Never Upset For the Reason I Think

photo credit: Aaron Springston

As life would have it when we are struggling with something or someone, the answer to our dilemma is trying to find us. One of our neighbors has exhibited some behavior which we find upsetting, perhaps even disturbing. As I was pondering my feelings about this, I opened my email and found a forwarded newsletter from our friend, Jim Young. It's from The Embrace, and the topic of this particular emailing is getting in touch with your real feelings about things we deem upsetting. Of course, as ACIM Workbook #5 reminds us, We are never upset for the reason we think. In sitting and pondering how I really feel about this man and his actions, I'm afraid for him; afraid that he has fallen into a dark void; afraid that he has become separated from divine Love. Hum -- is this even possible? No, it is not. We may think that is true, he may even think that's true, but it never can be reality. I leave you with these words from A Course of Love, which I will ponder as I go to sleep. 

"Now we listen to feelings. Now we listen to feelings and understand what they have to say to us. Now we listen with a new ear, the ear of the heart. Now we recognize the thoughts that would censor our feelings, calling them selfish, uncaring, or judgmental. We examine. And we realize it is our thoughts and not our feelings that are selfish, uncaring, or judgmental. We realize this because we realize the sacred space we have become. Our space is the space of unity. It is the space of ease because thoughts are no longer allowed their rule." Day 12 of A Course of Love

Why Are We So Polarized?

photo credit: Aaron Springston

I just read an article saying that 79% of Democrats and 82% of Republicans overestimate the level at which the other side dehumanizes them. By a large margin, voters on either "side" hold false beliefs about what the other party really thinks of them. At this time when our country faces urgent challenges, we need to find our common ground and work together to solve these issues. So why in the world are we so polarized?? I've never understood political parties. Shouldn't we all be for the good of the people? When I would say that to my parents decades ago, they would tell me what most people would tell me today: Everyone has different ideas of what that good is. Good grief! I remember a word we don't hear much about anymore: compromise. At some point, give and take came to be thought of as flip-flopping or a sign of weakness. It's become "my way or no way" for a lot of people, and it's not working. Let's join together with no thought other than what needs to happen for our citizenry to thrive, for our world to continue to be the paradise that it is, and for evolution to be an upward movement rather than a nosedive and implosion. I know we can do this! Life is Good. Everyone wants good for themselves and their loved ones. And we are all One. Namaste...

"One infinite God, good, unifies men and nations; constitutes the brotherhood of man; ends wars; fulfills the Scripture, '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 - Science & Health Page 340:23-29

Going to the Mountains is Going Home

“Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wildness is a necessity; and that mountain parks and reservations are useful not only as fountains of timber and irrigating rivers, but as fountains of life. Awakening from the stupefying effects of the vice of over-industry and the deadly apathy of luxury, they are trying as best they can to mix and enrich their own little ongoings with those of Nature, and to get rid of rust and disease.” ― John Muir, Our National Parks

Something Invincible, Within

photo credit: Aaron Springston

"He said, 'In the midst of hate, I found there was, within me, an invincible love. In the midst of tears, I found there was, within me, an invincible smile. In the midst of chaos, I found there was, within me, an invincible calm. I realized, through it all, that in the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer. And that makes me happy. For it says that no matter how hard the world pushes against me, within me, there's something stronger -- something better, pushing right back." Albert Camus 

Lead With Love

graphic of unknown origin

It seems that every day another group of people show up on social media and/or news networks claiming to know things that no one else knows. They have supposed facts which negate things we have heard come out of people’s mouths, and once again we are left not knowing what to believe. And that is the rub: Belief. Believing. Therein lies the problem, don’t you think? I am striving today to stop believing anything, but rather to — as it’s put in Christian Science —know the Truth. As a dear ACIM friend often says, Lead with Love. I hear her voice every time I decide to fight back against insane belief and to pontificate at those who disagree with me. Lead with Love. Thank you, Ramona, for helping me stay with the only reality — Love.

"PSALM XXIII [Divine love] is my shepherd; I shall not want. [Love] maketh me to lie down in green pastures: [love] leadeth me beside the still waters. [Love] restoreth my soul [spiritual sense]: [love] leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for [love] is with me; [love’s] rod and [love’s] staff they comfort me.

[Love] prepareth a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: [love] anointeth my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house [the consciousness] of [love] for ever." Science & Health Page 577:4-18

Who Do You Support in This Election?

