Lesson 27: Above all else I want to see
Seeing from the right mind means that our eyes still see what is around us, but we no longer judge anything we see.
The Course is teaching us that what our eyes see isn’t true seeing. In fact, our eyes see what our ego mind instructs them to see.
True seeing is when we choose against the ego and for the mind of spirit.
When we do that, then our seeing completely changes - but not in the way we might think.
When the course talks about seeing - it isn’t the physical images we see. Rather, it’s the meaning we give whatever our senses sense.
So, seeing from the right mind means that our eyes still see what is around us, but we no longer judge anything we see. Instead, we experience a oneness that unites everything. No differences that matter concern us. And we are filled with a peace that truly surpasses understand.
So this lesson is asking us to practice repeating that idea (“above all else I want to see”) - and to pay attention to how often we remember. When we forget, it isn’t because we got sidetracked. Rather, we got sidetracked because we got fearful and chose the ego mind.
And then we simply try again.
Lesson 27: Above all else I want to see.
W-pI.27.1. Today's idea expresses something stronger than mere determination. It gives vision priority among your desires. You may feel hesitant about using the idea, on the grounds that you are not sure you really mean it. This does not matter. The purpose of today's exercises is to bring the time when the idea will be wholly true a little nearer.
W-pI.27.2. There may be a great temptation to believe that some sort of sacrifice is being asked of you when you say you want to see above all else. If you become uneasy about the lack of reservation involved, add:
Vision has no cost to anyone.
If fear of loss still persists, add further:
It can only bless.
W-pI.27.3. The idea for today needs many repetitions for maximum benefit. It should be used at least every half hour, and more if possible. You might try for every fifteen or twenty minutes. It is recommended that you set a definite time interval for using the idea when you wake or shortly afterwards, and attempt to adhere to it throughout the day. It will not be difficult to do this, even if you are engaged in conversation, or otherwise occupied at the time. You can still repeat one short sentence to yourself without disturbing anything.
W-pI.27.4. The real question is, how often will you remember? How much do you want today's idea to be true? Answer one of these questions, and you have answered the other. You will probably miss several applications, and perhaps quite a number. Do not be disturbed by this, but do try to keep on your schedule from then on. If only once during the day you feel that you were perfectly sincere while you were repeating today's idea, you can be sure that you have saved yourself many years of effort.