Door To The Other Side

photo credit: Datura Böes

One of my favorite Facebook friends is someone whom I've never met in person -- at least I don't think I have! We share many mutual friends and I love her photographs, her words, her cooking, her animals, and her family. This is what she wrote to go along with the photo I include today: "In noticing the small details of life, we find gratitude. And in that gratitude - hope. - D. Böes" If I'm feeling happy, this woman's posts bring me greater joy; if I'm down, she helps me see the light again. I am grateful for every one of you who keep on looking up when there are so many sinkholes lurking around us. In stepping away from the turmoil, returning to nature, listening to voices of Love, we rejuvenate ourselves and, hence, everyone. I had a mini-meltdown today precipitated by all the vitriol  our "leaders" throw at us all day, every day. My dear Kevin helped me to see that important things are happening in our world and I can't stick my head in the sand. I helped him to understand how I want to know what's happening, but not all the details of how we get there. Having a little crying jag now and then is a good thing, I think. Then I can get up and see something wonderful, like Datura's words and photos, and find the strength to keep on doing what I need to do. Please, feel free to reach out if you hit that wall. There is always a door to the other side!

"Love, redolent with unselfishness, bathes all in beauty and light." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 516:12

Heaven Within

photo credit: Aaron Springston

Years ago, I knew a young woman who would often fall to her knees and beg God to forgive her and not send her to hell. At the slightest transgression, she would verbally do this! She wouldn’t always kneel during this entreaty, but even a simple verbal request was a surprising event for anyone in her presence. She also would tell me I was going to hell for numerous reasons, one of which was because I didn’t believe in it. She told me it was the devil’s greatest victory, convincing people there was no such place. I remember mentioning that Jesus told us the kingdom of heaven was within, and she said yes, that it was within Jesus; not us. Nowadays, I would probably tell her this was the ego’s biggest victory, to think she was not holy enough for heaven to be found within her. I might have a discussion with her about duality and the belief that there must be an opposite for everything. I could even tell her that the acceptance of Truth obviates any need for choosing heaven or hell, because there is only Truth with no opposite. Hum — maybe I should just know the Truth for myself and let it be!

“The great miracle, to human sense, is divine Love, and the grand necessity of existence is to gain the true idea of what constitutes the kingdom of heaven in man.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 560:12-15

The Elders

 

I slept late this morning and woke up dreaming of well-loved and respected relatives who passed on many years ago. It was a happy dream and I carried their memories sweetly today. These feelings prompted me to telephone a 97-year-old half sister in Beaumont, and a 97-year old sister-in-law in Dallas. Both of these women have lived a full and active life, and even though they are now housebound they continue to find ways to remain joyous. Lucy and Ora Beth have many things in common, including their voracious appetite for biased news. They joyfully told me what Rush Limbaugh had to say today and their belief that they were well-informed by their reading of the Epoch News. Numerous times I reminded myself that I had a choice of being kind or right; telling slant truth when possible, and keeping quiet when I wanted to shout. I am grateful for these dear women, and for their strong opinions built from years of hardship and minding their manners. My very favorite relative passed away in October, having lived 93 years in Lubbock. These tough Texas women have enriched the lives of everyone they touched, no matter how briefly, myself included. Thank you, ​elders of our clan, for your love!

​"Jesus acknowledged no ties of the flesh. ... He recognized Spirit, God, as the only creator, and therefore as the Father of all." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 31:4​

The Place You Need is Needing You

photo credit: Aaron Springston

A dear friend is trying to make a decision about her future: whether to sell her business, how to sell a house she’s been in 50 years, where to go — if anywhere. Hearing her worries reminded me of 25 years ago when I wanted to move to Eureka Springs. My boys were going to Clear Spring School and I decided to move from Berryville to Eureka Springs. There were obstacles which seemed insurmountable and no matter how much I planned and worried, nothing was working out. At some point I read an article from Mary Baker Eddy entitled “Place”, and it was her words which allowed me to stop all the mental chatter and surrender to divine Mind. Shortly afterwards, I was recycling newspapers and a house rental ad jumped off the page at me. It’s the same house where I’ve happily raised my children, the home where inspiration was sparked for a business which introduced me to hundreds of great friends, the place I love to be more than anywhere. Through the years, I've watched in wonder as answers come when I no longer worry over possibilities. Unfortunately, trying to explain this concept is not easy. Yielding of personal will is not a popular idea. We are learning we can't push the river...

