Freedom of Our Divine Nature

PC: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #279

“Creation's freedom promises my own.”

When we are told we are free, we have images of what that means, and these imaginings may cause us to wonder about our perceived bondage. I know I live with limiting beliefs every day, and it often seems impossible to be released from them. We think a multitude of rules and beliefs must be obeyed in order to survive and thrive, and when we start to realize most of these so-called rules have nothing to do with our true existence, it can be frightening -- and exhilarating! The freedom of our true creation is seen through a change in our perception of reality. Taking ourselves out of the prison of preconceived notions allows the Love we are to show through our actions in sublime ways. And we glimpse freedom!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The periods of spiritual ascension are the days and seasons of Mind’s creation, in which beauty, sublimity, purity, and holiness — yea, the divine nature — appear in man and the universe never to disappear.”

Science and Health Page 509:24-28

Never-Ending Ideas

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #278 “If I am bound, my Father is not free.”

It's easy to feel bound by illnesses and injuries, financial burdens and grief. Our lives appear to have a beginning and an end, but do we believe there is an end to Love, to Spirit, to Soul? We are gaining an understanding that we are the image and likeness of what we call God, or Mind, and that as this Idea we are without beginning nor end, free and boundless as infinity! And the Truth sets us free!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The admission to one's self that man is God's own likeness sets man free to master the infinite idea.”

Science & Health Page 90:24-25

Universal Shift in Thought

Photo Credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #277 “Let me not bind Your Son with laws I made."

Change is good! We are all releasing laws that hold us to thought which simply is not working. We're changing many things in our experience, from the way we shop to the way we love. As we examine the beliefs we live by, we realize we can be a law unto ourselves. The fears which have followed us throughout our lives have shaped our views of everything around us, but a universal shift in thought is upon us and we're each feeling it in our own way. The understanding that we don't have to be bound by any material belief, because our true identify is spiritual, is bringing us to a tipping point in consciousness realization. This freedom will be absolutely experienced, not only personally, but in the collective. When? Well, since we're not slaves to time, why not now!!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Laws of nature are laws of Spirit; but mortals commonly recognize as law that which hides the power of Spirit.” Science & Health Page 183:19-20

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