April 18, 2012 - To receive and give are one in truth

Washington D.C., USA - Photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #108

“To give and to receive are one in truth.”

[Marsha's thoughts]

Most of the people I know are givers. They give of themselves in so many ways. They give time and money to causes they support. They give love and affection to family and friends. They give of themselves generously, always stepping up when anyone is in need. But many of these wonderful people aren't comfortable receiving. Whether it's a compliment, or a helping hand when they're having problems, or a gift when they're in need, they often refuse the gifts offered. This duality is negated with the understanding of today's lesson, which tells us that giving and receiving are one in truth. "One thought, completely unified, will serve to unify all thoughts." This is a sentence from today's lesson. Reading this brings to mind instances when it has been demonstrated in daily life. For instance, when a situation seems volatile -- perhaps people are on the verge of a major disagreement -- practice peace in your thought and actions and watch its effect. This is because there is only one Cause, hence the effect is unified by that Cause. This unifying cause is the spiritual Principle which governs everything, when seen for what it is: Truth. Today I will open my heart to receive all the good which is innately mine. This reception opens avenues to share in unexpected ways. I will offer to others everything I want for myself: peace, happiness, joy, contentment, satisfaction, grace, love. Freely I have received, freely I give.

Mary Baker Eddy quotes:

“Giving does not impoverish us in the service of our Maker, neither does withholding enrich us.” Science & Health Page 79:30-32

April 17, 2012 - Truth corrects error

"Glacier National Park"
photo by Aaron Springston

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #107

“Truth will correct all errors in my mind.”

As I read the words from today's workbook lesson, and then read the words of Mary Baker Eddy, I smiled and thought what fun this would be to write about. And I've sat here for more than an hour and, although the perfection and power of these words have taken me many places, nothing wants to be said. Or maybe everything wants to be said! It seems that everything I think of could be translated by the fact that Truth exposes error, and corrects it. Seeing everything in Truth makes it easier to see the nothingness of error. And applying that Principle to this dilemma, I see the answer is just what I've done. Seeing Truth everywhere leaves no room to see otherwise. And the result always feels so right when you're walking in Truth.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Because Truth is infinite, error should be known as nothing. Because Truth is omnipotent in goodness, error, Truth's opposite, has no might.”

Science & Health Page 367:30-2

April 16, 2012 - Be Still and Listen

Mt. Timpanongo, Utah, Heather
Photo by Aaron Springston

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #106

“Let me be still and listen to the truth.”

[Marsha's thoughts]

Walking meditations, sitting meditations, music meditations, mantras, chants, drumming. Most of us practice some form of quieting the mind, some way of slipping into the gap between thoughts and experiencing inner knowing. In Christian Science, this process is called prayer. It's not an asking, but a listening, as is the result of most meditations. The ability to visit this space at a moment's notice is integral in our ability to transcend the miasma of mortal, material thoughts which present themselves to us constantly. There are so many proofs of the fruits of this way of living. Everywhere we look there is another affirmation that we're on the right track with our studies. I love people's reactions to synchronicities! When something happens in perfect concourse with another event, creating wonderful circumstances for everyone and everything involved, we call this synchronicity. As an example, recently I had an appointment for a haircut. The day after the appointment was scheduled, I remembered that it had even been made. I e-mailed Jean (the most wonderful hairdresser in the world!) apologizing and asking for another appointment. She responded that when she started reading the note her heart dropped because she had forgotten to tell me she needed to cancel the appointment due to a family emergency in another state, and then she was glad because I had forgotten about it anyway. How's that for synchronicity? Some people don't see this as anything other than pure chance. Others think of it as supernatural and want to avoid it or, alternatively, to seek its return. Some of us see it as a natural way of life when listening past the roaring of material beliefs to the spiritual voice of Truth. Whatever our mode of listening to God, let's do it as much as possible, until we realize that's all there is.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The effects of Christian Science are not so much seen as felt. It is the 'still, small voice' of Truth uttering itself. We are either turning away from this utterance, or we are listening to it and going up higher. 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.’”

