dawn of ideas goes on, forming each successive stage of progress." Mary Baker Eddy S&H 506:11-14

The Human Sigh For Peace & Love

It has been a number of years since I’ve been around teenagers, so it was great to feel the exuberance which surrounded them during a joyous choir rehearsal. Ben Winn is the director of music at one of the churches I play for, and he also teaches choir at my alma mater, Berryville High School. I joined him for a short while today to help his choir learn new music. When I was in school almost five decades ago, we had a small band room and there was no choir. Now there is a fine arts building which vibrates with good energy! Although I’ve always known the importance of music in developing a whole person, it was good to be reminded. These students are compassionate and kind. It shows in their eyes. I hope I get to go back sometime and soak up more of their joy!

"The human sigh for peace and love is answered and compensated by divine Love. Music is more than sound in unison. The deaf Beethoven besieges you with tones intricate, profound, commanding. Mozart rests you. To me his composition is the triumph of art, for he measures himself against deeper grief. I want not only quality, quantity, and variation in tone, but the unction of Love. Music is divine. Mind, not matter, makes music; and if the divine tone be lacking, the human tone has no melody for me." Mary Baker Eddy - Message to the Mother Church, 1900, P11:8

Live Justly, Love Mercy

Many people are “daunted by the enormity of the world’s grief”. I have a friend who hides in mindless television. She refuses to watch the news as she feels it’s too horrid, but she immerses herself in yucky CSI shows and such. Even though I don’t understand her way of thinking, it’s better than hiding in a bar and living with the consequences as some I know. Another friend stays away from society and watches cooking shows 10 or 12 hours a day, topping it off with nightly movies. Both of these women are compassionate, loving people, yet they feel helpless when it comes to facing the injustice which is running rampant. There are far more people in the world who love than hate, but it’s easy to become bruised when you love, and easier to become more angry when you hate. That is why I loved the above statement when I read it on Facebook: “Live justly, love mercy, and walk humbly now. You are not expected to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it.” 

“You who feel threatened by this changing world, its twists of fortune and its bitter jests, its brief relationships and all the "gifts" it merely lends to take away again; attend this lesson well. The world provides no safety. It is rooted in attack, and all its "gifts" of seeming safety are illusory deceptions. It attacks, and then attacks again. No peace of mind is possible where danger threatens thus.”

 “Be still a moment, and in silence think how holy is your purpose, how secure you rest, untouchable within it."s light.” A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #153

The Unbearable Sadness/Joy of Life

photo credit: Aaron Springston

I visited with two old friends, one who moved back to town from an extended stay on the west coast. The other visit was with someone who is paralyzed with emotional distress. Both of these women have had recent moves: one from one place in Eureka to another, the other from far, far away. One is calm, one is not. One is happy, one is sad. One is excited, one is afraid. Once again, I ponder why they perceive their moves so differently. I've noticed that one has a strong spiritual base, grounded in reason and understanding. The other is going on blind faith. I, too, think it would be frightening to feel alone, no matter who is helping you and caring about your wellbeing. Her loneliness is deep and cherished. My joyous friend and I discussed changing the world by changing ourselves. We know we can’t beg God to do something, nor can we ask our neighbors to change their minds. This rabbit hole I'm looking into gets deeper and deeper as I watch it, and am I grateful for Love. 

"Happiness is an attribute of love. It cannot be apart from it. Nor can it be experienced where love is not. Love has no limits, being everywhere. And therefore joy is everywhere as well. Yet can the mind deny that this is so, believing there are gaps in love where sin can enter, bringing pain instead of joy. This strange belief would limit happiness by redefining love as limited, and introducing opposition in what has no limit and no opposite." A Course in Miracles W-pI.103.1

Overwhelmed by Change, or Excited?

photo credit: Aaron Springston

Why do some people take events as stressful, while others interpret them as exciting and fun adventures? I know I’ve done both, using changes in life’s circumstances as an excuse for retreating into emotional distress, tempered with bouts of drinking. I’ve been watching a dear friend who is moving from one house to another. She has experienced some other life trauma in recent years and feels overwhelmed by this change. I watch her whirlwind thoughts dwell on the sadness and seeming impossibility of adjusting to a new place. Her fright carries over to her pets. I try to calm her, but she doesn’t want that. So I’ve been thinking about these things today, wondering how we grow into acceptance of the moment, rather than fighting to keep things as they were. It occurs to me that she feels punished by the God she worships. Looking back to a time I was overwrought by illnesses, death, and other forms of separation, I see my change in attitude began and continues with an unfolding view of God, and my expression of this all-encompassing Love. I think I’ll sit and pet a cat and ponder this for a while!

