This is the first idea we have had which is related to a major phase of the correction process; the reversal of the thinking of the world. It seems as if the world determines what you perceive. Today's idea introduces the concept that your thoughts determine the world you see. Be glad indeed to practice it in this initial form, for in this idea is your release made sure. The key to forgiveness lies in it.
The practice periods for today's idea are to be undertaken somewhat differently from the previous ones. Begin with eyes closed, and repeat the idea slowly to yourself. Then open your eyes and look about, near or far, up or down, - anywhere. During the minute or so to be spent in using the idea merely repeat it to yourself, being sure to do so without haste and with no sense of urgency or effort.
To do these exercises for maximum benefit, the eyes should move from one thing to another fairly rapidly, since they should not linger on anything in particular. The words, however, should be used in an unhurried, even leisurely fashion. The introduction to this idea should be practiced as casually as possible. It contains the foundation for the peace, relaxation and freedom from worry that we are trying to achieve. On concluding the exercises, close your eyes and repeat the idea once more, slowly to yourself.
Three practice periods today will probably be sufficient.
However, if there is little or no uneasiness and an inclination to do more, as many as five may be undertaken. More than this is not recommended.
✨ Summary & practice
The world is the mirror of your thoughts.
This is a lesson that marks a major turning point. Until now, you have deconstructed your perceptions: objects mean nothing, you understand nothing, your thoughts mean nothing. Now, the Course introduces for the first time a constructive idea: it is your thoughts that determine the world you see, not the other way around. This is a complete reversal of worldly thinking. You believed the external world was the cause of your perceptions, but it is exactly the opposite. And in this idea, your deliverance is made certain.
The central idea is that meaningless thoughts can only produce a meaningless world. The exercise is a bit different from the previous ones. Begin with your eyes closed, slowly repeating the idea. Then open your eyes and look around, near and far, up and down, simply repeating the idea without haste, without effort. Let your eyes move quickly from one thing to another, not lingering on anything. This idea holds the foundation of peace, relaxation, and freedom from worry that we seek.
This lesson is the first of a new phase. The first ten lessons were preparatory: they dismantled your false certainties. From lesson 11 onward, the Course begins to build a new understanding. That’s why today’s idea is described as 'related to a major phase of the correction process.' It prepares the ground for lessons 12 to 15, which will explore the consequences of this reversal: if your thoughts create the world, then God did not create such a world.
For today, three exercise periods are sufficient. Begin with eyes closed, slowly repeating the idea. Then open your eyes and look around, repeating the idea effortlessly. Let your eyes pass from one thing to another without lingering. Conclude by closing your eyes and repeating the idea once more. Peace lies at the end of this simple gesture.
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