In a modern world, geared to speed and drive, how often we hear the admonition, "Relax!" There is no doubt as to the desirability of relaxation of the right sort—an abatement of the high tension and strain of material living, the mental repose of which the poet wrote (Christian Science Hymnal, No. 49),

Let us consider first that from which we need to relax. Is it not from the exercise of human will, with its harmful reactions, cruel pressures, and inexorable demands? Then let us challenge this archenemy with the truths of Christian Science and let us learn how we may be led by God instead of being driven by error!

Here it may be pertinent to note that the words "relax" and "release" have a common origin. To be relaxed is, in fact, to be released from tension and strain. A recipe for true relaxation can be found in a statement by Mary Baker Eddy in "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 189), "The supposition that Soul, or Mind, is breathed into matter, is a pantheistic doctrine that presents a false sense of existence, and the quickening spirit takes it away: revealing, in place thereof, the power and perfection of a released sense of Life in God and Life as God."

Christian Science teaches that there is but one creator, God, and one creation, consisting of spiritual ideas which express the divine will of God. Viewed in this light, to utter the words of our Way-shower, Christ Jesus (Luke 22:42), "Not my will, but thine, be done," may be considered not so much a sad necessity as the glorious appearing to human consciousness of the divine will—reality—the kingdom of heaven on earth.

In the Glossary of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" Mrs. Eddy gives the definition of "will," which reads in part (p. 597): "The motive-power of error; mortal belief; animal power. The might and wisdom of God." The counterfeit of God's will is a false sense of volition, based on the belief of life in matter. Having no Principle to uphold it, no power or law to sustain it, no real entity or substance, mortal mind inevitably breaks down under the stress of circumstances.

Although much earnest work may have been done by both practitioner and patient, healing in Christian Science may sometimes appear to be delayed. Is there a sense of tenseness and overstriving? If so, the only further step necessary may be to relax all human effort, to be still, to let go and let God take over. Then healing takes place naturally.

When we lean on God instead of on personal sense—place all our trust in Him—legitimate demands are met without a sense of pressure or strain. Excitement is a form of tension, perhaps a latent fear that what we deem good or desirable may at any moment be snatched from our grasp. Normal poise is maintained by a quiet, calm waiting on God for the natural unfolding of good. Undercurrents of nonintelligent human will are sometimes expressed in restless habits of fidgeting, which, though seemingly harmless and trivial, denote a lack of inward peace and control. Mrs. Eddy shows us how to correct this inharmony. She writes in Science and Health (pp. 185, 186), "A patient under the influence of mortal mind is healed only by removing the influence on him of this mind, by emptying his thought of the false stimulus and reaction of will-power and filling it with the divine energies of Truth."

A false sense of responsibility is evidence of human will and results in tension and strain. Anxiety and fear for a loved one and the desire to outline what we consider best for him should be replaced by a steadfast reliance on God's unerring wisdom and unfailing care for each of His children. We may think that our undue concern is induced by our love, but when we love enough we shall be willing to follow Jesus' command at the tomb of Lazarus (John 11:44), "Loose him, and let him go." Thereby we release both ourselves and the beloved.

Not only in personal experience but in world affairs, the tyranny of human will claims to hold nations and peoples in its grip. The understanding of God's omnipotence and His harmonious government of the universe, including man, will finally break every illusion of material power. Release through nuclear fission of the counterfeit power or energy stored up in matter is but a hint of the greater release of the divine energies of Spirit as the human mind gives up its belief of life in matter, and life in and of Spirit appears as the only reality of existence.

When we realize that as God's reflection we already possess power, fulfillment, satisfaction, health, harmony, and peace of mind, we shall see how needless it is to strain after what is already ours by virtue of our heritage as children of God! May we claim this spiritual birthright and consistently demonstrate that our prayer is, "Not my will, but thine, be done," thus availing ourselves of "the power and perfection of a released sense of Life in God and Life as God"!