Science & Health Page 323:28-8

April 15, 2012 - Peace and Joy are mine

Immaterial mess in front of Eureka Thyme
photo by Randal Thompson

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #105

“God’s peace and joy are mine.”

[Marsha's thoughts]

The certainty that this is so, that God's peace and joy are mine because I am the pure reflection -- the essence, if you will -- of God, has carried me through this day. Yesterday I told you of the minor irritations involved with having the street torn up in front of my gallery, then having the phone quit working, and lastly my change of thought about the whole situation. At some point during trying circumstances, it's always tempting to fall into a why-me, victim mode. Midway through today, when the telephone company had not come to fix the phone (which is the same line that enables the credit card machine), I was perilously close to feeling put-upon. Plus, I've convinced myself that I can't greet the public more than four days in a row without a break, and I was on my fifth day! Knowing that gallery stroll days are twelve-hour marathons didn't help my attitude much. I felt grouchy and was happy that our featured artist was there to talk to people, because I didn't want to! And then something happened which caused me to realize the necessity of living Love. A sweet young couple with a baby came in. I didn't recognize them, but was talking to her about candles. The conversation turned to children and I shared with her what a great independent school we have here in Eureka Springs, with a short synopsis of why I felt that way. As I was telling her what a life-changing experience The Clear Spring School had been for us, she began to cry. She told me that not only had she needed to hear this, but that she had been in the gallery a year ago and had felt so welcomed she decided to move here. In that moment I realized that it doesn't matter if I'd rather be quietly enjoying my home, it doesn't matter if the street is torn up, it doesn't matter if we have no phone/credit card capabilities. What does matter is that I recognize that I am Love, and share that with everyone by my living of it. There is no way to know how far-reaching our actions may be. To genuinely care about everyone we meet, to listen to them, to respond honestly with Love, that's what renews our sense of joy and peace and restores energy. My cup runneth over.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Trials teach mortals not to lean on a material staff,-- a broken reed, which pierces the heart. We do not half remember this in the sunshine of joy and prosperity. Sorrow is salutary. Through great tribulation we enter the kingdom. Trials are proofs of God's care. Spiritual development germinates not from seed sown in the soil of material hopes, but when these decay, Love propagates anew the higher joys of Spirit, which have no taint of earth. Each successive stage of experience unfolds new views of divine goodness and love.”

Science & Health Page 66:6-16

April 14, 2012 - What is ours in Truth?

"Bryce Canyon, Utah, USA"
photo by Aaron Springston

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #104

“I seek but what belongs to me in truth."

[Marsha's thoughts]

What belongs to us in Truth? Peace and joy and happiness; the kingdom of heaven which is within us. A few weeks ago I wrote a segment about the street repairs going on in front of our art gallery, Eureka Thyme. The project has grown since that time, with approximately 30 feet of excavated street and piles of limestone and other detritus. There's nothing like an in-your-face situation to bring forth erroneous thought and breakdowns between what we espouse and what we actually do. At one point, I realized that in my zeal to be unaffected by the mess out front, I was ignoring the situation, rather than transforming it in thought. First of all, if these workers had been in front of my house, I would have offered refreshment and made some sort of mini-friendship with them. I had been ignoring them while looking past the orange cones and ugly ply-board and black plastic. From that start, there has been progression in thought -- that is, until today. Mid-afternoon, I discovered the phone was dead, which means the credit card machine doesn't work. Realizing why this affected me so deeply and releasing it from my thought left the doorway unblocked for hearing and seeing Truth. And that Truth came through my sweet son, Aaron, (whose photographs grace these writings). He broke the spell I was falling into. Turn it into art, he said! Since we're having the first Gallery Stroll of the year, and my featured artists are two of the wildest and most fun creative geniuses I know, I think it's quite possible this will manifest soon! I was going to show you a photograph of the mess in the street. But I'd rather share peace and joy and happiness with you! This terrain may not be what we're used to, but it certainly is beautiful ~~~

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“God has built a higher platform of human rights, and He has built it on diviner claims. These claims are not made through code or creed, but in demonstration of "on earth peace, good-will toward men."

