Monday, May 28, 2018

Held in Place by What?


At a meeting of our book club, we discussed a book which dealt with a young woman who had lived in foster care all her life. We talked about the problems which seem inherent in a child who is not loved unconditionally, who is perhaps abused in multitudes of ways. It's the general belief in this world that some things are too horrendous to get over; that we will be plagued with certain conditions forever, no matter what. The Dog Whisperer, (mentioned often in these writings) Cesar Milan, tells us he rehabilitates dogs and trains people. I love hearing him tell us how dogs live in the moment. When he is helping people understand a dog maimed by past experiences in its life, he repeatedly tells the people that feeling sorry for the animal helps no one. Our words and actions hold animals (and people) in the same thought system which put them there in the first place! How can this be? The dog is hurting and we're being asked to deny that? Yes!! This is why we learn in the study of metaphysics that it is necessary to give up all beliefs -- not just those we deem to be "bad", but all material beliefs. By letting them go and replacing them with an openness of thought, which allows us to hear the Truth of our Being, we experience the so-called miracle which is the natural order of Life. It may not seem logical to say we can simply release feelings of fear and anger. They seem very real to us, but if we stop and examine them, do they have any purpose other than holding us where we are?

“Many are willing to open the eyes of the people to the power of good resident in divine Mind, but they are not so willing to point out the evil in human thought, and expose evil’s hidden mental ways of accomplishing iniquity.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 570:30-3

Sunday, May 27, 2018

Reflecting Light

photo credit: Richard Quick

Seeing everything in light brings us happiness and peace. Reflecting Light to others shows them that they, also, are this harmony. A few simple words, expressing what we are seeing, brings joy to those we come into contact with every day. A compliment shared with someone in the grocery store or library may be just the encouragement they need at that moment. Shining the light of Oneness from within brings with it big blessings! I think we all know at least one someone whose expression of love seems to be a bit contrived. It's been my observation (both in others and within myself!) that these loving expressions must be sincere, not simply something we decide to say to make someone feel good. So today I will be feeling the joy which comes from seeing everything in light, and giving heart-felt expression to that joy, blessing the world.

“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." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 215:11-14

Saturday, May 26, 2018

To See or Not to See

PC: Arthur Bruno

We who are practicing metaphysicians often hear words like these: "Get real! Face facts! Pull your head out of the sand!" I usually just smile and say, "You may be right", and politely wander away. Rather than explaining -- or worse, arguing! -- I will feel Love, the spiritual reality, while allowing the material argument to pass through and be gone. I have not always been so easy to get along with! Recently I've had a chance to spend time with an old friend who moved far, far away. A number of years ago, she and I had an altercation which was deeply interconnected to many areas in our friendship. If either she or I had held onto the past, we wouldn't share the palpable Oneness we feel today. It's not a choice of seeing past or present, but a choice to see or not to see. I am grateful…

"Spiritual causation is the one question to be considered, for more than all others spiritual causation relates to human progress. The age seems ready to approach this subject, to ponder somewhat the supremacy of Spirit, and at least to touch the hem of Truth's garment." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 270:22-27




Friday, May 25, 2018

Transforming Error

Thailand - photo credit: Aaron Springston

In response to yesterday’s writing, my dear friend, Sandy Starbird responded: “This also applies to systems which decide that people who have erred legally are inherently bad and in need of punishment.  What a difference it would make if our compassion led us to help those who have broken our laws and need our help rather than our wrath.” This reminded me of a book I’ve mentioned in the past, The Buddha and the Terrorist by Satmi Kumar. In this short treatise, the murderous actions of a madman are explored. When he meets up with the Buddha in the forest, his life changes. But the brutality he has imposed on others is not so easily forgiven by those whose lives he has touched. This book examines how our system of retribution and retaliation do next to nothing to stop murder and mayhem. So what does? I think we all innately know the answer to this. Forgiveness is much more than ignoring actions; it’s transforming them in thought. And ideas make themselves known in form…

“If faith in the truth of being, which you impart mentally while destroying error, causes chemicalization (as when an alkali is destroying an acid), it is because the truth of being must transform the error to the end of producing a higher manifestation.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 401:7-11





Thursday, May 24, 2018

Think!


It seems that our pets are eager to please us, to the point of understanding when they are not supposed to hurt animals which used to be thought of as natural enemies — i.e., dogs and cats, or cats and birds, et cetera. When talking to a friend about this, we realized that if we don’t tell our dogs (and/or cats) these things, they don’t know them and blindly go about being reactionary and, perhaps, mean. I know, I know, this may sound silly. But let’s experiment with this in our daily life. Perhaps people are the same way and simply act the way they think of as “normal”: being prejudiced against those unlike themselves, loving money more than people, thinking there is something weak in admitting wrongdoing and apologizing. Let’s take a stand today for higher, deeper thought. Or maybe we should just remember to think rather than react. I believe I’ll paste that word on my mirror, refrigerator, and computer screen: Think!

“The time for thinkers has come. Truth, independent of doctrines and time-honored systems, knocks at the portal of humanity. Contentment with the past and the cold conventionality of materialism are crumbling away.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page vii: 13-17

Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Harmony is the Natural Order

photo credit: Arthur Bruno

We, as humans, think in terms of something upsetting us, then find reasons why we are justified in this upset. When a friend shared with me a step into peace and out of worry which she experienced, I was reminded that we don't need to fan the flame of anger. One of her daughters was very upset with her, for reasons which are not important to this writing. My friend chose to not make those reasons important to her either. She was aware that her beloved daughter was upset, but she was also aware that she couldn't fix it. She knows that her peace doesn't depend on any outside source. She knew she was being honest and straightforward, and no amount of erroneous thought could affect her natural state of harmony. She didn’t try to change her daughter’s mind about things, but she did examine her own motives and actions. I look forward to seeing the effect of pouring more love on this fire!

"Harmony is produced by its Principle, is controlled by it and abides with it. Divine Principle is the Life of man. Man's happiness is not, therefore, at the disposal of physical sense. Truth is not contaminated by error. Harmony in man is as beautiful as in music, and discord is unnatural, unreal." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 304:17-22

Tuesday, May 22, 2018

Utopia

photo credit: Richard Quick

In 2012, I dreamed the following. I’m so happy it was documented through these writings, or I wouldn’t remember any of it. I can still feel it …

I dreamed last night of Utopia. We had no need to speak as we knew each others’ thoughts. We had no fear as our thoughts were uncluttered and pure. Everywhere I looked there were happy people, busy at tasks which would benefit everyone. There was no need for television or radios as we knew everything without speaking. At one point, I thought I was lost in the woods, but that was impossible because others sensed my confusion and were there immediately to lead me to a safe and beautiful space. When traveling on a road, suddenly the way was filled with huge boulders and ancient fallen trees. But to the left side there was a field of beautiful flowers, and a pathway leading to my destination. All needs were met before I knew of them. There was the most wonderful sense of peace. I will hold to these beautiful feelings today, while seeing the meaningless basis of my discontent. 

“Sleep and apathy are phases of the dream that life, substance, and intelligence are material. The mortal night dream is sometimes nearer the fact of being than are the thoughts of mortals when awake. The night-dream has less matter as its accompaniment. It throws off some material fetters. It falls short of the skies, but makes its mundane flights quite ethereal.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 249:24-30

New Today

Teachers of Love

Art by Jesse Stone “Return of the Bird Tribes” by Ken Carey is a book which was recently brought into my field of vision. A quote: “Awaken h...