Unbeknownst to me at the time, I had stumbled on the common conflict that so many others face with so- called “positive thinking.” How can a mere affirmation or positive thought improve my life? The secret I learned is that the “lemonade” grows sweeter the deeper you drink. You just have to know how to get past the first unpleasantness without abandoning your initial goal.
There have been times in my life when things ran smoothly. I never had doubts about paying my bills on time. I was healthier than someone who was half of my age, and I enjoyed the luxuries that my bountiful life provided. I was proud of what I had created, and perhaps even more satisfied by what I could share and give to others. After all, wasn’t that the way I fulfilled my ministry and lived the beliefs of my faith in Religious Science? I was a perfect example of someone demonstrating abundance and vitality. I had been trained to understand the power that thoughts and beliefs have over our lives, and I had worked diligently to release my own negative thinking patterns. All of those old worn-out beliefs that no longer served me were discarded, relegated to my emotional scrap pile. Life was great until the storm hit.
I never saw the car that hit me. That crushing force that leapt out of nowhere and pushed my vehicle into the one in front of me. A moment before we sat at the light unaware and unsuspecting of what was bulleting toward our blissful illusion of safety. We were free then. You know those waiting moments, when you can steal time and have your thoughts? I have no memory of what I was thinking. The alarming sound of screeching tires ripped me out of that soft place and flung me into a rigid grip on reality. I remember I pleaded and prayed, “please don’t hit me, don’t hit me,” over and over. I didn’t stop, until his car did.
I can assure you that the aftermath of the collision created extreme hardships for me.
Physical pain and limitations greatly affected my ability to work and function at the level necessary to stay free of financial stress. I was definitely focusing more on the disaster happening in my life, and much less on the divinity at work. My life had turned into a bad lemonade stand with no relief in sight. Then, like that speeding car, it hit me.
I was experiencing what I call a “God Shake.” Those times when the universe reaches out and knocks you and all your game pieces off the board. With the decks cleared, I could no longer move in old familiar patterns. I had been given an opportunity to examine my life and myself. I began to study each new experience on my arduous journey of healing and discovered that while I was giving to others I held certain hidden beliefs that prevented me from truly receiving.
The impact and my struggle to free myself from the airbag are fading now, unlike my newly born spiritual practice of enjoying the healing care and help I receive. I truly believe that what we need most is provided. The willingness to accept it is a choice. The taste of our personal victory may simply be a few lemons away.
Susan Einhorn is a licensed religious science practitioner and spiritual counselor serving The Center for Spiritual Living, Olympia, E-mail: office@csaolympia.org.
Perspective is coordinated by Interfaith Works in cooperation with The Olympian. The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily endorsed by Interfaith Works or The Olympian.
