Beautiful Meaning

Painting by Carol Dickie

Snowy Night by Mary Oliver

“Last night, an owl

in the blue dark

tossed

an indeterminate number

of carefully shaped sounds into

the world, in which,

a quarter of a mile away, I happened

to be standing.

I couldn’t tell

which one it was –

the barred or the great-horned

ship of the air –

it was that distant. But, anyway,

aren’t there moments

that are better than knowing something,

and sweeter? Snow was falling,

so much like stars

filling the dark trees

that one could easily imagine

its reason for being was nothing more

than prettiness. I suppose

if this were someone else’s story

they would have insisted on knowing

whatever is knowable – would have hurried

over the fields

to name it – the owl, I mean.

But it’s mine, this poem of the night,

and I just stood there, listening and holding out

my hands to the soft glitter

falling through the air. I love this world,

but not for its answers.

And I wish good luck to the owl,

whatever its name –

and I wish great welcome to the snow,

whatever its severe and comfortless

and beautiful meaning.”

“His is the only way to find the peace that God has given us. It is His way that everyone must travel in the end, because it is this ending God Himself appointed. In the dream of time it seems to be far off. And yet, in truth, it is already here; already serving us as gracious guidance in the way to go. Let us together follow in the way that truth points out to us. And let us be the leaders of our many brothers who are seeking for the way, but find it not.”

A Course in Miracles W-fl.in.2:1-6

“You may know when first Truth leads by the fewness and faithfulness of its followers. Thus it is that the march of time bears onward freedom’s banner. The powers of this world will fight, and will command their sentinels not to let truth pass the guard until it subscribes to their systems; but Science, heeding not the pointed bayonet, marches on. There is always some tumult, but there is a rallying to truth’s standard.” 

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 225:5-13

Connected in Silence

Photo credit: Richard Quick

The final five workbook lessons in A Course in Miracles stress the use of few words. Having watched a documentary entitled "Thrive", I'm tempted to use many words and talk of things we can do to facilitate change — such as, shopping locally with small businesses, supporting organic farmers, and other ways of living in a state of awareness. But instead, I'll focus on something this film stressed as what we can do in order to heal our world: be quiet. We are urged to find our core of strength through silence, which connects us to everyone. This fits right in with the reminder to use few words. This film  could be thought of as frightening, but I see it as a reminder that every thought and action counts. Let's join together in silence and see where it leads us!

"It is only by acknowledging the supremacy of Spirit, which annuls the claims of matter, that mortals can lay off mortality and find the indissoluble spiritual link which establishes man forever in the divine likeness, inseparable from his creator."

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 491:12-16

“This holy instant would I give to You. Be You in charge. For I would follow You, certain that Your direction gives me peace. And if I need a word to help me, He will give it to me. If I need a thought, that will He also give. And if I need but stillness and a tranquil, open mind, these are the gifts I will receive of Him. He is in charge by my request. And He will hear and answer me, because He speaks for God my Father and His holy Son.”

A Course in Miracles W-361-365.1:1-5

Teachers of Love

Art by Jesse Stone

“Return of the Bird Tribes” by Ken Carey is a book which was recently brought into my field of vision. A quote: “Awaken humankind...the teachers of love circle round the morning star...spiraling down…coming to rest...they land...fluttering into consciousness...the bird tribes return." How many times have you felt that we're on the verge of realizing universal peace and harmony? 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, only remembering unity and the fact that we are all One. I felt this again today. 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! There is more happening here than meets the eye …

"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

“Peace be to me, the holy Son of God. Peace to my brother, who is one with me. Let all the world be blessed with peace through us. Father, it is Your peace that I would give, receiving it of You. I am Your Son, forever just as You created me, for the Great Rays remain forever still and undisturbed within me. I would reach to them in silence and in certainty, for nowhere else can certainty be found. Peace be to me, and peace to all the world. In holiness were we created, and in holiness do we remain. Your Son is like to You in perfect sinlessness. And with this thought we gladly say ‘Amen.’”

