[acimlessons_list] Lesson 33 - February 2

[Sue Roth]

Lesson 33 - February 2

"There is another way of looking at the world."

PRACTICE SUMMARY

Purpose: to show you that you have the power to change your perception of
both the outer and inner world, which are really the same.

Longer: 2 times, morning and evening, for 5 full minutes
Go back and forth from glancing around your outer world to closing your eyes
and observing your inner world. While doing so repeat the idea unhurriedly.
Regard both inner and outer worlds with equal casualness, uninvolvement, and
detachment, to the point where you feel little transition in shifting
between them.

Frequent reminders: as often as you can
Repeat the idea. Try to be as detached as you were during the longer
exercises.

Response to temptation: the instant any situation disturbs you
When upset, apply the idea specifically, saying, "There is another way of
looking at this." Do so immediately, rather than waiting until you have
tried to fix things on the outside. If your feelings do not clear up right
away, don't give up. Spend a minute or more repeating the sentence over and
over, closing your eyes and concentrating on the words you are saying.

COMMENTARY

This lesson asserts the power of our minds to choose how we see the world.
We can shift our perception of the world! That is not only a personally
empowering concept, it is, quite literally, a world-changing realization.

As we begin to examine our thoughts, we will be amazed at the number of
situations in which the idea of "another way" of looking at it has simply
never occurred to us. With some things, the idea that we could see them
differently may actually be offensive. Without realizing it we may be
saying, "My mind is already made up; don't confuse me with facts."

That is why following the practice instructions with these lessons is so
important. It isn't just the longer five-minute times in the morning and
evening; "The shorter exercise periods should be as frequent as possible"
(3:1). The more often we bring this idea into our awareness during the day,
the more we will become aware of areas of thought that we are protecting
from change.