Gratitude

Let’s give each other a chance. Many people are adamant about demonizing anyone who doesn’t think like them, but those are not the majority of the people in the United States. In the past, we have decided not to cooperate with each other, but rather have chosen to jump up on our high horses and insist it’s our way or no way. The time for this nonsense is over and now the healing of our nation must begin. Every one of us has a role to play in this process, and I see us stepping forward to do our duty to our country and each other. There’s a lot of craziness out there (by anyone’s measure!), but we can choose to be kind rather than right. I hope to be an observer rather than a judge, and I encourage everyone to help each other if we slip and fall. But for the time being, I choose joy. The peace which passes all understanding has flowed over and through me this day, and I am grateful.

"The calm and exalted thought or spiritual apprehension is at peace. Thus the dawn of ideas goes on, forming each successive stage of progress." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 506:11

It's Okay...

 J. Clement Wall became my Facebook friend a few years ago. I don't remember how we connected, but it was probably because of her hippie warrior for peace art. Whatever the case, I have shared a number of her artistic images over the years in this blog and on my Facebook page, so you are probably familiar with her. Today she posted something which seems to say exactly what I wish for everyone. And so I send it to you, with thanks to you, Judy! www.judyclementwall.com

"A note to anyone who needs it: It's okay to feel whatever you feel right now. Whether you're feeling angry or conciliatory, hopeful or anxious, happy or sad, you're entitled. This has been a crazy election during a deadly pandemic, in the midst of a bat-shit crazy year. Don't let anyone tell you how you're supposed to feel about any of it. You've earned whatever's happening inside you. Love and hugs, my friends. "

Love is the Liberator

What wondrous freedom we are finding through our recognition of everyone as the expression of divine Love! Recognizing our being as this Creation frees us from hurt feelings and thoughts of retaliation during times when things don't go as we had hoped and expected. I have a dear friend who went through what is traditionally known as a break-up with the woman he was going to marry. He sees this as a natural progression of their relationship, feeling that they had a wonderful time together, that they learned a lot about life, and it's all right if they go their separate ways. I think he feels this way because he knows that Love includes everyone, not just those whose actions we like. This knowledge brings us the freedom to be joyful and allows others the same right! I am very grateful.

“The history of our country, like all history, illustrates the might of Mind, and shows human power to be proportionate to its embodiment of right thinking. A few immortal sentences, breathing the omnipotence of divine justice, have been potent to break despotic fetters and abolish the whipping-post and slave market; but oppression neither went down in blood, nor did the breath of freedom come from the cannon's mouth. Love is the liberator.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science and Health Page 225:14-22

Lend a Helping Hand

If not for Facebook, I wouldn't know of the joys and sorrows acquaintances are experiencing. Many are facing unusual stress and anxiety in their lives. There is the woman whose daughter is in a special needs care facility. She has been beside herself not getting to have regular visits, but now she finds one of the children is ill and has tested positive. She's frightened. There is the man in his 80s, with a double amputation of his legs, whose wife has been admitted to the hospital with the virus. The emotionally-charged election of the past few days has added an unbelievable amount of extra anxiety to these and other people's lives. Let's pay attention and offer a helping hand to our friends who have particular needs -- no matter what they may be.  Record numbers of our fellow humans are experiencing depression and other emotional/mental problems during these times. Even if your friends and neighbors seem to be doing fine, you never know when you can make someone's day, so never be afraid to reach out -- no matter what their political affiliation!

"The miracle of grace is no miracle to Love. Jesus demonstrated the inability of corporeality, as well as the infinite ability of Spirit, thus helping erring human sense to flee from its own convictions and seek safety in divine Science." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 494:15

Show the World All the Love in Your Heart

photo credit: Aaron Springston

When I was in high school and the first year of college, I was in the marching band. It was probably because of this that I became a fan of the football team at those schools. I truly cared how they played the game, and if they lost a big game, I cried. As far as the Razorbacks were concerned, we only played against Texas teams in those days and so the rivalry became state versus state, with them making rude comments about our parentage and backwardness. I quit marching band the first year and also stopped caring who won those games. It seems to me that many people think of political races in the same way they think of sports games: it doesn't matter about individual performances, sportsmanship, or who is best at what they do; it's simply us versus them and we need to win no matter what. I've never been one to jump up and down and support my candidate with the same fervor I supported football teams as a child, but I really wanted Suzie Bell to be our representative in the state legislature. It is disheartening to see people elected to offices simply because they belong to a certain party, or because they're a man, or for reasons which have nothing to do with the future of America. Let's all wake up tomorrow and find some good in the world, and look for ways to make that grow. This Carole King song will help with that. Namaste...

https://youtu.be/R398YOIyqp8

Just Breathe

Aaron in Mongolia - unknown photographer

How many of you feel you've been holding your breath for the longest time? Don't breathe: there are viruses floating around waiting to be inhaled. Don't breathe: something awful is going to happen, but we're not sure what. Don't breathe: our election process seems to have been turned upside down. Don't breathe: social media is out to get you. Don't breathe: the lies will permeate your being and you'll never know what is true and what is not. The year of 2020 seems to have been one of loss and grief. Many of us are suffering the grief of losing loved ones, too many have lost jobs and homes, plus all of the little losses are weighing us down as they accumulate day by day. We grieve for the gatherings we have always enjoyed, which no longer happen: the book clubs, spiritual meetings, coffee shop chitchat, family happenings, plays, ball games, concerts -- too many events to count -- they have been put on hold indefinitely. That is, perhaps, what has affected us the most: the uncertainty of this way of life. Yes, it has been difficult. But something in the air feels expectant, hopeful, even joyous! I know I'm breathing easier with every passing minute. Life is good...

"When the destination is desirable, expectation speeds our progress. The struggle for Truth makes one strong instead of weak, resting instead of wearying one." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 426:8

Vote Sweet Vote

There is something particularly satisfying and joyful about actively campaigning with a candidate you believe can be the change you want to see. Suzie Bell is my hero! An acquaintance is supporting her opponent and when they were asked by a mutual friend why that was, they responded, "Oh, Suzie just wants to save the world." Well, yeah, she does! -- and I'm not sure why they think that's a bad thing. For years, people have been saying they wish there was someone they truly wanted to win (insert political race here); that they're just voting for the least awful choice and are tired of doing so. In this compassionate and intelligent candidate, I've found someone who reflects the values I hold dear. She is giving me a standard with which to compare other public officers, and I'll be watching out for potential leaders of this caliber in the coming years. I don't care who you vote for, just be sure to vote. Vote your heart, vote with your mind, vote from your conscience. Whomever you choose to stand with, be proud! 

"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