Viewing a ballet performance and seeing how effortlessly a ballerina is lifted by her partner, a novice has no concept of the preparation that has made this effect possible. However strong her partner may be, the ballerina must help herself to enable him to elevate her with such grace and ease. How to help herself is something she has learned through many, many hours of practice every day for years.
An experienced dancer has been trained to hold herself firm, to support herself while being lifted. In contrast, an amateur leans on the one endeavoring to elevate her. The two are as different to work with as the lightness of a firm stick compared to the weightiness of a sack of flour.
In like manner, a patient who cooperates with the healing effort of a Christian Science practitioner lightens the load, so to speak, by doing his part in bringing about effective healing. As both parties lean on the support of divine Principle, God, the Christlike understanding they gain lifts their thoughts to God's law of health, which is already in operation. Their work rests harmoniously upon this law, and the presence of the Christ is felt. This ensures healing.
