Kindness and Joy — no matter what!

 

Miten in the Full Moon

The Dalai Lama has many profound and beautiful messages for us! He speaks of peace and love, reminding us of our true identity in such an unassuming and pure manner. His gleeful words never leave me where they found me, and for this I am most grateful. I remember a video of his entitled "Compassion in Emptiness". In this talk, he addresses the importance of relationships based in honesty and trust. The joyfulness born of these interactions is essential to our liberation from fearful illusions. The trust and honesty he speaks of isn't limited to those who have "earned" it. It isn't limited in ANY way. As we go through our daily activities, let's remember to treat everyone with the loving respect and courtesy with which we would afford a dearly beloved parent or child. May kindness and joy spread to every person you come into contact with today, and everyday. And if you happen to forget what that feels like, find a video of the Dalai Lama and let him remind you!

“If selfishness has given place to kindness, we shall regard our neighbor unselfishly, and bless them that curse us; but we shall never meet this great duty simply by asking that it may be done.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 9:11-14

“Spirit makes use of mind as means to find its Self expression. And the mind which serves the spirit is at peace and filled with joy. Its power comes from spirit, and it is fulfilling happily its function here. Yet mind can also see itself divorced from spirit, and perceive itself within a body it confuses with itself. Without its function then it has no peace, and happiness is alien to its thoughts. A Course in Miracles -  W-96.4:1-5

Joy and Harmony

 

Joy in Costa Rica

A friend who lives on the west coast called to tell me his exciting news: At the age of 76, his last two yearly visits to the optometrist have shown his eyesight to be improving. He also told me he discontinuing cholesterol  medication a few years back because of side effects consisting of back pain and confusion. He was surprised to find out his numbers were going down, rather than the increase his doctor had predicted. He wanted my opinion on why this was happening. I laughed joyfully as I told him what I’ve noticed about him in the last five years: he is a much more laid-back guy now, happier and less worried than when I first met him. He also is gaining an understanding of metaphysics and quantum thought. I told him he needn’t worry about why, but only be grateful and continue his walk on the road of realized consciousness, being aware and joyful each step of the way. I loved hearing his story!

“Truth is affirmative, and confers harmony. All metaphysical logic is inspired by this simple rule of Truth, which governs all reality.” 

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health, Page 418:20-22

“There is no difference between love and joy. Therefore, the only possible whole state is the wholly joyous. To heal or to make joyous is therefore the same as to integrate and to make one. That is why it makes no difference to what part or by what part of the Sonship the healing is offered. Every part benefits, and benefits equally.” 

A Course in Miracles T-5.in.2:3-7. 

Time to Rejoice!

 

David Hoffmeister

These are words gleaned from Ardith Oakes Facebook page, from David Hoffmeister’s book: 

"There is nothing left to seek for in this world when it can be exchanged for another one. No thought of gain or loss, winning or losing, success or failure ever had any meaning. Fantasy is not real and dreaming is not Being One. You are ready to Awaken to Oneness. And as you awaken the whole world awakens as well. For the world was never more than a misperception. As perception becomes whole, the single mind sees only wholeness. At last you are ready to see with Inner Vision, and you realize that physical sight was nothing but the illusion of being in the dark. The Light has come and it is time to rejoice! It is time!" 

David Hoffmeister, "Awakening Through A Course in Miracles"

“Nothing at all has happened but that you have put yourself to sleep, and dreamed a dream in which you were an alien to yourself, and but a part of someone else’s dream. The miracle does not awaken you, but merely shows you who the dreamer is. It teaches you there is a choice of dreams while you are still asleep, depending on the purpose of your dreaming. Do you wish for dreams of healing, or for dreams of death? A dream is like a memory in that it pictures what you wanted shown to you.” 

A Course in Miracles T-28.II.4:1-5

“Ontology receives less attention than physiology. Why? Because mortal mind must waken to spiritual life before it cares to solve the problem of being, hence the author’s experience; but when that awakening comes, existence will be on a new standpoint.” Mary Baker Eddy, Science and Health - Page 556:25-30

Maturity

 

Photo credit: Aaron Springston

I saw the following words today. They are attributed to Rumi. I can find no proof that they are, but I definitely think it is worthy …

Rumi, a 13th century Persian spiritual teacher, was asked:

 What is spiritual maturity?

  1. It's when we stop trying to change others and focus on changing ourselves.

 2. It is when we accept people as they are.

 3. It is when we understand that everyone is correct according to their own perspective.

 4. It is when we learn to “let go”.

 5. It is when we are able to not have "expectations" in a relationship, and we give of ourselves for the pleasure of giving.

