Spiritual Healing
Spiritual healing is an important phase of the work of The
Rosicrucian Fellowship. Healing is accomplished with the aid of the
Invisible Helpers, who are sufficiently advanced in evolution to be able
to leave their physical bodies and function on the spiritual planes at
night. They are under the guidance of the Elder Brothers of the Rose
Cross.
The Healing Department is the office of The Rosicrucian
Fellowship through which healing requests are channeled, and any person in
any part of the world may apply for healing to the Healing Department. He
contacts the healing force through his application and through successive
weekly letters which maintain his connection with the Invisible Helpers.
This work is conducted on the freewill offering basis. To
be placed on the Healing List, address as follows: The Rosicrucian
Fellowship, Healing Department, P.O. Box 713, Oceanside, California,
92054-0112 U.S.A.
The New Hygiene
The Rosicrucian motto, "A sane mind, a soft heart, a sound
body," implies the harmonious coordination of mind, soul, and body in a
balanced whole, so that sound mentality, brotherly love, and good health
combine to make life a continual adventure of buoyant hopes and
aspirations to live according to the highest ethics.
One writer and physician defines health as a condition
that makes possible the highest enjoyment of life and the greatest
constructive work, and that shows itself in the best service to the world.
He adds, "It involves keeping the body and mind at the highest levels,
living at one's best and not being satisfied with mere absence from
sickness. Health may be defined as the quality of life that renders the
individual fit to live most and serve best."
Health is a quality that lifts, inspires, and urges one on
toward effort and achievement. To develop this balance, the three primary
factors -- right thoughts, right actions, and right foods -- must become
part of daily life.
Factors Determining the Selection of Food
Many factors determine the selection of food. No two
people are alike; hence, "One man's food is another man's poison." The
kinds and amounts of foods required are influenced by many conditions,
such as height, weight, climate, season, rate of metabolism, state of
health, condition of the glands, individual temperament, age, rate of
growth of children, amount of exercise, and amount of sleep.
Another important factor which is often called "the
psychology of digestion" includes the state of mind at the time of eating
and the enjoyment derived from the food. Never eat solid food while under
emotional strain such as worry, fear, or anger, or while very tired, cold,
or otherwise uncomfortable. Food, to be beneficial, must be thoroughly
assimilated. While tastes for certain foods must often be acquired, an
aversion to any particular food is sometimes a natural warning against
that food or combination of foods. It must be remembered, however, that
taste is the result of training and habit, and every healthy person can
and should learn to eat all vegetables and fruits.
As the science of dietetics progresses, more diseases are
being included in the class of nutritional disorders. It is now a
well-recognized fact that chronic cases, for example, of asthma, hay
fever, catarrh, skin diseases, etc., respond to correct diet. No diets can
be given offhand, however, as "food tests" must be made and the diet
planned according to the patient's needs and idiosyncrasies. A well
balanced diet is safest for healthy people, as it contains combinations of
all elements necessary for maintaining health.
Food Requirements of the Body
The average proportions of food principles in a good diet
are: carbohydrates, 60 percent; fats, 25 percent; and protein, 15 percent.
In addition, for the regulation of body processes, there must be minerals,
vitamins, water, and cellulose. The general outline given below may prove
helpful in planning a balanced diet according to individual needs.
Food Constituents
I. CARBOHYDRATES
1. Function: to produce heat and energy. 2. Sources: sugars and
starches; sugar cane, beets, sweet fruits, honey, cereals, breadstuffs,
potatoes, and starchy vegetables.
II. FATS
1. Function: to produce heat and energy. 2. Sources: butter,
cream, vegetable oils, olive oil, nuts, nut products, cotton seed oil
products, chocolate, coconut, avocado.
III. PROTEIN
1. Function: to build and repair tissue. 2. Sources: milk,
cheese, eggs, nuts, legumes, cereals, avocados.
Minerals (Cell, Tissue, or Food Salts)
Minerals are vital for health and well-being. Although
only small quantities are found in the physical body, each has special
functions of importance. They promote life in every cell and fluid.
Indeed, without minerals, vitamins cannot perform their work and good
health cannot be maintained. In preparing grains and vegetables it is
essential to avoid excessive heat. Use a minimum of water and cover
saucepans with air-tight lids to prevent oxidation during cooking and
retain nutrients and precious minerals.