“Change is always fearful to the separated, because they cannot conceive of it as a move towards healing the separation. They always perceive it as a move toward further separation, because the separation was their first experience of change. You believe that if you allow no change to enter into your ego you will find peace. This profound confusion is possible only if you maintain that the same thought system can stand on two foundations. Nothing can reach spirit from the ego, and nothing can reach the ego from spirit. Spirit can neither strengthen the ego nor reduce the conflict within it.” A Course in Miracles T-4.I.2

Are There Levels of Integrity?

photo credit: Aaron Springston

What would you do if you found millions of dollars in the woods in a wrecked plane? Would you go directly to the police or would you stop and think about the consequences of keeping it? We watched a movie, A Simple Plan, which brought these and other questions to thought as we saw this multifaceted dilemma unfold. While we may not have such dramatic choices in daily life, there are many instances presented to us which give an opportunity to test our morality. For instance, if the grocery checker gives you too much change, or when you see someone drop something of value without realizing it — well, the list is endless. Thinking about this has caused me to be more aware of being kind when I could be indifferent. There have been organized movements which foster good behavior, such as, Pay It Forward, or doing random acts of kindness. Yes, I’m going to be more aware of needs and try to fill the void when I see it. Ah, that’s the secret: seeing the need!! 

"The rich in spirit help the poor in one grand brotherhood, all having the same Principle, or Father, and blessed is that man who seeth his brother's need and supplieth it, seeking his own in another's good." Mary Baker Eddy

Evasion of Truth Cripples Integrity

I love to watch Dancing With the Stars. People step outside their comfort zone and dance, practice hard, and often change their lives. In the years I’ve enjoyed this show, I’ve never seen anyone who has no natural rhythm advance beyond the first week or two — until now. Sean Spicer came on the show and was easily the worst dancer, seeming to be an early elimination prospect. But he is still in the competition, when five others have been sent home. Why, we all wonder? Well, Trevor Noah has given us the answer. Through a series of interviews on Fox News and Mr. Spicer’s own advertisement, we see how he is manipulating the system. He has told people how to cast votes more times than they normally could, and urges people on the west coast to vote even before they’ve seen him dance. He has turned this competition into a pitiful parody of what it’s been for the past 20+ seasons. Why is it so important for him to win? He has given interviews on Fox stating that this is for the “cause”, and that Democrats think they’re better than everyone else and people should vote for him, making his appearance on the show into some sort of convoluted political stand. Good grief. What have we come to? When voting and results can be manipulated through a person or group, it makes me wonder about those buying into the story as much as those telling it. What has become of our integrity? Where does the madness stop? It stops with us, you and me, right now. Namaste... 

"Evil which obtains in the bodily senses, but which the heart condemns, has no foundation; but if evil is uncondemned, it is undenied and nurtured. Under such circumstances, to say that there is no evil, is an evil in itself. When needed, tell the truth concerning the lie. Evasion of Truth cripples integrity and casts thee down from the pinnacle." Mary Baker Eddy 

It's the Small Stuff

photo credit: Gerry Toler

The magic of a single day is magnificent! For instance, I came home the other day and Kevin gleefully told me it had been the best day of his life. Fun and interesting things had been happening around him all day. I kind of feel that way about today! On this chilly, rainy day, life was bursting forth at every turn. It could be said that our fall leaves are rather lackluster, but on this gray day the leaves glowed. People seemed different -- somewhat raw in their emotions and words. It felt really real out there today! It's the little things, don't you think? Seeing the last rose shivering at the end of October, watching friends gather together with heartfelt caring for each other, lifting a glass and sharing food -- what a joy to be present in each moment! When things seem mundane, or difficult, or overwhelming, start noticing the moments and hang on tight! 

