Lofty Goals

Photo Credit: Aaron Springston

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #276

“The Word of God is given me to speak.”

Following the advice of Mary Baker Eddy to neither see, hear, nor repeat any imperfection, I look forward to today's lesson which reinforces these lofty goals. It seems most people want you to join in their misery, so the goal of hearing and repeating only good becomes an interesting exercise. I find myself simply witnessing, without comment, while engaging in lots of smiling. A good friend taught me to say, "You may be right!" This is a good comment to make just before wandering away -- which I'm prone to do. I'm sure many think I'm daft, but that's okay. I often tell people I wake up in a new world every day, and this excuses many of my actions, as they think I'm addlepated and forgive me -- or at least they don't push me for comments! Whatever the case, it's all right as long as I don't feel that uneasiness which comes from not living Truth.

Mary Baker Eddy quote: “Let discord of every name and nature be heard no more, and let the harmonious and true sense of Life and being take possession of human consciousness.” Science and Health Page 355:11-14

Protected

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #275

“God's healing Voice protects all things today.”

The fragile feeling which envelopes us following the loss of a loved one isn't often thought of as something to cherish. In times past, I may have wished this feeling away. Now, I choose to honor it as one of the exquisite experiences we are granted in this beautiful plane of existence we call life. As with love, we are told life is fleeting. We are advised to grab hold and not let go, because there is a finite amount of it. Our human experience of life and love does seem to be as elusive as a breeze, and it can feel just as difficult to hold on to. From the perspective of mortal mind, this is so. When looked at from our humanness, there is no predicting when we may lose life or love. Accepting ourselves as spiritual Beings allows an expanded viewpoint of our experiences. Yes, they are to be savored. But enlarged perceptions of existence bring us something different. Understanding that my true self is a product of divine, never-ending Love causes me to want to experience it here and now. And so I'll listen for this healing Voice we are told of in today's ACIM lesson, because an inner knowing tells me of its Truth.

Mary Baker Eddy quote: “Upon this stage of existence goes on the dance of mortal mind. Mortal thoughts chase one another like snowflakes, and drift to the ground. Science reveals Life as not being at the mercy of death, nor will Science admit that happiness is ever the sport of circumstance.” Science & Health Page 250:28-32

Unified Handholding

PC: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #274 “Today belongs to love. Let me not fear.”

A friend has come up with a wonderful idea by which our country can show unity. He says we all share the same feelings, hopes, and dreams. We decided the biggest protest in the world can be love, and the biggest show of love is affection, and the biggest show of affection is holding each others hands. So we have decided to start a movement — a hand-holding movement by which to express our unity and show our common goal of good for all. We hope to spread this idea from coast to coast, holding my hand, your hand, everyone’s hands. On October 21, 2017, this demonstration will take place. If you can’t get out and hold hands, do it mentally and/or by social media. More information may be found on my Facebook page!

Mary Baker Eddy quote: 

"PSALM XXIII [Divine love] is my shepherd; I shall not want. [Love] maketh me to lie down in green pastures: [love] leadeth me beside the still waters. [Love] restoreth my soul [spiritual sense]: [love] leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for [love] is with me; [love’s] rod and [love’s] staff they comfort me.

[Love] prepareth a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: [love] anointeth my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house [the consciousness] of [love] for ever."

Science & Health Page 577:4-18

Peaceful Exalted Thought

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Lesson #273

“The stillness of the peace of God is mine.”

We have many experiences which bring tastew of the stillness of the peace of God. I love the quiet moments watching a sunset, or sitting in the woods listening to its sounds, or that sublime moment when slipping quietly to sleep. Recently a friend asked me to listen to and give an opinion on a CD having to do with alien beings controlling our actions on the planet Earth. Although much of what was said could be considered rhetoric of the conspiracy-theory crowd, the main theme was the Principle we are studying and hearing from various avenues. This Truth involves turning away from the illusion and seeing reality. While the woman on this recording was telling us that lizard people were controlling our actions, she also advised to not be frightened or give it too much importance, but to focus on Love and see through any supposed power these creatures may have. What a wonderful metaphor! It certainly is no more outlandish than the Adam and Eve story or any other legend meant to show us the difference between the illusion and the Truth. And so as I go through this day hearing all the insanity, I know it can only disturb my tranquility if I give it more power in thought than I give the stillness of peace.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The calm and exalted thought or spiritual apprehension is at peace.Thus the dawn of ideas goes on, forming each successive stage of progress.” Science & Health with Key to the Scriptures Page 506:11-14

Higher Enjoyments

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Miracles Lesson #272

“How can illusions satisfy God's Son?”

Often we think something is bringing us satisfaction. It's the stuff of classic songs and movies. From prospective soul mates to the dreamed-of perfect surroundings, we're compelled to keep searching for the completeness we feel we do not have. And there are moments we think we've found it, but a circumstance can change and we're back where we started. I have a friend who refers to this as "filling up the God hole". He says that's why he drinks and smokes and flits from woman to woman, trying to fill that emptiness. And even though it's recognized for what it is, he finds it too hard to turn within for the fulfillment he so relentlessly seeks. I see this in myself, too: the unwillingness to let go of illusions and dreams which block the entry of higher ideals. To paraphrase a Bible verse, That which I don't want, I do; that which I do want, I don't. Today I'm forgetting what I don't want and holding thought to what I do!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Higher enjoyments alone can satisfy the cravings of immortal man.” Science & Health with Key to the Scriptures Page 60:31-32

Knocking at the Portal of Humanity

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #271

“Christ's is the vision I will use today."

Are we finally ready for truth? I've heard it said that we, as a human race, can’t stand to hear Truth. This is said about everything from extraterrestrial life to religious doctrine, but I think we are ready to hear it! People say if truth were known about everything, society would break down. It seems to me this might be a good thing, because our current belief systems don't appear to be be functioning too well! Perhaps everyone's dissatisfaction stems from feeling we’re being lied to on many levels. A few centuries ago, a total eclipse of the full moon would cause many fear-based reactions when the orb turned red, disappeared, then reappeared. As the the truth has set us free from that irrational fear, so it may in other ways, allowing us to joyfully look up and say “Wow"! I think we're ready, don't you?!

Mary Baker Eddy quote: “Truth, independent of doctrines and time-honored systems, knocks at the portal of humanity.” Science & Health Page vii:13-15

Vision and Insight

created by Sandy Wythawai Starbird

ACIM Workbook Lesson #270

“I will not use the body's eyes today.”

During these times of shifting thought, many of us are frightened by the feelings and insights we are having. I love my interactions with artists, and one of the reasons is because they fearlessly allow multi-dimensional energy into their experience. By the act of looking upon their palpably loving works of Art, I am guided to other ways of seeing. Their artistic expressions take me past the obvious into the ethereal. Every instance of this "seeing through the veil" brings us closer to our goal of seeing this way all the time. Slipping into the silence between thoughts, seeing past the obvious, listening within -- all this and more seeks our awareness. Listen, See, Be.

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 215:11-13