Thank you, Martin Luther King

 

Quote from Martin Luther King Jr.’s Pilgrimage to Nonviolence - “The phrase ‘passive resistance’ often gives the false impression that this is a sort of ‘do-nothing method’ in which the resister quietly and passively accepts evil. But nothing is further from the truth. For while the nonviolent resister is passive in the sense that he is not physically aggressive toward his opponent, his mind and emotions are always active, constantly seeking to persuade his opponent that he is wrong. The method is passive physically, but strongly active spiritually.” Martin Luther King Jr.

“Perception is the result of learning. In fact, perception is learning, because cause and effect are never separated. The teachers of God have trust in the world, because they have learned it is not governed by the laws the world made up. It is governed by a power that is ‘in them but not of them’. It is this power that keeps all things safe. It is through this power that the teachers of God look on a forgiven world.” 

A Course in Miracles M-4.I.1:2-7

“‘Thy kingdom come;’ let the reign of divine Truth, Life, and Love be established in me, and rule out of me all sin; and may Thy Word enrich the affections of all mankind, and govern them!” 

Mary Baker Eddy - Manual Page 41:19-25

Love as an Action Verb

 

Photo credit: Aaron Springston

Many people are dealing with stress, anxiety, and depression. It is more necessary than ever to “be in this world, but not of it”. I fully understand how difficult it can be to look beyond the illusion. When we see a person being cruel, it would be cruel of us to look the other way. But we can begin by seeing that person as they were created from Love; not making comparisons, but seeing the purity of Spirit. It breaks my heart to think of the pain people in war-torn countries are experiencing. But no matter how bad I feel, it won’t help them. Love is an action verb and feeling it deeply exposes what we need to know in our quest to help situations. Every thought is important!

“God goes with me wherever I go.

1. Today’s idea will eventually overcome completely the sense of loneliness and abandonment all the separated ones experience. Depression is an inevitable consequence of separation. So are anxiety, worry, a deep sense of helplessness, misery, suffering and intense fear of loss.

2. The separated ones have invented many ‘cures’ for what they believe to be ‘the ills of the world.’ But the one thing they do not do is to question the reality of the problem. Yet its effects cannot be cured because the problem is not real. The idea for today has the power to end all this foolishness forever. And foolishness it is, despite the serious and tragic forms it may take.” 

A Course in Miracles W-41.1:1–2:5)

“Eternal Truth is changing the universe. As mortals drop off their mental swaddling-clothes, thought expands into expression. ‘Let there be light,’ is the perpetual demand of Truth and Love, changing chaos into order and discord into the music of the spheres. The mythical human theories of creation, anciently classified as the higher criticism, sprang from cultured scholars in Rome and in Greece, but they afforded no foundation for accurate views of creation by the divine Mind.” 

Mary Baker Eddy Science & Health Page 255:1-10

Sometimes - by Mary Oliver

 

Photo credit: Aaron Springston

Sometimes

by Mary Oliver

1.

Something came up
out of the dark.
It wasn’t anything I had ever seen before.
It wasn’t an animal
or a flower,
unless it was both.

Something came up out of the water,
a head the size of a cat
but muddy and without ears.
I don’t know what God is.
I don’t know what death is.

But I believe they have between them
some fervent and necessary arrangement.

2.

Sometime
melancholy leaves me breathless…

3.

Water from the heavens! Electricity from the source!
Both of them mad to create something!

The lighting brighter than any flower.
The thunder without a drowsy bone in its body.

4.

Instructions for living a life:
Pay attention.
Be astonished.
Tell about it.

5.
Two or three times in my life I discovered love.
Each time it seemed to solve everything.
Each time it solved a great many things
but not everything.
Yet left me as grateful as if it had indeed, and
thoroughly, solved everything.

6.