A Course in Miracles  W-360.1:1-7

Observing a Quiet Christmas

Photo credit: Stephen Shogren

Peace like a river. As I read today’s beautiful Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson, these words repeat in my mind: Peace like a river. On this calm Christmas morning, I allow all imprisoning beliefs to leave my mind, while welcoming Love through the Science of the Christ. The Christ, which we celebrate today, flows through each and every thing there is. It leads us to healing in all thoughts and actions. It keeps us happy, safe, wholly directed to green pastures and quiet repose. Peace like a river, flowing before and around us, pulling and pushing wherever we need to be. I won't fight the flow. I'll float and rest in the Christ consciousness which we celebrate today. This Spirit that permeates everything is recognized by me for what it is: God's answer.

“God’s answer is some form of peace. All pain is healed; all misery replaced with joy. All prison doors are opened. And all sin is understood as merely a mistake. Father, today we will forgive Your world, and let creation be Your Own. We have misunderstood all things. But we have not made sinners of the holy Sons of God. What You created sinless so abides forever and forever. Such are we. And we rejoice to learn that we have made mistakes which have no real effects on us. Sin is impossible, and on this fact forgiveness rests upon a certain base more solid than the shadow world we see. Help us forgive, for we would be redeemed. Help us forgive, for we would be at peace.”

A Course in Miracles W-359.1:1-9

“I celebrate Christmas with my soul, my spiritual sense, and so commemorate the entrance into human understanding of the Christ conceived of Spirit, of God and not of a woman—as the birth of Truth, the dawn of divine Love breaking upon the gloom of matter and evil with the glory of infinite being.

I love to observe Christmas in quietude, humility, benevolence, charity, letting good will towards man, eloquent silence, prayer, and praise express my conception of Truth’s appearing." 

Mary Baker Eddy - Miscellany Page 262

Christmas With the Catholics

St. Elizabeth Catholic Church

Eureka Springs, AR

A few years ago, when I first began playing the organ at our local Catholic Church, I had never played for any services other than the Christian Science Society of Eureka Springs.  Not only was I a bit reticent because I hadn’t played in quite some time, but there were aspects of Catholicism which I found off-putting, such as their penchant for declaring themselves sinners. As it turns out, this was a perfect opportunity for me to practice non-judgment and to realize more fully what forgiveness truly is. Today, I focus on this institution’s desire to be charitable, to be kind, and to love with a pure heart. As I play for two services a week, I get plenty of practice at seeing them in this light. Their hypnotic rituals are difficult to ignore, so I replace them with readings of my own, discretely hidden with my music at the keyboard.  I love the young priest’s homilies and there are many people with whom I’ve developed friendships. During this time of holiday cheer, I am grateful to be providing sweet music in their beautiful church. For local people, midnight mass starts at 4 p.m., with our Christmas music program beginning at 3:30. Join us!

"Thoughts unspoken are not unknown to the divine Mind. Desire is prayer, and no loss can occur from trusting God with our desires, that they may be molded and exalted before they take form in words and in deeds." 

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

“No call to God can be unheard nor left unanswered. And of this I can be sure; His answer is the one I really want. You Who remember what I really am alone remember what I really want. You speak for God, and so You speak for me. And what You give me comes from God Himself. Your Voice, my Father, then is mine as well, and all I want is what You offer me, in just the form You choose that it be mine. Let me remember all I do not know, and let my voice be still, remembering. But let me not forget Your Love and care, keeping Your promise to Your Son in my awareness always. Let me not forget myself is nothing, but my Self is all.”

A Course in Miracles W-358.1:1-7

No Conflicts in Truth

Image from Tanjab Artistry

The daily lessons in A Course in Miracles Workbook sweetly guide us through the spiritual principles we examine daily. The Christian Science weekly lesson consists of 26 topics which are rotated through twice a year. Watching these two disciplines flirt with each other, culminating in a merging which is seamless in its union, has been an exciting adventure for me! The Truth is the Truth no matter where you find it. What I love about these two practices is that there is no conflict, no space where I must set one aside for the other. They each have an elegant delivery, which guides me through our material belief to spiritual sense. Today I see us realizing our unity, as the reflection of divine Love. As a popular soft drink commercial has been telling us for years: "I'd like to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony!" It is not necessary to teach this miracle; it is only a remembering of Truth. 

"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

“Truth answers every call we make to God, responding first with miracles, and then returning unto us to be itself. Forgiveness, truth’s reflection, tells me how to offer miracles, and thus escape the prison house in which I think I live. Your holy Son is pointed out to me, first in my brother; then in me. Your Voice instructs me patiently to hear Your Word, and give as I receive. And as I look upon Your Son today, I hear Your Voice instructing me to find the way to You, as You appointed that the way shall be: ‘Behold his sinlessness, and be you healed.’”

