A Better Tomorrow

Thailand - Photo Credit: Aaron Springston

People are starting to think this isolation thing may be more than temporary, and it's a difficult possibility to face. I've heard from a number of friends who are feeling sad, lonely, depressed -- they are mourning the loss of their beloved way of life. As am I. But I keep hearing about people being beautifully honest about happenings, and it lifts my spirits thinking that this phase is simply a necessary step in our universal awakening. One local minister is openly defying pastors who are telling their flock to come to church, no matter what. He tells them the purpose of the church is to serve the community, and they can do that in ways which do not involve congregating together for reasons which may well be self-serving. Numerous businesses are finding ways to keep their employees and customers safe, while supplying our needs. Our local "health food store" has developed a comprehensive online shopping cart which allows us to order and pay online, and schedule a curbside pickup time. This market, and our other two food outlets, are being innovative in ways which would never have happened without this crisis. I love how we are all contacting people we haven't heard from in years, reconnecting and checking to see if they're all right. I'm still feeling warm and fuzzy after hearing from an old friend from my Fayetteville days, more than 40 years ago. Yes, this time is tough to bear in many ways, but as with everything else in life, we can look at it as scary and stressful, or full of expectations for a better tomorrow!

"When the destination is desirable, expectation speeds our progress. The struggle for Truth makes one strong instead of weak, resting instead of wearying one." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 426:8

Unfolding Unity and Reality of Good

Metaphorically, it seems the chaff is being separated from the wheat in many ways. This photo shows the old-fashioned way of throwing wheat up into the air to get the chaff to fly away into its useless state. It has served its purpose, protecting the wheat berry, and now it's time to leave. In this time of isolation from the activities we are accustomed to participating in, we are finding out what is truly necessary and what was only filling our time with busy-ness. I have some friends who are noticing butterflies for the first time! Stop and smell the roses, right? How many of us didn't slow down and notice our surroundings before we were forced into it? In the political world (and what isn't political??), we are seeing lying and cheating being separated from facts and ethical actions. It's painful to recognize that our long-held beliefs may not only be erroneous, but that this recognition is going to rock our world, changing everything we held as gospel and throwing the chaff to the wind. I could go on and on thinking up examples of this, but I'd rather you tell me. What have you noticed in the world around you? Happy threshing!

"From first to last the supposed coexistence of Mind and matter and the mingling of good and evil have resulted from the philosophy of the serpent. Jesus' demonstrations sift the chaff from the wheat, and unfold the unity and the reality of good, the unreality, the nothingness, of evil." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 269:9

Universal Understanding

Gates and Buffet playing duplicate bridge

I’ve been thinking about things we do which are universally understood. Music: no matter what language you speak, people who read music can sit down and play together in perfect harmony. Mathematics: I’m not much of an expert at this science, but math is the same no matter where you are. The extent I understand it has to do with 52 cards, dealt out in the form of bridge hands. Having never played bridge online with actual people, a whole new world has opened to me with this forced isolation we are experiencing. As long as we had ten duplicate bridge games a month at local clubs, it was never brought to my attention that the world of online bridge was vibrant, thriving, and free! At any hour of the day or night, I can log on and play a single hand or more, enjoying the universal language of bridge bidding as we try to get to the best contract. Or as defenders, it does not matter if my partner is from Armenia or Argentina, there are universal laws which pertain to this fascinating game. I would encourage all parents to teach their children things which can never be fully conquered. My love of bridge, the study and practice of spirituality, along with the desire to become a more proficient pianist, these things are a never ending source of enjoyment during these interesting times. I am grateful to have activities which will always keep me striving to grow in understanding. These things I mention can be enjoyed at any level, so it's never too late to start!

"Love is impartial and universal in its adaptation and bestowals." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 13:2

Being True to Ourselves

photo credit: Aaron Springston

This season of renewal seems so pertinent to our daily life in this age of pandemic. A change of thought is looming and is also being resisted. The words our friend, Jim Young, sent out on Easter, bear repeating, whether you've already read them or if they're new to you here. 

"Easter as a metaphor:

As a metaphor, Easter can be thought of as nailing our hidden guilt and shame, outmoded beliefs and opinions, regrets and fanciful desires on the cross of self-forgiveness—rising to begin life anew. Especially in these times of the coronavirus—but always—each new day can begin this way, freeing us from a mental, emotional and physical load that traps us in ego consciousness, manifesting as a world of seeming difference and separation.

Life is not about seeking to gain something we feel we’re not or have not. Life is about peeling away what we’ve taken on as the truth about life and our part in it, so we can instead reveal and express our innate essence Being—living true to our Self—united as one. This is where inner peace and the expression of authentic love begin and end.