"Spiritual living and blessedness are the only evidences, by which we can recognize true existence and feel the unspeakable peace which comes from an all-absorbing spiritual love." Mary Baker Eddy 

Giving is Supply

Apple Stock Image: The Gift

I love the teachings of Joel Goldsmith, and many mornings I will open up one of his books at random. This morning, I picked up “A New Concept of Supply” and immediately saw this sentence: “Supply is not getting; supply is giving.” He gos on to tell us that giving is not necessarily monetary, but it could be giving UP something, such as jealousy, hatred, and anger. Concerning money, he says sending out a dime into the world with the attitude of giving freely, with no thought for recognition or someone’s gratitude, is the key to starting the flow of supply. This is a tough concept for many of us, because we’ve been taught that the more we give, the less we have. We have a feeling that there is not enough to go around and we must hold onto everything we can get. In developing the consciousness of supply, we first must realize that supply is invisible and infinite; it is Spirit. It can be difficult to grasp the concept that giving is getting (and it’s actually more a releasing of thought than a grasping of it), but once the flow begins circulating, it’s easier to “take no thought...”, as Jesus recommended time and again. 

“The belief that money and property constitute supply has been accepted for so many years that most people rely on them for their security; and then when, through the devaluation of the currency or through a world-wide depression or for some other reason beyond their control, billions disappear, they feel that their world has collapsed. Students of spiritual wisdom must come to the realization that they have no supply outside their own being, that supply lies in something that cannot be known through the physical senses: Supply is the Infinite Invisible.” Joel Goldsmith

The Appeal of Horror

photo credit: Richard Quick

Halloween is always fun because of playing dress-up and eating sweet stuff. But what of the horror phenomenon? I have never enjoyed being scared or tricked, so that part of this time of year has never held appeal to me, and I’ve been wondering why we have this obsession with zombies. We have quite an invasion here in Eureka Springs, and I’m content to have been out of town and missed last weekend’s influx. I suppose people like the idea of being dead but continuing to walk about in these bodies, going on and on while our decrepit selves try not to fall apart. I find no appeal there either - my goodness!  Perhaps we can act out our fears of other things, such as “invasions” and death, working through the things we dread or don’t understand. I hear that our U.S. Center for Disease Control issued advice on how to survive a zombie apocalypse, and it was meant to prepare our citizens for a pandemic outbreak of any type. I’m not sure how all this ties together, but it’s what I’ve been pondering today. Please feel free to post your thoughts to the blog (website link is below). You don’t need to sign in to do so! 

"The fact that the Christ, or Truth, overcame and still overcomes death proves the 'king of terrors' to be but a mortal belief, or error, which Truth destroys with the spiritual evidences of Life; and this shows that what appears to the senses to be death is but a mortal illusion, for to the real man, and the real universe there is no death process." Mary Baker Eddy 

My Mom Loved Baseball

Bryan and Anita Havens
circa 1931

My mom was a baseball fan. She followed the St. Louis Cardinals and talked about the players with her friends. After I left home and lived in Fayetteville, she came to spend a few days at my house. My roommate was a baseball fan, too, so she and my mother spent some time watching games. Imagine my surprise when Brenda told me that my mother knew nothing about baseball! I was dumbfounded, and a bit embarrassed. This dear woman was a joyous ball of energy. She had a great laugh and rarely walked when she could run. But as children sometimes do, I didn’t realize how fabulous she was. She wore bright clothing and a flower in her hair, when my friends’ moms were non-descript. She painted doors bright red with black spots and gold doorknobs. She was happier than any other mom I knew. Looking back on her lack of baseball expertise, I see how cool that was! She enjoyed watching the players, cheered when they hit the ball (not caring if it was foul or fair), and was ecstatic when they made the playoffs. I wonder if she even knew what that meant? It didn’t matter! Sophia Anita Bravo Havens loved life! What I'd give to watch a game with her...

"Fed by Thy love divine we live,

    For Love alone is Life;

And life most sweet, as heart to heart

Speaks kindly when we meet and part."

Mary Baker Eddy 

Free Your Mind

photo credit: Aaron Springston

Some metaphysical folks like to point out how disease is brought about by certain of our behaviors — i.e., jealousy causes cancer and other such beliefs. One of the reasons I love Christian Science is the idea that there is no individual, mental cause for disease; it is a universal hypnotism which we have accepted and from which we must free ourselves. In other words, we may be jealous or dishonest, but there is no need for condemnation; we need but understand how to free ourselves from these universal beliefs. We do this through the knowledge that these traits or behaviors are not a part of the real you, and that to whatever degree you are expressing negative qualities of mind and body, that is the extent you have allowed world beliefs to be imposed upon you. First of all, stop condemning yourself for what you see as bad, and begin to see the reality of You. Then your mind can become a clear transparency for Mind, God, to flow through. If this seems complicated, be assured we shall revisit  this topic often! 