CALCIUM: promotes cell life and growth; forms matrix for
tooth and bone develop-ment; supplies endurance and vitality; keeps water
in the body, sunshine necessary for proper utilization. Sources: fruits,
vegetables, cheese, egg yolk, milk, kelp, walnuts, sesame seeds.
CHLORINE: body cleanser, purifier, digestive aid, waste
eliminator. Sources: cheese, coconut, cow milk, goat milk, salt.
FLUORINE: germ killer; forms tooth enamel, bone knitter;
strengthens entire body. Sources: Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower,
cheese, egg yolk, goat milk, tomatoes, watercress.
IODINE: active in stimulating normal cell and gland action;
beneficial to nerves. Sources: asparagus, carrots, dulse, garlic, grapes,
Irish moss, mushrooms, pineapple, baked potatoes, watercress.
IRON: body's janitor; carries oxygen from lungs to blood -
forming part of the hemoglobin molecule; gives vitality, magnetism and
"pep." Sources: dried fruits, leafy green vegetables, legumes, brewers'
yeast, wholegrain cereals, egg yolk, blackstrap molasses, nuts.
MAGNESIUM: nature's laxative; promotes building of nerve
cells; steadies nerves-aids well-being. Sources: whole grains, wheat germ,
berries, corn, coconut, figs, dandelion, barley, grapefruit, oranges,
peanuts, nuts.
MANGANESE: acts as brain and nerve food; coordinates proper
transmission of nerve impulses. Sources: bananas, dandelion, eggs, endive,
leafy vegetables, mint, nearly all nuts, parsley, peas, honey, senna
leaves, watercress, whole grains.
PHOSPHORUS: builds brain and bone; thought builder; aids
hair and teeth growth; stimulates body functions. Sources: beans, cheese,
cloves, corn, dulse, egg yolk, grapes, honey, Irish moss, kelp, lentils,
lima beans, milk, nuts, agar, onions, pineapple, sage, sugar cane juice.
POTASSIUM: necessary for proper functioning of the blood,
liver and spleen; controls muscular system; promotes sleep. Sources:
fruits, whole grains, leafy vegetables, figs, grapes, green peppers, lima
beans, honey, green lettuce, mint, parsley, Swiss chard, watercress,
watermelon, tomatoes.
SILICON: powerful antiseptic -- acts as body's surgeon;
promotes resistance to infection; sharpens hearing; polishes and hardens
bones and teeth; gives sparkle to eyes, gloss to hair. Sources: apricots,
asparagus, barley, cabbage, cucumbers, figs, lettuce, oats, parsnips,
rice, spinach, strawberries, tomatoes.
SODIUM: maintains elasticity of the connective tissue;
alkaline and curative agent, dissolves mineral deposits, blood purifier
and builder; promotes digestion; gives strength and endurance. Sources:
asparagus, beets, black figs, carrots, celery, cheese, cucumbers, egg
yolk, honey, lima beans, okra, pumpkin, turnips, strawberries, string
beans, wheat germ.
SULPHUR: promotes good skin tone, strengthens hair and
nails; nervous system benefic; increases bile flow; Amuses liver Sources
asparagus, beans, bran, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, figs, carrots,
cauliflower, celery, chestnuts, kale, kohlrabi, leeks, mustard greens,
onions, peas, radishes, rutabagas, wild rice.
Vitamins
Vitamins serve as body regulators They are not food
elements but permeate and vitalize foods which otherwise lack
health-promoting qualities. These substances have a special affinity for
organic minerals carrying the Sun force -- the life principle of food.
Each vitamin performs specific functions --only small quantities are
required but a deficiency may prove disastrous and it is essential to eat
unrefined quality foods which supply the nutrients known to aid in better
health and strength. Vitamins are not substitutes for vitamin- rich foods.
A balanced diet of fruits, grains, and vegetables is necessary for
greatest benefit from vitamin and mineral supplements. Vitamins are found
in greatest concentration beneath the skin of fruits and vegetables and
are unnecessarily lost when these skins are not utilized in food
preparation.
VITAMIN A gives a smooth skin; normal vision; resists and
disease; promotes growth and longevity; stored in the body for use as
needed; depletes rapidly under strain and stress. When cooking, it is
imperative to use a pan with a tight-fitting lid; season just before
serving to retain vitamin. Sources: fruits, green and yellow vegetables,
leafy greens, peas, prunes, egg yolks, pumpkin, green beans, soybeans,
squash, tomatoes.
VITAMIN B COMPLEX best known of this family are:
Vitamin B-1 (Thiamine) spark plug or "pep" vitamin.
