Science of Mind Treatments
In order to understand a Science of Mind treatment, one must first understand the Science of Mind philosophy. Known also as the United Church of Religious Science, Science of Mind was founded by Dr. Ernest Holmes. Holmes, who lived from 1887 to 1960, was reared in the Christian faith but was unsatisfied with the answers he got in church and began studying the writings of other religions and philosophies. Eventually, Holmes developed a universal philosophy for spiritual living based on all religions and spiritual paths that explores man's understanding of his relationship with the universe.
Basic Science of Mind Beliefs
According to the United Centers for Spiritual Living, Science of Mind had its roots in the New Thought transcendentalist religions of the late 19th century. These religions emphasize the existence of a higher universal force that permeates everything and that individuals can create their own reality via affirmations, meditation and prayer. Science of Mind strives to use affirmative prayer and creative visualization to "help make the world more peaceful, harmonious and prosperous." Those who practice Science of Mind believe in "God, the living Spirit Almighty; one, indestructible, absolute and self-existent Cause." Science of Mind also believes in "the individualization of this Spirit."
Other core Science of Mind beliefs include a belief in the continuity of the individual soul as well as a belief that conditions and circumstances in our lives are controlled through the power of the Universal Mind and that healing of the sick can occur through the power of this Mind. Some adherents believe in reincarnation while others do not. Sin is looked upon as an activity that produces undesirable results in our lives, rather than punishment for wrongdoing. Heaven and hell are states of mind, rather than actual places, Religious Scientists say. Science of Mind neither affirms nor denies the divinity of Jesus, but views all humans as divine children of God.
Treatments or Affirmative Prayers
Science of Mind treatments involve the use of affirmative prayers to bring about better health, finances, inner peace, freedom from worry, employment or anything else the petitioner desires. Affirmative prayer is different from other forms of prayer in that every thought or desire is seen as a conversation with God. Rather than pleading to a "God out there," affirmative prayer recognizes that every thought is a type of conversation with God and that God is within. Angry thoughts are viewed as a prayer in the way same as peaceful thoughts.
Treatment Steps
Barbara Jefferys, spiritual leader of the Open Door Center for Spiritual Living in Dillsboro, North Carolina, says there is no actual publication but that gives a "treatment recipe." As a point of reference, Jefferys says she usually uses "Five Steps to Freedom," written by Dr. John Waterhouse, a co-minister of the Center for Spiritual Living in Asheville, North Carolina. These five steps are:
1. Recognition: Acknowledge, in your own words, the Allness and Wholeness of God, specifically the aspects of God that are pertinent to the purpose of your treatment (for instance: Love, Wholeness and Peace).
2. Unification: Declare, in your own words, your knowledge of the Truth about yourself; that you are one with God...that you are not all God is, but all that you are is God...that "God in me, as me, is me." Allow this awareness of Oneness to pervade your entire consciousness. Know with your whole being "I am that which Thou art; Thou art that which I am."
3. Realization: Realize and form a new idea or thought or feeling about the good you desire. In your own words, declare this is already so and this is already yours. If necessary declare that any apparent obstruction in your thought to this idea is now dissolved in the light of Truth.
4. Gratitude: In your own words, express your gratitude for knowing the manifestation already exists in your life and accept its demonstration. This step is also known as the Celebration step.
5. Release: Clearly and completely release your word to the action of the Law (the Law, not the Universe, or God's Love, or some other concept, but the Law) knowing that as you have spoken, it is now done. Release is important.
Example
Following is an example of a Science of Mind treatment for peace, written by Sylvia O'Neal, a Religious Science Practitioner in Asheville, North Carolina:
"God is total peace, heart felt love, absolute calm, breathtaking beauty and unending joy. I have a consciousness of Oneness. All that God is, I am. As I feel complete peace in mind, heart and soul, a feeling of well being fills my world. Peaceful is my way of life. My thoughts, actions and words of peace express my God nature, the truth of who I am. As I focus my inward thoughts of peace in my life, my family, community the Universe becomes more peaceful. I give thanks for the peace in my world. With a consciousness of peace I release this into the Law of Mind. And so it is."
Conclusion
Those wanting treatment may enlist the help of a Science of Mind practitioner or minister, or they may devise their own treatments (see References).
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