A Higher Humanity

 

Grotto Springs - photo credit: Aaron Springston

Last year, a North Carolina woman named Michelle Fishburne decided to travel the United States in an RV and talk to people about the pandemic and how it has affected their lives. The project is called, Who We Are Now. She says one word exemplifies the majority of people interviewed: "pluck", which is defined as spirited and determined courage. For instance, a 21-year-old in Columbia, Missouri started a company called Repertoire which has the motto, “Embrace the uncomfortable and walk with purpose.” Ms. Fishburne, the self-employed storyteller says of the people she has met: “They have lifted their heads up from their previously busy lives and they are thinking about, and seeing, and caring about other people. That extends beyond family and friends. Americans are concerned about the well-being of others they’ve never met – including those across party lines. I have heard those five little words – ‘I think about those people’ – over and over again." I look forward to hearing more uplifting stories such as this, don't you?

"The cement of a higher humanity will unite all interests in the one divinity." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 571:19

Decisions, Decisions...

 Thailand - photo credit: Aaron Springston

I can't imagine making the huge decisions world leaders are called upon to make every single moment of every single day. There are too many pros and cons to think about assimilating by yourself. And that's why they need trusted advisors; people who accumulate facts and are able to fairly report them for group discussions which can result in informed decisions. No one is an island. That saying comes to mind often when I see someone who thinks they know everything and no one's opinion other than theirs is of value. We, individually, are a microcosm of the world. We each have decisions to make every day, whether it's something as small as what type of tea to have with breakfast or one of the milestones of life. We watch our city officials struggle with budgets and opinionated city council members, knowing some will side with one and some with another. It's difficult to understand because if we all want what's best for humanity, there simply should not be so much dissention. Maybe our perceptions are colored by the manipulations of the few who are out to pad their pockets with cash, under the guise of helping everyone else. Maybe we're lulled by apathy, thinking somebody will take care of things so why should we pay attention. Whatever the case, we can all hold a higher thought when confronted by injustice. I feel we're at the tipping point of a new world. Don't give up!

"Unconstitutional and unjust coercive legislation and laws, infringing individual rights,  must be 'of few days and full of trouble.' The vox populi, through the providence of God, promotes and impels all true reform; and, at the best time, will redress wrongs and rectify injustice. Tyranny can thrive but feebly under our government. God reigns, and will 'turn and overturn' until right is found supreme." Mary Baker Eddy - Miscellaneous Writings - Page 80

Blooming Love

A thought caught from Thich Nhat Hanh's Facebook Page

 "You can live in such a way that shows compassion is possible in any situation. Set an example, even if it’s a small one; other people can learn from it. The best way to help others lessen their fear, craving, and violence is to show them there is another way. If love has degenerated into hate, it’s possible for you to turn the garbage of that hate into a kind of compost to nourish the flower of love to bloom again."

- Thich Nhat Hanh

Earth's Preparatory School

 

photo credit: Aaron Springston

When sheltering in place became our way of life last March, I felt ready for it because I’d been practicing living that way for quite some time. I happily pulled back into my shell, cozily enjoying the daily life we had made for ourselves on a dead-end street, in the woods of a cool little mountain town. It felt safe and warm and happy. With a smart, witty man in the house, along with the comfort of having a son downstairs — well, I felt like the old song which referenced “two cats in the yard”. And I still feel that way, even though my sparring partner has left this plane of existence. When I got the death certificate today, I had mixed emotions. First I was sad when reading it; then a bit perturbed. They had listed him as married and me as Marsha Wright, surviving. Good grief! But seeing this document brought up many different thoughts and emotions which I hadn’t considered. I won’t go into detail, as I’m sure you either know or can imagine. Then suddenly I realized I was ready for this: I have been practicing all my life for whatever the moment may bring! Laughter really is the best healer, don’t you think? Cheers to you, Kevin, who always loved a good happy accident...

"Earth's preparatory school must be improved to the utmost. In reality man never dies. The belief that he dies will not establish his scientific harmony. Death is not the result of Truth but of error, and one error will not correct another." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 486

More Alike Than Unalike

 Human Family by Maya Angelou

"I note the obvious differences

in the human family.

Some of us are serious,

some thrive on comedy.

Some declare their lives are lived

as true profundity,

and others claim they really live

the real reality.

The variety of our skin tones

can confuse, bemuse, delight,

brown and pink and beige and purple,

tan and blue and white.

I've sailed upon the seven seas

and stopped in every land,

I've seen the wonders of the world

not yet one common man.

I know ten thousand women

called Jane and Mary Jane,

but I've not seen any two

who really were the same.

Mirror twins are different

although their features jibe,

and lovers think quite different thoughts

while lying side by side.

We love and lose in China,

we weep on England's moors,

and laugh and moan in Guinea,

and thrive on Spanish shores.

We seek success in Finland,

are born and die in Maine.

In minor ways we differ,

in major we're the same.

I note the obvious differences

between each sort and type,

but we are more alike, my friends,

than we are unalike.

We are more alike, my friends,

than we are unalike.

We are more alike, my friends,

than we are unalike."

Sunshine and a Promise of Spring

 ​

painting by Carol Dickie

What a difference a day makes! Sunshine and temperatures well above freezing have put a smile on everyone's face here in the Ozarks. I can't remember how many gray days we've had, but I think it's around ten or so. But today -- oh, my, how wonderful! To see people walking dogs and happily calling out to each other; watching driveways and paths being shoveled; cars driving to open markets and restaurants -- wow! I've always been grateful for times of need, because times of plenty are so appreciated when they reappear. I look around my home, and seeing Kevin's handiwork brings great big smiles and a heart expanding with gratitude for the joy and wonder he brought to my life. The great, huge dogs he left with me are something I didn't plan on ever having again, but I'm happy they're here. The sorrow I felt at his passing is being embraced as a complement to the joy I feel today. Making music at my two churches was joyful, and I was surprised at how pleased I was to do it today. Contentment, peace, happiness -- Life is Good and I Am grateful...

“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

Countering Sorrow With Joy

 

photo credit: Richard Quick

What do we do about all the horrible situations we hear about? Whether it's a weather-related event, racial injustice, starving/mistreated children -- it's tempting to look at these things and wonder to ourselves how we can possibly feel good when so many are suffering. Wayne Dyer told us that we can't feel bad enough to make anyone feel better; we can't be confused enough to unconfuse one person; we can't get sad enough to bring joy to a single being on this planet. These statements were made in a talk having to do with wanting to feel good, and they can be found in his book The Secrets of the Power of Intention. Our intentions multiply, so when we hear about an injustice and become depressed or overwhelmed by the situation, we are doing nothing to assist those in need, but we are doing something to bring sadness into our own lives. I know one dear woman who cares so much for the earth and its inhabitants that she cries every day, more than once, when she hears tragic stories about us. This is what Wayne Dyer means when he says, "You can't feel bad enough to make anyone's life better." Lowering our own vibrational energy lowers everyone's, and raising our level of joy affects the world in kind. There are many things we can do physically to help those in need, and we will find our individual ways to do so. But as many well-known seers have said in different ways: When we change the way we look at things, the things we look at change. 

"In the spirit of Christ's charity, -- as one who 'hopeth all things, endureth all things,' and is joyful to bear consolation to the sorrowing and healing to the sick, -- she commits these pages to honest seekers for Truth." from the preface of Science & Health by Mary Baker Eddy