Vitamin B-2 (Riboflavin) for longevity; skin and eye
beauty.
Niacin -- for healthy skin, blood and digestion.
Vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine) nerve soother; restful sleep.
Pantothenic Acid -- prevents tooth decay; delays age
changes; food allergies.
Folic Acid -- anti-anemic vitamin.
Inositol -- keeps arteries and hair young.
Biotin -- for energy and mental health in later life.
Cholin -- for liver health; aids fat digestion and gall
bladder.
Thus we realize the importance of each vitamin in the B
complex and their correlation to better health. Sources: bran, buttermilk,
cheese, yellow corn meal, dried dates, egg yolk, honey, green lima beans,
mushrooms, nuts, peanuts, raisins, beet greens, leafy greens,
whole-grains, rice bran, rice polishings,
buckwheat-cotton-seed-peanut-soybean-whole wheat flours.
VITAMIN C (Ascorbic Acid) promotes growth: maintains
connective tissue; aids tooth and bone formation; protects blood cell
walls; overcomes infections. Needs replenishing daily; lost rapidly in
exposure to room temperature -- less when refrigerated. To prevent vitamin
loss, cook in a tightly-covered container over a low heat using small
amounts of liquid; never use soda when cooking and refrain from thawing
frozen foods before cooking. Acid fruits and vegetables lose less vitamin
C than non-acid, even during canning; non-acid lose nearly all vitamin C
in that process. Sources: fruits including citrus, leafy green vegetables,
turnips, pure honey, pineapple, rose hips, tomatoes, yellow vegetables.
VITAMIN D is an essential for metabolism of calcium and
phosphorus; promotes growth during childhood; aids growth, bone and teeth;
nerve relaxer. Sources butter, egg yolk, milk. Non-food sources: sunshine
and irradiation. Vitamin D is needed daily to supply the minimum
requirement. Non-dairy sources: sprouted seeds, mushrooms, sunflower
seeds, green leafy vegetables.
VITAMIN E (Tocopherol) is indispensable to growth and
function of reproductive glands and organs; strengthens heart muscles;
believed to destroy scar tissue; repairs and strengthens cells; good for
skin. Vitamin E is not harmed in cooking or storing, but is quickly
destroy when rancid. Sources: germ of all cereal grains, alfalfa, avocado,
carrots, whole corn, egg yolk, leafy vegetables, coconut-olive-wheat
germ-soybean oils.
VITAMIN F (Fats) provide energy; carrier of vitamins;
surrounds, protects, and holds in place kidneys, heart, liver, etc.
Preserves body heat in temperature changes; prolongs digestive process. An
excess causes weight gain, obesity, and indigestion by slowing digestion
and absorption. Best stored in covered containers away from direct light
in cool place. Sources: avocados, eggs, cotton-seed -- peanut -- safflower
--sesame-soybean oils.
VITAMIN G assists in prevention of pellagra and its
symptoms. Sources: legumes, milk, green vegetables.
VITAMIN K is necessary for blood coagulation. Sources:
leafy green vegetables, beet and carrot tops, yogurt, acidophilus, Swiss
chard.
VITAMIN P (Rutin) gives healthy skin and arteries; normal
blood pressure, prevents strokes. Sources: lemon and orange peel, green
peppers.
VITAMIN U is so named for its beneficial action on ulcers.
Sources: raw cabbage juice, celery, fresh greens, raw egg yolk, some
vegetable fats. Sensitive to heat, none in cooked foods.
Water
1. Functions: to dissolve nutritive materials thus making
absorption possible; to prevent constipation; to keep mucous membranes
soft; to aid in regulating body temperatures; to form an essential
constituent of tissue cells and body fluids, such as blood, lymph, and
digestive juices.
2. Sources: distilled water and fruit juices are the best
sources. Only water that is free from lime and magnesia compounds should
be used, as the deposit of these in the system causes hardening of the
arteries and tissues, commonly known as "old age." If much mineral deposit
has been going on in the past one meal a day should be omitted and
buttermilk or grape juice substituted, as both act as solvents of
calcareous material. Drink plenty of pure water between meals.
Cellulose (Roughage)
1. Function: to produce bulk for cleaning intestines by
stimulating peristalsis.
