Love is the Liberator

What wondrous freedom we are finding through our recognition of everyone as the expression of divine Love! Recognizing our being as this Creation frees us from hurt feelings and thoughts of retaliation during times when things don't go as we had hoped and expected. I have a dear friend who went through what is traditionally known as a break-up with the woman he was going to marry. He sees this as a natural progression of their relationship, feeling that they had a wonderful time together, that they learned a lot about life, and it's all right if they go their separate ways. I think he feels this way because he knows that Love includes everyone, not just those whose actions we like. This knowledge brings us the freedom to be joyful and allows others the same right! I am very grateful.

“The history of our country, like all history, illustrates the might of Mind, and shows human power to be proportionate to its embodiment of right thinking. A few immortal sentences, breathing the omnipotence of divine justice, have been potent to break despotic fetters and abolish the whipping-post and slave market; but 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 and Health Page 225:14-22

Lend a Helping Hand

If not for Facebook, I wouldn't know of the joys and sorrows acquaintances are experiencing. Many are facing unusual stress and anxiety in their lives. There is the woman whose daughter is in a special needs care facility. She has been beside herself not getting to have regular visits, but now she finds one of the children is ill and has tested positive. She's frightened. There is the man in his 80s, with a double amputation of his legs, whose wife has been admitted to the hospital with the virus. The emotionally-charged election of the past few days has added an unbelievable amount of extra anxiety to these and other people's lives. Let's pay attention and offer a helping hand to our friends who have particular needs -- no matter what they may be.  Record numbers of our fellow humans are experiencing depression and other emotional/mental problems during these times. Even if your friends and neighbors seem to be doing fine, you never know when you can make someone's day, so never be afraid to reach out -- no matter what their political affiliation!

"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

Show the World All the Love in Your Heart

photo credit: Aaron Springston

When I was in high school and the first year of college, I was in the marching band. It was probably because of this that I became a fan of the football team at those schools. I truly cared how they played the game, and if they lost a big game, I cried. As far as the Razorbacks were concerned, we only played against Texas teams in those days and so the rivalry became state versus state, with them making rude comments about our parentage and backwardness. I quit marching band the first year and also stopped caring who won those games. It seems to me that many people think of political races in the same way they think of sports games: it doesn't matter about individual performances, sportsmanship, or who is best at what they do; it's simply us versus them and we need to win no matter what. I've never been one to jump up and down and support my candidate with the same fervor I supported football teams as a child, but I really wanted Suzie Bell to be our representative in the state legislature. It is disheartening to see people elected to offices simply because they belong to a certain party, or because they're a man, or for reasons which have nothing to do with the future of America. Let's all wake up tomorrow and find some good in the world, and look for ways to make that grow. This Carole King song will help with that. Namaste...

https://youtu.be/R398YOIyqp8

Just Breathe

Aaron in Mongolia - unknown photographer

How many of you feel you've been holding your breath for the longest time? Don't breathe: there are viruses floating around waiting to be inhaled. Don't breathe: something awful is going to happen, but we're not sure what. Don't breathe: our election process seems to have been turned upside down. Don't breathe: social media is out to get you. Don't breathe: the lies will permeate your being and you'll never know what is true and what is not. The year of 2020 seems to have been one of loss and grief. Many of us are suffering the grief of losing loved ones, too many have lost jobs and homes, plus all of the little losses are weighing us down as they accumulate day by day. We grieve for the gatherings we have always enjoyed, which no longer happen: the book clubs, spiritual meetings, coffee shop chitchat, family happenings, plays, ball games, concerts -- too many events to count -- they have been put on hold indefinitely. That is, perhaps, what has affected us the most: the uncertainty of this way of life. Yes, it has been difficult. But something in the air feels expectant, hopeful, even joyous! I know I'm breathing easier with every passing minute. Life is good...