NAMASTE!

Jim"

"The necessity for uplifting the race is father to the fact that Mind can do it; for Mind can impart purity instead of impurity, strength instead of weakness, and health instead of disease. Truth is an alterative in the entire system, and can make it 'every whit whole.'" Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 371

Peace, Be Still...

photo credit: Aaron Springston

Just when I think anger will never flare within me again, it does! My first reaction is always self-righteous: I'm right; you're not. And examining the seeming motive for my anger usually brings about more self-righteous thought. So I've found the only escape is by replacing the anger with the Love which is our only true nature as the image and likeness of God. If self-justifying thoughts persist, they are replaced again with the Truth of our being. This process may take a while because mortal mind, ego, insists that it is justified in this action. But when we know it is not, the process becomes more natural to us. And if anger is not replaced, it can mutate into many forms, all erroneous.  In thinking about a number of acquaintances who have committed suicide in the last few years, it seems we become stuck in feelings, thinking there is no way out. Mrs. Eddy posits that we will be surprised when we die and find out we're not dead. Salvation must be worked out here or hereafter. I remember this in times of sadness or turmoil. There is no escape other than through an understanding that we are a reflection of God, good, and that everything else is unreal. By bringing thought back to this truth time and again, we begin to see the veracity of it and the falsity of any other way of seeing this experience. Our inner peace cannot be taken away, even if joy seems to have disappeared!

“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.”
Science & Health Page 264:24-27

Happy Easter!

Easter Message, 1902, from Mary Baker Eddy.

"May this glad Easter morn find the members of this dear church having a pure peace, a fresh joy, a clear vision of heaven here -- heaven within us -- and an awakened sense of the risen Christ. May long lines of light span the horizon of their hope and brighten their faith with a dawn that known no  twilight and no night." 

"Through all the disciples experienced, they became more spiritual and understood better what the Master had taught. His resurrection was also their resurrection. It helped them to raise themselves and others from spiritual dullness and blind belief in God into the perception of infinite possibilities." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 34:18

Cleaning Up Our Heart and Earth

photo credit: Aaron Springston

Does anyone else feel as though they're in a sort of limbo? On the one hand, we are finding out how little we actually need and what is truly important to us. On the other hand, many are suffering because of lack of income to handle the necessities of life. I'd love for the outcome of our quarantine to be a universal acceptance of free power from the sun and wind, more entertainment supplied by nature her-own-self,  and happy connections with our family and neighbors. I'd like to see people playing bridge and pinochle at the kitchen table after dinner together, going for long walks with their dogs, reading to each other, relaxing into being rather than always doing. Wouldn't it be perfect to barter our services within communities? Wouldn't it be great to have neighborhood markets and bakeries and shoe stores like in the olden days? I want our kids to be safe walking to school, where learning is a joy and they wake up every morning excited about going. What if we all worked at something we enjoyed, something which benefited our communities, things which brought satisfaction to our soul? What kind of world could we have if everyone was present in the moment, noticing the needs of others and our planet? We wouldn't need to eat animals at every meal, and could raise them in such a way as to not pollute our hearts and earth. We've strayed from what is important, but we can find it again. We must help each other or we'll never make it back to the garden. Nothing is more outlandish than the way we, as a society, are living right now. There are models of sustainable living all around us. Let's bring it into existence for us all!

"RESURRECTION: Spiritualization of thought, a new and higher idea of immortality, or spiritual existence, material belief yielding to spiritual understanding." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 593:9

A Quotation

This quote has haunted me all day. I leave it here.

photo credit: Aaron Springston

“There is no question Baghdad is a remarkable city, but no beauty on earth lasts forever. Cities are erected on spiritual columns. Like giant mirrors, they reflect the hearts of their residents. If those hearts darken and lose faith, cities will lose their glamour. It happens, and it happens all the time.” The Forty Rules of Love by Elif Shafak 