Today I spoke on the telephone with a dear, long-time friend. We had a good visit and part of our conversation included how we were going to cast our votes this year — the physical ways we planned on doing it — and, necessarily, we touched on the importance of this year’s election. We both agreed it was the most serious choice we have had in our lifetime. As we discussed the importance of discovering the truth on issues, I visualized a little fact-filled bubble above our heads, hers with Trump’s words, mine with Biden’s. I would happily give up news from MSNBC if she would give up Fox’s stories! I say this jokingly, but we all must delve beneath the veneer of our favorite media entertainment news. I would like to suggest we all read a biography, or listen to an audiobook, about the lives of our presidential candidates. Let’s discover some independent facts about them and let our hearts and minds lead us toward what our country, our world, needs right now and in the future. We have 60 days, which is plenty of time to do this. And perhaps we could also think about our favorite president of all time and read a biography of him, too! That would be a good point of comparison, don’t you think? If you don't know which one to choose, I'd suggest you get suggestions from your library, and then they will make sure you get the book(s) with little to no effort on your part.

"Being is holiness, harmony, immortality. It is already proved that a knowledge of this, even in small degree, will uplift the physical and moral standard of mortals, will increase longevity, will purify and elevate character." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 492:7

Don't Carry That Weight

photo credit: Aaron Springston

I remember a wonderful story which relates to choosing joy rather than pain. In this story, we are asked how much a glass of water weighs. Then we are told it doesn't matter what its weight is, it matters how long we hold it. If we hold it a minute, it's light. If we hold it an hour, our arm and/or hand may become uncomfortable with the weight. If we hold it all day, our arm will feel paralyzed. This scenario is a metaphor for holding onto worries and fears. If we keep them with us, we become convinced that they are impossible to overcome. We are paralyzed from the carrying of this weight. All we have to do is put the glass down to be released from our burden! Then we are free to feel the joy which is innately ours as a child of Love.

“Who that has felt the loss of human peace has not gained stronger desires for spiritual joy? The aspiration after heavenly good comes even before we discover what belongs to wisdom and Love. The loss of earthly hopes and pleasures brightens the ascending path of many a heart. The pains of sense quickly inform us that the pleasures of sense are mortal and that joy is spiritual.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 265:23-30

Keep Looking Up!

photo credit: Aaron Springston

Fall is in the air. It is September. I've always loved this time of year, and am particularly looking forward to the changes. There's always a feeling of setting down something heavy, cleansing, releasing the mugginess which has been hanging around for months, breathing deeply and joyously the crisp air, getting ready for freezing weather to release us from biting bugs and dying leaves. Gosh, since I put it that way, it doesn't sound so delightful! But the difference in humidity, the excitement of something big about to happen, the changes -- I look forward to this shift. We are still holding the light for those who choose not to see. It is there for all, an open secret to happiness. May we keep looking up! Love to you all...

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

Aghast at Nothingness

photo credit: Aaron Springston

In between feelings of contentment and peace, I am sometimes blindsided with questions about people's behaviors and reactions. When you see beautiful instances of people exhibiting their highest good, then see the opposite in the next instance -- well, it gives pause. In this world where we want to analyze everything and find answers to questions we don't even know how to ask, it's tempting to become angry in the face of divisive behavior, bullying actions, and accusations from those who should know better. But let's not, okay? I'm terribly tired after three days of an online nationwide duplicate bridge tournament. It was wonderful to lose myself in the world of cards, with nothing to think about but the coziness of something I know so well. I was reminded of a favorite book, The Solitaire Mystery. A man is alone on an island with a deck of cards, and he plays solitaire all the time -- until his cards disintegrate from use. So he begins to imagine the deck. And then one day they come marching over a rise and he's meeting his friends face to face. I always loved that book for its questioning of reality and blending of possibilities. Have a good week, Friends...

"We may well be perplexed at human fear, and still more astounded at hatred, which lifts its hydra head, showing its horns in the many inventions of evil. But why should we stand aghast at nothingness?" Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 563:4

Be A Lamp

Today I have had many people concerned about me, and I thank you for caring. Rest assured, I am fine -- better than fine! I played 72 hands of bridge today in four sessions in a nation-wide tournament. It was great! So have a beautiful Sunday, enjoy your loved ones, and keep wearing your masks!

