A good friend was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer. A dedicated student of metaphysics, she was initially devastated by the news. Many thoughts raced through her mind; she questioned, as anyone might, why her? She had regularly prayed, meditated, and eaten a mostly vegetarian diet. She asked herself what she had done wrong. She had believed that if she practiced Truth principles, she'd be guaranteed good health.
Writer Arturo Mora explores how the Law of Mind Action (often summarized as “Thoughts held in mind produce after their kind”) may—and may not—work in his feature article “Healthy Thoughts, Healthy Bodies,” on page 12.
Unity began as a healing ministry. Co-founder Myrtle Fillmore healed herself of tuberculosis through her consistent use of prayer and affirmations, setting the example that launched the Unity movement more than a century ago. Since then, thousands of people have learned how to bolster their health by realizing and affirming their innate wholeness and vitality.
Yet the Law of Mind Action has also caused many people to blame themselves and their thoughts when they become ill.
Laura Shepard, whom Mora interviewed for his article, developed a form of autoimmune arthritis, in which her antibodies were “attacking” her healthy cells. She believes that her thoughts created conditions ripe for developing the arthritis. She said she is looking at the disease as a “gift”—a learning opportunity.
“I am not trying to get rid of the disease,” she explained. “Rather, I am looking at and questioning the thinking that is behind the physical manifestation.”
Rev. Paul Hasselbeck says the most important question is not how we became ill, but what we do in the face of our diagnosis. It is then our thoughts can come most powerfully into play.
My friend, who underwent surgery and took radiation therapy, continued her spiritual practices and made a full recovery. Life after cancer has been good. She is ever-more-thankful for each day of her life.
As is often the case with challenges, the experience has strengthened her, helping her live more fully and gratefully. We all have that same ability to use the power of our thoughts to meet life's challenges with strength, conviction and grace.
In faith,
