Reactions Redefined

photo credit: Aaron Springston

I watched a movie called Diane, starring Mary Kay Place. This woman is hounded by guilt from the past, a drug addicted son in the present, and no hope for the future. The phrase, “but for the grace of God go I”, kept coming to mind. I think this is a horrid phrase and sentiment. It’s one of those sayings which casts stones at others and, at the same time, promotes an unhealthy expectation of what to expect from divine Love. Another story from the Bible turned around in my thought, one where someone is thanking God that he’s not like that Philistine over there. It bring up ideas that I’m better than that guy, I am somehow more blessed than that poor woman, if God wants to punish me I will be like her — well, you get the idea. What I’d rather think is, How can I show compassion to others, how can I help someone see they needn’t be victims of the past, what can I do to improve the future. I’m reminded of a quote from Einstein’s Dreams: “What we do in the present redeems the past and changes the future.” Yes...

“Only the sane can look on stark insanity and raving madness with pity and compassion, but not with fear. For only if they share in it does it seem fearful, and you do share in it until you look upon your brother with perfect faith and love…” A Course in Miracles

Innovation Requires Inspiration

Today marked the very first 2020 Strike, a day when students would walk out of schools and protest our gross negligence in taking care of planet Earth. Greta Thunberg began raising awareness when she would stand outside the Swedish Parliament every Friday entreating the lawmakers to pay attention to what was going on in our world. People like this wonderful child and Marianne Williamson are not afraid to speak up and point out what many of us may be missing: We're in trouble! Greta convinced her parents to stop traveling by air and to stop eating meat. Her speeches at the United Nations and the United States Congress have caused many others to think about how they live on a day-to-day basis. As an editorial in the Christian Science Monitor stated: "Innovation requires inspiration fueled by a view of possibilities not yet seen." I applaud all the people who are thinking in new ways and helping us to do the same! 

“The sun, giving light and heat to the earth, is a figure of divine Life and Love, enlightening and sustaining the universe.” Mary Baker Eddy 

Cozy Neighborhood

Photo credit: Richard Quick
Basin Park in Eureka Springs

As a child, I always wanted to live in town. My parents were older, I was an only child, and we lived in the country. I longed for the kind of neighborhood I heard my friends talk about. They had Beatles clubs, rode their bicycles together, had sleepovers — it sounded wonderful! So when I had children, I made sure to have two and to move to a quiet street in a small town. I still live here and am in love with my neighborhood! The first time I came home and found a note on my refrigerator telling me one of these fine folks had borrowed an egg, I knew I’d never leave. The camaraderie I feel toward them is a great feeling. We rarely visit each other, but think of one another as close friends, and we know we can call for help (or an egg!) at any time. It’s a cozy, comfortable neighborhood. And I am grateful...

"If selfishness has given place to kindness, we shall regard our neighbor unselfishly, and bless them that curse us; but we shall never meet this great duty simply by asking that it may be done." Mary Baker Eddy 

Am I For It?

Choices at Bootstrap Brewing

Today’s observation is of people making life choices because they’re “against” something. One of my acquaintances won’t vote for candidates who support reproductive rights because she is very much against abortion. Someone else I know won’t vote for a gay man because they think God says it’s wrong. I came home and was talking to Kevin about these things and he said his litmus test is to ask himself if he is for something or against something. If he is against it, he examines what he IS for to see where that takes him. We, as a people, are too busy casting stones to listen to ourselves. I remember hearing that Mother Teresa was asked to march in a Vietnam war protest. She stated she would not march against war, but would march for peace. Before I jump on my high horse next time, I shall notice from which perspective I am coming!

“A wise teacher teaches through approach, not avoidance. He does not emphasize what you must avoid to escape from harm, but what you need to learn to have joy.” A Course in Miracles

Fine Lines

A couple of interesting situations have been brought to my attention recently. They both have to do with saying something about a fact which is true, but might hurt someone’s feelings. In one case, it’s something that I would put in the category of better to be kind than right. We have some new bridge players at our club and one or two of the “oldsters” have told them they need more experience before they play at the duplicate level. Hogwash, I say! But the second situation concerns one of our political candidates who is making some unfortunate clothing choices. This could be easily fixed, but how to approach it? I’ve spoken with someone who is a friend of his and she is taking it under consideration. Every day we have decisions to make which can affect others. I’m trying to ask myself the question, Will this improve the situation or complicate it? It’s a fine line sometimes!   

“Honesty does not apply only to what you say. The term actually means consistency. There is nothing you say that contradicts what you think or do; no thought opposes any other thought; no act belies your word; and no word lacks agreement with another. Such are the truly honest.” A Course in Miracles Manual for Teachers

At The Bridge Table

Most of you know I play duplicate bridge; few of you know how super competitive it is. It’s one of the many things I love about this game! It’s fascinating to watch how we all react to the varied results in this interesting form of comparative bridge. I have one partner who can’t look me in the eye after one of us makes a major mistake in play or bidding. My favorite regular partner scares the dickens out of most other players, and many of them act defensively toward her. I, personally, have learned more about the play of the hand from this woman than I would from taking expensive lessons in a big city! Today I partnered with a new girl in town. Her personality is effervescent! When the opponents play exceptionally well, she lights up and congratulates them, truly from the heart. I love people like this, who glory in another’s fine showing. I’ve mentioned many times before the words, What blesses one, blesses all! Thanks for the life lessons, fellow bridge players!

"Love giveth to the least spiritual idea might, immortality, and goodness, which shine through all as the blossom shines through the bud."

Global Interpretations

Aaron in Mongolia

My favorite weekly news magazine has a regular segment on linguistics. This week the discussion was around “cultural pragmatics”. In Iceland, some of our favorite polite phrases are thought of as just the opposite. Please, thank you, you’re welcome: these are all thought of demeaning in various ways. For instance, if you say, Could I please borrow your car? This question, with the inclusion of “please”, implies that this is a big favor that not everyone would agree to; secondly, it is thought of as humbling yourself before a person who has the power to grant your request or not. And so Scandinavian countries have come up with the word “tack”, which reflects their ideals of equality, self-sufficiency, consensus seeking, and conflict avoidance — along with a desire to not be indebted to other people. So, in essence, requests are made with the expectation that they will be done, not that you’re asking a favor, hence no need for thanks when it is granted! I love seeing the interpretations and different ways of perceiving words and actions!

“Gratitude is a lesson hard to learn for those who look upon the world amiss. The most that they can do is see themselves as better off than others. And they try to be content because another seems to suffer more than they. “ ACIM Workbook Lesson 295