February 14, 2014 - Let This Mind Be ...

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #45:

“God is the Mind with which I think.”

The idea that God is Mind has been one of my favorite topics to explore. Mind is one of the weekly lessons studied by students of Mary Baker Eddy's discovery, Christian Science. This exploration is facilitated by her textbook, Science & Health with Key to the Scriptures. The knowledge that there are countless people studying the same topic and reading the same citations is unifying in its practice. Also, a consistent unity is shown through the study of A Course in Miracles workbook lessons, which also bring us together in thought. We are learning to listen for divine Mind's guidance, to listen for the still, small voice of God, to know and to express that knowledge through our actions and words. Divine Mind is ever-present. When I've misplaced something, rather than rushing about looking for it, I find it more productive to sit down and clear my thought of everything. On the occasions this clearing happens, when I remember to do this and can get out of my way, how exciting it is to "just know" where to look! I love this new/old thought which is revealing Soul where previously  we've only known material sense. Mind is our omniscient guide.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Every concept which seems to begin with the brain begins falsely. Divine Mind is the only cause or Principle of existence. Cause does not exist in matter, in mortal mind, or in physical forms.” 

Science & Health Page 262:28-32

February 13, 2014 - Seeing Light

"Zion National Park"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #44

"God is the Light in which I see."

Seeing everything in Light, in God, is happiness and peace. Reflecting that Light to others allows us to share this harmony. When viewed as the image and likeness of God, this light is easily seen as the essence of everyone. A few simple words, expressing what we are seeing, brings joy to those we come into contact with every day. A compliment shared with someone in the market or library may be just the encouragement they need at that moment. Shining the light of Oneness from within brings with it big blessing! I think we all know at least one someone whose expression of love seems to be a bit contrived. It's been my observation (both in others and within myself!) that these loving expressions must be sincere, not simply something we decide to say to make someone feel good. So today I will be feeling the joy which comes from seeing everything through Light, and giving heart-felt expression to that joy, blessing the world.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Spiritual vision is not subordinate to geometric altitudes. Whatever is governed by God, is never for an instant deprived of the light and might of intelligence and Life." 

Science & Health Page 215:11-14

February 12, 2014 - Ego or ego?

"Colorado"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #43

"God is my Source. I cannot see apart from Him."

A recurring point of semantic difference between A Course in Miracles writings and the works of Mary Baker Eddy is the use of the word ego. In A Course in Miracles, "ego" is synonymous with what Mrs. Eddy terms "mortal mind". When the word is used in Science & Health, it generally has a capital "E", signifying the Only. For example, "When will the ages understand the Ego, and realize only one God, one Mind or intelligence?" (S&H204:19-21) It seems to me that the realization of this idea, -- that there is one source, one vision, one Mind, Spirit, Soul, Principle, one Life, Truth, one Love -- with that single realization lies infinite peace and harmony. And this from today's A Course in Miracles lesson, "You cannot see apart from God because you cannot be apart from God." This statement solidifies our understanding of Oneness and allows us to assert these facts fearlessly as a reflection of God. When I'm tempted to find fault, I will ask myself how God sees what I am judging. Do I truly think that God sees one person as holier than another? Does God see one bird as more beautiful or one tree more magnificent? I think not. So neither will I!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Man is more than a material form with a mind inside, which must escape from its environments in order to be immortal. Man reflects infinity, and this reflection is the true idea of God."

Science & Health Page 258:9-12

February 11, 2014 - Reinterpretation

"Mongolia"
photo by Aaron Springston

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #42:

“God is my strength. Vision is His gift.”

I'm reminded today that we must reinterpret everything we see. When we look around, what the human eye sees, what the human ear hears, is the false projection of Truth. Discord and inharmony is misinterpretation by us. By right identification and reinterpretation we can see with the "vision [which] is His gift". As an example in the material realm, when we see train tracks coming together in the distance, we immediately reinterpret that into the truth of the situation. We know that those tracks aren't coming together and that it will not be dangerous to travel on the train which carries us toward that end. We have been taught to translate many similar situations and do not fear them. The metaphysical studies we've embarked upon are doing the same thing: teaching us to recognize misidentification and translate it into Truth. God appearing as individual being is right interpretation. Translating erroneous thought is our job!