God, rest in my heart
and fortify me,
take away my hunger for answers,
let the hours play upon my body

like the hands of my beloved.
Let the cathead appear again—
the smallest of your mysteries,
some wild cousin of my own blood probably—
some cousin of my own wild blood probably,
in the black dinner-bowl of the pond.

7.

Death waits for me, I know it, around
one corner or another.
This doesn’t amuse me.
Neither does it frighten me.

After the rain, I went back into the field of sunflowers.
It was cool, and I was anything but drowsy.
I walked slowly, and listened

to the crazy roots, in the drenched earth, laughing and growing.

Shifting Human Consciousness

Costa Rica - photo credit: Aaron Springston

Words of Paul Levy: “Quantum physics is a flag bearer of an epochal paradigm shift currently taking place within human consciousness, deep within the collective unconscious, concerning the nature of reality itself. The discoveries of quantum physics are directly pointing to the hitherto unsuspected powers of the mind to cast reality in its image rather than the other way around. Quantum theory provides insight into how conscious entities, such as ourselves, can alter the course of the physically described aspects of reality through the decisions they make. The new physics is the beginning of the realization that the human psyche can intervene creatively in the physical and chemical processes of nature.” ~ Paul Levy

“Metaphysics is above physics, and matter does not enter into metaphysical premises or conclusions. The categories of metaphysics rest on one basis, the divine Mind. Metaphysics resolves things into thoughts, and exchanges the objects of sense for the ideas of Soul.” 

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 469:11-16

“Let us come daily to this holy place, and spend a while together. Here we share our final dream. It is a dream in which there is no sorrow, for it holds a hint of all the glory given us by God. The grass is pushing through the soil, the trees are budding now, and birds have come to live within their branches. Earth is being born again in new perspective. Night has gone, and we have come together in the light.” 

A Course in Miracles W-pII.2.4:1-6

Right to Die?

 

Photo credit: Blake Lasater

Having just read an article about “right to die” laws around the world, my thoughts are swirling with the ramifications of this choice. I think most of us would agree that if someone was well on in years and terminally ill, it should be their choice to die with dignity. But some countries are stretching the possibilities to those who are chronically depressed, or disabled and unable to take care of themselves. There is a fine line legally where we might fall into the pit of exterminating the poor or disabled for reasons other than their desire to do so. So that’s a thing. One doctor says that “assisted dying is less about death than it is about how we want to live”. My daughter-in-law’s grandfather chose this option around this time last year when he was terminally ill with pancreatic cancer. I know not all of his family agreed with his choice. There are many questions and no easy answers. I hope we can examine these issues with Love leading our voices.

“Mortals have a very imperfect sense of the spiritual man and of the infinite range of his thought. To him belongs eternal Life. Never born and never dying, it were impossible for man, under the government of God in eternal Science, to fall from his high estate.” 

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 258:25-30

“There is a light in you which cannot die; whose presence is so holy that the world is sanctified because of you. All things that live bring gifts to you, and offer them in gratitude and gladness at your feet. The scent of flowers is their gift to you. The waves bow down before you, and the trees extend their arms to shield you from the heat, and lay their leaves before you on the ground that you may walk in softness, while the wind sinks to a whisper round your holy head.” 

A Course in Miracles W-156.4:1-4

Sweet, Peaceful Music

Scott Thompson and Don Matt

Today I attended an hour of music at Heart of Many Ways here in Eureka Springs. It was exceptionally beautiful, leaving me feeling joyously peaceful. Don and Scott are two men who play and write music for their own enjoyment, and we are fortunate when they share it with us. Today was one of those magical moments. Playing a guitar and an amahi, they sang original songs of peace, happiness, friendship, love — life in all its beauty. I feel inspired and ready to experience all tomorrow has to offer. Namaste…

“Love, too, would set a feast before you, on a table covered with a spotless cloth, set in a quiet garden where no sound but singing and a softly joyous whispering is ever heard. This is a feast that honors your holy relationship, and at which everyone is welcomed as an honored guest. And in a holy instant grace is said by everyone together, as they join in gentleness before the table of communion. And I will join you there, as long ago I promised and promise still. For in your new relationship am I made welcome. And where I am made welcome, there I am.” 

