May 1, 2015 - The Forgiving Mind

"White River in Beaver, Arkansas"
photo from Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #121

“Forgiveness is the key to happiness.”

We are told in today’s ACIM lesson that “forgiveness is the key to happiness”. The unforgiving mind is sad, torn with doubt, confused, afraid, angry, weak, blustering, afraid of every sound and more afraid of stillness; terrified of darkness, but more so of approaching light. Recently I went with a friend to see the movie “Cinderella”. It was a visual treat, full of fun transitions and beautiful scenes. The wicked stepmother and her daughters exhibited all of the characteristics of an unforgiving mind, while Cinderella held to what her mother had taught her: courage and kindness. Because of her loving disposition and compassion, she was shown the way out of drudgery by a fairy godmother. In the final scene, she tells her stepmother she forgives her and, of course, lives happily ever after. Some people think of this as a silly story, something made up in order to give ourselves false hope, but I’ve seen some real-life fairy tales in action. When I attend an event and feel wicked-stepmother energy and sweet-princess energy, I’m going to go sit by Cinderella!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The depth, breadth, height, might, majesty, and glory of infinite Love fill all space. That is enough!

Science & Health Page 520:3-5

April 30, 2015 - All is Well

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Lesson #120

Review of:

#109 "I rest in God."

#110 "I am as God created me."

A friend recommended that I read, Dying to be Me: My Journey from Cancer, to Near Death, to True Healing by Anita Moorjani. Although this title would be sufficient to turn me away from it when seen on a book shelf, I trust my friend and immediately delved into this beautiful story. One of the important points made in the book is something that is recognized in our studies: Sickness is not your fault. Often new-age teachings tell us that past thoughts and actions create karma which returns to you in terrible ways. Ms. Moorjani assures us that this is not the case. Although many factors may be involved in physical illness, blaming yourself and seeking absolution has nothing to do with true healing. The recognition that you are pure Love, the knowledge that you are connected to everything, the joy which comes from acceptance of yourself just as you are -- this understanding of your being is what allows the body to be well. It doesn't matter what caused it, what "stage" the problem has advanced to, what mortal predictions are on the table -- nothing matters but the acceptance of yourself as a product of Love. When feeling the purity of Oneness, all material thought must be silenced. We can stop striving and start Being. When slipping into this space of pure Love, nothing else matters. And all is well.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Mortal mind must part with error, must put off itself with its deeds, and immortal manhood, the Christ ideal, will appear.”

Science & Health Page 430:3-5

April 29, 2015 - Correcting Error?

photo courtesy of Chris Fischer

ACIM Lesson #119 Review of: #107 "Truth will correct all errors in my mind." #108 "To give and to receive are one in truth."

It seems there are any number of errors to correct in this world. It’s quite a relief to discover that I only need to correct them in my mind, not in the fearful and angry minds I witness around me. If I look at these actions with horror, or disgust, or anger, or fear, I have become a part of them and share in them. If I look on others as Love, there is forgiveness. By making such statements in public, I run the risk of someone telling me I don’t know what I’m talking about — and, perhaps, they won’t be using words quite so kind! There is a young woman who makes video talks about these teachings. Today I witnessed someone attack her in the comments section of youtube. If the speaker and the listeners are willing to give this man energy in retaliation and defense, we are accepting this attack within ourselves. If we give him forgiveness and love, honoring him as he is, where he is in thought, realizing we are all One in Truth, then we give this back to ourselves. Therein lies correction!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Because Truth is infinite, error should be known as nothing. Because Truth is omnipotent in goodness, error, Truth's opposite, has no might.”

Science & Health Page 329:21-24

April 28, 2015 - Peace, Stillness, Truth

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Course in Miracles Lesson #118 Review of: #105 "God's peace and joy are mine." #106 "Let me be still and listen to the truth."