Science & Health Page 226:14-17

April 13, 2012 - Butterflies, Love, Happiness

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #103

“God, being Love, is also happiness.”

Butterfly Gardens in St Louis
Photo by Aaron Springston

[Marsha's thoughts]

One of my favorite sayings is: If you have a choice of being right or being kind, be kind! I recently witnessed a man who was determined to be right no matter what. He  was relentless in correcting his wife on everything from her memory of events to her pronunciation of giclee'. I couldn't detect an iota of happiness anywhere in his aura. If he had been familiar with the above saying and had allowed himself to express kindness instead of a staunch determination to be right, perhaps a chink would have appeared in his armor and a ray of joy could have escaped. Mrs. Eddy made this declaration: "Clad in the panoply of Love, human hatred cannot reach you." Unfortunately it seems the opposite also applies. We can put up a barrier to Love and refuse to admit that it even exists, much less understand that Love is our essence.   We can allow belief to cover up Truth; hiding the knowing that God is Love, happiness. I have an acquaintance who tells me he doesn't know what love feels like. He is certain he's never felt love and wouldn't recognize it if he did. Personally, a most intense feeling of Love came over me a few days ago when I saw the first butterflies of spring! There they were, a gathering of beautiful Swallowtails, joyously flying from flower to flower. My heart opened at the sight, and I breathed deeper trying to capture just a bit of their grace. And so today I will remember the butterflies, knowing that I Am that same reflection of perfect Love, exuding happiness wherever I go.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Soul has infinite resources with which to bless mankind, and happiness would be more readily attained and would be more secure in our keeping, if sought in Soul. Higher enjoyments alone can satisfy the cravings of immortal man.”

Science & Health Page 60:28-1

April 12, 2012 - Happiness is my Natural State

Aaron at Bryce Canyon
photo by Heather Magnan

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson # 102

“I share God’s Will for happiness for me.”

[Marsha's thoughts]

These last few lessons have concentrated on happiness and what allows us to feel and express it. We have acknowledged that God wants us to be happy, that we want it because our will and God's are the same thing, and that nothing can keep us from this peaceful joy -- other than our thoughts! I'm acquainted with a few people who are chronically sad. They seem to revel in this feeling and do everything possible to keep it foremost in their lives. A very talented artist, whom I greatly admire, uses bright colors and paints seemingly happy scenes. One is of a man riding a bicycle, pulling a huge house-like structure through a colorful forest. Everything looks bright and happy, but on the front of the oversized house is a sign which says "Baggage". I've talked to him about this and he realizes he's carrying around every sadness and hurt which have ever touched him, but he can't manage to let them go. Another man of long-acquaintance unfailingly reiterates a story of betrayal which happened to him 20 years ago. I personally have certain events from the last 50-plus years which repeatedly come to thought, usually when manifested by a reminder. At this point, there's a choice: I can relive the event mentally and/or verbally and thereby keep it alive. Or I can acknowledge that it's still in my thoughts, but it is not the Truth of my Being. Yes, it happened (whatever it is). It's part of my material history. But my spiritual reality has not been touched by it. What peace is brought by this understanding! I can be happy. Even in the midst of things which aren't particularly joyful -- such as, dealing with paperwork and phone calls and other things which can be tedious -- we can give ourselves permission to be happy. It is, after all, our natural state of Being!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"An ill-attuned ear calls discord harmony, not appreciating concord. So physical sense, not discerning the true happiness of being, places it on a false basis. [The] Science [of The Christ] will correct the discord, and teach us life's sweeter harmonies."

Science & Health Page 60: 24-28