A Course in Miracles T-19.IV-A.16:1-6

“Whatever inspires with wisdom, Truth, or Love — be it song, sermon, or Science — blesses the human family with crumbs of comfort from Christ’s table, feeding the hungry and giving living waters to the thirsty.” 

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 234:4-8

Kindness and Joy — no matter what!

 

Miten in the Full Moon

The Dalai Lama has many profound and beautiful messages for us! He speaks of peace and love, reminding us of our true identity in such an unassuming and pure manner. His gleeful words never leave me where they found me, and for this I am most grateful. I remember a video of his entitled "Compassion in Emptiness". In this talk, he addresses the importance of relationships based in honesty and trust. The joyfulness born of these interactions is essential to our liberation from fearful illusions. The trust and honesty he speaks of isn't limited to those who have "earned" it. It isn't limited in ANY way. As we go through our daily activities, let's remember to treat everyone with the loving respect and courtesy with which we would afford a dearly beloved parent or child. May kindness and joy spread to every person you come into contact with today, and everyday. And if you happen to forget what that feels like, find a video of the Dalai Lama and let him remind you!

“If selfishness has given place to kindness, we shall regard our neighbor unselfishly, and bless them that curse us; but we shall never meet this great duty simply by asking that it may be done.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 9:11-14

“Spirit makes use of mind as means to find its Self expression. And the mind which serves the spirit is at peace and filled with joy. Its power comes from spirit, and it is fulfilling happily its function here. Yet mind can also see itself divorced from spirit, and perceive itself within a body it confuses with itself. Without its function then it has no peace, and happiness is alien to its thoughts. A Course in Miracles -  W-96.4:1-5

Joy and Harmony

 

Joy in Costa Rica

A friend who lives on the west coast called to tell me his exciting news: At the age of 76, his last two yearly visits to the optometrist have shown his eyesight to be improving. He also told me he discontinuing cholesterol  medication a few years back because of side effects consisting of back pain and confusion. He was surprised to find out his numbers were going down, rather than the increase his doctor had predicted. He wanted my opinion on why this was happening. I laughed joyfully as I told him what I’ve noticed about him in the last five years: he is a much more laid-back guy now, happier and less worried than when I first met him. He also is gaining an understanding of metaphysics and quantum thought. I told him he needn’t worry about why, but only be grateful and continue his walk on the road of realized consciousness, being aware and joyful each step of the way. I loved hearing his story!

“Truth is affirmative, and confers harmony. All metaphysical logic is inspired by this simple rule of Truth, which governs all reality.” 

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health, Page 418:20-22

“There is no difference between love and joy. Therefore, the only possible whole state is the wholly joyous. To heal or to make joyous is therefore the same as to integrate and to make one. That is why it makes no difference to what part or by what part of the Sonship the healing is offered. Every part benefits, and benefits equally.” 

A Course in Miracles T-5.in.2:3-7. 

Time to Rejoice!

 

David Hoffmeister

These are words gleaned from Ardith Oakes Facebook page, from David Hoffmeister’s book: 

"There is nothing left to seek for in this world when it can be exchanged for another one. No thought of gain or loss, winning or losing, success or failure ever had any meaning. Fantasy is not real and dreaming is not Being One. You are ready to Awaken to Oneness. And as you awaken the whole world awakens as well. For the world was never more than a misperception. As perception becomes whole, the single mind sees only wholeness. At last you are ready to see with Inner Vision, and you realize that physical sight was nothing but the illusion of being in the dark. The Light has come and it is time to rejoice! It is time!" 