A Course in Miracles W-357.1:1-5

The Healing Power of Horses

Creation of Sandy Wythawai Starbird

The documentary, Herd, is a film about the healing power of horses, our connection with all things, and compassion. Liz Mitten Ryan is an artist, an author, and a compassionate human. She has developed a retreat in British Columbia where she and ten or so horses, a big old steer, and a few dogs and cats, hold healing retreats for people who are ready to face themselves and release pain. As one woman said, “This is not so much a place to escape as it is a place to leave things behind that you don’t want any more.” All the people sharing their stories in this hour-long film had emotional baggage holding them hostage: loss of a young child, abuse of various types, or one man simply wanted to become a better physician and parent. The founder of this beautiful retreat discovered that two of her horses would touch her chakras when she was laying in their midst, and she would feel unified with them. She began to write about this phenomenon and states that she didn’t know if she was telling the animals’ stories or her own. (She says the dogs and cats were in on it, too.) She realized that horses see the invisible all around us, and that's what makes them amazing healers. We have much to learn, and the animals are ready to teach us. When we are in our truth, they come to us, and that is all they ask. 

"As mortals gain more correct views of God and man, multitudinous objects of creation, which before were invisible, will become visible. When we realize that Life is Spirit, never in nor of matter, this understanding will expand into self-completeness, finding all in God, good, and needing no other consciousness." 

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 264:13

“Sickness is but another name for sin. Healing is but another name for God. The miracle is thus a call to Him. Father, You promised You would never fail to answer any call Your Son might make to You. It does not matter where he is, what seems to be his problem, nor what he believes he has become. He is Your Son, and You will answer him. The miracle reflects Your Love, and thus it answers him. Your Name replaces every thought of sin, and who is sinless cannot suffer pain. Your Name gives answer to Your Son, because to call Your Name is but to call his own.”

A Course in Miracles W-356.1:1-6

I Can Be At Peace Now

Photo credit: Aaron Springston

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 unassumingly pure way. 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

“There is no end to all the peace and joy, and all the miracles that I will give, when I accept God’s Word. Why not today? Why should I wait, my Father, for the joy You promised me? For You will keep Your Word You gave Your Son in exile. I am sure my treasure waits for me, and I need but reach out my hand to find it. Even now my fingers touch it. It is very close. I need not wait an instant more to be at peace forever. It is You I choose, and my Identity along with You. Your Son would be Himself, and know You as his Father and Creator, and his Love.”

A Course in Miracles W-355.1:1-8

Peace and Certainty of Purpose

Photo by Aaron Springston

As the year draws to a close, our busy-ness tends to increase until we are, perhaps, in a tizzy all the time, much like the dreidel which is a staple of many celebrations. I witnessed a friend in such a dither today. As I watched her, I realized she was taking personal responsibility for everything around her. She felt put-upon and over-loaded with duties and chores. She breathlessly rushed about feeling that no one but her would know what to do about any number of things. I closed my eyes and breathed slowly and deeply, hoping it could spread to her, but she wasn’t receptive. She was no more able to accept the peace that was hers as the expression of Spirit than she was able to trust that everything would be done with or without her — or not! It’s easy to slip into the thought that we’re the only one who knows how to do certain things and everything will fall apart without us. I have found, time and again, that to stand with divine Love “in peace and certainty of purpose” allows great things to transpire! Trust and be at peace, dear Friends … 

“We stand together, Christ and I, in peace and certainty of purpose. And in Him is His Creator, as He is in me. My oneness with the Christ establishes me as Your Son, beyond the reach of time, and wholly free of every law but Yours. I have no self except the Christ in me. I have no purpose but His Own. And He is like His Father. Thus must I be one with You as well as Him. For who is Christ except Your Son as You created Him? And what am I except the Christ in me?”

A Course in Miracles  W-354.1:1-7

"Spirit, God, gathers unformed thoughts into their proper channels, and unfolds these thoughts, even as He opens the petals of a holy purpose in order that the purpose may appear.”