When our minds are busy with worries and repetitive thoughts, when we're voicing our concerns either orally or mentally, it's very difficult to hear the still, small voice of Truth. This is why I always recommend meditation for people who tell me they’re having problems sleeping. Not only must the mind be quiet for easy, peaceful falling into sleep, but the last thoughts we think before sinking into this other-worldly abyss are very important! We have been told by material practitioners of various disciplines that sound sleep is necessary for good health; that it facilitates healing in on-going ways which are necessary to our well-being. I've always felt this is true because we need to be quiet to hear the ever-present voice of Truth, which is often drowned out by the constant chatter we allow into our heads. This listening mode of being is essential to health, because this health we speak of comes from listening to our true Self rather than the material beliefs of the ages.  Silencing our lips and thoughts to materialism allows Love to replace error, then peace and joy reign supreme in our existence. What a lovely byproduct!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Lips must be mute and materialism silent, that man may have audience with Spirit, the divine Principle, Love, which destroys all error.”

Science & Health Page15:11-13

April 27, 2015 - God = Love = Happiness!

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Lesson #117

Review of: #103 "God, being Love, is also happiness." #104 "I seek but what belongs to me in truth."

Nothing can be imaged forth in form unless it exists in consciousness. What??  I know, I know. You may say you had never heard of such and such disease until you got it. Well, collective consciousness counts, too. Yikes! So how do we keep from contracting every disease and imaging forth all the horrors of the world? This is exactly what Gary Renard tells us in "The Disappearance of the Universe" and what Mary Baker Eddy means by "there is no life, truth, intelligence, nor substance in matter". When we put more faith in matter than Spirit, then, yes, we are subject to every little quirk of the universe. But the realization of Truth puts us under no government but that of divine Mind, God. It may seem that it would be impossible to come out from under the tent of materiality in favor of Spirit. I've had enough glimpses to know it is indeed very possible. But it takes work. When you listen to detailed stories of disease, it become embedded in consciousness. I'm never surprised when something jumps out of that vast forever, but I do negate it in thought -- to the best of my ability. And practice does make perfect, so I won't give up!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“...God is Love, and without Love, God, immortality cannot appear. Mortals try to believe without understanding Truth; yet God is Truth.”

Science & Health Page 312:16-19

April 26, 2015 - Happiness is the Way!

Marsha at Film Festival
photo courtesy of Jay Vrecenak

ACIM Lesson #116

Review of: #101 "God's Will for me is perfect happiness." #102 "I share God's Will for happiness for me."

As sage words tell us: There is no way to happiness; happiness is the way. I’ve had a lovely time at our local Independent Film Festival! It’s wonderful to see old friends again. I’ve been hermit-ing for the last few months, enjoying solitude after a change in my physical circumstance in December. Many people are surprised that I’m this happy after losing a lower extremity, but I hold to the perfect happiness which is mine as the experience and expression of God. Happiness and peace never change, and when my ego tries to tell me otherwise, that misperception is quickly corrected when I allow it to be. For the ability to see past material belief, I am very grateful!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Upon this stage of existence goes on the dance of mortal mind. Mortal thoughts chase one another like snowflakes, and drift to the ground. Science reveals Life as not being at the mercy of death, nor will Science admit that happiness is ever the sport of circumstance."

Science & Health Page 250:28-1

April 25, 2015 - Changing Thought

photo from Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #115

Review of:  #99 "Salvation is my only function here." #100 "My part is essential to God's plan for salvation."

Imagine a world with no pain, no war, no lack. This is the world presented in a marvelous movie called, "The Giver". This scenario seems Utopian on the surface, but no one sees colors, or feels love, or knows joy. This world of sameness is set up to eliminate envy and greed, as these are feelings that lead to conflicts and war.  Jeff Bridges plays the giver of memories, as no one else knows the memories of past horrors or wonders. What do you think? Would it be worth it to have a perfectly comfortable and predictable world with no highs nor lows? Is this what we're trying to create for ourselves in giving drugs to anyone who steps outside of the so-called norm in society? What are we creating in our efforts to make everyone socially acceptable? Do you think the media is part of this plot to make sameness the only way to go? I feel like I'm asking you questions in an Oprah book club or something similar! This movie asks us: Is all the pain worth the glimpses of love we may experience.  I know many of us are willing to give up our belief in a hellish world of pain and reach within for heaven. I can see that many of us are finding bliss no matter what the outer circumstance, but a lot of people are frightened and resistant. We can't change anyone else, but we can change our own thought. If we really are One, this makes a difference!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Now is the time for so-called material pains and material pleasures to pass away, for both are unreal, because impossible in Science. To break this earthly spell, mortals must get the true idea and divine Principle of all that really exists and governs the universe harmoniously.” Science & Health Page 39:21-27