Unity in Difference

photo credit: Heather Peters

There are many situations which bring on "knee-jerk" reactions, and it's a good thing to be aware of what we're doing. If someone is rude or mean we may become defensive, or perhaps we feel superior to them when we show kindness in return. If politicians or others in the public eye display ignorance (lack of knowledge), we can easily have a sense of self-righteous judgment. I often remind myself that we are all One, and no one is more special or enlightened than another. For instance, I'm a food snob. There are numerous things I don't eat and it's always interesting to watch how I try to impose my beliefs on others. It is yet another example of feeling superior because of an opinion. Eckhart Tolle often puts things in perspective for me, and he has done so once again when he was asked if we should be vegetarian. He said it was purely a personal preference, and if we have strong opinions about this we should remind ourselves that the Dalai Lama eats meat and Hitler didn't! Namastè to each and every One!

"One infinite God, good, unifies men and constitutes the brotherhood of man; ends wars; fulfills the Scripture, "Love thy neighbor as thyself;" annihilates pagan and Christian idolatry,--whatever is wrong in social, civil, criminal, political, and religious codes; equalizes the sexes; annuls the curse on man, and leaves nothing that can sin, suffer, be punished or destroyed." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 340:23-30

Facts of Being

photo credit: Gerry Toler

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 remember hearing about a local story which was described to me as being 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 her by a certain name, 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, and 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!

“To divest thought of false trusts and material evidence 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.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 428:8-12

You May Be Right About That -- NOT!

photo credit: Steve Shogren

During the years I worked with the public, I learned to say "you may be right about that" when someone said something with which I disagreed. It's a good way to say absolutely nothing, yet somehow not agree. But now there are too many injustices being perpetuated all around us to be silent. When I hear someone say that healthcare is not a right, it's a privilege, I must say that it is a privilege for the privileged at this point in time, and that is not right. When someone tells me they've worked hard for what they have and if someone can't take care of themselves then they haven't worked hard enough, I wonder what sect they come from, because the man for whom Christianity was named did not teach this. When someone tells me a woman's body is everybody's business and we should dictate its purpose, I can't even fathom where that idea originated. People who think oil is more important than the natural state of things, when they find fault with the power of the sun and wind and water, I wonder what corporation they are bowing down to. When I am told we can't feed the world by organic means and we must use pesticides and genetically modify our foods, I know the brainwashing which got them to this way of thinking -- because I've seen it develop in my lifetime. I could go on and on, as I'm sure you could, too. But the bottom line is I will no longer be saying, "you may be right about that", when I know darn well they are not. 

"Think of this, dear reader, for it will lift the sackcloth from your eyes, and you will behold the soft-winged dove descending upon you. The very circumstance, which your suffering sense deems wrathful and afflictive, Love can make an angel entertained unawares." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 574:25

What Did You Say?

Clear and concise communications have been on my mind today. Of course, we have miscommunication for many reasons: perhaps we don't listen closely, maybe the person speaking doesn't order their thoughts in a manner which can be easily understood. Perhaps someone doesn't want us to understand, and so they talk in double-speak or circular, unformed thoughts. It is easy to mislead, and it is easy to misunderstand. We must do a better job of conveying our thoughts and hearing others' words. When writing, I'm often reminded of the difference in meaning which punctuation can make. For instance: "Woman, without her, man is nothing." Or this: "Woman, without her man, is nothing." The way we speak that sentence makes a huge difference in conveyance of thought, demonstrating the power of the comma, whether on paper or in words. I recommit to asking questions to make sure I know what is going on around me, and I will strive to be a clear thinker in this world of muddled communications and purposeful misdirection. We're all in this together, and most of us truly want to feel the unity which is our natural state. Namaste...

"In sleep we do not communicate with the dreamer by our side despite his physical proximity, because both of us are either unconscious or are wandering in our dreams through different mazes of consciousness." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 82:13

Meeting the Past in New Ways

Mongolia - Photo Credit: Aaron Springston

In today's recording session with the Presbyterian minister and two musicians, we had a discussion centered around how everyone was doing in their daily lives. Ben teaches choir at a local school and part of his comments were directed toward how much his choir is improving since they are focused on technique rather than getting ready for performances. They had a virtual online tryout for state choir and were excited to be judged in that way, even though the excitement of travel was not part of the experience. But they loved it and did well. Sharon is busy thinking of new and innovative ways to produce an online Celebration Choir performance, and she and Ben are coming up with some cool possibilities. We shall see in the next few weeks how this virtual performance will come together. John, the pastor for the church, also substitute teaches. His life is busier than ever, and more rewarding. He says these times have challenged him as he preaches to an empty room, but he is building a stellar musical group to enhance the services, and is seeing ways to help others in all facets of life. My organ and piano skills are working back to the level they were 50 years ago, and my bridge game is better than ever. And I love making soup! We all have challenges unique to these times, and perhaps some of our problems which were easily swept under the rug in the past are refusing to stay out of sight. But that's a good thing. Please, feel free to post your experiences on the blog, about this or anything else you'd like to say!

"In the material world, thought has brought to light with great rapidity many useful wonders. With like activity have thought's swift pinions been rising towards the realm of the real, to the spiritual cause of those lower things which give impulse to inquiry. Belief in a material basis, from which may be deduced all rationality, is slowly yielding to the idea of a metaphysical basis, looking away from matter to Mind as the cause of every effect." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 168:1

The Way I See It

photo credit: Aaron Springston

"The Way I See It", is a documentary about Pete Souza's photographs from Reagan to Obama. We get to see true emotions from our presidents, translated through the lens of this caring, sensitive photojournalist. The deep feelings of joy brought forth by this film were surprising, and welcomed. If you're looking for something uplifting for this chilly winter weekend, I highly recommend this! Let's never forget what is important in life, even in times which seem confusing. Sending virtual hugs to everyone today!

"Love inspires, illumines, designates, and leads the way. Right motives give pinions to thought, and strength and freedom to speech and action. 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. Patience must "have her perfect work."
Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 454:18-24

Willingness

photo credit: Aaron Springston

The idea that we have a choice between joy and pain may not be easy to accept. Let’s not allow mortal mind​,​ or ego​,​ to lay a guilt trip on us in this regard. The only thing we are guilty of is a mistaken perception, for which there is immediate remedy: Change your thought! Through the wonder of social media, I have become acquainted with a woman I never would have met otherwise, as her life’s circumstance and mindset are on the opposite side of the world from mine. She openly writes of her pain and weaknesses, lashing out at others in a way so honest my heart aches in empathy. I feel I know this woman, perhaps because there was a point in my life I could have been her. I felt victimized by circumstances and didn’t think there was a way out. It’s difficult to believe we have a choice when everything we see appears solidly hopeless. Unfortunately, it will stay that way as long as we believe it to be true. What can cause our mind to open up to the lightness of hope? The willingness to do so…

​"​Willingness to become as a little child and to leave the old for the new, renders thought receptive of the advanced idea. Gladness to leave the false landmarks and joy to see them disappear, — this disposition helps to precipitate the ultimate harmony."  ​Mary Baker Eddy - ​Science & Health Page 323:32-4