"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

Vote Sweet Vote

There is something particularly satisfying and joyful about actively campaigning with a candidate you believe can be the change you want to see. Suzie Bell is my hero! An acquaintance is supporting her opponent and when they were asked by a mutual friend why that was, they responded, "Oh, Suzie just wants to save the world." Well, yeah, she does! -- and I'm not sure why they think that's a bad thing. For years, people have been saying they wish there was someone they truly wanted to win (insert political race here); that they're just voting for the least awful choice and are tired of doing so. In this compassionate and intelligent candidate, I've found someone who reflects the values I hold dear. She is giving me a standard with which to compare other public officers, and I'll be watching out for potential leaders of this caliber in the coming years. I don't care who you vote for, just be sure to vote. Vote your heart, vote with your mind, vote from your conscience. Whomever you choose to stand with, be proud! 

"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

Human Craving for Something Better

photo credit: Aaron Springston

Thinking of ourselves as unlimited contradicts everything we've been taught. Many of our first memories are of being told to be careful or else something dire will happen. Quantum physics is helping us to understand form isn't as solid as we've been told. With that understanding, it becomes clear that many limitations we've placed upon ourselves are nothing more than beliefs in material laws. Limitations are discarded when an athlete breaks a record in the Olympics, or if someone performs a seemingly-impossible feat like lifting a car off of trapped loved ones. We've all heard people tell tales we think of as supernatural, such as falling great distances and feeling as though they've landed on a cushion, or so-called incurable diseases disappearing. Now, I'm not suggesting we exchange one human belief for yet another, but rather that we listen for divine Mind to tell us the truth of our being, then allow ourselves to be led in paths we wouldn't have considered otherwise. Thought is shifting so rapidly at this time, don't you think? Let's not be afraid to listen.

“A mortal, corporeal, or finite conception of God cannot embrace the glories of limitless, incorporeal Life and Love. Hence the unsatisfied human craving for something better, higher, holier, than is afforded by a material belief in a physical God and man.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 258: 1-6

Truth Knocks at the Portal of Humanity

photo credit: Aaron Springston

Are we finally ready for truth? I've heard it said that we, as a human race, can’t stand to hear the truth. This is said about everything from extraterrestrial life to religious doctrine, but I think we are ready to hear it! People say if truth were known about everything, society would break down. It seems to me this might be a good thing, because our current belief systems don't appear to be functioning too well! Yet perhaps everyone's dissatisfaction stems from feeling we’re being lied to on many levels. A few centuries ago, a total eclipse of the full moon would cause many fear-based reactions when the orb turned red, disappeared, then reappeared. As the truth has set us free from that irrational fear, so it may in other ways, allowing us to joyfully look up in happy expectation and welcome what this new understanding will bring!

“Truth, independent of doctrines and time-honored systems, knocks at the portal of humanity.” Science & Health Page vii:13-15

Going to the Dogs -- For Advice!

Scout, the Cat

I’ve been observing our dogs facilitate change and I’m sure there’s a lesson there for us all. Daffy the Doberman generally sleeps/lays wherever she wants. Jeter has his favorite places, but acquiesces to the Alpha dog. Recently we rearranged the furniture in the living room and, in the process, decided that Jeter would have to give up his couch, so we removed the cover and told him “no”. He seemed okay with this, but was at a loss as to what to do with himself when the love of his life, Kevin, was at work. In the bedroom, Daffy had her special bed which was closest to the door and she would growl if Jeter tried to walk by her to get to his nighttime bed against the far wall. So Jeter would lay in the hallway, occasionally trying to sneak past her if she was snoring. Then suddenly we noticed they had switched beds! Jeter is sleeping closest to the door and Da​phne​ has taken the far wall position. The lessons we can all take from this could be varied, but what I’m seeing is that change can happen with patience and, eventually, cooperation. Actually, we think that Scout the Cat was instrumental in this shift, so perhaps it simply takes a strong leader to help us move forward. Whatever the case, I trust we can all work together as well as our dogs!

