May 6, 2015 - What Am I Giving?

"Self and self"
by Sandy Wythawai Starbird

ACIM Workbook Lesson #126

"All that I give is given to myself."

Today brings an examination of what it is I’m giving. I would hope I’m giving happiness, peace, love, compassion — but sometimes I give judgment, condemnation, self-righteous thoughts, and false forgiveness. It’s all too easy to forgive in a way which is nothing more than a way of thinking that I’m superior and, in some way, better than the forgiven one. This is akin to the “back-handed compliment”, the way people may say “thank you very much” when they are not thanking someone but, rather, making a point of feeling slighted in some way by another’s actions. The forgiveness I give may be a charitable act on my part, an act I may withhold as punishment to them and self-aggrandizement for myself. I am working toward understanding this thing called forgiveness. I ask myself, How would Love look on this? What would Mind think about this? Today I will strive to see through the veil of belief which dictates how I should interpret others’ actions. 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“We must reverse our feeble flutterings--our efforts to find life and truth in matter--and rise above the testimony of the material senses, above the mortal to the immortal idea of God. These clearer, higher views inspire the God-like man to reach the absolute centre and circumference of his being.” Science & Health Page 262:11-16

May 5, 2015 - Nurturing a Quiet Mind

photo provided by Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #125

"In quiet I receive God's Word today."

Attention deficit disorder: ADD. Many who haven’t been diagnosed with this disorder often say they are afflicted with it. If you get right down to it, aren't we all? Doesn't it seem our "normal" state of mind wants to flit about from one topic to another, gathering steam as we go down all the avenues we are led in thought, as one triggers yet another? The thing I find unfortunate is that people really think they have no choice. As with anything else, it takes practice to calm thought. You have to want a quiet mind in order to attain one. I know I've said it before, but watch that first thought of the day. It can set the tone for everything which comes after it. Refusal to start the day thinking about worrisome things is a choice we have. Choose the quiet mind over the busy one, then choose again whenever needed. Sow meditation, nurture quiet, reap peace!!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“We must silence this lie of material sense with the truth of spiritual sense.”

Science & Health Page 318:12-13

May 4, 2015 - Experience and Expression

photo by Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #124

"Let me remember I am one with God."

Does the topic of today's ACIM lesson make you nervous? Perhaps there's a feeling that God won't like it if you think this -- much less if you say it! Somewhere along the path of Christian theology it was decided that Jesus is God and, because of this, he will take care of everything for us; all we have to do is believe and give ourselves to him. It's my understanding that Jesus was here to tell us he was one with God and so are we. Does this mean we are God? In the same way that a ray of sunlight is the sun, yes. It can't be said that it's the actual sun, but it certainly is the expression of it. A ray of sunlight is the experience of the sun, if you will, and we are the expression and experience of God. One with God; one with each other; one with everything. Let's spend some time contemplating that today. Say right out loud: "I Am one with God!" Let's not be afraid to think it and ask ourSelves exactly what that means. And don't forget to expect an answer!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Principle and its idea is one, and this one is God, omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent Being, and [Its] reflection is man and the universe."

Science & Health Page 465:17-1

May 3, 2015 - Thanksgiving

"Peony"
photo by Chris Fischer

ACIM Workbook Lesson #123

"I thank my Father for His gifts to me."

Today is a day of thanks, a day of gratitude for all that we are learning and realizing in daily life. If looked at in day-to-day increments, it may not seem we are gaining in understanding, but when looking back through the years, it seems remarkable! This was brought home to me as I attended a 45-year-class reunion of high school graduation. Being with all these old friends and acquaintances brought back memories that had been long-forgotten. Listening to others tell stories of their lives, their jobs, their children and grandchildren, brought great thankfulness to my heart. I love where I've been and I love where I'm going. I am grateful for my friends and family, past, present, and future. The excitement which each day brings is cause for gratitude, and I plan to express it in my actions toward others and myself. The flowers blooming are a perfect reminder of the beauty of life and thankfulness for growth. Let's go forward today and scatter joy!!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Gratitude is much more than a verbal expression of thanks. Action expresses more gratitude than speech."

Science & Health Page 3:25-26

May 2, 2015 - Peaceful Living

photo courtesy of Chris Fischer

ACIM Workbook Lesson #122

"Forgiveness offers everything I want."

Immediately after reading the above-quoted topic, I read this: “We do ourselves a great disservice when we let the bitter opinions of others mingle and subvert our own thoughts.” (Dodinsky) This brought to mind one of the Four Agreements as interpreted by Don Miguel Ruiz: “Don’t take anything personally.”  It seems as though these two thoughts summarize exactly what I’m feeling right now. And these thoughts are followed up by Gandhi’s wisdom: “If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change. As a man changes his own nature, so does the attitude of the world change toward him.” Namastè

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Hold thought steadfastly to the enduring, the good, and the true, and you will bring these into your experience proportionably to their occupancy of your thoughts." 

Science & Health Page 261:4-7

May 1, 2015 - The Forgiving Mind

"White River in Beaver, Arkansas"
photo from Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #121

“Forgiveness is the key to happiness.”

We are told in today’s ACIM lesson that “forgiveness is the key to happiness”. The unforgiving mind is sad, torn with doubt, confused, afraid, angry, weak, blustering, afraid of every sound and more afraid of stillness; terrified of darkness, but more so of approaching light. Recently I went with a friend to see the movie “Cinderella”. It was a visual treat, full of fun transitions and beautiful scenes. The wicked stepmother and her daughters exhibited all of the characteristics of an unforgiving mind, while Cinderella held to what her mother had taught her: courage and kindness. Because of her loving disposition and compassion, she was shown the way out of drudgery by a fairy godmother. In the final scene, she tells her stepmother she forgives her and, of course, lives happily ever after. Some people think of this as a silly story, something made up in order to give ourselves false hope, but I’ve seen some real-life fairy tales in action. When I attend an event and feel wicked-stepmother energy and sweet-princess energy, I’m going to go sit by Cinderella!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The depth, breadth, height, might, majesty, and glory of infinite Love fill all space. That is enough!

Science & Health Page 520:3-5

April 30, 2015 - All is Well

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Lesson #120

Review of:

#109 "I rest in God."

#110 "I am as God created me."

A friend recommended that I read, Dying to be Me: My Journey from Cancer, to Near Death, to True Healing by Anita Moorjani. Although this title would be sufficient to turn me away from it when seen on a book shelf, I trust my friend and immediately delved into this beautiful story. One of the important points made in the book is something that is recognized in our studies: Sickness is not your fault. Often new-age teachings tell us that past thoughts and actions create karma which returns to you in terrible ways. Ms. Moorjani assures us that this is not the case. Although many factors may be involved in physical illness, blaming yourself and seeking absolution has nothing to do with true healing. The recognition that you are pure Love, the knowledge that you are connected to everything, the joy which comes from acceptance of yourself just as you are -- this understanding of your being is what allows the body to be well. It doesn't matter what caused it, what "stage" the problem has advanced to, what mortal predictions are on the table -- nothing matters but the acceptance of yourself as a product of Love. When feeling the purity of Oneness, all material thought must be silenced. We can stop striving and start Being. When slipping into this space of pure Love, nothing else matters. And all is well.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Mortal mind must part with error, must put off itself with its deeds, and immortal manhood, the Christ ideal, will appear.”

Science & Health Page 430:3-5