'Tis the Season!

Contributions, donations, fundraising events — Our little town is known for helping anyone in need, either individually or as a group, such as our wonderful Fleet Street Food Bank. Most places excel at giving around the holidays, but I truly think Eureka Springs is great at it all year ‘round! Kevin and I have been talking about it because he rang the bell for a couple of hours in front of the grocery store today, and the cool stories he told about folks putting money in the “pot” are wonderful! My favorite is about one woman who gave them $100, saying she had found it in the laundry and wanted to give it to them. I’m reminded of the Bible story of the woman who had enough flour to make bread for her son and herself, just one loaf, but when a stranger knocked on her door in need, she invited him in to share the food. This is the true meaning of Christmas, don’t you think? What an inspiration this little village is to me!

"Meekness and charity have divine authority." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health, Page 270

The Face of Divine Love

Acknowledging that everything and everyone we look upon is the face of divine Love takes our perception to another level. With this sight, we do not need to see race or nationalities nor gender, there are no political parties for which to wave flags, and no enemies to fight against nor allies to side with. I see beautiful things happening in our world. Long-held beliefs are being released in favor of an open-hearted acceptance of everyone as they are, not as we want them to be. Change can seem difficult, but our new perceptions of Life are a conscious choice by which we break free of habits and old thought patterns which have held us in bondage for far too long. Let’s celebrate our new-found sight today!

“Right motives give pinions to thought, and strength and freedom to speech and action. Love is priestess at the altar of Truth. Wait patiently for divine Love to move upon the waters of mortal mind, and form the perfect concept.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 454: 20-23

Radical Social Change

Gender equality has always been difficult to achieve. We have reasons, excuses, for why it's impossible. Legislators insisted it was to protect women, when they refused them the rights which were "granted" to men. These inalienable rights spoken of in the Constitution of the United States have been interpreted time and again, and usually they are deemed as applying to the male sex; for a long while, only to white males, then gradually evolving to include everyone. I watched the movie based on Ruth Bader Ginsberg's work to achieve women's equality in a man's world. It's called "On the Basis of Sex". Remembering how life was when I graduated from high school in 1970 is like remembering a dream. The cages we were crammed into were meant to keep the male animal in control, and it worked pretty well -- at least on the surface. But seeds had been planted; seeds of freedom which we are still nurturing. One of Jesus' main men informed us there are no bond nor free, no gentile nor jew, no male or female -- yet to this day we can't seem to figure that out! I take that back: many of us know these things, and that's why it's up to us to keep affirming the Truth of our being, and doing everything possible for others to see, too. Thank you, RBG!! 

"...oppression neither went down in blood, nor did the breath of freedom come from the cannon's mouth. Love is the liberator." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 225

Remember to Laugh!

photo credit: Aaron Springston

Don't forget to watch a silly movie and laugh! During the holiday season, there are so many events! After a full day today, rather than going to a concert I truly wanted to attend, I decided to stay home, have a great dinner, and watch a movie with Kevin. We watched "Elf" and giggled. I even managed to take a nap during the badly-constructed apex of the movie :) Nevertheless, I'm going to bed early with visions of silly things in my head. And a goodnight to all!!

"The harmony and immortality of man are intact. We should look away from the opposite supposition that man is created materially, and turn our gaze to the spiritual record of creation, to that which should be engraved on the understanding and heart 'with the point of a diamond' and the pen of an angel." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 521:9

F.E.A.R.

photo credit: Steve Shogren

One of my favorite acronyms is “False Evidence Appearing Real”. Fear stems from the idea that we can be separated from joy and love, from peace and security. It would be unkind to tell someone there is nothing to fear when they are in the middle of a war zone or, perhaps, have been brutally attacked. At this stage of our evolution, perhaps it's best to think this truth silently, affirming within ourselves that illusions are not facts and there is, in reality, nothing to fear. For instance, I have a friend who has been in a car accident and is now afraid to drive outside of our small hometown. While I did not make light of her fear, I also steadfastly refused to reinforce her trepidation by agreeing with her. I don’t think true compassion is shown by agreeing with erroneous thought; rather, thought can be changed by seeing the error in thinking and asserting the truth of our being as an expression of divine Mind (God). I pray  for the grace which will guide me to silence or action!

