Lesson 33: There is another way of looking at the world
It is our thoughts that lead to the emotions we experience. So as we practice paying attention to our thoughts, we get back to the source of how we feel in every moment.
Looking is one of the most prominent themes in A Course in Miracles. In fact, the book could easily be called “A Course in Looking.”
But, like so many other things in the Course, there is another interpretation for the concept.
Looking does not mean seeing with our eyes. In the same way, vision is not about what our eyes see. Looking has everything to do with observing our thoughts - and, ultimately, understanding our mind. Or, more specifically, which mind we’ve chosen.
So, today’s lesson of there being another way of looking at the world means that we carefully consider our thoughts regarding whatever we see with our eyes (or any other experiences our senses report to us).
It is our thoughts that lead to the emotions we experience. So as we practice paying attention to our thoughts, we get back to the source of how we feel in every moment.
Whenever we’re not happy or not at peace, this lesson is telling us that there’s another way of looking - which in this case would mean looking with our right mind instead of looking with our ego.
Our thoughts will always tell us which mind we’ve chosen. So let’s practice paying attention to our thoughts in order to have more peaceful experiences.
Lesson 33: There is another way of looking at the world.
W-pI.33.1. Today's idea is an attempt to recognize that you can shift your perception of the world in both its outer and inner aspects. A full five minutes should be devoted to the morning and evening applications. In these practice periods, the idea should be repeated as often as you find comfortable, though unhurried applications are essential. Alternate between surveying your outer and inner perceptions, but without an abrupt sense of shifting.
W-pI.33.2. Merely glance casually around the world you perceive as outside yourself, then close your eyes and survey your inner thoughts with equal casualness. Try to remain equally uninvolved in both, and to maintain this detachment as you repeat the idea throughout the day.
W-pI.33.3. The shorter exercise periods should be as frequent as possible. Specific applications of today's idea should also be made immediately, when any situation arises which tempts you to become disturbed. For these applications, say:
There is another way of looking at this.
W-pI.33.4. Remember to apply today's idea the instant you are aware of distress. It may be necessary to take a minute or so to sit quietly and repeat the idea to yourself several times. Closing your eyes will probably help in this form of application.