Editorial August 21, 1937 Issue

The Atmosphere of Spirit

George Shaw Cook

It is of course a well-known fact that what we refer to as "the weather" is conditioned by changes of temperature, pressure, and so forth, which take place in the atmosphere that surrounds the earth. It is also well known that these conditions are extremely variable and frequently difficult to bear with equanimity. Indeed, much human suffering is due, in belief, to extremes of heat and cold, as well as to other untoward atmospheric conditions. Therefore, it is helpful to learn and to retain in thought something of the truth about atmosphere as it exists in the realm of divine Mind.

First of all, it should be understood that there is just one atmosphere and that it is spiritual, not material. It is a condition of Mind, not of matter. Spiritual atmosphere is changeless, invariable. It is neither hot nor cold, wet nor dry. Furthermore, real atmosphere, being the expression of divine Love, is good and is incapable of inflicting injury or suffering upon man. The true nature of atmosphere as a state of Mind is plainly indicated by Mary Baker Eddy in her definition of the kingdom of heaven as (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 590), "The reign of harmony in divine Science; the realm of unerring, eternal, and omnipotent Mind; the atmosphere of Spirit, where Soul is supreme." It is obvious that in "the atmosphere of Spirit" there is nothing oppressive, depressing, discordant, or injurious. It is spiritual, harmonious, healthful, invigorating.

Since man is "the compound idea of God, including all right ideas" (ibid., p. 475), he reflects the all-inclusiveness of his divine Principle, or Mind. And man, reflecting the dominion which divine Mind has over its spiritual ideas, must and does express dominion over all lesser ideas.

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