April 23, 2012 - Governed by divine Love

"Mongolian Morning"
photo by Aaron Springston

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #113

Review of:

(95) I am one Self, united with my Creator.

(96) Salvation comes from my one Self.

[Marsha's thoughts]

Do you remember being taught why we have rules and why we must follow them? Looking around us, it would seem to me that having so many rules is counterproductive. Look at tax laws for a perfect example of why more is not always better! When we look to Spirit to guide and govern every action, there is no need for a multitude of laws to tell us how to and how not to do everything. For instance, laws which tell us how to and how not to love. There's a television series called "Big Love" which takes a look into the everyday lives of Mormon polygamists. In the United States, polygamy is illegal. When we see accounts of cruel men with 20 wilves and 100 children, it's tempting to agree with this decree. But when the beauty of deep Love is illustrated in a multiple-marriage situation, it seems not only plausible but admirable. As in any situation, love needn't be legislated. And this takes us back to those rules we are taught to live by, the laws which we will be punished for breaking. The government of ourself is not dictated by any material laws. We all know of situations where children, animals, all things living, are abused by others. It doesn't appear that making more laws keep such things from happening. What I see is that such behavior is impossible when we allow government by divine Love, God. When listening in this way, we can't help but be keenly aware of the "still, small voice".  It speaks to me as a peaceful feeling. If uneasiness is bouncing around in my chest, it's time to wonder why! So today I will be governed by my intuitive feeling which comes from listening through spiritual sense, at-one-ment.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Atonement is the exemplification of man's unity with God, whereby man reflects divine Truth, Life, and Love. Jesus of Nazareth taught and demonstrated man's oneness with the Father, and for this we owe him endless homage.”

Science & Health Page 18:1-5

April 22, 2012 - No strong opinions to get in my way

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #112:

[review of lessons 93 & 94]

Heather at Zion National Park
photo by Aaron Springston

"Light and joy and peace abide in me"

"I am as God created me."

[Marsha's thoughts]

I like to think I hold no strong opinions. It is one of the spiritual practices I have adopted in my quest to leave behind material beliefs and remain receptive to the spiritual facts which await the open mind and heart. And so it always comes as a surprise when I hold forth with one of these said opinions! Today presented such a scenario. A woman came into the gallery who had written on a public chat board that she would not be attending any more of the passionate drum circles in Basin Park because it was now sponsored by the Eureka Springs Downtown Network and that had ruined it for her. She began telling the story to someone within my earshot. Imagine my surprise when I jumped up on my high horse and said, And what do you have against the Downtown Network??!! And became embroiled in a difference of opinion with her in a matter of moments. It didn't last long. As soon as a thought came to mind which was really attacking her on a personal level, I immediately told her I was sorry and that I hadn't realized this topic was such a hot spot for me. This story is told now to illustrate how easy it is to forget that "light and joy and peace abide in me". And also how easy it is to choose again and turn a situation around. The next time I hear something to which I react strongly, I will examine it right then and there, asking myself why I feel that way, clearing away any vestige of darkness with which I reacted. In this clearing, I will remember that "I am as God created me", without self-righteous opinions cluttering vision and pushing away Truth.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Man is idea, the image, of Love; he is not physique. He is the compound idea of God, including all right ideas; the generic term for all that reflects God's image and likeness; the conscious identity of being as found in Science, in which man is the reflection of God, or Mind, and therefore is eternal; that which has no separate mind from God; that which has not a single quality underived from Deity; that which possesses no life, intelligence, nor creative power of his own, but reflects spiritually all that belongs to his Maker."

Science & Health Page 475:13-22

April 21, 2012 - What is a miracle?

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #111

“#91: Miracles are seen in light. #92: Miracles are seen in light, and light and strength are one.”