2. Sources: bran, whole cereals, fresh vegetables, fruits.
Nutrition
Good nutrition implies a moderate food supply which
furnishes every essential substance needed by the body in the right
proportions. Some of the factors which result in poor nutrition are:
1. Insufficient amounts and improper kinds of foods.
2. Physical defects, such as poor teeth, infected tonsils,
enlarged adenoids.
3. Faulty habits of eating and living which include: lack
of fresh air and sunshine; inattention to personal cleanliness; unpleasant
surroundings; unwholesome mental attitudes; too little recreation;
improper elimination
Menu Planning
A carefully planned and balanced menu for each meal may
consist of the following:
BREAKFAST -- Orange juice or fresh fruit and a few almonds
may form the morning meal for persons of sedentary habits who rise late
and lunch early. Those who lead a strenuous life may fortify themselves by
a well-selected breakfast consisting of fruit or fruit juices, cereal,
alternating with egg and whole wheat bread, and a beverage. The fruit
should be preferably oranges, grapefruit, or fresh fruit in season. Stewed
or dried fruit may be substituted frequently.
DINNER -- Soup, a meat substitute, one cooked vegetable,
potato or whole rice, raw salad, and a light dessert may compose the
dinner. The dinner soup is usually a clear soup or consomme, but may be
omitted altogether unless there is special need for stimulating the
appetite or for warmth.
LUNCHEON OR SUPPER -- Soup, raw salad, cottage cheese, one
slice whole wheat toast, and a dessert may constitute the supper; or, such
foods as compensate for any dietary deficiency which may have occurred in
the other two meals may be used.
The following classification of foods will be found
helpful in planning meals:
Body Builders
MUSCLE-FORMERS (Protein): Milk, eggs, cheese, nuts, legumes
(Peas, beans; lentils).
BONE-FORMERS: Milk, whole cereals, vegetables, fruits.
BLOOD-FORMERS: Vegetables, especially green leafy ones, egg
yolk, bran and whole cereals, fruits.
Fuels (For Heat and Energy)
FATS AND OILS: Butter, cream, olive and other oils, nuts.
STARCHES: Cereals, potatoes, breads.
SUGARS: Cane, beet, maple, fruits, sweets.
PROTEINS: Milk, cheese, eggs, nuts, legumes.
Body Regulators
VITAMINS: Whole cereals, milk, eggs, vegetables, fruits.
BULK (Cellulose): Coarse vegetables, bran, and whole
cereals.
Meat Substitutes
Foods that may be used in place of meat include legumes,
nuts, cheese, eggs, milk and avocados. Vegetables and cereals contain
protein in lesser amounts. Nuts, with the exception of pecans, are very
rich in this food principle, while pine nuts and almonds contain protein
in larger percentage than does meat itself. The soy bean is more than a
substitute for meat. It is rich in lime, and contains vitamins that meat
lacks; its protein is "complete."
It is very evident that one need have no fear of suffering
from lack of protein when meat is left out of the diet.
Reasons for Abstaining from Meat
1. The lower animals are evolving Spirits, have
sensibilities, and are animated by the life of God. We must help instead
of hinder their evolution.
2. Vegetables have greater sustaining, strengthening, and
energy-giving power than meat, and require less energy for assimilation.
3. Meat is full of toxins and products of decay, also
quantities of waste products of the slain animal, such as uric acid.
4. Vegetable proteins are not subject to putrefaction
within the intestines as are meat proteins.
5. Our cells are built from the food we eat, and we partake
of the characteristics of that material of which our physical bodies are
composed.
6. Spiritual development is much more difficult with the
lowered vibrations caused by the utilization of the flesh of animals.
Food Additives and Stimulants (Coffee, Tea,
Cocoa)
A dogmatic statement in regard to the use of these
beverages may antagonize many persons, as views concerning the effect
often are conflicting. It is unquestionably true that to some persons
coffee is a poison, causing toxic conditions, disordered digestion, and
nervous disturbances. On the other hand, some persons drink it without any
bad effects. The same may be said of tea and cocoa. It is unwise to say
that these products will harm no one. The methylated purines found in
coffee are approximately 3 to 9 grains, in tea, 6 to 8 grains, and in
cocoa more than 4 grains per ounce.
Alcohol
Many years ago nearly all medical authorities taught that
alcohol was a food, a stimulant, a remedy of the highest value. Today all
this is changed. The result of laboratory researches conducted to deter
mine the nature of alcohol and its effects upon the human body has
completely upset and reversed the old beliefs and teachings.