 6. It is when we understand that what we do, we do for our own peace.

 7. It's when we stop showing the world how smart we are.

 8. It's when we stop seeking approval from others.

  

 9. It's when we stop comparing ourselves to others.

 10. It is when we are at peace with ourselves.

 11. It is when we are able to distinguish between "need" and "want" and we are able to let go of that want.

 12. Spiritual maturity is gained when we stop attaching "happiness" to material things!Å

Unity of Principle

 

    My son and grandson

To feel Love from a source outside ourselves is impossible. To express a material sense of love is an illusion. God is Love, and we are Its manifestation. Hence, we are Love. The recognition that we ARE Love is liberation in and of itself! Mary Baker Eddy tells us, "Love looseth me and lifteth me a'yont hate's thrall". Can you guess she was a fan of Shakespeare? Old-fashioned language aside, she's saying that Love sets us free, lifting us above and beyond any hate we may perceive. I’ve mostly given up trying to change anyone, and usually I can resist the urge to want to try fix others. I’ve come to see it's my purpose to show the way to freedom by living Truth. Through our actions and words we bring ourselves (and thereby everyone) to the realization that Love is the only reality. To live Love allows a release from past habitual thought and the pain we've chosen. Then there is no need for blame, guilt, nor forgiveness — and we are free!

“With one Father, even God, the whole family of man would be brethren; and with one Mind and that God, or good, the brotherhood of man would consist of Love and Truth, and have unity of Principle and spiritual power which constitute divine Science.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science and Health 

“The mind that serves the Holy Spirit is unlimited forever, in all ways, beyond the laws of time and space, unbound by any preconceptions, and with strength and power to do whatever it is asked. Attack thoughts cannot enter such a mind, because it has been given to the Source of love, and fear can never enter in a mind that has attached itself to love. It rests in God. And who can be afraid who lives in Innocence, and only loves?” A Course in Miracles W-199.2:1-4

Universal Harmony

 

How many times have you felt that we're on the verge of the realization of universal peace and harmony? I know I have a number of times. January 1, 2000 felt like a tipping point. Although I don't remember specific dates other than that one, I know there have been many occasions when it simply "felt like" this was it; that we would forget differences and only remember unity and the fact that we are all One. I felt this again today. Any unrest and dis-ease going on around me seemed like a cry for Love. Really, truly, I saw people reaching out for something secure in a material world full of insecurity and fear. We are all the same in the reality of Spirit. The "reign and rule of universal harmony which cannot be lost nor remain forever unseen" is waiting for us to cast off fear and embrace it!

"Let us learn of the real and eternal, and prepare for the reign of Spirit, the kingdom of heaven,—the reign and rule of universal harmony, which cannot be lost nor remain forever unseen." 

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 208:20-24 

“Prayer is a way to true humility. And here again it rises slowly up, and grows in strength and love and holiness. Let it but leave the ground where it begins to rise to God, and true humility will come at last to grace the mind that thought it was alone and stood against the world. Humility brings peace because it does not claim that you must rule the universe, nor judge all things as you would have them be. All little gods it gladly lays aside, not in resentment, but in honesty and recognition that they do not serve.” A Course in Miracles S-1.V.1:1-5

Clearing Our Vision

 

Passion Flower in Costa Rica

Photo credit: Aaron Springston

A dear friend posted the following on social media today: “My opinion of someone does not alter the truth of who they are.” I was thinking similar thoughts because I had recently been with a friend who limits herself and others severely by her negative opinions of them. It may be as simple as someone “setting her teeth on edge” or “rubbing her the wrong way”, but it made me sad because she is missing some wonderful interactions with others. It may even deprive a person she doesn’t like of what could be a life-changing experience, simply because she doesn’t want them involved in things she is involved with. No, it doesn’t change the truth of who they are, no matter what she thinks, but those of us who respect her feelings are in a tough spot at times. Thinking back, there are many situations such as this. I was once married to a man whose name I couldn’t say around my dad or else he would go off on a tirade about how much he didn’t like him. I can’t presume to know how others should react when confronted with someone they don’t care to be around, but I’ll be watching my own thoughts in similar situations. 

“Child of God, you were created to create the good, the beautiful and the holy. Do not forget this. The Love of God, for a little while, must still be expressed through one body to another, because vision is still so dim. You can use your body best to help you enlarge your perception so you can achieve real vision, of which the physical eye is incapable. Learning to do this is the body’s only true usefulness.” 

A Course in Miracles T-1.VII.2:1-5

“Take away wealth, fame, and social organizations, which weigh not one jot in the balance of God, and we get clearer views of Principle. Break up cliques, level wealth with honesty, let worth be judged according to wisdom, and we get better views of humanity” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 239:5-10