May 6th 2014 Lesson 9
I see nothing as it is now.
Today's idea obviously follows from the two preceding ones. While you may be able to accept it intellectually, it may still be meaningless as yet. However, understanding is not necessary at this point, only the practice. In fact the recognition that you do not understand is a prerequisite for undoing the false notions we have about perception.
Even though our untrained minds may find it difficult or even disturbing to believe that what it seems to picture is not there, we are asked only to apply the lessons as given. Each small step will clear a little of the darkness away, and understanding will finally come to lighten every corner of the mind.
- Intention: Four practice periods will be sufficient. .
- Practice: Look about you and apply today's idea to whatever you see, remembering the need for its indiscriminate application, and the essential rule of excluding nothing. For example: I do not see this typewriter as it is now.
I do not see this telephone as it is now.
I do not see this arm as it is now. ... etc.Begin with things that are nearest you, then extend the range outward:
I do not see that coat rack as it i now.
I do not see that door as it is now.
I do not see that face as it is now.. - Application: It is emphasized again that while complete inclusion should not be attempted, specific exclusion must be avoided. Be sure you are honest with yourself in making this distinction. You may be tempted to obscure it.
Insights/comments:
- The idea that I see nothing as it is now is difficult to believe simply because it has become normal for us to believe unquestioningly what our mind and senses tell us. But now, through these lessons, as we begin to notice and pay more attention to our perceptions, we realize increasingly that all of them are based on past experiences. While we do recognize the practical benefit of recognizing a cup as a cup and how we can use it to fulfill a function, we are beginning to also recognize that our past experience can limit and hamper our relationships to things and people. If we see a cup only as a cup, we greatly diminish our ability to creatively apply it to other uses. Similarly, if we keep thinking of someone as a thief because of their past actions, it makes it extremely difficult to see their inherent divinity. This does not mean that we should ignore their past completely, but we do not want to be blinded into thinking that they are only what they were in their past. We are all holy children of God with limitless potential, even though we don’t always express our divinity.
I and my Creator are One. 
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