Helping Each Other

United Methodists of Eureka Springs
photo credit: Richard Quick

According to Gallup polls, almost 20% of Americans say their faith or spirituality has gotten "better" as a result of our current pandemic. Apparently this is occurring worldwide, as witnessed by people in England putting signs outside their homes asking prayers for Boris Johnson. This hints at a spiritual revival, as it shows concern for the weakest during this health crisis, no matter what their station in life. It is a common religious cause to look after the desolate, the poor, the weak. Wealthy countries are showing this desire by helping poor countries fight this virus, if for no reason other than to stop a global economic collapse. Here in Eureka Springs, we have our wonderful Methodists rising to help the "least, the last, and the lost", as they word it on their website. During this time of quarantine, they have been delivering meals to people in need. They have partnered with Ben E. Keith and local restaurants to make up frozen dinners (that look pretty darned good!) for people, so they do not have to go to the grocery store and possibly expose themselves to something their bodies could not bear. Their service started out delivering 7 frozen meals to 60 people, once a week, made possible by a $10,000 grant. With the help of local donations, including the Rotary Club, this number has increased to 120! I am so happy to know the people who make this possible. In a day and age when churches get a bad rap for so many legitimate reasons, it's inspiring to see church members walking the talk, opening their hearts to everyone, and putting their efforts toward this most worthy cause. Thank you, Blake Lasater and the United Methodist Church of Eureka Springs! 

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

Inspired Thought

photo credit: Aaron Springston

The sunshine today was nice. I took a walk in the cemetery and spent some time just breathing and thinking loving thoughts about everyone I know. It's easy to fall into a blame game with everything as topsy-turvy as it is. But, actually, the fault has been happening for a long, long time. We've been thinking if we're financially stable, everything is alright. Someone said that to me today, that the tragedy of this situation is that people will have no money. Well, I must agree -- as long as our world is set up the way it is. When I ended up in the hospital a few years ago, I discovered that if you were poor enough, everything was covered by what is known as Obamacare. I was grateful, and still am. But it showed me that it doesn't pay to work hard at minimum wage because you might make too much money and have to pay exorbitant amounts to the medical machine we call health care. I have gone on this rant for a reason: the world must change. We're doing too many things the wrong way. There are alternatives and it's time we shout from the rooftops that we want these changes! Progressive thinking encompasses everything, not just politics and religion. But that's a darned good place to start!

"The true history of the universe, including man is not in material history but in spiritual development. Inspired thought relinquishes a material, sensual, and mortal theory of the universe, and adopts the spiritual and immortal." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 547

A Novel of Rumi

[image taken from internet; no photo credit available]

I’m reading The Forty Rules of Love by Elia Shafak, which is described as “a novel of Rumi". It’s a very enjoyable read with many pearls of wisdom, such as this: “You say you are ready to deliver all your knowledge to another person. You want to hold the Truth in your palm as if it were a precious pear and offer it to someone special. But opening up someone’s heart to spiritual light is no small task for a human being. You’re stealing God’s thunder.” This comes to me at the perfect time, as I’m itching to open up everyone’s heart to spiritual light — as you probably are, too! I sat on the front porch this evening, giving myself over to the moon and its light. This quote from the book kept returning to my mind, and I fully understood how true it is. Since we are each the reflection, the image and likeness of God, only we, individually, can recognize that spiritual light, that God-ness within, and allow it to flow out. What blesses one blesses all. I truly believe that. I can only have this recognition within, but that’s all it takes! Namaste, dear Friends...

“In the Science of Mind, you will soon ascertain that error cannot destroy error. You will also learn that in Science there is no transfer of evil suggestions from one mortal to another, for there is but one Mind, and this ever-present omnipotent Mind is reflected by man and governs the entire universe. You will learn that in Christian Science the first duty is to obey God, to have one Mind, and to love another as yourself.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 495:31-8

Activity in Solitude

photo credit: Jim Young

Music to calm anxiety, videos on making a victory garden, demonstrations on how to make face masks, children's games, spiritual talks and meditations, movies from the olden days, "specials" from the early days of television, music concerts of all kinds  -- For those of us fortunate enough to have a high speed internet connection, the world is our oyster! I spoke with a 94-year-old woman today, whom I know from duplicate bridge and she also sings with the Catholic choir. She doesn't "do" computers and so there she sits. Usually she plays bridge three times a week and goes to church and choir practice, rounding out her social life and keeping her active and her mind young. I love her! What I would give to take her an iPad and be able to sit with her and teach her to use it, then she could play bridge with her friends. She would be enthralled with the world she could see. She has a son in Rogers, so he will be bringing Easter dinner to her house next Sunday. There is so much activity for those of us who are sedentary, and computer fans. I've thought all day about something to bring mental stimulus to my friend. I wonder what she would think of Sudoku? Next time I go out for supplies, think I'll look for a book of them! 

