One may easily describe the
general conditions of healing, the experience of becoming open to spiritual power,
of directing this power to the patient through concentration or suggestion, as
well as the physiological process accompanying the mental change. But are we
not a bit hasty when, neglecting the real point at issue, we confidently affirm
that one factor in particular has wrought the cure ? This favorite factor of
ours,—faith, auto-suggestion, telepathy, the prayer of silence, or what not,
—like a drug heralded as a great specific, may have been but the last in a long
chain of helpful causes which played only the culminating part.
The first step, let me repeat, is
to direct the consciousness toward the omnipresent Spirit, to become peaceful,
quiet, poised, master of the situation. When one is thus open and free, one may
turn to the sufferer, and in the same gentle yet strong and stimulating spirit,
envelope him with an atmosphere so powerful that no inharmonious condition either
of mind or body can long withstand it.
The healer is like the person with
good sight who offers kindly assistance to a blind man. The one with good sight
sees the way open before him as he proceeds, and therefore steps along
confidently.
One should not dwell upon symptoms
and doubts, but see the outcome, think of the patient as he ought to be, in
good health, poised, calm, and strong.
The
practice of mental healing did not originate with the Christian Scientists, as
has been claimed, but in the researches and practice of Dr. P. P. Quimby, of Belfast,
Me. (1802-1866), who healed my parents, and also Mrs. Eddy, author of
"Science and Health." See "The True History of Mental
Science," by J. A. Dresser, The Metaphysical Publishing Company, New York,
1887 ; " The Philosophy of P. P. Quimby," by Annetta G. Dresser, Geo.
H. Ellis, Boston, 1895. I have read all of Dr. Quimby' s manuscripts, falsely
reputed to be Mrs. Eddy's "first scribblings," in which the
philosophy of mental healing is expounded for the first time. These
manuscripts, written 1859-65, were the outcome of over twenty years' practice
of mental healing.
But the question is still
persistently asked, "How can I live according to the principles of spiritual
healing among people who have no sympathy with the new principles ?" It is
easy for those who live continuously in the right atmosphere, it is said ; but
how are they to practise the new doctrine who have to meet the opposition of
the world ? The answer is the same as that to be made to any one who attempts
to reform the world, to realize an ideal or live a better life; namely, be true
to your best insight wherever you are. Quietly conform your life to it,
refreshing yourself daily by the thought of the divine oneness, without talking
much about it to people who are unsympathetic. Little by little people will
observe the change, and will manifest far more interest in your new life than
if you tried to convince them of the new truth. People will be impatient with
you sometimes because you refuse to worry or to send for the doctor. But silent
persistence on your part will make its impression some day. It is the life that
tells, and there is no surer way to convince your friends that there really is
something in your new ideas than by actual changes in conduct. It is better, on
the whole, to permit those who delight in dosing to go on their way without
trying to influence them directly.
Learn of your body, therefore, and move forward with its
rhythm. Half our ills are due to impatience. There is an infinite source of
help in simple repose, in the restfulness of the nerves. While one is thus
reposing, from far depths within the spirit shall speak, the Father, the
infinite Love, the Christ. To hear this calmest whispering, this it is to be
healed. To turn from sensation and self to that which owns and transcends all,
this is the supreme endeavor, this suggests the exalted experience our words
would express, if possible, this is the soul's true freedom, this the greatest
joy of life.
From:
METHODS AND PROBLEMS
OF SPIRITUAL HEALING
HORATIO W. DRESSER
1899
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