Upon returning home from my first night of contra dancing, I was overcome with dizziness. I was unable to find peace in any position, whether sitting, standing, or lying down. In addition, I was physically exhausted. 

Earlier that evening, I had been warmly welcomed by a dance community that radiated love and support—even to a newcomer like me. The atmosphere in the dance hall was so uplifting, making the entire experience truly memorable. Dancing had always been a passion of mine, especially during my college days. So being part of this contra dance group, even for just a few hours, left a lasting impression.

Yet, after I returned home, I felt as if my body was failing and as if everything around me was constantly shifting. The swirling sensation made it difficult to stand or walk. I recognized this intense physical and mental discomfort as a call to action. Although I didn’t feel like praying, I was sure that it was the only thing that would help me deal with this situation. 

I immediately began to pray with every bit of energy I had. I affirmed these truths regarding my true, spiritual identity and my relation to God, Spirit: As Spirit’s creation, I am inherently spiritual and perfect, having not a single erroneous or material element; I am harmonious, joyful, complete, and triumphant; I live in God’s spiritual household; I am entirely governed by the spiritual laws of divine Mind. 

Another useful idea came from an article in The Christian Science Journal (Michael R. Davis, “It says it’s by Mary Baker Eddy­—but is it really?” April 2008). The article references a letter in which a friend of Mrs. Eddy’s attributed this prayer to her: “Oh Love, just take me in. Oh Love, give me one Mind, no other consciousness, and make me love my neighbor as myself” (V03415, Anna Baker to Mary Kimball Morgan, October 31, 1899, The Mary Baker Eddy Library; The Mary Baker Eddy Collection). 

I prayed earnestly—not just for myself, but with the understanding that this prayer included everyone. The love I had felt from the other dancers was a powerful reminder that God’s love is reflected by all of His children. This love is not limited by time or place—it is continuous, spiritual, and unchanging—providing strength and dispelling any false beliefs about our true identity as God’s beloved offspring. Praying with these truths that evening enabled me to fully overcome the exhaustion and dizziness. 

In the six months since this healing, I have continued to be active without experiencing these symptoms.

One thing is clear: Understanding God brings healing. I am certain that God’s unwavering love for His creation is boundless and frees us from illness. Christian Science has taught me that relying wholly on God as the source of all good brings immeasurable blessings. The love I felt while contra dancing was genuine and ongoing—a way to let my light shine and reflect God’s glory within that loving community. Each of us is unique, created in God’s image, expressing His divine nature. True strength and stability come from steadfastly holding to this truth.

I am deeply grateful for the understanding Christian Science has given me that God is the giver, source, and renewer of strength. This experience reminds me of a verse from a hymn in the Christian Science Hymnal:

Let us remember that God and His creation are the only reality and that this is the starting point for prayer!

Idinma Sylvester
St. Louis, Missouri, US