What is the Real World?

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #300

“Only an instant does this world endure.”

This is the last of ten lessons which ask the question, "What is the real world?" Is reality what we are told it is by the daily news? Is it what we learn in school? I remember how surprising and  embarrassing it was to learn that most of the American history we learned in school was no more than a myth perpetuated by men who wanted it to be that way. We are beginning to understand that spiritual Truth is not to be found within the religious institutions of our world. Everywhere we turn, there is a story that we have been told which has affected the way we view life. It is such a relief to know that we can leave behind all of these stories! It's freeing to understand we need do nothing but silently listen within ourselves to hear and know the Truth which is waiting for our awareness.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Life is divine Principle, Mind, Soul, Spirit. Life is without beginning and without end. Eternity, not time, expresses the thought of Life, and time is no part of eternity. One ceases in proportion as the other is recognized. Time is finite; eternity is forever infinite. Life is neither in nor of matter. What is termed matter is unknown to Spirit, which includes in itself all substance and is Life eternal. Matter is a human concept. Life is divine Mind. Life is not limited. Death and finiteness are unknown to Life. If Life ever had a beginning, it would also have an ending.”

Science & Health Page 468:26-6

Divesting Thought of False Trust

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #299

“Eternal holiness abides in me.”

When you ask someone who/what they are, the answers typically will be name, profession, perhaps astrological sign, and things of this sort. We are learning that we embody something entirely different from our history and the material stories which have acted as our identity. I heard a story today which was described as a tale of “betrayal bordering on fraud”. Apparently a young woman came to town a couple of years ago and got a job in a popular restaurant. Everyone likes her, she’s very competent, and has helped the business to grow. It has recently come to light that she is not who she says she is. Whereas everyone thought she was from somewhere in the Hebrides and knew the story she had told of herself, now it seems she made everything up and she’s “not who she said she was”. Upon hearing this, I had to laugh! As my friend told me of people’s reactions to this fantasy, I stopped her and said that we shouldn’t make assumptions about any of this. What if she had something traumatic happen and wanted a brand new start, so she went all the way with a complete change of her story? Whatever the case, I hope that all involved can put their ego-based reactions aside and listen with their heart, letting Love lead their actions, with their intention set for a good result!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“To divest thought of false trusts and material evidences in order that the spiritual facts of being may appear, — this is the great attainment by means of which we shall sweep away the false and give place to the true.” Science & Health Page 428:8-12

Love Without Fear

"Marsha and The Junes"

ACIM Workbook Lesson #298

“I love You, Father, and I love Your Son.”

I grew up in a small town and have lived all my life in close proximity to it, and so there are many people I’ve known for decades. Looking back at my dearest friends through the years, most of us have grown apart, finding that we no longer share the same viewpoints or interests. This outgrowing has seemed to be a natural progression in life, and treasured relationships which have endured are deep and sweet. Someone I’ve known for years and liked very much, although we were never close, killed herself recently. It’s a natural response to wonder if we could have made a difference, and I remind myself that I am doing just that with every loving thought and every extension of appreciation and gratitude.  I am grateful for this burgeoning understanding which allows me to love without fear, to extend a hand when needed, and never fear the consequences. Namaste!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Love never loses sight of loveliness. Its halo rests upon its object. One marvels that a friend can ever seem less than beautiful. Men and women of riper years and larger lessons ought to ripen into health and immortality, instead of lapsing into darkness or gloom.”

Science & Health Page 249:3-7

Giving Forgiveness and Getting It

photo from Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #297

“Forgiveness is the only gift I give.”

Today’s topic turns my thoughts to wondering what it is which causes people to “get their feelings hurt” by the actions and words of others. One of the sentences from today’s workbook lesson is “Everything I give, I give myself.” I communicated with a young woman today who was very upset by something a mutual friend had said to her. She couldn’t seem to get it out of her mind and was telling of possible responses she could have made, the responses she did make, and what she thought about him, all from the perspective of being abused and denigrated by his words. While the principles of today’s lesson moved through my mind, I didn’t feel it wise to mention them to her at this point. But I did quote one of the Four Agreements having to do with not taking anything personally. Whatever anyone says or does truly has nothing to do with us, unless we choose to make it so. If I am tempted to get all het up about something, I hope to remember this advice!

 Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“True prayer is not asking God for love; it is learning to love, and to include all mankind in one affection.”

No and Yes, p. 39:17-18

Inspiration Rather Than Erudition

"Utah Fall"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #296

“The Holy Spirit speaks through me today.”

There are many ego-busters in this Course which may ruffle our feathers. I should start making a list of ones which do this to me, then I could mention a few of them, as there are certainly too many to put in one daily writing! I like to think I’m quietly listening for Spirit to speak through me today and everyday, but I’m sure that’s not always true. All too often I have an uneasy feeling somewhere around the solar plexus, or perhaps an odd, tired feeling in my spine, and I’ve learned to recognize these as symptoms of an errant ego making itself known. Sometimes I may be self-righteous in a response to a situation, or perhaps I feel defensive as I’m not absolutely sure about my position. But when these things happen, I have the choice to back up, perhaps say I’m sorry to someone, change my mind because it was coming from my mind rather than the one Mind, and start over with a fresh perspective. And so, dear Reader, please feel free to tell me if you think I’m wrong, or perhaps that I was insensitive. I promise not to take it personally! 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Eloquence re-echoes the strains of Truth and Love. It is due to inspiration rather than to erudition."

Science & Health Page 88:26-27

Never Fear the Light

"Central Park NYC"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #295

“The Holy Spirit looks through me today.”

“The Holy Spirit looks through me today.” I think that means to allow ourselves to drop the cloak of belief we perceive everything through and open ourselves to seeing with the eyes of God. I recently went to the movies and saw a film called “The Martian.” Imagine being stranded on Mars and finding ways to survive for more than 500 days. Seems impossible? To limiting human thought it probably would be, but to a quiet mind seeing never-before-thought-of ideas about how to do things — well, nothing is impossible in that sight! The main character reminded me that we never know what’s going to happen in our lives, but what we do in response to events is the life-changer. We aren’t trying to stop dreadful things, but we’re working toward changing our perception of and knee-jerk reactions to events. And it’s a brand new world!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“But eyes accustomed to darkness are pained by the light. When outgrowing the old, you should not fear to put on the new.” Science & Health Page 452:8-11

All Form is Neutral

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #294

“My body is a wholly neutral thing.”

We are learning that everything in form is wholly neutral except for the meaning we give to it. Although we feel defined by our bodies, we are learning that this is not true. Most of us can accept that the body is not truly who we are, and we don’t worry that our true self will be buried in the ground or burned to ash. In this lesson we’re being asked to put aside all thoughts of what we think our body is for, letting divine Love lead us in our purpose. Not being confined to this flesh and bone body, we experience an expansion in thought, seeing ourself as an Idea of Mind, and serving as a communication device for Spirit. As we serve this purpose, we are awakened from the ego dream and find another reality, right here and now, without having to leave this body.  We needn’t split ourselves into body, mind, spirit, as we are whole!   

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The elements and functions of the physical body and of the physical world will change as mortal mind changes its beliefs. What is now considered the best condition for organic and functional health in the human body may no longer be found indispensable to health. Moral conditions will be found always harmonious and health-giving."

Science & Health Page 124:32-6