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 506:18-21

Joined in Purpose

At this time of the year, we are often reminded that not everyone includes themselves in this thing we call Christianity! In order to be politically correct, we go through all sorts of angst while expressing the joy of the season to others. The man we know as Jesus was here to show us the Truth of our Being. Everyone, everywhere, is the recipient of his revelation that we are all the children of God. In seeing, speaking, and moving with the realization that God is our Life, we can live with a pure image of ourselves. With this in mind, today I will speak from my heart when the occasion arises to express the joy of the season to others. What I say will be heartfelt, with no regard to what should or shouldn't be said. And I will do my best to see everyone as the Christ that they are, regardless of how it may seem to my limited human concepts. My prayer will be to realize my true conception is spiritual, and to act and speak accordingly, as led by Spirit. Merry Christmas and Namaste!!

"The illumination of Mary's spiritual sense put to silence material law and its order of generation, and brought forth her child by the revelation of Truth, demonstrating God as the Father of men. The Holy Ghost, or divine Spirit, overshadowed the pure sense of the Virgin-mother with the full recognition that being is Spirit. The Christ dwelt forever an idea in the bosom of God, the divine Principle of the man Jesus, and woman perceived this spiritual idea, 

though at first faintly developed."

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 29:20-29

“My eyes, my tongue, my hands, my feet today have but one purpose; to be given Christ to use to bless the world with miracles. Father, I give all that is mine today to Christ, to use in any way that best will serve the purpose that I share with Him. Nothing is mine alone, for He and I have joined in purpose. Thus has learning come almost to its appointed end. A while I work with Him to serve His purpose. Then I lose myself in my Identity, and recognize that Christ is but my Self.”

A Course in Miracles W-353.1:1-5

Step Back and Follow

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 

"If I am not feeling peaceful, it is important for me to remember that I have made a judgment on my own. If I am not peaceful, I have not listened to the Holy Spirit. The way I return to peace is to once again open my mind to the healing perceptions of my inner Comforter, the One Who straightens my mind. My one vocation now becomes that of stepping back and following the lead of my inner Teacher, the One Who can return me to my true Identity." 

A Course in Miracles - Workbook Lesson #352

“Science relates to Mind, not matter. It rests on fixed Principle and not upon the judgment of false sensation.”

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 128:27-28

You Are My Guide To Peace

Photo credit: Gerry Toler

One of our local artists tells me that she went to Crystal Bridges, the fabulous museum here in Northwest Arkansas. She said that she ran into another local artist while there, who said to her that she felt hopeless because she realized that no matter how good she was, she would never be as good as the artists they were seeing on display. These words from the other artist had thrown her into a funk, putting quite a damper on her enjoyment of the day. Yikes!! I'm not going to dissect the erroneous thoughts I see coming from those events, but let's look at how this relates to today's Course in Miracles workbook lesson. If I see the statement-maker as sinless, whatever she says is also harmless. Her words cannot bring me pain or suffering of any sort. She is the pure Idea of God. Her words can only be translated into my depression if that's what I perceive. When I see her as she really Is, there is no need for pain, depression, or blame. She can't ruin my day. Only my thoughts toward her can do that for me. While this story was being related to me, I found myself thinking they were both foolish. I quickly realized I was perceiving them through my own warped perception. And so I turned that around, choosing peace and seeing them both as the sinless children of Love which they are — even though my first impulse was to jump up on my soapbox and tell her why they were wrong! Namaste, dear Sisters …

“My sinless brother is my guide to peace. My sinful brother is my guide to pain. And which I choose to see I will behold. Who is my brother but Your holy Son? And if I see him sinful I proclaim myself a sinner, not a Son of God; alone and friendless in a fearful world. Yet this perception is a choice I make, and can relinquish. I can also see my brother sinless, as Your holy Son. And with this choice I see my sinlessness, my everlasting Comforter and Friend beside me, and my way secure and clear. Choose, then, for me, my Father, through Your Voice. For He alone gives judgment in Your Name.”

A Course in Miracles W-351.1:1-7

"Final deliverance from error, whereby we rejoice in immortality, boundless freedom, and sinless sense, is not reached through paths of flowers nor by pinning one's faith without works to another's vicarious effort. Whosoever believeth that wrath is righteous or that divinity is appeased by human suffering, does not understand God."