​"Love giveth to the least spiritual idea might, immortality, and goodness, which shine through all as the blossom shines through the bud. All the varied expressions of God reflect health, holiness, immortality -- infinite Life, Truth, and Love." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 518:19

Unity in Difference

photo credit: Heather Peters

There are many situations which bring on "knee-jerk" reactions, and it's a good thing to be aware of what we're doing. If someone is rude or mean we may become defensive, or perhaps we feel superior to them when we show kindness in return. If politicians or others in the public eye display ignorance (lack of knowledge), we can easily have a sense of self-righteous judgment. I often remind myself that we are all One, and no one is more special or enlightened than another. For instance, I'm a food snob. There are numerous things I don't eat and it's always interesting to watch how I try to impose my beliefs on others. It is yet another example of feeling superior because of an opinion. Eckhart Tolle often puts things in perspective for me, and he has done so once again when he was asked if we should be vegetarian. He said it was purely a personal preference, and if we have strong opinions about this we should remind ourselves that the Dalai Lama eats meat and Hitler didn't! Namastè to each and every One!

"One infinite God, good, unifies men and 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 340:23-30

Facts of Being

photo credit: Gerry Toler

When you ask someone who/what they are, the answers typically will be name, profession, perhaps astrological sign, and things of this sort. We are learning that we embody something entirely different from our history and the material stories which have acted as our identity. I remember hearing about a local story which was described to me as being a tale of “betrayal, bordering on fraud”. Apparently a young woman came to town a couple of years ago and got a job in a popular restaurant. Everyone liked her, she was competent, and helped the business to grow. Then it came to light that she was not who she said she was. Whereas everyone thought she was from somewhere in the Hebrides and knew her by a certain name, it seemed she made everything up and was “not who she said she was”. Upon hearing this, I had to laugh! As my friend told me of people’s reactions to this fantasy, I stopped her and said that we shouldn’t make assumptions about any of this. What if the woman had something traumatic happen and wanted a brand new start, and so she went all the way with a complete change of her story? Whatever the case, I hope that all involved can put their ego-based reactions aside and listen with their heart, letting Love lead their actions, with their intention set for a good result!

“To divest thought of false trusts and material evidence in order that the spiritual facts of being may appear, — this is the great attainment by means of which we shall sweep away the false and give place to the true.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 428:8-12

You May Be Right About That -- NOT!

photo credit: Steve Shogren

During the years I worked with the public, I learned to say "you may be right about that" when someone said something with which I disagreed. It's a good way to say absolutely nothing, yet somehow not agree. But now there are too many injustices being perpetuated all around us to be silent. When I hear someone say that healthcare is not a right, it's a privilege, I must say that it is a privilege for the privileged at this point in time, and that is not right. When someone tells me they've worked hard for what they have and if someone can't take care of themselves then they haven't worked hard enough, I wonder what sect they come from, because the man for whom Christianity was named did not teach this. When someone tells me a woman's body is everybody's business and we should dictate its purpose, I can't even fathom where that idea originated. People who think oil is more important than the natural state of things, when they find fault with the power of the sun and wind and water, I wonder what corporation they are bowing down to. When I am told we can't feed the world by organic means and we must use pesticides and genetically modify our foods, I know the brainwashing which got them to this way of thinking -- because I've seen it develop in my lifetime. I could go on and on, as I'm sure you could, too. But the bottom line is I will no longer be saying, "you may be right about that", when I know darn well they are not. 

"Think of this, dear reader, for it will lift the sackcloth from your eyes, and you will behold the soft-winged dove descending upon you. The very circumstance, which your suffering sense deems wrathful and afflictive, Love can make an angel entertained unawares." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 574:25

What Did You Say?

Clear and concise communications have been on my mind today. Of course, we have miscommunication for many reasons: perhaps we don't listen closely, maybe the person speaking doesn't order their thoughts in a manner which can be easily understood. Perhaps someone doesn't want us to understand, and so they talk in double-speak or circular, unformed thoughts. It is easy to mislead, and it is easy to misunderstand. We must do a better job of conveying our thoughts and hearing others' words. When writing, I'm often reminded of the difference in meaning which punctuation can make. For instance: "Woman, without her, man is nothing." Or this: "Woman, without her man, is nothing." The way we speak that sentence makes a huge difference in conveyance of thought, demonstrating the power of the comma, whether on paper or in words. I recommit to asking questions to make sure I know what is going on around me, and I will strive to be a clear thinker in this world of muddled communications and purposeful misdirection. We're all in this together, and most of us truly want to feel the unity which is our natural state. Namaste...

