Lesson 31: I am not the victim of the world I see.
Remember, Lesson 23 told us there is no point in lamenting the world. This is an empowering idea, not a despairing one. Our inner world is the cause of our outer world.
In Chapter 21, Jesus explains, “Projection makes perception. The world you see is what you gave it, nothing more than that. But though it is no more than that, it is not less. Therefore, to you it is important. It is the witness to your state of mind, the outside picture of an inward condition. As a man thinketh, so does he perceive. Therefore, seek not to change the world, but choose to change your mind about the world. Perception is a result and not a cause.” (ACIM, T-21.in.1:1-8)
Lesson 31 tells us to “survey your inner world, merely let whatever thoughts cross your mind come into your awareness, each to be considered for a moment, and then replaced by the next. Try not to establish any kind of hierarchy among them. Watch them come and go as dispassionately as possible. Do not dwell on any one in particular, but try to let the stream move on evenly and calmly, without any special investment on your part.”
Miracle Principle #1, from the Text, tells us: “There is no order of difficulty among miracles.” One is not ‘harder’ or ‘bigger’ than another. They are all the same. All expressions of love are maximal.”
Jesus says today’s idea is a “declaration of release” and “independence in the name of your own freedom. And in your freedom lies the freedom of the world”. But freedom requires practice, not just reading. Practice requires patience. So take Jesus’ advice, “As you sit and quietly watch your thoughts, repeat today’s idea to yourself as often as you care to, but with no sense of hurry.”
