Gratitude Earned Within

photo credit: Aaron Springston

How do we release a memory which haunts us? How do we forgive an incident which seems unforgivable? The ultimate understanding is that it never happened; that it's an illusion, a projection of thought from our mortal mind, and nothing more. But how do you see that reality when the seeming-reality keeps coming back, causing you to relive the painful memory of whatever it is? When my mind wants to replay a circumstance in all its glorified pathos, I recognize that I have a choice. I can choose again and not see that person, that event, in a way which causes me to feel yet more pain, anger, sorrow. I can think instead of the goodness, kindness, and love inherent in everyone, and allow its reality to form an image in my thought. I can play lots of games with myself in this way, and perhaps cajole myself out of thinking badly or sadly, but to get to the root of this circular dream, the answer may lie in an idea from A Course in Miracles: "It can be but my gratitude I earn". I take this to mean, in part, that I needn't worry about what anyone else thinks about me. If I am being true to myself, to God, that is enough!

“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.” Mary Baker Eddy- Science & Health Page 323:32-4

Evolving Thought

photo credit: Aaron Springston

Recognition of our unity is a major turning point in our evolution. With the knowledge that everything is connected, that what affects one affects all, we are prompted to stand up and make the change within ourselves that we would like to see in the world. Knowing that there are only two choices, Love or fear, dispels the blindness which has kept us helpless for so long. We have within ourselves the ability to change the world! True evolution is an evolution of consciousness. To wake up from the hypnosis we have allowed ourselves to fall under is a very exciting proposition, don’t you think?  Love is the liberator! Open yourself to divine Mind and live as you were created, accepting your reality as the reflection of Love, allowing Spirit to guide your every action. The time is now!

“The miracle introduces no disorder, but unfolds the primal order, establishing the Science of God’s unchangeable law. Spiritual evolution alone is worthy of the exercise of divine power.” Mary Baker Eddy- Science & Health Page 497:24-27

What Do You Believe is Possible?

Chili Dog

"If you want to change your dog's behavior, you first have to change your belief of what you think is possible." This statement was made by Cesar Milan, a/k/a The Dog Whisperer. I've quoted this mindful man many times in the past, and his words have brought me guidance and comfort. We, as people, tend to hold on to our learned behaviors, keeping ourselves and our animals stuck in place, even as we recognize the need to move forward in thought. Our expectations are powerful hindrances to, or boosts for, upward movement. My dog teaches me many things, but the most important is how I sabotage myself with my fixed way of seeing the actions around and within me. Calm, assertive behavior brings an instant karma which allows Truth to be mirrored forth in both myself and those I see as others!

“When we fully understand our relation to the Divine, we can have no other Mind but His, — no other Love, wisdom, or Truth, no other sense of Life, and no consciousness of the existence of matter or error.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 205:32-3

Coyote Rising

photo credit: Christine Panas

It seems as though complacency breeds turmoil — at least in my life. I remember Kit Shepherd telling an old Native American tale about the coyote biting you in the butt just when you think you understand life. That’s what I’m reminded of when I’m excessively peaceful, and then the coyote rears its smirking head. Ha! Without going into detail, things have become complicated in my immediate vicinity — to the point where the two dogs and two cats living with me feel like needy children clinging to my arms and legs. This is how it felt today from my tumultuous viewpoint. A few minutes ago, I was stressing over the fact that I haven’t chosen music for an hour-long noon-time recital tomorrow at a lovely place called Heart of Many Ways. That caused me to sit down and think about how mindlessly I was reacting to everything which happened today. And, so, I am writing to you to clear my head and center my heart; to listen for divine Mind rather than running around in circles with my monkey mind. After I post this writing, I’m going to go into my music files and quietly say a poem/prayer, then I’ll allow selections to fall into my hands. Life is, indeed, good…

​"​The great miracle, to human sense, is divine Love, and​ ​the grand necessity of existence is to gain the​ ​true idea of what constitutes the kingdom of​ ​heaven in man. This goal is never reached while we​ ​hate our neighbor or entertain a false estimate of anyone whom God has appointed to voice His Word. Again,​ ​without a correct sense of its highest visible idea, we can​ ​never understand the divine Principle. The botanist must​ ​know the genus and species of a plant in order to classify​ ​it correctly. As it is with things, so is it with persons.​"​​ ​Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 561:11-21

Defining Self

Maureen, Kriste-lee, Marsha

We often define ourselves by our jobs, our talents, our looks, our cars, our children — well, the list goes on, doesn’t it? When I closed my beloved art gallery, many people warned me that it would be a huge adjustment, not going there every day and having it as the center of my existence. But it wasn’t! I think that’s because it never defined me. I never thought of myself as being what I was doing. It’s easy to think of ourselves as being a mother, or a mechanic, or any number of things which we do on a daily basis. And there is nothing wrong with that; nothing at all! But I’m very grateful that all the hats I’ve worn in this life are just that: accouterments to Life!

"God is divine Life, and Life is no more confined to the forms which reflect it than substance is in its shadow.” Mary Baker Eddy- Science & Health Page 331:1-3

The Perfect Concept

photo credit: Aaron Springston

Many of us have a hard time seeing ourselves as Love. We may feel there are events in our lives so unlovely that we couldn't possibly be the reflection of divine perfection. Many great sages have taught us how to save ourselves from the horror of past events. Thich Nhat Hanh and Mahatma Gandhi teach us ways to rise above our feelings of guilt. No matter how this advice is worded, it comes down to one basic concept: extend Love to others, to everything and everyone. This is our atonement, to see the Oneness of all that Is and realize that nothing can ever occur which will separate us from divine Love. By giving it to the world, we give it to ourselves and feel major changes within. We can forgive ourselves even as we are forgiven, because we were never condemned.

"Love inspires, illumines, designates, and leads the way. Right motives give pinions to thought, and strength and freedom to speech and action. Love is priestess at the altar of Truth. Wait patiently for divine Love to move upon the waters of mortal mind, and form the perfect concept. Patience must 'have her perfect work.'" Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 454:1

A Timbered Choir

painting by Carol Dickie

 A Timbered Choir by Wendell Berry

"I go among trees and sit still.

All my stirring becomes quiet around me

like circles on water.

My tasks lie in their places where I left them

asleep like cattle.

Then what is afraid of me comes

and lives a while in my sight.

What it fears in me leaves me

and the fear of me leaves it.

It sings and I hear its song.

Then what I am afraid of comes.

I live for a while in its sight.

What I fear in it leaves it

and the fear of it leaves me.

It sings and I hear its song."