“The place you seek is seeking you, the place you need is needing you.” Mary Baker Eddy 

Happy Opening of Hearts and Minds

 

our "Christmas Stick" - photo credit: Kevin Wright

The changes we have witnessed in the past decades have been exciting and — to take a phrase from the ‘70s — mind blowing! In the 1960s, when we were told about the Age of Aquarius and, more recently, when 2012 was explained as a shift in consciousness, I'm not sure we recognized there would be any real change in our lives. Those who are looking for material reasons to explain the shifts in everything from politics to weather, are feeling helpless and overwhelmed. Looked at from a different perspective, we see changes are necessary in order to facilitate the realization of this new earth which we are ready to embrace. As with any shift in thought, some people are afraid and working to keep the old ways, but it is impossible to "see two worlds”. For this reason, I choose Love and its product! Happy reopening of our hearts and minds to each and every one!!

“During this final conflict, wicked minds will endeavor to find means by which to accomplish more evil; but those who discern Christian Science will hold crime in check. They will aid in the ejection of error. They will maintain law and order, and cheerfully await the certainty of ultimate perfection.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 96:31-4

Tell The Truth But Tell It Slant

 

Poetry from Emily Dickinson

"Tell all the Truth but tell it slant –

Success in Circuit lies

Too bright for our infirm Delight

The Truth’s superb surprise

As Lightning to the Children eased

With explanation kind

The Truth must dazzle gradually

Or every man be blind …"

Hope is a Tattered Flag

 

HOPE IS A TATTERED FLAG - by Carl Sandburg

‘Hope is a tattered flag and a dream of time.

Hope is a heartspun word, the rainbow, the shadblow in white

The evening star inviolable over the coal mines,

The shimmer of northern lights across a bitter winter night,

The blue hills beyond the smoke of the steel works,

The birds who go on singing to their mates in peace, war, peace,

The ten-cent crocus bulb blooming in a used-car salesroom,

The horseshoe over the door, the luckpiece in the pocket,

The kiss and the comforting laugh and resolve—

Hope is an echo, hope ties itself yonder, yonder.

The spring grass showing itself where least expected,

The rolling fluff of white clouds on a changeable sky,

The broadcast of strings from Japan, bells from Moscow,

Of the voice of the prime minister of Sweden carried

Across the sea in behalf of a world family of nations

And children singing chorals of the Christ child

And Bach being broadcast from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

And tall skyscrapers practically empty of tenants

And the hands of strong men groping for handholds

And the Salvation Army singing God loves us….”

Change, Listening, Apprehension

photo credit: Gerry Toler

We would all love to save the world, wouldn’t we? Yet we know we can’t change someone else; change only happens within the individual. But then again, I’ve found many people are simply regurgitating things they have heard all their lives, and when they find something which turns on a light (or rings a bell, if you will!) deep inside them, they suddenly want to know more about these ideas which have piqued their interest. It may seem as though we are not doing anything when we interact with people in our day-to-day activities. When we notice our thoughts, we may find we're listening to another for the purpose of responding to their words. Real listening allows true communication, not just our interpretation of what is being said. I've discovered that my perception of what someone is saying to me may not be what they are really saying, and I am twisting their words to fit what I expect them to say. Every time I catch myself doing this, my desire to understand is renewed. Hallelujah!

