Lesson 5
I am never upset for the reason I think.
If my thoughts do not mean anything, then how could I truly know what I am upset over? Thus, am I really even upset? Today’s lessons help us uncover just that. In the practice periods we are called to examine the mind for what we believe causes us pain or upset which can be perceived as either fear, worry, depression, anxiety, anger, hatred, or jealousy, etc. As we observe the mind we notice that most of what we list are items that seem to be outside ourselves:
I am not angry at Suzie for the reason I think.
I am not afraid of public speaking for the reason I think.
I am not jealous of my co-worker for the reason I think.
By applying today’s lesson, we begin to release the chains we impose on certain people or circumstances, as they do not hold as much power over us as we might have previously thought. We are once more invited to let go of our victimhood. I believe this is, also, a sneaky introduction into the Course’s main theme of forgiveness. If we allow all grievances to come up and we examine them, we will find that by taking a moment to reflect there maybe another way to look at a certain person or situation. This moment’s pause created by today’s statement allows the door to open for a huge shift in perception, which the Course calls miracles.
This is the beauty of A Course in Miracles. It is the gift of each day, step by step, unwinding the mind making the way for Truth to emerge. Take courage in today’s lesson and do not shy away from any specific item to use as practice:
“There are no small upsets. They are all equally disturbing to my peace of mind (ACIM Lesson 5 4:3-4)”
The Course also goes on to remind us not to exclude certain items and to justify our reasons for doing such. As in the previous days, anything is fair game. And truly, it is for your benefit and growth that it is so. You were not meant to be held captive or in bondage. You were born a perfect, free entity. But recognize that you are the only one who can do the work of the lessons and let go of the bondage you believe you are in. So do not shy away from any example that can help you uncover the Truth of who you are. And if you are a little fearful, remember, you are not in fear for the reason that you think.
Shine On. Namaste.