Wear Your Mask

art of J. Clement Wall
judyclementwall.com

I now personally know someone who has this virus which is causing us to change the way we think of everyday activities. The 28-year-old man who woke up with symptoms three days ago is a dear friend whom I work with in the three congregations where I play the organ on Saturday and Sunday. He got it from his sister late last week, and neither of them knew until after he had been recording a service to be aired on Sunday, and had been the cantor for services at two branches of another local church. I was with him at all three of these services, and he picked me up in his car for the early morning Sunday service where he sang in the balcony and I played organ. Thankfully he was trying out a new singers' mask, which would be used at a school where he teaches choir. The main thing I am realizing about this disease is the guilt and shame felt by people who get it, knowing they may have passed on something which could kill someone -- or in this case, many someones. I immediately drove to a neighboring metropolis and was tested, and the results were negative. The whole process has been eye-opening for me, but let me say that I am impressed with the clinics which are doing the testing; also, the health department in our state, which has done a thorough and timely follow-up to all this. Let us not forget to love our neighbors, remember those who die alone in their hospital beds because their family cannot be there with them, and cherish our friends who have been affected in any way by the events of this year. Namaste, dear Friends...

"Stand porter at the door of thought. Admitting only such conclusions as you wish realized in bodily results, you will control yourself harmoniously. When the condition is present which you say induces disease, whether it be air, exercise, heredity, contagion, or accident, then perform your office as porter and shut out these unhealthy thoughts and fears. Exclude from mortal mind the offending errors, then the body cannot suffer from them." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 392:24

Heal the World - Cook Dinner!

Some businesses are so good that I buy their products even if I don't need them! Penzey Spices is one of those rare and beautiful companies which not only do business in a responsible manner, but are not afraid to speak out about injustice. This is why today I simply copy their newsletter. I hope you love it as much as I did!

"Someone wrote to say that you would be singing a different tune if it was your store being looted. I’m by no means perfect but seriously no, I wouldn’t. Human life means everything; stuff, not so much.

Hearing that the NBA Milwaukee Bucks, in response to yet another police shooting of a Black man, this time just south of Milwaukee in Kenosha, Wisconsin, chose in unison to walk away from yesterday’s playoff game and were willing to take the loss, for me brought such a sense of hope and that the tide will no longer stay unturned.

I agree with them. To me today just feels a lot like April 4, 2018, the fiftieth anniversary of Dr. King's assassination. That day we paid our people and kept things shut because that was not a day for commerce. After some early inquiries about doing the same today it became clear that we were able to do that because we planned ahead and because it was a time before the Coronavirus. To do that today would mean calling to reschedule all of today’s touchless pickup orders. As parents of young kids entering the back to school phase with all the extra hoops the virus demands, I get that now is not the time to add extra burdens. So no shut down today.

But what to do? My mind went to that idea that we would feel differently if it was our store that was looted. When I asked around: “What if we looted our own store?” What if we took a snapshot of our Kenosha store’s inventory tonight and simply gave away exactly that amount of inventory in the coming weeks? Unlike the Minneapolis Uptown store that was in the center of things, our Kenosha location is out by the highway and does not have much chance of looting itself. What if we just gave our spices and seasonings to food pantries and gift boxes to organizations trying to raise money to fund change?

Everyone here was like yes, let’s do that. Even my mom at dinner last night cheered on the idea. And as much as we could just look online for worthy recipients, with so many customers in the Kenosha area I would like to start with asking for your suggestions of where things should go. If you are connected to a good organization in the area please let us know about it at editor@penzeys.com.

And please learn the difference between those who simply say law and order over and over again and those who do the hard work of actually achieving it. Until we have a president that respects the laws of this country we won’t have order; it’s that simple.

And once again, hats off to the Milwaukee Bucks. So much of America’s future comes down to voter turnout in the city of Milwaukee. That the members of the Bucks are time and again working to earn the moral authority to ask for that Vote is something big. That their voices reach out to our suburbs and beyond is honest cause for hope. Well done.

And please send your thoughts to those living through the horrors of Hurricane Laura right now. They will need our compassion.


Thanks for healing the world.

