In the interest of research purposes for my thesis, I decided to attend a Christian Science service to experience it first-hand. It was unlike any service I have ever attended – an interesting mix of Christianity and Metaphysics. One quote in particular stood out to me:
“Devotion of thought to an honest achievement makes it possible.”
Every reaction is a choice. I can choose to absorb everyone else’s stress, or I can choose to seek and find serenity. I choose not to absorb everyone else’s stress. I choose to be serene. I choose to exist in a state of relative detachment. Often, it’s easier said than done but it comes easier with practice. In time, I’m learning that I simply be a fly on the wall: observe, process, and release. I don’t have to carry any of it.
Blackstone Lake
I’ve finally selected my topic for my Master of Metaphysical Science Thesis: Christian Science.
Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
The courage to change the things I can,
And the wisdom to know the difference.
The Serenity prayer reminds us of the importance of finding inner peace. By recognizing things and events that can and cannot be changed (and coming to terms with them), peace is closer than we realize. This prayer is a gentle reminder of acceptance with that which cannot be changed and understanding that human beings are not always in charge. At the moment, I am finding stress in some of the behavior of my partner and his children. It’s very difficult for me because I am on a raw food diet. I have to accept the fact that we do not eat the same way. I cannot change him – nor do I want to. I can, however, change my actions.
I am looking for the courage to avoid the temptation of the foods that I make, prepare, and serve to him and his children. I have the wisdom to know that, although he will eat or drink some of the things that I create, he is who he is and I need to accept this. Going forward, I can certainly alleviate some of my stress by repeating the Serenity Prayer to myself – accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. Most of all, I need to infuse myself with this wisdom, not judgment.