“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 - Science & Health Page 506:11-14

Addicted to Hate

photo credit: Aaron Springston
Loveland Pass, Colorado

I heard a program on National Public Radio today in which people who had been involved with hate groups, and were presently in recovery, were interviewed. There were white nationalists, neo-nazis, Islamic terrorists. Some wanted out because they realized they were wrong, others had wives who gave them ultimatums when they saw their children behaving in this way, whatever the reason, they all had something in common: they couldn’t leave without support from groups. It was very similar to Alcoholics Anonymous. These people said they were addicted to the feelings, the strong emotions, which were aroused when they screamed messages of derision toward others. Listening to these dear people talk about their experiences — how and why they were drawn to such a destructive group of people, the way it made them feel, why they had to get away from them — I was struck by how much we truly are all the same. Sometimes we lose our way and think that pain is pleasure, hate is love, and ugliness is beauty. I’m going to double down on my efforts to scatter joy and love my neighbor. It is, indeed, important!

"...fear demands the sacrifice of love, for in love's presence fear cannot abide. For hate to be maintained, love must be feared; and only sometimes present, sometimes gone. Thus is love seen as treacherous, because it seems to come and go uncertainly, and offer no stability to you. You do not see how limited and weak is your allegiance, and how frequently you have demanded that love go away, and leave you quietly alone in 'peace.'" A Course in Miracles T-29.2.7.

Not Arguing is Not Agreement

photo credit: Aaron Springston

I used to have a seeming need to speak my mind. Some might say I still do! It didn’t matter if it was a holiday dinner or family function where everyone was supposed to be having a good time, if I disagreed with someone, I was sure to let them know exactly why! At some point in the last twenty or so years, I’ve lost that desire. If I disagree with someone nowadays, I’ll perhaps say something like, “You may be right about that”, and smile and wander away. Or I maya ask them questions about why they have such an opinion. Rarely do I feel the need to argue a point. One of my favorite sayings is, “If you have a choice of being right or being kind, be kind.” Not having a desire to defend myself or others is my goal in this life's ministry. And there are always lots of opportunities to put it into practice!!

“Teach your student that he must know himself before he can know others and minister to human needs. Honesty is spiritual power.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 453:14-15

Nothing Unreal Exists

My mind is swirling this evening with visions of past friendships and present turmoil and confusion. The confusion is not mine, and I’m not taking it on, but I am having a difficult time holding to the spiritual truth of this situation. The thing I keep coming back to is Ho’oponopono, the Hawaiian practice of reconciliation and forgiveness. Perhaps I find this so appealing because of my Christian Science training in early years. I always go back to holding to the Truth of our being when facing difficult situations. The forgiveness practice of Ho’oponopono is a form of keeping thought away from the seeming problems, while concentrating on the words, “I love you. I’m sorry. Please forgive me. Thank you.” It helps to quiet my thoughts and allow the still small voice to be heard inwardly, guiding me to where I need to be. And so I will repeat these words every time the distressing situation tells me there is no solution. At times like this, I am extremely grateful for A Course in Miracles and all the teachers and students who are holding their thought above the illusion. Namaste...

“Nothing real can be threatened.
Nothing unreal exists.
Herein lies the peace of God.” A Course in Miracles

Bully a Wave?

photo credit: Aaron Springston

“Have you ever tried to bully a wave in the ocean?” This is the question a 104-year-old Buddhist nun asks her great-granddaughter in a beautiful novel titled, A Tale For the Time Being, by Ruth Ozeki. The two went into a store to get food for a picnic on the beach. A group of gangster girls were hanging around outside the store and harassed them as they went in. When they came out, the old woman bowed deeply to the group of young women before walking away. After they got onto the train to go to their destination, the older woman wondered aloud if it was a holiday of some sort, mentioning that the girls were all dressed so brightly and seemed so happy. The granddaughter tried to explain that they were gang colors, and that they were being derisive in their words and laughter. The grandmother didn’t see it that way and asked her young charge if she had ever tried to bully a wave, explaining that no matter how much you hit at it or yell into it, it stays what it is. That is its function, and that is our function. I love that!