"We should blush to call that real which is only a mistake. The foundation of evil is laid on a belief in something besides God. This belief tends to support two opposite powers, instead of urging the claims of Truth alone. The mistake of thinking that error can be real, when it is merely the absence of truth, leads to belief in the superiority of error." Mary Baker Eddy 

Acceptance ...

I know a woman who compliments others so much they become embarrassed. She does it to such an extent it seems as though it may be a form of ridicule. I’ve been paying attention when she does this to me and a couple of other people. At first, I thought perhaps she wanted friends, then I thought she may want compliments herself, then I thought she might be compensating for being a rather hateful person — well, I’m not sure why this behavior is occurring, but I’ve begun to converse with her the same way I would anyone with an outlandish view of any kind: I ask her questions. It seems she has been ostracized by her children, she has never had a job, and she has a strong sense of being better than everyone, hence she thinks everyone is jealous of her. Wow! How interesting it is to listen to folks rather than avoiding them because they make you uncomfortable! Every time I think of her, I shall send her Ho’oponopono. 

"Make fast your learning now, and understand you but waste time unless you go beyond what you have learned to what is yet to learn. For from this lowest point will learning lead to heights of happiness, in which you see the purpose of the lesson shining clear, and perfectly within your learning grasp." A Course in Miracles

I Do Not Know What Anything Means

photo credit: Aaron Springston

Today I’ve been pondering the difference in belief and understanding, blind following of leaders and the questioning attitude which insists on answers, by-rote actions and thoughtful decisions — all this and more are brought to mind when I hear of the things people do. Many of these disturbing actions fall under the category of making fun of others — for instance, making rude comments about political leaders, often dressed up as memes and other “witty” stuff. Some folks have the belief that God has ordained certain things which should or should not be done. Then there are always habits we’ve fallen into without questioning if they are necessary or productive or fun. Well, there certainly is much to think about, isn’t there? One thing I do know: When I wake up and meditate and do some deep thinking and study, the day goes smoothly and unfolds joyously. When I wake up and get involved in outside influences before I’m centered, everything seems difficult: I’m not mindfully aware and may misplace things, or become irritated over nothing (or something!). Since I know I can’t change that guy over there, I will wake up tomorrow and do my best to not be foolish. Namaste...

“When your peace is threatened or disturbed in any way, say to yourself: I do not know what anything, including this, means. And so I do not know how to respond to it. And I will not use my own past learning as the light to guide me now. By this refusal to attempt to teach yourself what you do not know, the Guide Whom God has given you will speak to you. He will take His rightful place in your awareness the instant you abandon it, and offer it to Him.” A Course in Miracles 

Fact Checking

photo credit: Aaron Springston

What will it take for us to stop attacking each other? I am terribly tired of people posting preposterous things to Facebook. I have "unfollowed" most of these dear people, so I don't have to see it, but a few (such as in-laws in Springdale), I still allow on my newsfeed because I want to see photos of the kids and keep up with their lives. But I just saw a photograph, supposedly of Congresswoman Omar in training with al-qaeda. It was very easy to check the veracity and origins of this silly claim. There were five fact checking sites which all said it wasn't her in the photo and the "facts" were fiction. Let's all be smart enough to not repeat such things. If it sounds too ridiculous to be true, then google it and see what's up. Nevertheless, what's going on with us? Why can we no longer communicate with each other? Why don't our elected officials work together for the good of our country? Must we always take sides and throw nasty things at each other? I think not. I've made one new conservative friend in the last month. I think I'll try for one a week! 

"God is Father, infinite, and this great truth, when understood in its divine metaphysics, will establish the brotherhood of man, end wars, and demonstrate "on earth peace, good will toward men." Mary Baker Eddy 

Let's Do This Together

I read an anecdote about an elderly man who was trying to pay for his groceries at the store. He had a bag of change that he was counting out to pay for his purchases. He kept messing up the count and was getting nervous. His hands began to shake. The people waiting in line were sighing and acting impatient. The lady checking him out gently put her hands over his and said, “Let’s do this together.” After he left, one of the customers thanked the cashier for her kindness, to which she replied: “You shouldn’t need to thank me. We all just need to love one another.” What a beautiful little story! In the hustle and rush of daily life, we may forget to help each other. Mindful awareness will bring us back to noticing where we may be of help, and what blesses one blesses all...  

