Another Road

 

Leatherwood Trail, Eureka Springs, AR

Photo credit: Aaron Springston

Autobiography in Five Short Chapters by Portia Nelson

I.

I walk down the street.

There is a deep hole in the sidewalk

I fall in.

I am lost ... I am helpless.

It isn't my fault.

It takes me forever to find a way out.

II.

I walk down the same street.

There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.

I pretend I don't see it.

I fall in again.

I can't believe I am in the same place

but, it isn't my fault.

It still takes a long time to get out.

III.

I walk down the same street.

There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.

I see it is there.

I still fall in ... it's a habit.

my eyes are open

I know where I am.

It is my fault.

I get out immediately.

IV.

I walk down the same street.

There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.

I walk around it.

V.

I walk down another street.

By: Portia Nelson

Nobody's Right, Everybody's Wrong?

 

November 19, 2021 Lunar Eclipse

unknown origin

Have you noticed it’s impossible to tell what people are pontificating about if they don’t mention names or political parties? When someone is adamantly against something, or self-righteously promoting their agenda, they sound pretty much the same. After realizing this, I’ve started looking at social media posts with an eye to identifying what people are really talking about. There is a forum called What’s Happening Carroll County which I notice occasionally. Today the topic was the Rittenhouse trial and acquittal. I read the comments on this topic and honestly could not tell who was glad he was released and who was not (unless they specifically said this). Everyone appears to have a firm idea of what is right and what is wrong, but the lines seem to be blurred in many cases. I’ve mentioned in the past that I try not to have strong opinions, because it closes my mind to anything else. It could be that we have all decided where we stand on certain issues and are willing to manipulate facts to fit what we believe. Some say that lunar eclipses bring about events which are part of the cosmic plan. Whatever is happening now, it feels important, so I'll pay attention. Namaste…

“Wrong-mindedness listens to the ego and makes illusions; perceiving sin and justifying anger, and seeing guilt, disease and death as real. Both this world and the real world are illusions because right-mindedness merely overlooks, or forgives, what never happened. Therefore it is not the One-mindedness of the Christ Mind, Whose Will is one with God's." A Course in Miracles - Clarification of Terms

Sacrificing Fear?

art by J. Clement Wall 

judyclementwall.com

 Why is it so difficult to let go of something we don't want? No one wants to live in fear, but it seems we've convinced ourselves its necessary for survival. I know I sometimes fall into this trap. The fear-based life going on around us seems to be contagious. I'm tired of living from a place of worry about what-if situations. The confusion which comes from a mind full of crazy scenarios and potentially dangerous situations is not the way I choose to be. ACIM Workbook Lesson #323 says: “I gladly make the 'sacrifice' of fear". So today I am actively giving away these feelings in favor of peace and Love, knowing it becomes easier with every so-called sacrifice of fear.

"Give up your material belief of mind in matter, and have but one Mind, even God; for this Mind forms its own likeness." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 216:30-32

The Good Life

Josh's Dogs

 Most people I know are yearning for a more simple existence, one in which needs are met in nurturing ways. We want real food, grown with love by people we know. We don't want knick-knacks to fill our shelves, but would rather have meaningful objects which bring grace and beauty to our lives. These changes in material trappings exemplify the changes in our thought, whereby we strive to release illusive beliefs in exchange for the new/old ideas of Spirit. Today I will recognize the difference between unnecessary illusions, which only serve to dull my senses, and the palpably glowing Ideas which nourish me.

“Man is the idea of Spirit; he reflects the beatific presence, illuming the universe with light.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science and Health Page 266:27–29

Living Love's Laws

photo credit: Blake Lasater

I have a cousin who made a post to social media about revenge being best served cold. He went on to expound on how to make our “enemies” uncomfortable while they wait to get what they deserve. I am expressing gratitude for the freedom we are finding through our recognition of everyone as the expression of divine Love. Recognizing ourselves 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 has gone 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 he likes. This knowledge brings us the freedom to be joyful and allows others the same right! For which I am thankful!

“God’s being is infinity, freedom, harmony, and boundless bliss.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health 480:3-4

Are We Powerless?

 

Most religious doctrine and non-secular belief propound the idea that we, as humans, are weak, sinful, and powerless. Our interpretation of the language of A Course in Miracles and Mary Baker Eddy could keep us in that belief too, if we are holding onto past perceptions. But we are being asked to release everything we ever knew in order to see ourselves as the actual experience of God. It's very difficult to stop thinking of God as somewhere outside of us, perhaps passing judgment from a throne, and that's why I find it helpful to use some synonyms for Deity. Thinking of myself as a creation of divine Mind, a reflection of divine Love, makes it easier to grasp these concepts without separation. Would I rather see God as an old man in the sky, or as divine Love flowing in and through everything, not as a judgmental figure but as a gentle presence? I know which one brings me peace!

"Mortals must look beyond fading, finite forms, if they would gain the true sense of things. Where shall the gaze rest but in the unsearchable realm of Mind? We must look where we would walk, and we must act as possessing all power from Him in whom we have our being."​ ​Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health  Page 264:7-12

What One Gains is Given to All

 

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #318 topic is: “I came for the salvation of the world". This could be interpreted to mean we should go forth and proselytize, or perhaps that we need to save souls, or something of that sort. It is not. I know a large number of loving, compassionate people who want to save the world. This lesson tells us, "...what one gains is given unto all", and the salvation spoken of is not to be found at some future date, but right here, now, always. Every iota of Truth we accept is a gift to the world. We are all the expression of divine Mind and it only takes a cleansing of ego-based thought to accept this. By our humble yielding, we begin to understand that our salvation lies in this knowledge.

“Millions of unprejudiced minds--simple seekers for Truth, weary wanderers, athirst in the desert--are waiting and watching for rest and drink.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 570:14-17