Alcohol presents a social problem and will be settled only
by education. What are the facts regarding its effects upon health? They
are seen in the nervous system; the digestive tract and circulatory system
show impaired changes from its use. The external effects of alcoholism
show in irritability, increased susceptibility to disease, and lowered
vitality. Alcohol is not a food (it burns too fast for the human machine);
it poisons the highest centers and sets free the lowest instincts in man
by impairing the controls of the brain.
Esoteric students know that those who use alcohol cannot
function in the higher worlds because with the lowered vibrations produced
by its use the pituitary body and pineal gland cannot be set in motion, as
they function through the higher ethers.
Tobacco
It has been shown that there are other constituents than
nicotine to consider when viewing tobacco from a health angle. There are,
for instance, gases of ammonia, pyridine derivatives, and carbon monoxide
-- all harmful -- although nicotine is probably the most injurious. The
youth who looks forward to excellence in athletics, achievement in
business or professions, or to self-control, will select his habits as
carefully as he does his friends, his food as carefully as his facts, and
will not do anything that he knows is injurious to body and mind. Smokers
find that they become nervous, lose their appetite for wholesome food,
show a distinct loss in efficiency, and a loss of spiritual powers.
Spices and Condiments
The taste for condiments is altogether an acquired one. It
is true these substances may be used in extremely minute quantities for a
long time without apparent injury, but their free use finally irritates
the stomach, damages the liver and kidneys, and many contribute to high
blood pressure and hardening of the arteries. Spices and condiments are
not foodstuffs in the ordinary sense, but stimulate the desire body and
passions. Those that contain irritating oils are mustard, horseradish,
pepper, and other spices.
Salt
When salt is used in small quantities no evidence of
serious injury is apparent; however, when used too liberally it produces
various disorders of nutrition and overworks the kidneys. In certain forms
of disease salt may be wholly excluded from the diet by order of the
physician.
Acid-Base Balance in Foods
Foodstuffs may yield either an acid or a basic ash.
Acidity or alkalinity of foods means the reaction which they will
ultimately yield after being burned in the body. The acids of most fruits
are so utilized in the body that an alkaline or basic ash results. Some
other foods, such as cereals and meat, not acid in taste, are strongly
acid when their final products reach the blood.
The human body always maintains a slightly alkaline
reaction in the blood and tissues regardless of the diet. If the food has
been potentially acid, however, the disposal of the excess will result in
a strongly acid urine. This indicates an excess of acid in the blood and
tissue-fluids which is likely to cause kidney and blood vessel disease, a
tendency to common colds, gout, and other ailments.
To keep the body in a state of health and high resistance
to disease, the normal alkalinity of the blood and tissue-fluids must be
maintained. This can be done by a neutral or slightly basic diet, which
means avoiding an excess of acid-producing foods. By referring to the
following list a diet may be so selected as to balance the acid-base
factors.
Alkaline-Producing Foods
Lima Beans, Dates, Spinach and other Greens, fresh Beets,
Milk, Molasses, Raisins, Almonds, Parsnips, Coconuts, Pineapple, Sweet
Potatoes, Plums, Cabbage, Bananas, Oranges, Tomatoes, Lemons, String
Beans, Peas, Cottage Cheese, Watercress, Carrots, Figs, Rutabagas,
Turnips, Cucumbers, Apples, Pears, Radishes, Onions, Peas, Celery, Melons,
Squash, Lettuce, Potatoes, Peaches, Mushrooms, Grape Juice
Acid-Producing Foods
Meats, Corn, Fish and Shell Fish, Walnuts, Poultry,
Cheddar Cheese, Cereals, Breads, Flour Products, Egg Yolks, Barley, Rice,
Spaghetti, Butter, Lentils, Peanuts, Cranberries, Prunes, Rhubarb, Pastry,
Macaroni
Neutral Foods
Tapioca, Cream, Cornstarch, Honey, Natural Syrup
Acidosis
Acidosis relates to a condition of the body in which acids
are predominant.
There are two forms of acidosis: true acidosis which is
often called acid condition, referred to above; and relative acidosis,
caused by improper combustion and assimilation of fats, which is
counteracted by a low fat diet.
The ash results of prunes, cranberries, and rhubarb are
alkaline in nature, but because of the unoxidizable acid they contain,
increase the acidity of the body.
(Although The Rosicrucian Fellowship advocates a
vegetarian diet, meats and fish included under they proper listing of
acid-producing foods, as a matter of general information.)
