“I am determined to see things differently.”
The idea for today is obviously a continuation and extension of the
preceding one. This time, however, specific mind searching periods
are necessary in addition to applying the idea to particular situations
as they arise. Five practice periods are urged, allowing a full minute
for each.
In the practice periods, begin by repeating the idea to yourself.
Then close your eyes and search your mind carefully for situations
past, present or anticipated, which arouse anger in you. The anger
may take the form of any reaction ranging from mild irritation to
rage.The degree of the emotion you experience does not matter.You
will become increasingly aware that a slight twinge of annoyance is
nothing but a veil drawn over intense fury.
Try,therefore, not to let the “little” thoughts of anger escape you
in the practice periods. Remember that you do not really recognize
what arouses anger in you, and nothing that you believe in this
connection means anything.You will probably be tempted to dwell
more on some situations than on others, on the fallacious grounds
that they are more “obvious.”This is not so. It is merely an example
of the belief that some forms of attack are more justified than others.
As you search your mind for all the forms in which attack
thoughts present themselves, hold each one in mind and tell yourself:
“I am determined to see _____ [name of person] differently.”
“I am determined to see _____ [specify the situation] differently.”
Try to be as specific as possible.You may, for example, focus your
anger on a particular attribute of a particular person, believing that
the anger is limited to this aspect. If your perception of the person is
suffering from this form of distortion, say:
“I am determined to see _____ [specify the
attribute] in _____ [name of person] differently.”
BRITNEY ADDED: Today is an active searching out in mind, for all that makes us angry or frustrated in any way. Whether it is a mild irritation, or a massive rage directed to a person or an experience....all are equally disturbing to our peace of mind and not one is more powerful then another.
Let not the little thoughts of anger escape you in this practice period for today. We are to look at these thoughts specifically with eyes closed, and apply the course lesson to every bit of anger that arises, " I am determined to see things differently." This is the beginning process of unraveling the ego thought system, by welcoming light into our minds and accepting todays holy thought in our mind instead of the past bouts of anger that one may be used to.
Remember that you do not really recognize what arouses anger in you, and nothing that you believe in this connection means anything. Thus cultivate your willingness to be still, to observe these thoughts in the mind, and apply todays lesson upon in. You will be shown clarity in this experience, when you let your mind be healed.
Peace and Love to all!