David Hoffmeister, "Awakening Through A Course in Miracles"

“Nothing at all has happened but that you have put yourself to sleep, and dreamed a dream in which you were an alien to yourself, and but a part of someone else’s dream. The miracle does not awaken you, but merely shows you who the dreamer is. It teaches you there is a choice of dreams while you are still asleep, depending on the purpose of your dreaming. Do you wish for dreams of healing, or for dreams of death? A dream is like a memory in that it pictures what you wanted shown to you.” 

A Course in Miracles T-28.II.4:1-5

“Ontology receives less attention than physiology. Why? Because mortal mind must waken to spiritual life before it cares to solve the problem of being, hence the author’s experience; but when that awakening comes, existence will be on a new standpoint.” Mary Baker Eddy, Science and Health - Page 556:25-30

Maturity

 

Photo credit: Aaron Springston

I saw the following words today. They are attributed to Rumi. I can find no proof that they are, but I definitely think it is worthy …

Rumi, a 13th century Persian spiritual teacher, was asked:

 What is spiritual maturity?

  1. It's when we stop trying to change others and focus on changing ourselves.

 2. It is when we accept people as they are.

 3. It is when we understand that everyone is correct according to their own perspective.

 4. It is when we learn to “let go”.

 5. It is when we are able to not have "expectations" in a relationship, and we give of ourselves for the pleasure of giving.

 6. It is when we understand that what we do, we do for our own peace.

 7. It's when we stop showing the world how smart we are.

 8. It's when we stop seeking approval from others.

  

 9. It's when we stop comparing ourselves to others.

 10. It is when we are at peace with ourselves.

 11. It is when we are able to distinguish between "need" and "want" and we are able to let go of that want.

 12. Spiritual maturity is gained when we stop attaching "happiness" to material things!Å

Unity of Principle

 

    My son and grandson

To feel Love from a source outside ourselves is impossible. To express a material sense of love is an illusion. God is Love, and we are Its manifestation. Hence, we are Love. The recognition that we ARE Love is liberation in and of itself! Mary Baker Eddy tells us, "Love looseth me and lifteth me a'yont hate's thrall". Can you guess she was a fan of Shakespeare? Old-fashioned language aside, she's saying that Love sets us free, lifting us above and beyond any hate we may perceive. I’ve mostly given up trying to change anyone, and usually I can resist the urge to want to try fix others. I’ve come to see it's my purpose to show the way to freedom by living Truth. Through our actions and words we bring ourselves (and thereby everyone) to the realization that Love is the only reality. To live Love allows a release from past habitual thought and the pain we've chosen. Then there is no need for blame, guilt, nor forgiveness — and we are free!

“With one Father, even God, the whole family of man would be brethren; and with one Mind and that God, or good, the brotherhood of man would consist of Love and Truth, and have unity of Principle and spiritual power which constitute divine Science.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science and Health 

“The mind that serves the Holy Spirit is unlimited forever, in all ways, beyond the laws of time and space, unbound by any preconceptions, and with strength and power to do whatever it is asked. Attack thoughts cannot enter such a mind, because it has been given to the Source of love, and fear can never enter in a mind that has attached itself to love. It rests in God. And who can be afraid who lives in Innocence, and only loves?” A Course in Miracles W-199.2:1-4

Universal Harmony

 

How many times have you felt that we're on the verge of the realization of universal peace and harmony? I know I have a number of times. January 1, 2000 felt like a tipping point. Although I don't remember specific dates other than that one, I know there have been many occasions when it simply "felt like" this was it; that we would forget differences and only remember unity and the fact that we are all One. I felt this again today. Any unrest and dis-ease going on around me seemed like a cry for Love. Really, truly, I saw people reaching out for something secure in a material world full of insecurity and fear. We are all the same in the reality of Spirit. The "reign and rule of universal harmony which cannot be lost nor remain forever unseen" is waiting for us to cast off fear and embrace it!