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 22:23-28

Unfolding the Primal Order

Art by Mickey McGrath

I love this quote attributed to Albert Einstein: “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” Through various religious teachings, most of us think of a miracle as divine power setting aside a material law, allowing something otherworldly or supernatural to occur. What if a miracle is simply a correction of our limiting beliefs, opening us to divine Mind and the limitless Life which is our true heritage as a child of Love? By this remembrance, we heal our mind of separation, giving us a clarity of thought and sight before unknown. I am very grateful —

“The miracle introduces no disorder, but unfolds the primal order, establishing the Science of God’s unchangeable law. Spiritual evolution alone is worthy of the exercise of divine power.” 

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 135:6-10

“Miracles mirror God’s eternal Love. To offer them is to remember Him, and through His memory to save the world. What we forgive becomes a part of us, as we perceive ourselves. The Son of God incorporates all things within himself as You created him. Your memory depends on his forgiveness. What he is, is unaffected by his thoughts. But what he looks upon is their direct result. Therefore, my Father, I would turn to You. Only Your memory will set me free. And only my forgiveness teaches me to let Your memory return to me, and give it to the world in thankfulness.

“And as we gather miracles from Him, we will indeed be grateful. For as we remember Him, His Son will be restored to us in the reality of Love.”

A Course in Miracles W-350.1:1–2:2

The Gift I Want to Give

Photo courtesy of Richard Quick 

It may seem impossible to look upon all things without judgment, seeing the miracle of love instead. When I think about doing this, my ego goes into overdrive, telling me that doing so would condone injustice; that I must point out wrongdoing and find ways to right it. To me, looking through the eyes of divine Love means that I’m willing to wear my heart on my sleeve and do whatever I’m called on to further the cause of unity. This doesn’t mean that I’ll just say, “Oh, bless his heart”, and continue on as though nothing is wrong. Seeing with divine vision isn’t a sugar-coated coping device; it’s a way to see through the bullshit to Truth. We hear a lot of discussion about how to recognize what truth is, or how to know what to believe, and what to discredit and ignore. We’re discovering that by releasing what we think of as right and wrong allows divine Mind to be heard loud and clear. And it feels like a reviving cup of cold water when we feel as though we’re wandering through the desert!

“Millions of unprejudiced minds — simple seekers for Truth, weary wanderers, athirst in the desert — are waiting and watching for rest and drink. Give them a cup of cold water in Christ’s name, and never fear the consequences.” 

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 570:14-18 

“Today I let Christ’s vision look upon all things for me and judge them not, but give each one a miracle of love instead. So would I liberate all things I see, and give to them the freedom that I seek. For thus do I obey the law of love, and give what I would find and make my own. It will be given me, because I have chosen it as the gift I want to give. Father, Your gifts are mine. Each one that I accept gives me a miracle to give. And giving as I would receive, I learn Your healing miracles belong to me.

“Our Father knows our needs. ²He gives us grace to meet them all. And so we trust in Him to send us miracles to bless the world, and heal our minds as we return to Him.”

A Course in Miracles W-349.1:1–2:3

Safety For All

 Donna Ashworth writes words of comfort and hope. 

Today I share with you a writing from her.

“I think there are many of us who don’t know what to think, right now…

There is so much wrong and so little to be done. 

And what we are witnessing is beyond the pale, and so we wait, mute, hoping that some sense will be made, that some miracle will occur.

I think there are many of us who don’t know what to say, right now.

And so we are silent instead.

And we silently pray.

Pray for answers, for peace, for a miracle. 

Pray for a superman to sweep in and save the innocent, right the wrongs, clean the chaos and put the buildings back together so everyone can go home again.

I think there are many of us, so many of us, who don’t know what to do,

 right now...

And so we go about our lives, seemingly normal.

But inside we are praying. 

Inside we are hoping.

Inside we are desperate to find a way to help.

Desperate for safety for all.

Desperate for safety for all.”

By Donna Ashworth

“I have no cause for anger or for fear, for You surround me. And in every need that I perceive, Your grace suffices me. Father, let me remember You are here, and I am not alone. Surrounding me is everlasting Love. I have no cause for anything except the perfect peace and joy I share with You. What need have I for anger or for fear? Surrounding me is perfect safety. Can I be afraid, when Your eternal promise goes with me? Surrounding me is perfect sinlessness. What can I fear, when You created me in holiness as perfect as Your Own?

“God’s grace suffices us in everything that He would have us do. And only that we choose to be our will as well as His.”

A Course in Miracles W-348.1:1–2:2

"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. This goal is never reached while we hate our neighbor." 

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 560: 11-13