Bill"

Marsha Havens

28 Linwood Avenue
Eureka Springs, Arkansas 72632
479.253.8104

http://www.DivineMetaphysics.blogspot.com

"There are two ways to be fooled. One is to believe what isn't true; the other is to refuse to believe what is true." Soren Kierkegaard 

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If You're Happy And You Know It ...

photo credit: Aaron Springston

A friend who lives on the west coast insists he's never known happiness. He also says he doesn't have any idea what love feels like, yet he has a twinkle in his eye and is usually smiling. I'm pretty sure he's happy, but just doesn't recognize what that means, perhaps grasping for something he thinks is always just out of reach. I would guess he feels love, too, but thinks it's supposed to bring on an epiphany of some sort. Personally, I feel intense rushes of love from something as purely beautiful as seeing the first flock of butterflies in the spring. A group of swallowtails frolicking in my flower bed is more than enough to break open my heart and leave me feeling giddy. Remembering my friend’s lament over the lack of love in his life, remembering the butterflies' grace which flows to me, I will think twice before I pass by any divine Idea without drinking in its happiness. Love and happiness are our heritage as the expression of Divine Love. Let's open our hearts without fear!

“Soul has infinite resources with which to bless mankind, and happiness would be more readily attained and would be more secure in our keeping, if sought in Soul. Higher enjoyments alone can satisfy the cravings of immortal man.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 60:28-1

This Imbroglio

unknown origin

Everyone has heard the tale about blind people touching different parts of an elephant, and their interpretations of what they were feeling. It seems to me that's where we are in this political imbroglio. Some people see Democrats as the devil's spawn; others see Republicans as uninformed automatons. Where does it end? An election won't stop the disagreements, any more than a civilized debate will resolve our differences. For years I've looked for common ground on which to stand with one another. You would think love, peace, health, and happiness would be desired by everyone, but it seems people interpret these values in different ways. This is one of the reasons I love A Course in Miracles. We are taught to release any preconceived notions concerning what things mean. Look at a table and see it for what it is; not what you think about it and what it brings up in memories. As we practice doing this with things and situations, something shifts within us, allowing truth to be known and belief to be released. We don't automatically become all-knowing beings, but we learn to recognize the fallacy of our interpretations. So next time you think you're touching a snake, remember it just might be an elephant's trunk! 

"Science shows that material, conflicting mortal opinions and beliefs emit the effects of error at all times, but this atmosphere of mortal mind cannot be destructive to morals and health where it is opposed promptly and persistently by Christian Science. Truth and Love antidote this mental miasma, and thus invigorate and sustain existence." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 273:29

Thank You, Fact Checkers

photo credit: Jim Young

Gratitude is flowing today for the diligent people who do fact checking for reputable organizations. They are much needed at this time, and probably always -- at least until everyone decides to tell the truth, huh? During the Democratic Party's convention last week, there was a comprehensive fact-checking article every day from The Atlantic. It's wonderful to have knowledge at the click of a mouse, is it not? My friend, Jim Young, used to tell me how he enjoys listening to many different spiritual ideas, in order to check his understanding and to bring up questions about what he thinks he knows. I'm sure he feels the same way when reading fact checks about political speeches and outright propaganda, too. We always have a "gut feeling" about the veracity of words being put forth as truth, and I love seeing how my intuition matches up with the information people spend their lives amassing. Thank you greatly, each and every person who dedicates his or her life to bringing us truth -- about everything!! Namaste...

"Superstition and understanding can never combine. When the final physical and moral effects of Christian Science are fully apprehended, the conflict between truth and error, understanding and belief, Science and material sense, foreshadowed by the prophets and inaugurated by Jesus, will cease, and spiritual harmony reign." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 288:9

Thought's Images

photo credit: Aaron Springston

Nothing can be imaged forth in form unless it exists in consciousness. What?? I know, I know. You may say you had never heard of such and such disease until you got it. Well, collective consciousness counts, too. Yikes! So how do we keep from contracting every disease and imaging forth all the horrors of the world? This is exactly what Gary Renard tells us in "The Disappearance of the Universe" and what Mary Baker Eddy means by "there is no life, truth, intelligence, nor substance in matter". When we put more faith in matter than Spirit, then, yes, we are subject to every little quirk of the universe. On the other hand, the realization of our true Being puts us under no government but that of divine Mind. It may seem impossible to come out from under the tent of materiality in favor of Spirit. I've had enough glimpses to know it is, indeed, very possible, but it takes work. When you listen to detailed stories of disease, it becomes embedded in consciousness. I'm never surprised when something jumps out of that vast forever and gets lodged within my brain, but I do negate it in thought -- to the best of my ability. And practice does make perfect, so I won't give up!