"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 208:20-24 

“Prayer is a way to true humility. And here again it rises slowly up, and grows in strength and love and holiness. Let it but leave the ground where it begins to rise to God, and true humility will come at last to grace the mind that thought it was alone and stood against the world. Humility brings peace because it does not claim that you must rule the universe, nor judge all things as you would have them be. All little gods it gladly lays aside, not in resentment, but in honesty and recognition that they do not serve.” A Course in Miracles S-1.V.1:1-5

Clearing Our Vision

 

Passion Flower in Costa Rica

Photo credit: Aaron Springston

A dear friend posted the following on social media today: “My opinion of someone does not alter the truth of who they are.” I was thinking similar thoughts because I had recently been with a friend who limits herself and others severely by her negative opinions of them. It may be as simple as someone “setting her teeth on edge” or “rubbing her the wrong way”, but it made me sad because she is missing some wonderful interactions with others. It may even deprive a person she doesn’t like of what could be a life-changing experience, simply because she doesn’t want them involved in things she is involved with. No, it doesn’t change the truth of who they are, no matter what she thinks, but those of us who respect her feelings are in a tough spot at times. Thinking back, there are many situations such as this. I was once married to a man whose name I couldn’t say around my dad or else he would go off on a tirade about how much he didn’t like him. I can’t presume to know how others should react when confronted with someone they don’t care to be around, but I’ll be watching my own thoughts in similar situations. 

“Child of God, you were created to create the good, the beautiful and the holy. Do not forget this. The Love of God, for a little while, must still be expressed through one body to another, because vision is still so dim. You can use your body best to help you enlarge your perception so you can achieve real vision, of which the physical eye is incapable. Learning to do this is the body’s only true usefulness.” 

A Course in Miracles T-1.VII.2:1-5

“Take away wealth, fame, and social organizations, which weigh not one jot in the balance of God, and we get clearer views of Principle. Break up cliques, level wealth with honesty, let worth be judged according to wisdom, and we get better views of humanity” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 239:5-10

Let’s Live and Love Together

 

Robert Klose is a novelist and an essay writer for the Christian Science Monitor. In this weekly news magazine he wrote about his house being robbed by a neighborhood teenager. He asked the authorities if he could offer the thief an alternative to court-ordered punishment, and they agreed to it. And so he asked the boy to pay back the money and to meet with him one day a week for an hour. During that hour, they would work on his homework, and then 30 minutes would be spent talking about anything the young man chose. It was a good experience for them both. Although the boy learned many valuable things from these meetings, he has occasionally lapsed into illegal behavior and spent time in jail. But when he’s back in the neighborhood, he is respectful and visits his mentor. Last time they met, Mr. Klose thanked the young man for thinking enough of his neighborhood to let it continue in peace. They two of them agreed they were both “trying to be good”. We’re all looking for ways to help our communities, and mentoring someone in need seems a noble cause to me!

“We must form perfect models in thought and look at them continually, or we shall never carve them out in grand and noble lives. Let unselfishness, goodness, mercy, justice, health, holiness, love — the kingdom of heaven — reign within us, and sin, disease, and death will diminish until they finally disappear.” 

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 248:26-32

“Brother, we heal together as we live together and love together. Be not deceived in God’s Son, for he is one with himself and one with his Father. Love him who is beloved of his Father, and you will learn of the Father’s Love for you.” 

A Course in Miracles T-11.VIII.11:4-6

Let It Be

 

Art by Elisabeth Ladwig - @ElisabethOnEarth

While taking a friend to do some errands, I learned a valuable lesson. I should have known this sweet woman could not be rushed, and it would be foolish to expect that she not look at everything in the WalMart before deciding she needed to go somewhere else. My plan had been to attend a meeting after doing this with her, and I almost became irritated when I saw that wasn't going to happen. Watching us as if from a hidden camera, I began to enjoy each step which felt like walking through quicksand. I watched young people smiling kindly at us as we doddering along. I watched myself park in a loading zone with no worries about legality. I felt happiness in being able to help my old friend figure out ways to deal with problems she felt were insurmountable. When she wanted things she was not supposed to have, I talked to her about it honestly rather than telling her "no". It was a good practice in letting go of my expectations and giving in to what was happening right then. It's nice to look back and smile over the events, rather than chew on the resentment which could have easily overtaken me. Here's to accepting what "is" and making the best of it!