“Can we gather peaches from a pine-tree, or learn from discord the concord of being? Yet quite as rational are some of the leading illusions along the path which Science must tread in its reformatory mission among mortals. The very name, illusion, points to nothingness.”  Mary Baker Eddy Science & Health Page 129:24-29 

Comfort and Joy

Have you ever heard of an organization called Comfort Cases? A couple who host foster children noticed that most of them arrive carrying their few possessions in a trash bag. They realized that these children had little to no self-esteem, and the fact they didn’t have a real bag to carry their belongs caused them to sink further into despair. They started this organization to help their children see how they can give back what they have received. And have they ever! They’ve given our almost 100,000 cases with pajamas, stuffed animal or blanket, toothpaste and brush, soap, and other items which help a child feel valuable. The holidays provide us with many opportunities to give, and lists of reputable organizations are readily available. One of my favorites is Heifer International, because the animals they give to needy families help them nurture and expand their family’s resources. Let’s remember all the Angel Trees, food banks, women’s shelters, and other agencies which enrich humanity with their work. After all, we’re all in this together!

“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 - Science & Health Page 518: 15-19 

Life is a Meditation

How do you integrate your spiritual practice into daily life? This is a question someone asked me which brought a smile. Since I don’t have any rituals which would be defined as “spiritual practice”, I suppose they are asking about the moments I pause to commune with the Universe — times when waiting in line at the grocery, or sitting at the bridge table after having decided what to bid on a hand and waiting to do so, or clearing my mind to see a word appear in the Words With Friends board. Hum, I guess life IS a spiritual practice, don’t you think? When I find myself turning a situation around and ‘round in thought, or when I replay possible scenarios of how things may transpire, that’s the time for a mental reminder to just stop it! Spiritual practice, for me, can be defined as getting out of my own way and listening for the inner voice which could be called intuition, or God. While some may think going to church once a week constitutes a spiritual practice, most folks I know have a moment-to-moment awareness which is guided by Love. How do you know if you’re life is directed by Spirit or ego? If you’re at peace, it’s God; if you’re upset and unhappy, it’s ego!

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 Page 15:11-13

How You Look At It

photo credit: Aaron Springston

It’s been said that everyone sees a rainbow differently, according to where they are when they view it. Isn't that a perfect metaphor for everything from politics to the clothes we put on our bodies? Where I am, in thought, is how I will perceive something. Things which I may think of as being for the good of everyone, someone else may see as the downfall of society. It's just a matter of how you look at it. A line from a movie comes to mind in which an octogenarian tells her family that life is like a roller coaster ride: some people think it's frightening and stressful; others see it as fun and exciting. It’s often difficult to see beauty in the moment, when everything seems wrong. The myriad of spiritual disciplines have reasons for these times in our lives. It seems many of these beliefs cause more pain than healing. I find myself returning time and again to two of the 4 Agreements: don’t take anything personally, and don’t make assumptions. I find it easier to see what’s really happening when I remember this.

“The human mind will sometime rise above all material and physical sense, exchanging it for spiritual perception, and exchanging human concepts for the divine consciousness. Then man will recognize his God-given dominion and being." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 531

Peace to My Mind

Utah - Photo Credit: Aaron Springston

Things never do and should not go 100% your way, but your life can happen your way. What happens within you is entirely yours; what happens around you is never yours alone.  How often do you hear someone say, He/She pushes my buttons! This means, of course, that someone “makes you angry or upset”. Is this really happening? How we react to someone else is either peaceful or tumultuous, and we have that choice to make in every moment. When I was a child, I didn’t like to have conversations when I first awakened in the morning. My mother thought this was a flaw in my character and tried to change me. Looking at this now, I see that silence in the morning works best for many of us. If I start out the day with inane conversation, or news stories hand-picked to feed my fears, the timbre of the day has been set and it’s difficult to center myself in the calm needed to move happily through it. Similarly, when I don’t sleep well at night, it’s because I haven’t been able to shut down my thoughts. Although I am not a fan of ritual, these morning and evening meditations work for me. We are all individuals, and through an examination of your feelings, habits, and demeanor, you can discover what works for you, too! 

"Peace to my mind. Let all my thoughts be still.