(Review:  http://acim.org/Lessons/lesson.html?lesson=111)

"Bryce Canyon"
photo by Aaron Springston

[Marsha's thoughts]

When I first read A Course in Miracles writings, I was bothered by the fact that they use the word "miracle" in this way. In Christian Science, I had learned to see that what we, as mortals, think of as a miracle is actually the demonstration of divine law. In most cases, when someone says "It's a miracle", this implies a setting aside of laws in order for something unbelievable to happen. It is assumed that God is intervening and causing things to occur which otherwise wouldn't have been. And so I would cringe when hearing this word, much the same as we often do with other words such as "sin", "repent", and perhaps "salvation". But I have come to see that ACIM is using the word miracle in much the same way as Mary Baker Eddy refers to it. It is the demonstration of divine Principle, seen by replacing material illusions with spiritual sense. This experience is referred to in Science and Health as being "not supernatural, but supremely natural". I love that we are seeing ourselves as complete beings, utilizing the so-called sixth sense in everyday life, and not being surprised when "miraculous" things happen! When we wash away the dust of material belief, the light of Truth can shine through, giving us strength where we before thought we were weak. The light of holiness and goodness, the light of God, gives us every right idea we need to advance in our individual way. We need not worry about which road to take when we trust our inner knowing, our intuition, our true Self.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"The miracle introduces no disorder, but unfolds the primal order, establishing the Science of God's unchangeable law."

Science & Health Page 135:6-8

April 20, 2012 - My True Self cannot be changed, damaged, hurt

Bryce Canyon
photo by Aaron Springston

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #110

“I am as God created me.”

[Marsha's thoughts]

During a conversation with friends, someone asked me how I could have come through a particularly traumatic time without some form of therapy. I hadn't really thought about this, but only knew that I had accepted reality over illusion. The reality is that I am as God created me. The illusion is all the seeming-hurts and lies we may encounter which affect how we feel about ourselves and others. So let's say you have just found out about something which happened in the past. This something affects everything you thought you knew to be truth. What reaction would you have? Perhaps your initial response is anger. We say this is to be expected, because it is what we've experienced in the past and have accepted as normal: that anger is an expected reaction. With the realization that we are as God created us, we can see that this upsetting situation has absolutely nothing to do with our true Self. And the hurtful illusion can dissipate as mist hit by sunlight. In the same way as the mist changes into another form of what it is, our hurt feelings, our fears, can disappear into their native nothingness, being replaced with the Truth of Being. "I Am as God created me." Anything other than this true creation is changeable. Today I choose unchanging, eternal Truth!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“In divine Science, man is the true image of God. The divine nature was best expressed in Christ Jesus, who threw upon mortals the truer reflection of God and lifted their lives higher than their poor thought-models would allow.”

Science & Health Page 259:6-9

April 19, 2012 - I need do nothing

Mongolian Sunset
photo by Aaron Springston

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #109

“I rest in God.”

[Marsha's thoughts]

At a recent Course in Miracles meeting we discussed what it means to live the Course teaching, "I need do nothing". I find it correlates directly to most lessons in the workbook, but particularly so with today's! To rest in God frees us from all the planning and worry about possibilities. To give away all belief in and living from past experience clears the way for a more pure sight in which to know God, to know ourselves, to demonstrate Truth in our every thought and action. Although I find this spiritual discipline invigorating, not everyone feels the same. I know people who think they would be giving away their individuality if they let go of their personal history. They have a vague suspicion that listening to Spirit would be tantamount to some form of hypnotism, where their every move would be dictated by something that wants to use them for selfish benefit. I find the opposite to be true. When I lose a sense of personal responsibility, when I let go the beliefs I've had about certain circumstances, these acts, and more, enable me to replace the empty space where those beliefs before resided. This space is now free to recognize what was already there: Love. Divine Love. We cannot change God. That ever-presence is there no matter what we think about It. Only by relaxing into this infinity of Love can we give our every thought to Spirit, knowing that solutions and answers will be there when we need them. Because they are always there, if we but listen.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The miracle of grace is no miracle to Love. Jesus demonstrated the inability of corporeality, as well as the infinite ability of Spirit [God], thus helping erring human sense to flee from its own convictions and seek safety in divine Science"

Science & Health Page 494:15-19

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