“Love never loses sight of loveliness. Its halo rests upon its object. One marvels that a friend can ever seem less than beautiful. Men and women of riper years and larger lessons ought to ripen into health and immortality, instead of lapsing into darkness or gloom. Immortal Mind feeds the body with supernal freshness and fairness, supplying it with beautiful images of thought and destroying the woes of sense which each day brings to a nearer tomb.” 

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 248:3-11

"If he senses even the faintest hint of irritation in himself as he responds to anyone, let him instantly realize that he has made an interpretation that is not true. 3 Then let him turn within to his eternal Guide, and let Him judge what the response should be." 

A Course in Miracles M-18.4.2-3

Oh Happy Day!

Phases and Stages is a favorite Willie Nelson album, and it describes the flow of our lives, too. Some people say we move in 7-year phases, and then we change over to another focus. Someone once wrote that time is something we made up so everything doesn’t happen at once. Nevertheless, a new year begins tomorrow and this time always seems ripe with hope. May we all wake up with an extra-happy thought on this beautiful first day of 2023 — and hold on to that exuberance every day forevermore! 

“Give thanks for mercy and the Love of God. Rejoice in the power of forgiveness to heal your sight completely. Be confident that on this day there is a new beginning. Without the darkness of the past upon your eyes, you cannot fail to see today. And what you see will be so welcome that you will gladly extend today forever.” 

A Course in Miracles W-75.9:3-7

“A spiritual idea has not a single element of error, and this truth removes properly whatever is offensive. The new idea, conceived and born of Truth and Love, is clad in white garments. Its beginning will be meek, its growth sturdy, and its maturity undecaying.” 

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 463:12-15

Joy and Freedom in the New Year

Crescent Hotel, Eureka Springs, AR

Photo credit: Richard Quick

The last day of the year! It’s always an exciting time, when people make decisions on how they will change their lives, full of hope and expectations. We love to dream of how we will become “better”, and often are disappointed in ourselves when this doesn’t happen the way we have dictated. Perhaps one of the problems with these resolutions is that we want to take away things from ourselves, but have nothing to fill the space left behind. So I’ve decided not to attempt to delete anything from my existence, but rather to add heaping helpings of loving actions toward the world and its creatures. I vow to be aware of every thought I allow into my mind, knowing we are what we think. While striving to stay away from judgmental thoughts and actions, the freed space in my mind will be listening for ways to productively cleanse our environment, fill the needs I witness around me, and to scatter joy freely! May we all bring in the new year with a fresh, clear perspective on Life! Namaste…

“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. The purification of sense and self is a proof of progress. ‘Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.’”

Mary Baker Eddy - Science and Health Page 323:32-7

“So will the year begin in joy and freedom. There is much to do, and we have been long delayed. Accept the holy instant as this year is born, and take your place, so long left unfulfilled, in the Great Awakening. Make this year different by making it all the same. And let all your relationships be made holy for you. This is our will. Amen.” 

A Course in Miracles T-15.XI.10:8-14

Joyful Change

Photo Credit: Richard Quick

In this time of great change, it’s easy to long for the comfort of ritualistic actions and old habits. It feels nice to simply float along, happily enjoying yesterday’s fruits. But life doesn’t often allow us that ease. We wake up every morning to a world quickly changing. These changing circumstances necessitate a shift in our collective values. I hope we can all hold onto each other and know that this is a good thing. Personally, I have no idea what tomorrow will bring, but I relish the possibilities!