“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

Harmony is Seeking Our Attention

photo credit: Gerry Toler

 
We are living in a “grim era of demonization”. I’ve mentioned before that a group called Beyond Conflict found that around 80% of those who call themselves Democrats or Republicans overestimate the level to which the other side dehumanizes them. In other words, I don’t think you’re as bad as you think I think you are! It’s time we all begin to realize these truths and start talking to each other with civility. Almost 70 years ago, Margaret Chase Smith asked her political party to “do some soul-searching” and not to ride to power on character assassination and unsubstantiated accusations of treason. She made this plea from the Senate floor, but she did not point fingers at the culprit. It was Joseph McCarthy who was making accusations unrooted in truth, but by not calling him out she exposed the emptiness of his crusade, which soon collapsed. We are currently hearing outlandish and unfounded accusations, and it is our duty to seek truth and celebrate it. Harmony is seeking our attention! I pray we will find it.

“Discord is the nothingness named error. Harmony is the soothingness named Truth.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 276:26

Divided We Fall

photo credit: Aaron Springston

David French has written a book entitled "Divided We Fall" which addresses our need to reduce friction in politics. He recommends embracing three ideals: justice, mercy, and humility. Mr. French has close-up experience in racial issues as he and his wife adopted a child from Ethiopia ten years ago. They live in Tennessee. They found out how ugly people can be. To quote him: "Between slavery and Jim Crow -- 345 yars of legally enforced racial discrimination defended by violence -- it's going to take a long time to unwind the effects of that." He warns against claiming to know exactly how to do that, while arrogantly spurning those who disagree with your approach.  He tells us the three qualities which are required, but also warns: "The quest for justice, untempered by civility and untempered by mercy, can tear us apart." This seems to be the wall many of us are discovering with our friends and neighbors: How to be civil and merciful, while also helping to neutralize the bigotry and racism which seem to be so deeply ingrained in our society. He further explains, "Walking into a public policy debate with humility and knowing that you don't have all the answers is going to foster a degree of mercy and kindness. And that doesn't mean that you back away from the quest for justice. It just means you're approaching it from the proper mindset." I hope to learn more about the mindset of peaceful communication and the calm assertion of truth. Namaste...

​"This period is not essentially one of conscience; few feel and live now as when this nation began, and our forefathers' prayers blended with the murmuring winds of their forest home. This is a period of doubt, inquiry, good, and mysterious evil. But sin can only work out its own destruction; and reform does and must push on the growth of mankind." Mary Baker Eddy - Miscellaneous Writings Page 237:16​

Erroneous Belief Destroyed by Truth

drone shot by Aaron Springston

There was an article making the rounds on social media concerning a public school in Tennessee which is forcing children to participate in Muslim practices. The comments I saw concerning this article ranged from mildly ignorant to wildly speculative. Finally, someone named Doug calmly recited all the reasons this is not happening, stating that the article is a satirical joke, and nicely asking if all the responders felt silly for believing it. In other words, The Emperor had no clothes!!  We see this same scenario taking place numerous times a day, in some form or fashion, and usually we look the other way — probably because it’s happening on the television news! We must speak truth to error of all sorts. It is far too easy to send disinformation through emails and social media posts, and I encourage everyone to refute lies which are “going viral”. May the calm voices of reason prevail!

“Erroneous belief is destroyed by truth. Change the evidence, and that disappears which before seemed real to this false belief, and the human consciousness rises higher.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health  Page 297:12-15

Storytelling

I once took a weekend workshop on the art of storytelling. We had a great instructor named Elaine Blanchard, and the group consists of nine beautiful, passionate women, all of us as different as we were the same. We were all there to release a story from where it had been hiding within us. It was an emotional weekend, full of tears and laughter, with joy being the frontrunner coming down the stretch when we were through. Elaine has gained national attention from going into women’s prisons, gathering stories, writing them into screenplays, performing them, and allowing the prisoners to see their stories on stage. This process frees everyone involved and many of the inmates have been empowered to release the past and go forward into a new life. Sometimes you just need someone to listen in order to understand what must be done. Truth does set us free!

