Going to the Mountains is Going Home

“Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wildness is a necessity; and that mountain parks and reservations are useful not only as fountains of timber and irrigating rivers, but as fountains of life. Awakening from the stupefying effects of the vice of over-industry and the deadly apathy of luxury, they are trying as best they can to mix and enrich their own little ongoings with those of Nature, and to get rid of rust and disease.” ― John Muir, Our National Parks

Something Invincible, Within

photo credit: Aaron Springston

"He said, 'In the midst of hate, I found there was, within me, an invincible love. In the midst of tears, I found there was, within me, an invincible smile. In the midst of chaos, I found there was, within me, an invincible calm. I realized, through it all, that in the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer. And that makes me happy. For it says that no matter how hard the world pushes against me, within me, there's something stronger -- something better, pushing right back." Albert Camus 

Lead With Love

graphic of unknown origin

It seems that every day another group of people show up on social media and/or news networks claiming to know things that no one else knows. They have supposed facts which negate things we have heard come out of people’s mouths, and once again we are left not knowing what to believe. And that is the rub: Belief. Believing. Therein lies the problem, don’t you think? I am striving today to stop believing anything, but rather to — as it’s put in Christian Science —know the Truth. As a dear ACIM friend often says, Lead with Love. I hear her voice every time I decide to fight back against insane belief and to pontificate at those who disagree with me. Lead with Love. Thank you, Ramona, for helping me stay with the only reality — Love.

"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

Who Do You Support in This Election?

Today I spoke on the telephone with a dear, long-time friend. We had a good visit and part of our conversation included how we were going to cast our votes this year — the physical ways we planned on doing it — and, necessarily, we touched on the importance of this year’s election. We both agreed it was the most serious choice we have had in our lifetime. As we discussed the importance of discovering the truth on issues, I visualized a little fact-filled bubble above our heads, hers with Trump’s words, mine with Biden’s. I would happily give up news from MSNBC if she would give up Fox’s stories! I say this jokingly, but we all must delve beneath the veneer of our favorite media entertainment news. I would like to suggest we all read a biography, or listen to an audiobook, about the lives of our presidential candidates. Let’s discover some independent facts about them and let our hearts and minds lead us toward what our country, our world, needs right now and in the future. We have 60 days, which is plenty of time to do this. And perhaps we could also think about our favorite president of all time and read a biography of him, too! That would be a good point of comparison, don’t you think? If you don't know which one to choose, I'd suggest you get suggestions from your library, and then they will make sure you get the book(s) with little to no effort on your part.

"Being is holiness, harmony, immortality. It is already proved that a knowledge of this, even in small degree, will uplift the physical and moral standard of mortals, will increase longevity, will purify and elevate character." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 492:7

Don't Carry That Weight

photo credit: Aaron Springston

I remember a wonderful story which relates to choosing joy rather than pain. In this story, we are asked how much a glass of water weighs. Then we are told it doesn't matter what its weight is, it matters how long we hold it. If we hold it a minute, it's light. If we hold it an hour, our arm and/or hand may become uncomfortable with the weight. If we hold it all day, our arm will feel paralyzed. This scenario is a metaphor for holding onto worries and fears. If we keep them with us, we become convinced that they are impossible to overcome. We are paralyzed from the carrying of this weight. All we have to do is put the glass down to be released from our burden! Then we are free to feel the joy which is innately ours as a child of Love.

“Who that has felt the loss of human peace has not gained stronger desires for spiritual joy? The aspiration after heavenly good comes even before we discover what belongs to wisdom and Love. 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 265:23-30

Keep Looking Up!

photo credit: Aaron Springston

Fall is in the air. It is September. I've always loved this time of year, and am particularly looking forward to the changes. There's always a feeling of setting down something heavy, cleansing, releasing the mugginess which has been hanging around for months, breathing deeply and joyously the crisp air, getting ready for freezing weather to release us from biting bugs and dying leaves. Gosh, since I put it that way, it doesn't sound so delightful! But the difference in humidity, the excitement of something big about to happen, the changes -- I look forward to this shift. We are still holding the light for those who choose not to see. It is there for all, an open secret to happiness. May we keep looking up! Love to you all...

"The substance, Life, intelligence, Truth, and Love, which constitute Deity, are reflected by His creation, and when we subordinate the false testimony of the corporeal senses to the facts of Science, we shall see this true likeness and reflection everywhere." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 516:4

Aghast at Nothingness

photo credit: Aaron Springston

In between feelings of contentment and peace, I am sometimes blindsided with questions about people's behaviors and reactions. When you see beautiful instances of people exhibiting their highest good, then see the opposite in the next instance -- well, it gives pause. In this world where we want to analyze everything and find answers to questions we don't even know how to ask, it's tempting to become angry in the face of divisive behavior, bullying actions, and accusations from those who should know better. But let's not, okay? I'm terribly tired after three days of an online nationwide duplicate bridge tournament. It was wonderful to lose myself in the world of cards, with nothing to think about but the coziness of something I know so well. I was reminded of a favorite book, The Solitaire Mystery. A man is alone on an island with a deck of cards, and he plays solitaire all the time -- until his cards disintegrate from use. So he begins to imagine the deck. And then one day they come marching over a rise and he's meeting his friends face to face. I always loved that book for its questioning of reality and blending of possibilities. Have a good week, Friends...

"We may well be perplexed at human fear, and still more astounded at hatred, which lifts its hydra head, showing its horns in the many inventions of evil. But why should we stand aghast at nothingness?" Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 563:4