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LESSON 34
February 3
"I could see peace instead of this."
PRACTICE SUMMARY
Longer: 3 times, morning, evening and once in between for 5 full minutes.Search your mind for upsetting thoughts, situations, personalities, events, etc. Note each one casually, repeat the idea, then let the next arise. If you find it hard to think of specific subjects, just repeat the idea without hurry.
Shorter & Response To Temptation: Frequent; whenever your peace feels threatened.
- If a specific form of upset arises, say, "I could see peace in this situation instead of what I now see in it."
- If the upset is generalized--depression, anxiety, worry, etc.--repeat idea.
COMMENTARY
The most helpful thought I ever heard in relation to this lesson was this: Notice that it says "I could see peace," and not "I should see peace." It is far too easy to take this lesson as another reason for guilt. "Terrible me! I should see peace, but I am seeing this mess instead. What is wrong with me?" That is not how this lesson is meant to be applied.The opening paragraph contains such a wonderful summation of the Course's philosophy of peace:
Peace of mind is clearly an internal matter. It must begin with your own thoughts, and then extend outward. It is from your peace of mind that a peaceful perception of the world arises (1:2-4).
Peace is the motivation for doing this Course (T-24.In.1:1). Our goal is what a later part of the Workbook refers to as "a mind at peace within itself" (W-pII.8.3:4). Peace must begin with our thoughts and extend outward from our minds. The focus is on the mind.
We can replace our negative feelings and our unloving thoughts with peace. We have that power. We can choose peace if we want peace. Notice that the practice instructions for applying the lesson to "adverse emotions" suggest that we repeat the idea "until you feel some sense of relief" (6:2). This practice is meant to have tangible effects.
At times I have found that even in an extremely upsetting situation, repeating these words, "I could see peace instead of this," has a decidedly calming effect on my mind, even if I cannot, in that very moment, see peace. In a very subtle way, it helps to convince my mind that the awful things I am seeing are not rock solid, immutable reality. I am seeing something other than peace, but if I really could see peace instead, then what I am seeing must not be as real as I think. Even that level of relief is worth the time it takes to practice.
I used to believe that when upsetting situations occurred, I had to deal with the situation and change things around in order to be at peace. Through the practice of this lesson, I have learned that I can respond to any situation much more effectively if my mind is at peace first. I have discovered that I can bring my mind to peace without having first "solved" my problems. It really is possible to see peace instead of whatever seems to be upsetting me. And when I do, if response is required, I act calmly and without fear. Panic is not conducive to productive action; far better to seek peace first, then act.
Copyright © 1996, The Circle of Atonement, Sedona,
Arizona, USA.
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