Father, I come to You today to seek the peace that You alone can give. I come in silence. In the quiet of my heart, the deep recesses of my mind, I wait and listen for Your Voice. My Father, speak to me today. I come to hear Your Voice in silence and in certainty and love, sure You will hear my call and answer me." W-pll.221   

Life, Its Own Self

"Both Sides Now"
created by Sandy Starbird

In the continuing saga of the lightning-struck organ, it can be forced to work, but only by a professional and only for a little while. So it will be functional for our concert on Sunday, but I must play the piano for dress rehearsal tomorrow. I'm going to look at this as a good thing, as I've been saying for years I'd like to improve my piano skills. So I shall look at this as an opportunity! The pianist who had a heart attack on Monday is going to be well soon, and I'm sure will be even more appreciated than before when she's back on the bench! My beloved book club met this evening and the appreciation I feel for this group of women grows deeper every time we gather in our homes. Our book this evening was about a retreat where people go to get a jump start on improving their lives. The twist in this story was that they were being given small amounts of hallucinogens with their morning smoothies. The result was quite interesting and led to a fine discussion! At the end of the day, I only feel gratitude for everyone I've encountered. Where there could be anxiety and frustration and anger expressed by workmen and others in charge of things, there has been harmony and good humor. The group of women who met this evening have their turmoil, too, but we're not afraid to confide in each other when we need advice or encouragement. And that's what it's all about, don't you think? Hugs to each and every one of you...

"Problems are not specific but they take specific forms, and these specific shapes make up the world.  And no one understands the nature of his problem.  If he did, it would be there no more for him to see." A Course in Miracles T-27.V.8 

Only Good Can Come of This

photo credit: Aaron Springston

Yesterday, I told a sad story of random lightning strikes and a piano player being felled by a serious health event. I want to assure you that our pianist is going to be fine. She is in the heart recovery place in Fayetteville and may be able to play on Sunday for the concert. But the wonderful music directors of our Celebration Choir sprang into action and lined up a great pianist, the pastor of the church has managed to get all the lights and heat working (although the speakers are “shot to hell”, as he said). Unfortunately my beautiful organ is not working properly, but it will stay on if someone holds the switch in the “on” position. The technician from the big city thinks it must be a simple fix, replacing the switch, but his wife is very ill and he can’t come until an indefinite time in the future. We have some leads on another organ wizard and I will have sweet dreams tonight of him swooping in and waving his magic wand tomorrow. After spending the morning with the high school choir who will be participating in the performance, I am joyous and certain that only good will come of this. And everything! Let’s all keep smiling and being nice to each other, helping where we can, and knowing there truly is a spiritual solution to every problem. Oh, wait a minute -- there is no problem! 

"There is but one way to heaven, harmony, and Christ in divine Science shows us this way. It is to know no other reality -- to have no other consciousness of life -- than good, God and [Its] reflection, and to rise superior to the so-called pain and pleasure of the senses." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 242

Just Breathe

"Protennoia" in the early sun

In stressful times, when I might become overwhelmed or frightened, I like to listen to Deva Premal and meditate on the art of Sandy Starbird. This morning was one of those times. Yesterday, we discovered that the fabulous organ I play at the Methodist church had been struck by lightening. We have the Celebration Choir performance this coming Sunday, so that left us in limbo. I am the organist and we have a professional pianist to accompany this great local choir, which is being joined by the performance choir from Berryville High School. So we weren’t too worried because there is a beautiful Steinway piano at the church where the performance will be held, and we can bring in a keyboard for the organ parts. Then today we hear that the pianist has had a heart attack. It’s at times like these we need to keep a calm, clear thought and know everything is working together for good. Much healing is happening in our world and our understanding is needed. So I will wake up in the morning, commune with Sandy’s rendition of Protennoia, and know only good can come of this.

“I am Protennoia,

the Thought that dwells in the Light.

I exist from the first.

I am numberless. I am immeasurable.

I am a Voice speaking softly by virtue of Thought.

And it is a Word that was sent

to illumine those who dwell in darkness.”