“We must become so alone, so utterly alone, that we withdraw into our innermost self. It is a way of bitter suffering. But then our solitude is overcome, we are no longer alone, for we find that our innermost self is the spirit, that it is God, the indivisible. And suddenly we find ourselves in the midst of the world, yet undisturbed by its multiplicity, for our innermost soul we know ourselves to be one with all being.” ― Hermann Hesse

The Salvation of Love

judyclementwall.com 

Our world is grieving. We all are, don't you think? There's the regular kind of grief, such as sadness brought on by being separated from loved ones and being isolated from activities. Then there's the existential grief. One of its definitions states: "despair felt in response to intangible losses, such as the loss of connection with a sense of place, or community." There is so much angst we take on from the state of our world.  The political, environmental, economic, contagion-related state of affairs is frightening. When this is combined with the anxiety we feel because we don't know what tomorrow will bring, then we have a soup ready-made to bring on withdrawals in the control freaks (who are beginning to understand they never really had this thing called control), and an overdose in those who have never slowed down enough to know what they really need. I surprised myself the other day when I said to someone, Buckle up, Buttercup; it's gonna be a wild ride! I don't mean to make light of this. It's a very serious situation, in which people are dying -- either directly from the virus or as collateral damage from the circumstance. I see my friends who have been living in a zen-like manner for decades, and no matter what discipline they are practicing, this is not much of a change for them. They're used to living in the moment, dealing with changes as they come up, shifting perspectives as needed, and listening for inner guidance to maneuver the obstacles which inevitably show up. But even the most calm of us are having to look at the inner turmoil which bubbles up from time to time. When we become frightened, let's be willing to ask for help. We're in this together, friends. We can help each other in ways we never dreamed we'd be doing. Let's not be afraid to accept assistance when it's offered in its many forms. To give is to receive, and to receive is to give. Oh yes -- and don't be afraid to grieve.

"The miracle of grace is no miracle to Love. Jesus demonstrated the inability of corporeality as well as the infinite ability of Spirit, thus helping erring human sense to flee from its own convictions and seek safety in divine Science." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 494:15

Love, Actually...

My niece in Michigan works at a hospital and is getting ready to be "deployed". She will be put up in a hotel while she will be working or on call constantly. Hearing her talk about being away from her babies and home, perhaps for weeks, has caused me to consider the large groups of workers who are undergoing the same heartbreak. Separation from loved ones is the most difficult part of this pandemic, and to be away from your children, working past the point of exhaustion -- well, my prayers and loving energy goes out to you all. I sat in the kitchen tonight and felt an all-encompassing Love moving through me and out again. I saw it going to wherever it is needed. God IS Love, and that Love is eternally omnipresent. We don't need to manufacture it, but simply feel it and let it take root and grow. This light work is important. I know you know that... 

"It is proverbial that Florence Nightingale, and other philanthropists engaged in humane labors, have been able to undergo without sinking fatigues and exposures that which ordinary people could not endure. The explanation lies in the support which they derived from the divine law, rising above the human. The spiritual demand, quelling the material, supplies energy and endurance surpassing all other aids, and forestalls the penalty which our beliefs would attach to our best deeds." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 385

Curiouser and Curiouser

Things just get "curiouser and curiouser", said Lewis Carroll, through his most adventurous character, Alice. I'm sure everyone feels this to some degree, because every day brings more confused thought, deep sadness, pity, unabashed joy, clarity of purpose. This is some ride we're on, don't you think? The rollercoaster of emotions mentioned come from many sources. I'm confused because some people think it's fine to go out to dinner in the nearby city, to do shopping, and have a day out. I am deeply sad because one of our artists, one who is a big player in the heart and soul of Eureka Springs, decided it was time to fly away. And so she did. The pity I've felt today is toward an old friend who has no one closeby, yet wants companionship desperately. I am joyful because I love my family and home. This gratitude runs through me like a favorite song replaying in my head. It seems we are all either embracing or running away from our purpose. These things I ponder, while questioning my own motives and trying not to judge others. Whew! Sending you a moment of peace, wishing you a night of deep sleep, and the humor and strength to carry on tomorrow. 

"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 - Science & Health Page 506:18

Good Things

Yellowstone National Park
Photo Credit: Aaron Springston

My favorite weekly news magazine has a section entitled "Points of Progress", in which we are told of good things happening all over the world. Here are a few: Colombia is granting work permits to migrants. They have almost 2 million Venezuelans seeking refuge there and this is a big deal for them. Britain's carbon tax, which is a levy on carbon dioxide emissions, has helped the country to lower its reliance on coal-generated electricity from 40% to 3%, since its introduction in 2013. France will ban controversial practices in its poultry and hog raising sectors. I won't go into details on these practices, as I'm bringing good news today! So let's just say that Switzerland and Germany plan to follow France's lead. South Africa has overturned a law which gives black women's husbands total control over matrimonial assets. This law will benefit almost half-a-million women. And here in the United States, 25 years after 14 gray wolves were reintroduced into Yellowstone National Park, there is solid proof that restoring the balance which was missing in their ecosystem is allowing many good things to happen. These changes are milestones on the road to compassion for humanity and environmental stability. Let's notice points of progress in our own communities and give shout-outs when we see them!

