The Blossom Shines Through the Bud

​

photo credit: Datura Böes

When David Hoffmeister was "called" to go on the road and talk to people about the teachings of A Course in Miracles, he didn't know how he would have the funds to do this. He was told by Spirit that all his needs would be supplied, but he didn't believe that. David is a man with excessive formal education, including knowledge of economics, and so he felt certain that Jesus simply didn't understand how the world worked. We tend to think of people like Buddha and St. Francis and Jesus as being beggars of sorts. They didn't make a lot of money, but trusted in the Universe to provide. David was being asked to rely on Spirit to articulate this new/old curriculum. He was being led to teach using everything available -- music, dance, lectures, gatherings -- to help others express deep Love and peace.  The reign of peace has begun, and many people are fighting against it. Let's not be concerned with that. Let's put our energy where it will grow -- on this peaceful transition. Christ consciousness is coming out of hiding and we're being called to help everyone see (by way of our own sight) that this is not some esoteric thing which must be kept secret. It's to be shouted from the rooftops! Fear not, shine your light, call forth witnesses to this light -- and above all, don't tone down your joy!

“Love giveth to the least spiritual idea might, immortality, and goodness, which shine through all as the blossom shines through the bud.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 518:19-21”

An Angel Entertained Unawares

photo credit: Datura Böes

Have you ever felt a kinship with ​someone which is so perfect that you know you are ​One, united in your very being? Perfect unity precludes conflict, and we feel this perfection with people whom we love no matter whether they agree with our every idea or not. It seems difficult, if not impossible, to feel this wholeness with everyone, especially those who​se ideas​ ​are ​diametrically​ ​​oppose​d​ ​from ​our beliefs.  Today I will ​work on enjoying the middle road ​in​ conversations. If someone wants to talk about​ something which I think is wrong, or foolish, or simply counter to my thought, I will listen with the purpose of understanding, not responding. I will​ try to​ find ways to encourage deep thinking​,​ without jumping up on my high horse and insisting that my way is the only way. It really doesn’t matter what the topic of conversation ​may be​, there is a middle ground to be found and an uplifting dialogue to be had. I want that. I want that a lot.

“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 574:25-30

Hugging

photo credit: Aaron Springston

The single thing I've heard people say they have missed this year is hugging. I have friends who are super-huggers, holding on and passing good vibes until you feel unified. I think it's that connection which is missed by so many of us, don't you? We, the huggers, were used to hugging when greeting each other, no matter if it had been a day or a year since we'd last met. We would run across friends, no matter where, and we'd hug. Events such as a Nitty Gritty Dirt Band concert at the Auditorium could induce mass hugging which, I'm sure, caused the whole building to vibrate in happiness! For months and months, this activity has been impermissible, even though the pull we feel towards each other is magnetic. And so we find other ways to express our joy in meeting one another. I'm rather glad we'll never be shaking hands again, as I always found that to be an odd custom. I prefer the bow to the handshake -- but give me a big hug any day of the week, rather than any other form of greeting! How delightful it was to discover this little video (link below) in an email from our sweet friend, Jim Young! We can still hug trees, we can still feel that connection with All That Is by engaging in this activity, and we can still feel the joy of connection which comes from hugging a living being. Thank you, Jim, for sending us this reminder of how grand it is to hug a tree! Thank you Sarah Wallace Scott for making this video! Much love sent to you this day...

https://youtu.be/2zfgkCdcdtM

Question Authority

 

photo credit: Datura Böes

“Question authority: no idea is true just because someone says so.” Once again, a Facebook meme has captured my attention. This statement has made me question myself and the things I hold to be true. Political unrest is taking center stage in the world and many of us are wondering if we have a comprehensive view of it all. Admittedly​,​ many of us live in a bubble of our own making. We choose friends on the basis of the tribes we associate with — religion, political, special interests. I try to think for myself, to avoid taking gossip for fact, or belief for truth. It’s difficult to admit I could be wrong, but​,​ I remind myself​,​ even Einstein made mistakes. Science is a way of keeping us from fooling ourselves, but it can be misused in the hands of a few. The more it belongs to all of us, the less likely it is to be misused. So let’s all work to stay informed from many sources, to ask questions, and to think for ourselves!

“Truth will correct all errors in my mind. What can correct illusions but the truth? And what are errors but illusions that remain unrecognized for what they are? Where truth has entered​,​ errors disappear. They merely vanish, leaving not a trace by which to be remembered. They are gone because, without belief, they have no life.  And so they disappear to nothingness, returning whence they came.  From dust to dust they come and go, for only truth remains.” A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson 107

Rails to Trails

photo credit: Aaron Springston

Have you heard about the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy? Unused railroad tracks in the United States are being turned into scenic and safe walking trails, 2,209 of them which equal the circumference of the Earth! In Britain, more than 50,000 miles of footpaths are being added to modern maps in order to keep them from disappearing. They join more than 140,000 miles already mapped and preserved. These paths serve walkers, joggers, bicyclers, and those pushing baby carriages and walking dogs. They are safe ways to enjoy nature and get exercise, to walk from school or work, to think and to meditate. As Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard wrote, “I know of no thought so burdensome that one cannot walk away from it.” Walking seems a perfect activity for us during a time of pandemic and worldwide upheaval. Clearing the mind while exercising the body and breathing deeply will surely lead to timely new ways of thinking and a shift in attitude. What a relief!

"Walking in the light, we are accustomed to the light and require it; we cannot see in darkness. But eyes accustomed to darkness are pained by the light. When outgrowing the old, you should not fear to put on the new." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 452:6 

Free Listening

photo credit: Aaron Springston

"Lending an ear, Kip Clark bridges social distance with offer to listen". This was the intriguing title of an article I read today. This man sits on the steps of a building on the campus of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology next to a sign which reads, "Free Listening". In his words, "Listening is at the root of anything good that exists between people. It can have a powerful impact when done with sincerity and presence." Listening is a prominent theme in these days of misunderstanding, and finding ways to hear others weighs heavily on my mind. This man says he offers no advice, but pays attention without judgment, speaking if it seems appropriate, but mainly listening. Even before this time of quarantine and separation, many people felt isolated, and now the feeling is very intense for many. We all can listen with attention and respond when it feels right, allowing communication to create unity. This could pertain to someone who lives in our home, or a friend far away, or the clerk in the food market. I feel excited at the prospect of being a sounding board during these times of immediate response and rebuttal via social media! Who knows what opportunities tomorrow may bring? Perhaps that scammer calling on the telephone needs me to listen? :)

"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. The purification of sense and self is a proof of progress." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 323:32

Hold Thought Steadfastly

​

photo credit: Datura Böes

In looking over past postings, I came across this one I want to ponder at the start of this week. “We do ourselves a great disservice when we let the bitter opinions of others mingle and subvert our own thoughts.” (Dodinsky) This brought to mind one of the Four Agreements as interpreted by Don Miguel Ruiz: “Don’t take anything personally.”  It seems as though these two thoughts summarize exactly what I’m feeling right now. And these ideas remind me of Gandhi’s wisdom: “If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change. As a man changes his own nature, so does the attitude of the world change toward him.” Namastè, dear Friends.

“Hold thought steadfastly to the enduring, the good, and the true, and you will bring these into your experience proportionably to their occupancy of your thoughts." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 261:4-7