What is the Real World?

Making Snow in Park City
PC: 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 find out that most of the American history we studied in lower school classes 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. It seems that every day another illusion is being uncovered, dissipated by truth. Happily leaving behind our stories of duality and erroneous thought frees us to discover truth. Listen, Love, Live!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Love is priestess at the altar of Truth. Wait patiently for divine Love to move upon the waters of mortal mind, and form the perfect concept.” Science & Health Page 454:21-23

Spiritual Facts of Being

PC: 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 liked her, she was competent, and helped the business to grow. Then it came to light that she was not who she said she was. Whereas everyone thought she was from somewhere in the Hebrides and knew the story she had told of herself, it seemed she made everything up and was “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 the woman 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

Everlasting Love

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #298

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

If our thinking needs to be purged of error, we do so. And I feel the same way about interpersonal relationships. When we are willing to accept our Oneness with divine Love, there is no way anyone can do or say anything which offends us. This beautiful acceptance allows avenues to open which we may not have seen otherwise. Perhaps we are blinded by "senseless journeys ... and artificial values". I'm pleased to go forward with renewed thought and purpose in an ever-expanding friendship with someone I love. When there was joking mention made of winning the way back to trust, we both knew there was no necessity for anything as dualistic as winning or losing when it comes to Love. Namaste, dear Friend ~~~ 

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 with Key to the Scriptures Page 249:3-7

All Mankind in One Affection

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #297 “Forgiveness is the only gift I give.”

"Everything I give, I give myself." "Forgiveness is the only gift I give." I have a dear friend who glows with inner beauty and Love. She recently told me that she has realized she has no guilt. All the things she had blamed herself for are gone. Most of us feel bad about something we've said or done in the past. I know I do. By following my friend’s beautiful example, I hope to feel this grace which is God, and through this feeling I can watch all blame and pain disappear,  being replaced with the peace and joy which is my heritage.

 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

Echoing Strains of Truth and Love

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #296 “The Holy Spirit speaks through me today.”

There are many ego-busters in this Course, any one of which may ruffle our feathers! 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. Often I have an uneasy feeling somewhere around the solar plexus, or maybe there’s an odd, tired feeling in my spine, both of which I’ve learned to recognize as symptoms of an errant ego making itself known. Sometimes I might be self-righteous in response to a situation, or perhaps I feel defensive when I’m not absolutely sure about my position. When these things happen, I can choose to back up, perhaps apologize to someone, and start over with a fresh perspective, because my words and actions were coming from my mind rather than the one Mind. And so, dear Reader, please feel free to tell me if you think I’m wrong, or point out a situation in which I may have been 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

Let Us Not Fear New Sight

photo credit: Dale Johnson

ACiM Workbook Lesson #295 “The Holy Spirit looks through me today.”

“The Holy Spirit looks through me today.” I interpret that as allowing ourselves to drop the cloak of belief through which we perceive everything, opening ourselves to seeing with the eyes of God. I am reminded of the book and film, “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

Neutral Things

ACIM Workbook Lesson #294 “My body is a wholly neutral thing.”

A Course in Miracles tells us that the body is a communication device; that it is a tool to be used and then laid aside when its use is over. In this world, we have mistaken the body for our true identity. If we no longer see our body as either good or bad, but rather as a totally neutral thing, it can be realized as what it is in truth: an extension of Love. A dear man reminded me today of something a mutual friend said about Love: there is no unconditional love, only Love. If there are conditions, it’s not really Love! Today I shall think of my body in this way, too, without conditions and limitation, but only as the Idea it is!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Identity is the reflection of Spirit, the reflection in multifarious forms of the living Principle, Love.” Science & Health Page 477:20-22