"Love for mankind is the elevator of the human race; it demonstrates Truth and reflects divine Love." Mary Baker Eddy 

Triggering Each Other's Wounds

photo credit: Aaron Springston

Relationships are assignments made with the purpose of triggering each other’s wounds. These wounds are mainly from childhood, and we’ve probably been replaying a version of them all our lives. In order to have maximum growth, we must face them and heal them, which cannot be done unless they’re opened up and brought to the surface. And so we meet someone, fall in love, have a mountaintop experience, then trip and fall down the hill. From that point, we can work on climbing back up, or stay where we’ve landed. In the exhilaration of romance, we have seen the truth of each other’s innocence; after a while, we get to see each other’s messed-up-ness. We may look at it in a sacred context and recognize the spiritual meaning and purpose, or we can focus on the hurt and allow our egos to separate us. Whether we live together in bodies, or live separately but remain together in heart, it makes no difference, as relationships are of the mind. I keep reminding myself that all crises are an invitation to rise to the occasion. It’s quite a trip, don’t you think?

"The holy relationship, a major step toward the perception of the real world, is learned.  It is the old, unholy relationship, transformed and seen anew.  The holy relationship is a phenomenal teaching accomplishment. In all its aspects, as it begins, develops and becomes accomplished, it represents the reversal of the unholy relationship.  Be comforted in this; the only difficult phase is the beginning.  For here, the goal of the relationship is abruptly shifted to the exact opposite of what it was.  This is the first result of offering the relationship to the Holy Spirit, to use for His purposes." A Course in Miracles

Every Thought Is Important

Many of my writings have to do with our connectivity and the blessing of all by that of one. This web of consciousness came to mind when I heard the U.S. president say that what happens in Syria doesn’t matter here. Actually, the first thing I thought about was how years of throwing away plastic bags (which seemed an inconsequential act) has turned into an integral part of a huge environmental crisis. That, of course, led thought to all the other ways we can turn away from horrendous happenings and declare it has nothing to do with us, or say we can’t do anything to stop it, or simply cry and tell our friends how awful whatever it is may be. Everything affects everyone and everything else! Even if I have no physical resources to affect change in the way Melinda Gates is doing, there is a part I can and will play. Every thought is important. Will mine be on the side of Love, finding solutions to imbalances, or will they feed fear and hatred, weighing us down? As Marianne Williamson repeatedly says: When hatred is shouting, it’s not enough for love to whisper! 

"Truth has no consciousness of error. Love has no sense of hatred. Life has no partnership with death. Truth, Life, and Love are a law of annihilation to everything unlike themselves, because they declare nothing except God." Mary Baker Eddy 

Indoctrination or Education?

What is the difference in indoctrination and education? This question comes to mind because of people saying kids are being indoctrinated in Islam in schools, when (it seem to me) they are simply teaching history. Does separation of church and state mean we cannot learn about other people in our country? Are we so jaded and fearful we think it’s indoctrinating children if they even hear about what someone else believes? Gosh, I hope not. How can I understand why my neighbor on one side finds my barbecue grill abhorrent, while the one across the street wants to slaughter goats in his yard, feeling stifled because the city won’t allow it? We all have things we like and don’t like; and some of us have strictures placed upon us by religion, government, ancestors. Education is the most important factor in learning compassion, realizing what is ethical and moral, and understanding how to get along with others. Let’s not be so frightened of our children being exposed to things we believe to be wrong, but let’s do think more about teaching them what is right.

"The present codes of human systems disappoint the weary searcher after a divine theology, adequate to the right education of human thought." Mary Baker Eddy 

Opening the Petals of Purpose

photo credit: Aaron Springston

A short documentary has been made about a ship, the SS Quanza, and the 83 mostly Belgium Jewish people who were trying to enter the United States in 1940. Many ships had been turned away at that time, with hundreds of their passengers returned to their homeland for extermination. This ship’s youngest passenger, Annette Yachmann, is still living and enjoying a happy life teaching writing at a community college in New York and being a grandmother. She recalls the horror of being trapped on the ship, but is grateful that she was with her mother. She is vocally rebelling against the treatment of children who are separated from their parents as they attempt to enter the United States. The maker of this film, Laura Seltzer-Duny, tells of Eleanor Roosevelt’s extraordinary efforts to bring these people into our country. She also documents the efforts of others who were integral in the humanitarian effort, including a married couple who were lawyers and used maritime law to stalls the ship’s return to Europe. The movie is called “Nobody Wants Us”. It was made with the hope of educating people on the plight of immigrants and the historical fate of those turned away. I spoke yesterday of education being essential in creating compassion. This is a perfect example. We all have purpose, and this filmmaker has certainly discovered hers! 

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