“We have repeated how little is asked of you to learn this course. It is the same small willingness you need to have your whole relationship transformed to joy; the little gift you offer to the Holy Spirit for which He gives you everything; the very little on which salvation rests; the tiny change of mind by which the crucifixion is changed to resurrection. And being true, it is so simple that it cannot fail to be completely understood. Rejected yes, but not ambiguous. And if you choose against it now it will not be because it is obscure, but rather that this little cost seemed, in your judgment, to be too much to pay for peace.” A Course in Miracles T-21.II.1:1-5

“The time is not distant when the ordinary theological views of atonement will undergo a great change, — a change as radical as that which has come over popular opinions in regard to predestination and future punishment.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health 24:15-19             

Footsteps of Truth

 

Photo credit: Richard Quick

Almost two decades ago, Jim Young and I brought together a group of people which became known as Metafizzies. During the years we were affiliated with this metaphysical group, I got quite an education! I have sat in a metal pyramid, holding a crystal skull, chanting Sanskrit. Psychic readings, Akashic Records, Sufi dances — We welcomed people to present their views to us every other week, and they were all based in love, no matter how farfetched they may have seemed on the surface. I tell you this to give you an idea of my background in spiritual matters. My parents were Christian Scientists. When I left home at 16, I thought there must be something better, but after years of wandering through the in-vogue thought systems of the 1970s, I had found nothing more comprehensive than the book Science and Health, With Key to the Scriptures. Sometime in the 90s, I was at a yard sale and picked up Wayne Dyer’s book When You Believe It, You’ll See It. Immediately I wanted to know who he was because his ideas were exactly what I had learned from Mary Baker Eddy’s writings. And so I discovered A Course in Miracles, including it in the study which had always felt so natural to me. Truth is truth no matter where it is found, and there are many beautiful pathways in this world. Namaste, dear Friends …

“All roads will lead to this one in the end. For sacrifice and deprivation are paths that lead nowhere, choices for defeat, and aims that will remain impossible. All this steps back as truth comes forth in you, to lead your brothers from the ways of death, and set them on the way to happiness. Their suffering is but illusion. Yet they need a guide to lead them out of it, for they mistake illusion for the truth.” 

A Course in Miracles W-155.7:1-5

“Whatever furnishes the semblance of an idea governed by its Principle, furnishes food for thought. Through astronomy, natural history, chemistry, music, mathematics, thought passes naturally from effect back to cause. Academics of the right sort are requisite. Observation, invention, study, and original thought are expansive and should promote the growth of mortal mind out of itself, out of all that is mortal.” 

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 195:15-22

Truth or Error?

Yesterday I wrote about “present truth”. More than one person has responded with ideas and questions about this subject. So I spent a few hours looking up references in Science & Health and the ACIM Textbook to gain a deeper understanding of the subject. While there are more than 4,000 references between the two, the recurring theme is that truth and error are opposites and incompatible with each other. Time and again, I hear people speaking of “my truth” and “your truth”. It seems to me that any changeable truth is nothing more than a perception or belief. My goal is to respect people and their beliefs, but not to fall into the material trap of believing rather than knowing. Perhaps it’s the years of spiritual teaching in which mainline religions have told us that God is unknowable. When searched for from a material perspective, this is true. Most material belief is fear-based, and with that acknowledgement we begin to want to know more about spiritual reality. I love these studies because we can never know everything! But when we grok a single bit of Truth, it colors our lives. 

“The time for thinkers has come. Truth, independent of doctrines and time-honored systems, knocks at the portal of humanity. Contentment with the past and the cold conventionality of materialism are crumbling away. Ignorance of God is no longer the stepping-stone to faith.” 

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page vii:13-18

“Knowledge is power because it is certain, and certainty is strength. Perception is temporary. As an attribute of the belief in space and time, it is subject to either fear or love. Misperceptions produce fear and true perceptions foster love, but neither brings certainty because all perception varies. That is why it is not knowledge. True perception is the basis for knowledge, but knowing is the affirmation of truth and beyond all perceptions.” 

A Course in Miracles T-3.III.1:5-10