Mary Baker Eddy quotes:

“Rise in the strength of Spirit to resist all that is unlike good. God has made man capable of this, and nothing can vitiate the ability and power divinely bestowed on man.” 

Science & Health Page 393:12-15

February 10, 2014 - Heaven Within

"South Africa Sunset"
photo by Heather Magnan

ACIM Workbook Lesson #41 

“God goes with me wherever I go.”

Sitting quietly this morning with today's topic, many thoughts run through my mind. I smile at them and reach deeper within for silence. All seers and great teachers, such as Jesus, tell us the same thing: The kingdom of heaven is within. For years I knew this, but did not understand it. Without understanding, it is not a real knowing, but a blind belief. I suffered all the symptoms of separation from God: depression, anxiety, worry, a sense of helplessness and loneliness. I also went through the typical material means to quiet these feelings. None of them worked. It took a major wake-up call to break the spell, and I am so grateful to have answered it. When thinking that "God goes with me wherever I go", it's very easy to visualize a little angel on our shoulder, or someone walking beside us. This shows the importance of going deep within, silencing the interesting beliefs we have acquired in this existence. To know ourselves as consciousness, melded as a drop of water in the ocean, as a ray of sunshine with its source -- that's the feeling we're hoping to remember. I say remember because it's something we've always known, but perhaps have forgotten. Peace, joy, happiness: these are yours in the kingdom of heaven within, no matter what the outward circumstances may appear to be. Take a deep breath and feel the Oneness. 

Mary Baker Eddy quotes:

“Existence, separate from divinity, Science explains as impossible.” 

Science & Health Page 522:10-11

February 9, 2014 -

"Heather at Snowbird"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM  Workbook Lesson #40:

“I am blessed as a Son of God."

Today I send apologies to everyone I may have offended.  Our lesson topic emphasis joy and happiness. It tells us to remember and affirm this every ten minutes or so throughout the day. We can say things like "I am happy, peaceful, loving and contented." In thinking about these things, I realize that oftentimes I become too solitary and judgmental. And often I say things which are better left out of thought, and certainly shouldn't come out of my mouth! This will be my focus today. To remember things such as this: I Am blessed as a Child of God; I Am kind, loving, helpful, and compassionate. But I will also remember that my loving nature doesn't include critical thinking towards others. I love this quote a friend gave me, which is in the signature line of my emails: “One must see in every human being only that which is worthy of praise. When this is done, one can be a friend to the whole human race. If, however, we look at people from the standpoint of their faults, then being a friend to them is a formidable task." --`Abdu'l-Bahá

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Man is, and always has been, God's reflection."

Science & Health Page 471:17-18

February 8, 2014 - No Blame, No Guilt, Salvation

"Mark in Mongolia"
photo by Aaron

ACIM Workbook Lesson #39:

"My holiness is my salvation."

As stated in today's lesson, "No one needs practice to gain what is already his." It's easy to forget that holiness is and always has been ours for the simple acknowledgement of it. There are so many things in daily life telling us the opposite. But let's not put our attention on trying to forget these beliefs, but instead let's concentrate on remembering our wholeness as the image and experience of God! I'm reminded of a Catch-22 situation of life in our little tourist town. Many of our businesses are not open in the winter. Logic dictates that we don't get enough business to stay open, and so many do not. But perhaps we don't get enough business because not enough of us are open. Often people come in my gallery and ask why so many places are closed. My response could be a rather exasperated one, as I wish they were open. But looking at the situation from my holiness, I can cheerfully respond that I don't have any idea why they're closed, but I know why we're open! And while responding from my holiness, I can see a vision of the entire town as vibrant and joyful, whole and free. Seeing everything as complete leaves no room for missing pieces or lack of any kind. Where there is no blame, there is no guilt. No guilt equals salvation!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Who would stand before a blackboard, and pray the principle of mathematics to solve the problem? The rule is already established, and it is our task to work out the solution. Shall we ask the divine Principle of all goodness to do His own work? His work is done, and we have only to avail ourselves of God's rule in order to receive blessing, which enables us to work out our own salvation.”

Science & Health Page 3:4-11