[acimlessons_list] INTRODUCTION TO LESSONS 181-200

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++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ COMMENTARIES ON LESSONS FROM THE WORKBOOK OF A COURSE IN MIRACLES
+ by Allen Watson, with Practice Summaries by Robert Perry, 
+ of The Circle of Atonement
+ Visit our website at <http://www.circleofa.com>
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
 
INTRODUCTION TO LESSONS 181-200

You'll recall that we have twice been told we're now in preparation for the
second part of the Workbook. This introduction is telling us a little more
specifically how the next twenty lessons are meant to prepare us.

First of all, the overall goal is to strengthen our commitment and unify our
goals into one intent.

The immediate goal of our practicing these lessons is experience of the
peace, liberation, and freedom that unified commitment can bring; holy
instants when we have a foretaste of right-mindedness.

The method of making such experience available is a focus on the remaining
blocks to it, with the intent of, even if just briefly, lifting those
blocks.

If the overall goal is to firm up our willingness to commit ourselves more
strongly to the Course's path, then obviously the Workbook is recognizing
that at this point, about halfway through the Workbook, our willingness is
probably still a bit irresolute, and our commitment less than complete. "You
are not asked for total dedication all the time as yet" (1:2). There are
probably a few of us that are quite relieved to hear that. I think it is
likely that, if the Course is not yet asking for total, continual dedication
at this stage, it would be unwise and counterproductive to be asking it of
ourselves. We have to bear in mind those two little words "as yet,"
indicating that "total dedication all the time" lies somewhere in our
future; it is where we are being led. But we should not berate ourselves for
not having that total dedication now.

What is being asked of us is to practice. The experience of the holy instant
at this point in our spiritual growth is not expected anything more than
"intermittently" (1:3). Notice how that idea is repeated several times in
these three paragraphs. We are lifting the blocks "however briefly" (2:2).
We aim to go past our defenses "for a little while each day" (3:4). We are
practicing, each day, to bypass one major block to the awareness of love's
presence, just for a short time. We aren't supposed to be worrying about
making this our permanent mental state-not yet. It is the cumulative
experience of these holy instants that will provide the motivation to make
that total dedication; we aren't sufficiently motivated without that. 

It is experiencing this that makes it sure that you will give your total
willingness to following the way the course sets forth.	(1:4) 

Your motivation will be so intensified that words become of little
consequence. You will be sure of what you want, and what is valueless.
(2:5-6) 

No more than this [little while each day] is asked, because no more than
this is needed. It will be enough to guarantee the rest will come.
(3:5-6)

In Chapter 13 of the Text we are admonished: "Be you content with healing"
(T-13.VIII.7:1). And as we progress through the Workbook we need to be
content with practicing-same thing. Our experience of grace at this stage
may still be intermittent, just a little while each day; that's okay, and we
can be at peace with its being so. Just that little while each day will be
enough to guarantee the rest will come, so there need be no panic nor
discouragement. Just do the practice and full enlightenment will surely
follow; that is the promise being made here.  
 
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ Commentary by Allen Watson
+ Practice Summary: Robert Perry
+ Available in book format from The Circle
+ of Atonement (Vol. 1 reprint due by end of 2004, write us for info)
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Portions from Clarification of Terms, Copyright 1975, Psychotherapy:
Purpose, Process and Practice, (c) 1976, The Song of Prayer, (c) 1978, are
copyrighted by The Foundation for "A Course in Miracles," 41397 Buecking
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