Today's idea accurately describes the way anyone who holds attack thoughts in his mind must see the world. Having projected his anger onto the world, he sees vengeance about to strike at him. His own attack is thus perceived as self defense. This becomes an increasingly vicious circle until he is willing to change how he sees. Otherwise, thoughts of attack and counter attack will preoccupy him, and people his entire world. What peace of mind is possible to him then?
It is from this savage fantasy that you want to escape. Is it not joyous news to hear that it is not real? Is it not a happy discovery to find that you can escape? You made what you would destroy; everything that you hate and would attack and kill. All that you fear does not exist.
Look at the world about you at least five times today, for at least a minute each time. As your eyes move slowly from one object to another, from one body to another, say to yourself:
I see only the perishable.
I see nothing that will last.
What I see is not real.
What I see is a form of vengeance.
At the end of each practice period, ask yourself: Is this the world I really want to see?
The answer is surely obvious.
✨ Summary & practice
The world you see reflects your own image back to you.
Lesson 22 is disarmingly frank: what you see is a form of vengeance. This idea describes exactly how anyone who holds thoughts of attack in their mind must see the world. You have projected your anger onto the world, and now you see vengeance about to strike you. Your own attack is thus perceived as legitimate self-defense. It’s a vicious cycle that tightens until you are ready to change the way you see. Thoughts of attack fill your entire world. What peace of mind is then possible?
The Course asks you to look around the world at least five times today, for at least one minute each time. As your gaze moves slowly from one object to another, from one body to another, you say to yourself: “I see only what is perishable. I see nothing that will last. What I see is not real. What I see is a form of vengeance.” And at the end of each period, you ask: “Is this the world I truly want to see?” The Course adds that it is from this brutal fantasy that you wish to escape, and it is joyful news to hear that it is not real.
This lesson builds upon Lesson 21, where you identified your anger. Now you understand the mechanism: projected anger becomes a vengeful world. Lesson 23 will immediately offer the solution: you can escape this world by releasing thoughts of attack. This is the classic ACIM movement: first show what is, then show how to move beyond it. Lessons 24 and 25 will continue to loosen the ego’s grip by showing that you do not perceive your own best interest.
Today, at least five times during the day, for at least one minute each time. Look slowly around you and repeat the idea. At the end, ask yourself honestly: “Is this the world I truly want to see?” Let the answer rise from the depths of your heart.
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