"Spiritual causation is the one question to be considered, for more than all others spiritual causation relates to human progress. The age seems ready to approach this subject, to ponder somewhat the supremacy of Spirit, and at least to touch the hem of Truth's garment." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 170

Lothar, Remembered...

The Schäfers on their wedding day

Many of you know Lothar Schäfer. He lived in Fayetteville, was a professor at the University, and wrote two wonderful books concerning quantum physics. I first met him when he came to our metaphysical society and spoke about his first book, "In Search of Divine Reality - Science as a Source of Inspiration". Of course, I was very excited about this title and wanted to get to know more about this man's thoughts. Our mutual friend, Jim Young, made that possible by beginning a salon in which ten of us met once a month and deeply discussed some really cool topics (all the while enjoying fabulous food and plenteous wine). And then he wrote his masterpiece, "Infinite Potential - What Quantum Physics Reveals About How We Should Live." This book has a great story behind it, of how he heard a talk by Deepak Chopra, and when he asked a question, he was asked back stage for a chat. From which this book began. Lothar and I became fast friends, feeling certain, when we toasted a brilliant statement or momentous occasion, that our wine glasses rang clearer because of our connection. So I raise a glass to you this evening, you dear, sweet man. I'll visit you often, through your writings. And thanks for the memories!

"Behind the visible surface of things is the infinite ocean of possibility. Its waves are so beautiful and inviting. "What a wonderful world," Louis Armstrong sings. What a wonderful life, in which the playful waves in the cosmic ocean dare you, tease you, and play a game of hide and seek with you, all the time hoping that you will catch one and turn it into a beautiful poem, a painting, a song, or a wonderful act of human kindness." Lothar Shäfer - Infinite Potential - What Quantum Physics Reveals About How We Should Live

Grandkid Withdrawal

Many people are lonely and missing their loved ones. The grandma tribe is going through withdrawal symptoms. It's not easy for them, missing the little hands around their necks and the sweet, messy kisses. Although there is no substitute for these interactions, we can help our friends find their way through this isolation period. Send a card in the mail, or make a phone call, or email photos and poems. There are other ways of staying connected which we may not have considered, such as Words With Friends on your computer or device. A dear friend and I began playing a couple of days ago and are taking great pleasure in this loosely-structured way of being in constant contact. You don't have to play at any specific time, and you don't keep someone waiting if you only play once a day, but it's comforting to know that someone has played a word which connects with a word you made. And of course there's a chat box on the side, where you can share a few thoughts now and again. We're all thinking outside of our regular routines and comfort zones nowadays. I see many positive side effects of this slowing down and being present in the moment. Hope you do, too!

"[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." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 576:31

Here, Together, Apart

art by J. Clement Wall - 

www.JudyClementWall.com

Everything seems soft around the edges today. It feels multi-dimensional, living in this new existence. On one level, there is exquisite beauty in nature this spring. It could be we are seeing with the “new eyes” of world-wide awakening, or maybe we feel the need to bring joy to sadness, or perhaps we’re facing down illusions and striving to correct errors. It’s probably a combination of these things, and more. For sure, those who think deeply about Life are aware that This Is Important. This is not a time to wallow in dramatic horror shows brought to us in many forms, straight from reality TV. Nor is it the time to hide our head in the sand. It’s time to be proactive in everything we do and say. It’s time to be calmly centered around what we know to be True. It’s time to live Love out loud! The past week has felt like swimming up from the ocean floor, but once we hit the surface of the water, we can take a deep breath and smile with the sun in gratitude! Here, together, apart.

"Instinct is better than misguided reason, as even nature declares. The violet lifts her blue eye to greet the early spring. The leaves clap their hands as nature's untired worshippers." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 220:10

Invincible Summer

photo credit: Aaron Springston

Heard while listening to Eckhart Tolle talking about our current situation with the virus: “In the depth of winter, I finally learned that there is, in me, an invincible summer.” Albert Camus — I’m holding to this thought while talking to friends who are having a difficult time. I’m holding it in thought when I become discouraged and angry. I’m holding to this when I hear of more idiocy and inanity from Donald. Today I think on these things. Tomorrow, I’m concentrating on Mooji. Here’s an 18-minute video entitled “Remaining True in a Time of Crisis”. Happy Sunday, Everyone!

https://youtu.be/t3wTOKjH3xM