A Course In Miracles: Lesson 10

1 This idea applies to all the thoughts of which you are aware or become aware during the practice periods. The reason the idea is applicable to all of them is that they are not your real thoughts. We have made this distinction before and will again. You have no basis for comparison as yet. When you do, you will have no doubt that what you believed were your thoughts did not mean anything.

2 This is the second time we have used this kind of idea. The form is only slightly different. This time the idea is introduced with “My thoughts” instead of “These thoughts” and no link is made overtly with the things around you. The emphasis is now on the lack of reality of what you think you think.

3 This aspect of the correction process began with the idea that the thoughts of which you are aware are meaningless, outside rather than within, and then stressed their past rather than their present status. Now we are emphasising that the presence of these “thoughts” means that you are not thinking. This is merely another way of repeating our earlier statement that your mind is really a blank. To recognise this is to recognise nothingness when you think you see it. As such, it is the prerequisite for vision.

4 Close your eyes for these exercises and introduce them by repeating the idea for today quite slowly to yourself. Then add:

5 This idea will help to release me from all that I now believe.

6 The exercises consist, as before, in searching your mind for all those thoughts which are available to you, without selection or judgement. Try to avoid classification of any kind. In fact, if you find it helpful to do so, you might imagine that you are watching an oddly assorted procession going by, which has little if any personal meaning to you. As each one crosses your mind, say:

7 This thought about _______ does not mean anything.

That thought about ________ does not mean anything.

8 Today’s idea can obviously serve for any thought that distresses you at any time. In addition, five practice periods are recommended, each involving no more than a minute or so of mind searching. It is not recommended that this time period be extended, and it should be reduced to half a minute or even less if you experience discomfort. Remember, however, to repeat the idea slowly before applying it specifically, and also add:

9 This idea will help to release me from all that I now believe.