"In sleep we do not communicate with the dreamer by our side despite his physical proximity, because both of us are either unconscious or are wandering in our dreams through different mazes of consciousness." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 82:13

Meeting the Past in New Ways

Mongolia - Photo Credit: Aaron Springston

In today's recording session with the Presbyterian minister and two musicians, we had a discussion centered around how everyone was doing in their daily lives. Ben teaches choir at a local school and part of his comments were directed toward how much his choir is improving since they are focused on technique rather than getting ready for performances. They had a virtual online tryout for state choir and were excited to be judged in that way, even though the excitement of travel was not part of the experience. But they loved it and did well. Sharon is busy thinking of new and innovative ways to produce an online Celebration Choir performance, and she and Ben are coming up with some cool possibilities. We shall see in the next few weeks how this virtual performance will come together. John, the pastor for the church, also substitute teaches. His life is busier than ever, and more rewarding. He says these times have challenged him as he preaches to an empty room, but he is building a stellar musical group to enhance the services, and is seeing ways to help others in all facets of life. My organ and piano skills are working back to the level they were 50 years ago, and my bridge game is better than ever. And I love making soup! We all have challenges unique to these times, and perhaps some of our problems which were easily swept under the rug in the past are refusing to stay out of sight. But that's a good thing. Please, feel free to post your experiences on the blog, about this or anything else you'd like to say!

"In the material world, thought has brought to light with great rapidity many useful wonders. With like activity have thought's swift pinions been rising towards the realm of the real, to the spiritual cause of those lower things which give impulse to inquiry. Belief in a material basis, from which may be deduced all rationality, is slowly yielding to the idea of a metaphysical basis, looking away from matter to Mind as the cause of every effect." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 168:1

The Way I See It

photo credit: Aaron Springston

"The Way I See It", is a documentary about Pete Souza's photographs from Reagan to Obama. We get to see true emotions from our presidents, translated through the lens of this caring, sensitive photojournalist. The deep feelings of joy brought forth by this film were surprising, and welcomed. If you're looking for something uplifting for this chilly winter weekend, I highly recommend this! Let's never forget what is important in life, even in times which seem confusing. Sending virtual hugs to everyone today!

"Love inspires, illumines, designates, and leads the way. 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. Patience must "have her perfect work."
Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 454:18-24

Willingness

photo credit: Aaron Springston

The idea that we have a choice between joy and pain may not be easy to accept. Let’s not allow mortal mind​,​ or ego​,​ to lay a guilt trip on us in this regard. The only thing we are guilty of is a mistaken perception, for which there is immediate remedy: Change your thought! Through the wonder of social media, I have become acquainted with a woman I never would have met otherwise, as her life’s circumstance and mindset are on the opposite side of the world from mine. She openly writes of her pain and weaknesses, lashing out at others in a way so honest my heart aches in empathy. I feel I know this woman, perhaps because there was a point in my life I could have been her. I felt victimized by circumstances and didn’t think there was a way out. It’s difficult to believe we have a choice when everything we see appears solidly hopeless. Unfortunately, it will stay that way as long as we believe it to be true. What can cause our mind to open up to the lightness of hope? The willingness to do so…

​"​Willingness to become as a little child and to leave the old for the new, renders thought receptive of the advanced idea. Gladness to leave the false landmarks and joy to see them disappear, — this disposition helps to precipitate the ultimate harmony."  ​Mary Baker Eddy - ​Science & Health Page 323:32-4

Translating Our Thoughts

Photo Credit: Dale Johnson

There seems to be much to fear these days. My son lives in Colorado and the fires are visible from his house. The political races are escalating in their vitriol, and it's easy to jump up and down and stamp our feet in protest or agreement. The virus infections rates are rising and people are reacting in various ways to the isolation of the times. Yet according to a Gallup poll, 56% of people are happier now than they were four years ago.  Of course, other polls tell us that suicide rates are up and chronic depression is at an all time high. I've long held to the thought that physical circumstances have nothing to do with happiness and contentment, and now this view is being put to the test. How do you feel compared to four years ago? Ten years? Many things bring us joy, but it doesn't seem money is one of them. The contentment of being in a safe, cozy home with a cat or two and a nice man is enough for me to feel better every day. But in the back of my mind there plays a little video of fires and facism and fury of various sorts. Worrying about these events is sort of like praying for something bad to happen. And so when I think of these things, I'll translate them into their harmonious counterpart and visualize that as a prayer. May you find peace today in the quiet spaces between your thoughts. Namaste...