These words are adapted from Trimorphic Protennoia, a Sethian Gnostic text from the New Testament apocrypha. The only surviving copy comes from the

Nag Hammadi library (Codex Xlll )

The Liberating Thought of ACIM

Blake Lasater is an intelligent, wise pastor at our Methodist Church here in Eureka Springs. Today he spoke about the demise of churches and the reasons for it. We all know the conversation. One point he made stuck with me: Many people want to know more about Jesus, are even fascinated by the topic, but don’t want anything to do with religion or church. Many of us can relate. It came to me that A Course in Miracles is exactly what people are longing for, but don’t know it exists. I am so grateful to Wayne Dyer, Marianne Williamson, Louise Hay, and many others who talk about this Course in a way anyone can understand. To learn about God, Jesus, without the superstition rampant in religious doctrine, is refreshing and liberating. When people are first exposed to these ideas, they sometimes are afraid because there are subtle differences from what they have been taught in mainstream belief systems. But once you get into this study, you find there are no dead ends, no spots where someone tells you to believe “just because”. This is a self-study course, and you can read a paragraph or make an intensive study of the whole textbook.  Whatever the case, it’ll never leave you where it found you!

"Jesus - The highest human corporeal concept of the divine idea, rebuking and destroying error and bringing to light man's immortality." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 589

Awoke?

What does it mean to be awakened? I’m sure it means many things, but I’ve been watching people who are “awoke” and noticing a few traits. They don’t talk about others negatively.

photo credit: Aaron Springston

Awakening makes life simple because we needn’t try to figure out what people’s motivations are: they do what they do. Our happiness doesn’t rely on what others are doing, or not doing. When we put a label on someone, such as thief, then we’ve fixed that person in our mind with a conceptual identity. The mind does this, often focusing on a person’s shortcomings, and then we are trapped. What we must realize is the more we trap others, the more we trap ourselves. As Jesus said years ago, “Judge not, lest ye be judged”. The world cannot change without a change in thought, our own thought, and it requires vigilance for us to realize what we’re doing and stop it! It’s a matter of noticing our judgments and labeling practices. It’s not a failure when you notice yourself doing these things, it’s a great success to catch a thought and realize you’re doing it again. When you see it, it loses its power over you. Whew! What a relief!

"A dream of judgment came into the mind that God created perfect as Himself. And in that dream was Heaven changed to hell, and God made enemy unto His Son. How can God's Son awaken from the dream? It is a dream of judgment. So must he judge not, and he will waken. For the dream will seem to last while he is part of it. Judge not, for he who judges will have need of idols, which will hold the judgment off from resting on himself. Nor can he know the Self he has condemned. Judge not, because you make yourself a part of evil dreams, where idols are your ‘true identity’, and your salvation from the judgment laid in terror and in guilt upon yourself.” A Course in Miracles T-29.IX.2

Back to the Future

photo credit: Aaron Springston

Lateral lives, past lives, future lives — we love speculating about possibilities of “other” lives. We think about reincarnation and wonder about the possibilities, past and future. If someone tells us they remember a past life, we may find that fascinating; but if they said they come from the future, perhaps we’d think they are a bit off the beam, to say the least. The wonderful sci-fi stories about time travel hold a certain allure to us, a fascination with the possibilities. There are so many things we cannot fathom in the here and now, yet we still want to wonder about things which have not happened, things which may never happen. While I try to keep thought stayed on the now, dealing with things as they occur and not wondering what may be, it is a constant discipline remembering to do so. Be Here Now. The Power of Now. I’m grateful we have so many aides to keep us focused!

"In the ultimate sense, reincarnation is impossible. There is no past or future, and the idea of birth into a body has no meaning either once or many times. Reincarnation cannot, then, be true in any real sense. Our only question should be, 'Is the concept helpful?' And that depends, of course, on what it is used for. If it is used to strengthen the recognition of the eternal nature of life, it is helpful indeed. Is any other question about it really useful in lighting up the way? Like many other beliefs, it can be bitterly misused. At least, such misuse offers preoccupation and perhaps pride in the past. At worst, it induces inertia in the present. In between, many kinds of folly are possible." 

A Course in Miracles M-24.1 

"Man's individuality is not material. This Science of being obtains not alone hereafter in what men call Paradise, but here and now; it is the great fact of being for time and eternity."  Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 285

Happy Thanksgiving!