A Course In Miracles from My Perspective

May 20th 2014  Lesson 21

I am determined to see things differently.

Today's lesson is obviously a continuation and extension of yesterday's, and is a reminder that we do not really recognize what causes anger to arise in us because we still believe that some forms of attack are more justified than others.

• Intention:  Five practice periods are urged, allowing a full minute for each.
     
• Practice:  Begin by repeating today's idea to yourself, then search you mind carefully for situations past, present or anticipated that arouse anger in you.  The anger may take the form of any reaction ranging from mild irritation to rage.  As you search, hold each upsetting thought in mind while you tell yourself: 
    
  I am determined to see ______ [name of person] differently.
  I am determined to see _______ [specify the situation] differently.    
    
  
• Application:   The degree of emotion you experience with each upsetting thought 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. 
    
  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 is suffering from this form of distortion, say: 
    
  I am determined to see ______ [specify the attribute]
  in ______ [name of person] differently.
    

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Insights/comments:

• The idea is a first step in exercising the power of our will in changing our perception as we wish.  Our determination to see things differently will change what we perceive, validating the truth that we see according to what we think and believe.  Today's idea will also uncover some of the deeper underlying causes for our anger and allow us to release them.

I and my Creator are One.