Mental Health
A healthy mental Age can be developed just as surely as
firm, strong muscle. though R b not easy, most persons can so direct their
thoughts and order their lives to gradually build a high order of
self-control.
Mental training means a training in control, in removing
unwholesome states, and in substituting wholesome plans and purposes and
gratifying interests.
The most common abnormal mental function is worry. Worry
jangles the vibrations and actuary frustrates the plans one wishes to
achieve. Again we call your attention to the fact that "Christ exhorted us
to be unconcerned about material things, for He knew the effect of fear
and worry in retarding progress. When we do our duty and faithful work to
day to day, we are planning sufficiently for the morrow, and may depend
upon that to the cue a Self."
A wholesome mental attitude cannot be acquired suddenly.
It is not a gift, but must be gained by persistent and determined effort
to see straight and keep the values of life clear. All our experiences can
be stepping stones; worry makes them stumbling blocks.
In view of the above, we see that functional diseases of
the nervous system frequently are caused by worry. Both hysteria and
neurasthenia are direct results.
To train oneself in small things is to begin to build a
power which, when crises arise, will enable one to be strong and
self-sufficient. Children should be encouraged to face their problems
without always expecting to be rescued.
Open-mindedness and breadth of view favor a sound mind
with ability to see new relationships, to understand new meanings, and to
find new values, making for variety, interests, and health.
Health Habits
Health laws are the laws of proper living. However, health
can be affected by outside influences, such as one's home surroundings and
community environment.
The achievement of health and the overcoming of latent
weaknesses depend upon building up well-ordered habits of thought and
daily living. Habits need to be flexible in order that they may help us to
change and improve our mental and physical modes of living. Unhygienic
habits like taking unwholesome stimulants, entertaining depressing
thoughts, etc. are definitely destroyers of health. By analyzing our
health schedule we may find ways to improve it, such as adding an hour's
daily exercise out of doors, making certain additions and omissions in the
diet, modifying sleeping arrangements for better air circulation, etc.
Correct habits of eating and hygienic living include fresh
air and sunshine, daily outdoor exercise, personal cleanliness, cheerful
and pleasant surroundings, wholesome mental attitudes, recreation, and
proper elimination.
Elimination
Careful attention should be given to elimination through
the bowels, kidneys, and skin, as health and nutrition are to a great
extent dependent upon the prompt and regular disposal of the body wastes.
The bowels can be regulated best by following certain
rules regarding habit formation, diet, drinking water between meals and
exercise.
The habit of evacuating the bowels at a regular time each
day will prevent constipation among nearly all healthy people. Before or
after breakfast and after the evening meal are times considered most
favorable. The drinking of a glass or two of water immediately upon rising
will stimulate peristalsis and assist greatly in the formation of a
prompt, regular habit of elimination. In fact, drinking water freely all
during the day is important for this purpose. Irregularity of meals and
overeating, or the continued use of concentrated foods, especially
carbohydrates, contribute greatly to constipation.
Spiritual Healing
In spiritual healing, in order to facilitate the work of
the Invisible Helpers, the patient must cooperate on all planes, for in
the final analysis true health is dependent upon a harmonious coordination
of Spirit, mind, emotions, and body. Often the cause of ill health exists
in the finer invisible vehicles of a patient. For instance, anger, malice,
or worry, will defeat the purpose of the most careful diet, generating
toxic conditions, while faith, hope, love, and cheerfulness stimulate
rhythm and harmony of the body, promoting the free flow of vital forces.
Perhaps the most powerful way in which each person can help himself is to
cultivate constructive emotions, which promote good health or aid in its
restoration.
The patient who asks for Divine help and healing must
prove his ability to receive this blessing. We note that Christ always
gave the person to be healed something to do. Disobedience brings disease;
obedience, no matter whether it involves washing in the Jordan or
stretching forth a hand, shows a change of attitude, and the person is
thus in a position to receive the healing balm which may come through
Christ from our Heavenly Father, Who is the Great Physician.
One need not neglect physical methods because he asks for
spiritual healing. The spiritual law must become operative in daily
affairs or the physical vibrations cannot be raised in harmony with the
law of health.
If physical treatment or a doctor's advice are required,
we should remember that the doctor, too, with his knowledge, is a channel
through which the Divine Physician works to further physical perfection.
Good health depends primarily upon right relationship with God, in Whom we
live and move and have our being. Therefore, the right attitude towards
life is as much a health factor as is the condition of the body used by
the indwelling Ego.
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