Here’s a useful article written by Mary Baker Eddy on how to protect thought from any fear of flu or colds swirling around in public consciousness.
Contagion
Whatever man sees, feels, or in any way takes cognizance of, must be caught through mind; inasmuch as perception, sensation, and consciousness belong to mind and not to matter. Floating with the popular current of mortal thought without questioning the reliability of its conclusions, we do what others do, believe what others believe, and say what others say. Common consent is contagious, and it makes disease catching.
People believe in infectious and contagious diseases, and that any one is liable to have them under certain predisposing or exciting causes. This mental state prepares one to have any disease whenever there appear the circumstances which he believes produce it. If he believed as sincerely that health is catching when exposed to contact with healthy people, he would catch their state of feeling quite as surely and with better effect than he does the sick man’s.
If only the people would believe that good is more contagious than evil, since God is omnipresence, how much more certain would be the doctor’s success, and the clergyman’s conversion of sinners. And if only the pulpit would encourage faith in God in this direction, and faith in Mind over all other influences governing the receptivity of the body, theology would teach man as David taught: “Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High thy habitation; there shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.”
The confidence of mankind in contagious disease would thus become beautifully less; and in the same proportion would faith in the power of God to heal and to save mankind increase, until the whole human race would become healthier, holier, happier, and longer lived. A calm, Christian state of mind is a better preventive of contagion than a drug, or than any other possible sanative method; and the “perfect Love” that “casteth out fear” is a sure defense. Miscellaneous Writings, p. 228.
So timely, Evan. Thank you for reporting this statement of Mrs. Eddy. It is more of the transforming thought for which I have been searching. Thank you again for your prayers for all mankind. I, again, am feeling the newness of Love.
This inspiration is very much required in this season. So beautifully Mrs. Eddy appeals to the logic of mankind, that instead of considering disease as catching and contagious, why not consider good health catching and contagious when we are in contact with healthy people. Why not consider good more contagious than evil, when God is all powerful, all present and He fills all space?
Our dwelling place is in God, good. Then how would God ever allow any disease to creep in? Its our fear and false belief that makes us vulnerable to contagion of disease. but if we align our thoughts with reality, knowing fully well that our being is pure and perfect in God, no error and no disease can touch us.
Thanks Evan for this lovely reminder of our God given freedom from all harm.
Thanks, I am under this false belief, and working for an immediate healing. I am realigning my thoughts to correct my thoughts.
One idea during the so- called flu season I have held onto and it worked for me every time I used it is; “It flew (flu) in to fly out.” How can the Flu hurt me if it never lands in my consciousnesses? I believe in simple prayers instead of long drawn out protests of Truth.
I am reminded of Eddy’s statement : The Divine Mind is the only cause. Cause does not exist in matter, in mortal mind or in the body. This statement has been a support when belief seeks support. Thanks for addressing this belief. It comes to the surface only to be destroyed.
Great reminder! Thanks for sharing. (=
I love that our Leader reminds us that we should believe that good is more contagious
than evil, since God is omnipresence. Error can SAY otherwise, but as always, evil’s
claims can only remain a threat. No power apart from God.
Thank you, Evan.
Thanks so much Evan and all of the commentors – all are very helpful.
Thank you Evan. Mrs. Eddy’s “Stand porter at the door of thought…” I bring up many times during the day – especially if I hear certain commercials on radio or TV. Thank you, too, for teaching us in some way every day to become our own practitioners. So grateful for your on-going lessons.