Joyous Contagion

Laughter is contagious, don’t you think? Most of us have “gotten the giggles” and been unable to stop laughing. There are numerous videos on the internet where people are sharing laughter in the most joyous of ways. I particularly like one which shows people’s reactions when someone tells them they are beautiful. The sheepish grins which emerge, the eyes which light up, are sure to bring a smile to my face and an expansion of my heart no matter how many times I’ve seen it. Joy, laughter, happiness — these are given freely to us as a part of our divine heritage. Today I will make the most of every opportunity I have to give these gifts, freely, joyously, with no reservations or restrictions!


"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 304:17-21

Gratitude in Times of Turmoil

photo credit: Aaron Springston

I read an interesting editorial in the Christian Science Monitor, which talked about gratitude in times of crisis. Gratitude was expressed for health care professionals working to contain and treat the current virus outbreak, among other things. The article mentioned how gratitude helps put a focus on the good in a situation, dampening fear. It helps people form stronger bonds across borders and through their differences. It encourages generosity. I found it particularly interesting that they referred to expressing appreciation as a kind of reset for thoughts, saying that it allows calm reflective thinking, which is just what we need to bring a healing perspective during these times. These wise words can certainly be applied to many situations in our current atmosphere, don't you think? I'm going to practice this as a way of turning around fearful or defensive thinking when it occurs. If someone is saying something which I find abrasive, I will find something to be grateful for about them. When a politician has upset me with his actions, I shall try to follow my own advice. Whatever the case, I love thinking about gratitude as a "reset"!! 

"Gratitude is much more than a verbal expression of thanks. Action expresses more gratitude than speech." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 3:25-26

Compassionate Rats

Have you seen the study about rats and how they care enough about their rat friends to not give them a shock, even when it means getting a tasty treat? I think this is wonderful! Even the “lowly” rat doesn’t want to see its counterpart suffer. I think it’s normal for us to want others be happy and do well, but quite a few folks think their friends revel in their failure. I hope this isn’t as prevalent as is supposed, don’t you? I’ve heard tell some parents are jealous of their children when they exceed their parents’ performance in, for instance, sports. What a shame. I will remember the rat study and its uplifting results the next time I witness human injustice, and I will strive to hold myself to the same standard!

"A feasible as well as rational means of improvement at present is the elevation of society in general and the achievement of a nobler race for legislation, -- a race having higher aims and motives." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 63

Consciousness rules

photo credit: Aaron Springston

Nothing can be imaged forth in form unless it exists in consciousness. What??  I know, I know. You may say you had never heard of such and such disease until you got it. Well, collective consciousness counts, too. Yikes! So how do we keep from contracting every disease and imaging forth all the horrors of the world? This is exactly what Gary Renard tells us in "The Disappearance of the Universe" and what Mary Baker Eddy means by "there is no life, truth, intelligence, nor substance in matter". When we put more faith in matter than Spirit, then, yes, we are subject to every little quirk of the universe. But the realization of Truth puts us under no government but that of divine Mind, God. It may seem that it would be impossible to come out from under the tent of materiality in favor of Spirit. I've had enough glimpses to know it is indeed very possible -- but it takes work. When you listen to detailed stories of disease, it become embedded in consciousness. I'm never surprised when something jumps out of that vast forever, but I do negate it in thought -- to the best of my ability. And practice does make perfect, so I won't give up!

"Disease arises, like other mental conditions, from association. Since it is a law of mortal mind that certain diseases should be regarded as contagious, this law obtains credit through association, -- calling up the fear that relates the image of disease and its consequent manifestation in the body." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 154

Movie About Maud Lewis

painting by Maud Lewis

I had never heard of the artist, Maud Lewis, until we watched the movie, Maudie, this evening. Wow! This beautifully written and produced movie is great! It tells a sweet story of a woman born with disabilities who never loses her joy or her desire to paint pictures. At one point she says she loves windows, because it's looking at life and it's already framed, right there. This sweet and smart woman will hold a place in my head from this day forward. I'll remember her when I notice a framed picture out the window, and many other times, I'm sure. Happy Spring, everyone! 

"The loss of earthly hopes and pleasures brightens the ascending path of many a heart. The pains of sense quickly inform us that the pleasures of sense are mortal and that joy is spiritual.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 265

The "Pain Body"

photo credit: Aaron Springston

Eckhart Tolle (and others) tell us to face negative emotions when we have them, then acknowledge them and allow them to leave us. If we do not, they are stored within us and can come forth in ugly ways. Perhaps it’s a simmering, constant anger expressed as irritation or unhappiness. Or maybe there will be a big explosion of well-hidden anger or sadness, surprising us all with its intensity. There are many expressions of this so-called pain body. Here is his definition of it: “Any negative emotion that is not fully faced and seen for what it is, in the moment it arises, does not completely dissolve. The energy field of old, but still very much alive, emotion that lives in every human being is the pain body.” It is this pain body which shows up at Thanksgiving dinner when everyone triggers everyone else’s past pains. We can generally hide our lurking negative emotions fairly well, unless we live with someone. This is why the intimate relationship is a perfect vehicle for clearing out past pain, because it is so often shown to us! In the past, I’ve been willing to walk away from closeness, confining unwanted emotions to a deep, untouched space. I guess the time has come to face them...

“Can the purpose of a relationship be to trigger our wounds? In a way, yes, because that is how healing happens; darkness must be exposed before it can be transformed. The purpose of an intimate relationship is not that it be a place where we can hide from our weaknesses, but rather where we can safely let them go. It takes strength of character to truly delve into the mystery of an intimate relationship, because it takes the strength to endure a kind of psychic surgery, an emotional and psychological and even spiritual initiation into the higher Self. Only then can we know an enchantment that lasts.”― Marianne Williamson, Enchanted Love: The Mystical Power Of Intimate Relationships

Anger

Anger is a terrible thing. We are told in A Course in Miracles that irritation is as bad as a full-blown anger attack, and I know they both feel horrid. To watch an angry reaction from a political figure or someone we don't know is apt to bring pity to my thought, but to experience it in myself is a disappointment, bringing about feelings of sorrow and self-recriminations. At times like these, it would be easy to fall into depression and sleep a lot. That's what I feel like doing. But I'm going to write these words, and think about what I've done, honestly and deeply. 

 "How is the peace of God retained, once it is found? Returning anger, in whatever form, will drop the heavy curtain once again, and the belief that peace cannot exist will certainly return. War is again accepted as the one reality. Now must you once again lay down your sword, although you do not recognize that you have picked it up again. But you will learn, as you remember even faintly now that happiness was yours without it, that you must have taken it again as your defense. Stop for a moment now and think of this: Is conflict what you want, or is God's peace the better choice? Which gives you more? A tranquil mind is not a little gift. Would you not rather live than choose to die?" A Course in Miracles M.20.4