​"Error of thought is reflected in error of action. The continual contemplation of existence as material and corporeal -- as beginning and ending, and with birth, decay, and dissolution as its component stages -- hides the true and spiritual Life, and causes our standard to trail in the dust." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 550:15

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Spiritual Ideas

photo credit: Aaron Springston

Many mind-over-matter systems are practiced in the world. In the 1800's, mesmerism and hypnotism were thought to be the route to changing our physical experience and getting us what we want. Today we have "The Secret" and other systems telling us how to get the mate of our dreams, hot cars, and other material desires. Some may think A Course in Miracles or Christian Science falls into the same category, because we are "resolving things into thoughts". Here is an example of how it differs: Let's say we need a place to live. How do we think about this in order to manifest it in our existence? By understanding the substance of an idea! What are the spiritual qualities of this place to live, this house, this home? What does it represent? Some of the qualities of home could be warmth, comfort, peace, safety, beauty, love, hospitality. So the thought of "home" is really a spiritual idea, and these qualities of home already exist in our individual consciousness. We don't have to go out and find them, because they're already a permanent part of our being. We can express all these qualities included in the concept of home, no matter where we are. And when we express these qualities, we are cherishing our spiritual home, and this blessing is extended to others as well. 

"Divine Science, rising above physical theories, excludes matter, resolves things into thoughts, and replaces the objects of material sense with spiritual ideas.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science and Health Page 123:12-15

Separation or Unity

photo credit: Gerry Toler

We hurt ourselves by believing in separation more than unity. Feelings of aloneness are manifested in many ways in our daily life. Perhaps we think everyone is out to get us, or maybe we feel like no one knows what's best other than those in our particular tribe. There are any number of ways we assert our specialness and keep ourselves separate from God, hence from everyone, and sometimes this separation is manifest in ugly ways. Maybe something is said to another which we wish we could take back, or perhaps anger flares suddenly and we feel guilt over our feelings and shame about the outcome. There are a multitude of human actions we may regret, but the acceptance of our heritage as a child of divine Love allows us to forgive and choose again. For this, I am grateful.

“Error begins by reckoning life as separate from Spirit, thus sapping the foundations of immortality, as if life and immortality were something which matter can both give and take away.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 539:3-7

Tipping Point is Near

photo credit: Arthur Bruno

I have always felt as though there is a tipping point in mass consciousness, a point ​where everyone sees their perfection and recognizes there is no difference in their own self and the self of that person over there. In this sight, there is a world bathed in peace and contentment. There are no conflicts because everything good and pure is done for the good of everyone, and nothing contrary exists because we do not have such thoughts in the face of beauty and Love. There is no world of separation because we are all One and happily recognize this ​t​ruth. In order for perfection to emerge, error must be washed away. A dear friend, who has never believed these things I espouse, called to ask me what’s happening to this tipping point of Love, as he feels we’ve tipped the other way. Once again, I reiterate: Every thought is important! I feel like we're getting close!

​​"We cannot build safely on false foundations. Truth makes a new creature, in whom old things pass away and ‘all things are become new’."  ​Mary Baker Eddy ​Science & Health Page 201: 7-9

Open to Peace

 

photo credit: Aaron Springston

Let it go. Just breathe. We hear these instructions when learning how to break the hold of distress and open ourselves to peace. It took me years to realize that someone or something wasn't "making" me upset; that it was my perception and interpretation and reaction to things which caused these feelings. Even with this realization, it's sometimes difficult to not get caught up in the craziness of the world. When I find myself becoming agitated about anything, I will remind myself to "let all the world be blessed with peace through us." [ACIM Workbook Lesson #360] After all, I can't change anything but my own self. How wonderful that it’s the most important thing to do!

"Let us learn of the real and eternal, and prepare for the reign of Spirit, the kingdom of heaven,—the reign and rule of universal harmony, which cannot be lost nor remain forever unseen." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 208:20