“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 454:21-23

Getting to Know You

photo credit: Aaron Springston

For several years I avoided one of my neighbors, who was 90-plus years old, because it seemed there was no such thing as a short visit. She would tell me things I didn't want to know about her family and other people, so I began to avoid her. One morning she was sitting on her porch and asked for my help. Her phone was not working and it's connected to a Lifeline button which she can push if she needs help. As it was going to take some time to get the phone company there to reconnect her, I told her I'd come over every hour and make sure she was okay. As we sat on her porch, she started talking about herself, from childhood through more recent times, and it was fascinating! She told me the happiest times of her life were picking cotton with her sisters in the 1930s on a farm in Mississippi. Every visit that day brought me new stories from her life. When she wandered into condemnation of others, I would simply tell her I had to go, but would be back soon and wanted to hear more stories about her -- not others. It was like watching a documentary -- and I'm glad I was tuned in! She’s gone now and although I’ve forgotten all of her gossipy news, I remember some delightful looks into her life experience — and I am grateful. 

“The poor suffering heart needs its rightful nutriment, such as peace, patience in tribulation, and a priceless sense of the dear Father’s loving-kindness.” Science and Health by Mary Baker Eddy  Page 365:31-2 

A Changing Norm

photo credit: Aaron Springston

A new paradigm is upon us. The framework of living we have known all our lives is finally changing, and it’s exciting to see how we are accepting new ways of doing routine things. Take holidays, for instance. We have become accustomed to gathering in homes and eating fattening foods and yelling at football games — and, perhaps, each other — before, during, and after meals. We thought we would miss that, but many people have discovered they rather enjoy giving thanks without the stress involved in making a huge meal and doing things they’d perhaps rather not be doing. Giving ourselves space to be grateful, in the deepest sense, may even pave the way to celebrating the end-of-the-year holidays for their meaning rather than the trappings which have become associated with them. Although millions of people are holding onto habitual rituals, other millions are realizing the old ways are not always the best ways. The arrival of the Age of Aquarius, the living of the Camelot dream, the return to the Garden — however you wish to think about the huge shift in consciousness which is upon us, there is great cause for celebration! Let us give Thanks!

“Advancing spiritual steps in the teeming universe of Mind lead on to spiritual spheres and exalted beings. To material sense, this divine universe is dim and distant, gray in the somber hues of twilight; but anon the veil is lifted, and the scene shifts into light.” Mary Baker Eddy- Science & Health Page 513:6

You Own Nothing

 My heart is full of you all today, and I am grateful.

A friend posted these words from Margaret Atwood. I send them to you...

"The moment when, after many years

of hard work and a long voyage,

you stand in the centre of your room,

house, half-acre, square mile, island, country,

knowing at last how you got there,

and say, I own this,

is the same moment the trees unloose

their soft arms from around you,

the birds take back their language,

the cliffs fissure and collapse,

the air moves back from you like a wave

and you can’t breathe.

No, they whisper. You own nothing.

You were a visitor, time after time

Climbing the hill, planting the flag, proclaiming.

We never belonged to you.

You never found us.

It was always the other way round."

~ Margaret Atwood

Growth in Grace

I have a friend who has always been upbeat and positive, looking for ways to improve the world and those around him. He wrote to me the other day and said he guessed the Age of Aquarius was over and we hadn't fulfilled our destiny. He tells me he has given up on Love ever ruling human beings. He has given me cause to think about this deeply, questioning if I would or even could give up on everything. I know we are all born as pure as the energy which created us, and it is only a misunderstanding which would turn us away from that truth. Our daily life seems to dull our senses rather than opening us up to our abilities and strengths. Why do we not want to live in the highest good for all mankind? I think it's because we've decided that there's "my" truth and "your" truth, rather than Truth. With so much of humanity suffering at this time, it seems difficult to wish a happy thanksgiving day to anyone. But I'm going to do so anyway. Gratitude heals, Love heals, kindness is a choice I want to make, and you my friends are precious to me. And I am grateful...