“Disease is always induced by a false sense mentally entertained, not destroyed. Disease is an image of thought externalized. The  mental state is called a material state. Whatever is cherished in mortal mind as the physical condition is imaged forth on the body." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 411:21

Hold Thought Steadfastly

photo credit: Aaron Springston

“We do ourselves a great disservice when we let the bitter opinions of others mingle and subvert our own thoughts.” (Dodinsky) This brought to mind one of the Four Agreements as interpreted by Don Miguel Ruiz: “Don’t take anything personally.” And these thoughts are followed up by Gandhi’s wisdom: “If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change. As a man changes his own nature, so does the attitude of the world change toward him.” Namastè

“Hold thought steadfastly to the enduring, the good, and the true, and you will bring these into your experience proportionably to their occupancy of your thoughts." ​Mary Baker Eddy - ​Science & Health Page 261:4-7

Big Changes

photo credit: Don Matt

Often it takes a big shake up to force us to change ways of thought and actions which have become ingrained within us. It seems comfortable, easy, and safe to stay within the bounds of what we know. Looking back on the past decades, I see where I would have been stuck in mundane and perhaps even destructive living had it not been for events which shocked me into new ways of thought and action. I am most grateful for the times when life seemed good, when I rested in cozy contentment, but then changes were facilitated by seeming tragedy. The move from by-rote living to Uppercase Living takes courage, but to seek a future different from the past ensures that we shall have one!

“A knowledge of the Science of being develops the latent abilities and possibilities of man. It extends the atmosphere of thought, giving mortals access to broader and higher realms. It raises the thinker into his native air of insight and perspicacity.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 128:13-19

Hope for Tomorrow

I have never enjoyed political conventions, but I loved the last four days of the Democratic push toward the presidency. It brought tears and laughter many times, along with a pride in our country which I had forgotten how to feel. How fine to hear actual ideas rather than blustering, selfish words. It was a joy to hear plans based on ideas which were backed up by education, knowledge, science, virtue, morality. What do you care about? Is it good enough to hold the status quo and continue barely surviving, or do we want to make some changes in our lives and our government and go forward into new and better ways of living? I know my answer. I'm sure you, too, have examined your innermost feelings and know what you want for our country. Respect for each other, without shouting rhetoric and outlandish beliefs, shown in real conversations without thinking everyone is out to get us and we must attack first -- this is my hope for future dialogues between the American people. I feel an honest hope for tomorrow. I hope you do, too!

"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 Miscellany 276:23

Phases and Stages

photo credit: Aaron Springston

Cynicism hides the light of the world quite effectively. As a small child, I freely expressed joy in everything and to everyone, but slowly and thoroughly this joy was quieted by rules and other forces of conformity. By the time I was a teenager, cynicism had taken over my every action. This is a definition of cynicism: "An attitude of scornful or jaded negativity, especially a general distrust of the integrity or professed motives of others." During the 60s and 70s, although it was heralded as the Age of Aquarius, the free love that permeated our atmosphere was actually a charade of the Love I had felt as a small child. We made fun of those who weren't like us, and by doing so became unsure of what we were. There was an attitude of disdain which came with our superiority. We knew our government was wrong, as were our parents, most teachers, and the majority of our peers. It's no wonder that a major magazine's cover declared that God was dead, because materialism and cynicism had killed any expression of real Love. I was convinced that to have children would be a travesty, as this world was no place for humans to be. Nearly half a century past those turbulent times, I see wonderful changes in all of us. Everyone I know realizes that Love is a force within us which can't be quieted; that fear can never be as powerful as Love. More people every day are waking up to the truth of their being, not allowing anything to hide this light. Any day now everyone will awaken to their function as a living ray of this Love, and we won't be afraid of it. It is our heritage! We have denied it as long as we can. The Truth is alive within us and it only takes recognition to bring it to fruition. Let's live our salvation today!

"Ignorance of the divine idea betrays at once a greater ignorance of the divine Principle of the idea — ignorance of Truth and Love. The understanding of Truth and Love, the Principle which works out the ends of eternal good and destroys both faith in evil and the practice of evil, leads to the discernment of the divine idea." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 560:28-4