"What we most need is the prayer of fervent desire for growth in grace, expressed in patience, meekness, love, and good deeds." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 4:3

Searching to Fill Emptiness

The following post is a repeat of one which was written after watching the documentary cited. It seems appropriate for many reasons...

photo credit: Aaron Springston

"Searching For the Wrong-Eyed Jesus" is a documentary on life in the South here in the United States. This film takes us to small towns where people turn to drugs and/or religion when they've given up all hope of finding happiness. I watched in fascination, realizing for the first time what people find in so-called "holy-roller" churches. In their feverish love of God, they find the pleasure they crave. Others turn to mood-elevating drugs for the same reason. One person in the movie says that everyone is "lonely for God" in these desolate towns. Another line which struck me was this: "He was just a regular ol' Southern lunatic. In his quest for union, he ended up being more separate than ever." There is such truth to be found in their longing! I longed with them as they jumped up and down, speaking in tongues and dancing in odd jerky movements. There wasn't much difference in the drunken barroom scenes on Saturday night and the gyrations of the Sunday morning gatherings. They're all looking for the same thing: They want to fill the emptiness inside. They want excitement, fun, a way to pass time without feeling alone. I can't keep from thinking of how they would be set free with the knowledge of their true Being. The only way this can happen is if I realize it -- really know it! --not just intellectually, but with my heart.

“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

Moderation

painting by Carol Dickie

A dear friend tells me of an odd thing which is happening. A woman came into her downtown shop and they hit it off right away, enjoying a conversation and looking forward to the next time they talked. They exchanged phone numbers. Now this woman is calling my friend and texting her numerous times a day — sometimes more than 30 texts! As she told me about it, she said she didn’t want to be rude to the woman, but couldn’t possibly talk that much to anyone. She also mentioned that she had decided it might be her purpose to listen to this woman. While pondering her story, I remembered an event concerning excess communications. Years ago, I was driving a van full of young teenagers to south central Arkansas, about six hours away from home. One of the boys was talking incessantly. After a few hours, I pulled over and turned to him and said, “Everything that goes through your head does NOT need to come out of your mouth!”. Years later, he told me this was one of the best things anyone had ever said to him. Of course, we don’t want to be rude to people, but we also don’t need to enable bad habits. As with most everything in this life, moderation is the key. I continue to listen for inner guidance on handling these situations. Feel free to let me know your thoughts! Namaste...

“If a friend informs us of a fault, do we listen patiently to the rebuke and credit what is said? Do we not rather give thanks that we are ‘not as other men’? During many years the author has been most grateful for merited rebuke. The wrong lies in unmerited censure, — in the falsehood which does no one any good.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 8:30

Falling Walls

​

Great Wall of China - PC: Aaron Springston

During my lifetime, I've seen oppression of various types evaporating. I admit that there are more walls waiting to fall  — but just look how far we've come! Despite these strides, a man told me that he was afraid to come to Eureka Springs. Of course, I asked him why. He said if we were having one of our "diversity" weekends he didn't want to be here. He assured me he had nothing against gay people, but he didn't want it “rubbed in his face”. This is a learned behavior of prejudice on his part and has nothing to do with the way he felt when he came out of the womb into this life. As we release what we have come to believe, all those things which we’ve been taught to think, we open the way for divine Love to guide us. Love truly is the liberator!

“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

Waking Up...

photo credit: Aaron Springston

We are waking up from our dream of separation! In this awakening, we are experiencing another level of living and are becoming more consciously intuitive in our daily activities. Whereas we used to think of "hunches" as meaningless feelings, we are now realizing they're whispers from divine Mind. Living life as the reflection of Love opens our thought to Oneness, and we see a world without judgment. People are dropping lifelong habits, and they're glad to see them go! And so it Is…

“The universe reflects and expresses the divine substance or Mind...” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 300:29-30