Difference between revisions of "Practices to release"

From New_Message_from_God_Wiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
(Created page with " ===Ambition=== "Allow yourself to be without ambition, for you do not know what to do with Knowledge. In your longer meditations, allow this to free you so that you may enter...")
 
(x-refs, example of formatting change)
 
(3 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
  
 
===Ambition===
 
===Ambition===
"Allow yourself to be without ambition, for
+
"Allow yourself to be without [[ambition]], for
 
you do not know what to do with Knowledge. In your longer
 
you do not know what to do with Knowledge. In your longer
 
meditations, allow this to free you so that you may enter stillness and
 
meditations, allow this to free you so that you may enter stillness and
Line 9: Line 9:
 
instructed in how to reveal greatness in the world. Realize that the
 
instructed in how to reveal greatness in the world. Realize that the
 
world is ambivalent and accept this, for this is the current state of the
 
world is ambivalent and accept this, for this is the current state of the
world. Realize that you must give with Wisdom and discernment. And
+
world. Realize that you must give with [[Wisdom]] and [[discernment]]. And
realize that you must let Knowledge give of itself and not try to give
+
realize that you must let [[Knowledge]] give of itself and not try to give
 
from your own ambition or need to avoid a sense of inadequacy. Allow
 
from your own ambition or need to avoid a sense of inadequacy. Allow
 
your giving to be true and your giving will be true."<ref name="stk360">''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 360</ref>
 
your giving to be true and your giving will be true."<ref name="stk360">''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 360</ref>
  
"On two occasions today, spend 15 minutes concentrating upon
+
'''''I want to be separate to be unique.''''' "On two occasions today, spend 15 minutes concentrating upon
the idea for today [I WANT TO BE SEPARATE TO BE UNIQUE]. Think seriously about what this lesson means and
+
the idea for today. Think seriously about what this lesson means and
 
call upon your own experience to reflect upon its relevance to your
 
call upon your own experience to reflect upon its relevance to your
 
life. Reflect upon what your desire for separation has cost you in time,
 
life. Reflect upon what your desire for separation has cost you in time,
Line 22: Line 22:
 
===Ambivalence===
 
===Ambivalence===
 
"Strengthen your conviction that you must escape from
 
"Strengthen your conviction that you must escape from
ambivalence. Realize the deadly cost of ambivalence. See how it keeps
+
[[ambivalence]]. Realize the deadly cost of ambivalence. See how it keeps
 
people lost in their ideas, denying their engagement with life. See the
 
people lost in their ideas, denying their engagement with life. See the
 
human cost around you. It is tremendous. Realize that with certainty
 
human cost around you. It is tremendous. Realize that with certainty
Line 28: Line 28:
  
 
"Once again realize how ambivalence is still
 
"Once again realize how ambivalence is still
robbing you of inspiration, robbing you of motivation, robbing you of
+
robbing you of [[inspiration]], robbing you of [[motivation]], robbing you of
 
courage and robbing you of relationship."<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 310</ref>
 
courage and robbing you of relationship."<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 310</ref>
  
 
"In your deeper practice periods, escape your own ambivalence
 
"In your deeper practice periods, escape your own ambivalence
and re-enter the sanctuary of Knowledge where in stillness and in
+
and re-enter the sanctuary of Knowledge where in [[stillness]] and in
 
peace you can fully experience the power of Knowledge and the truth
 
peace you can fully experience the power of Knowledge and the truth
 
of your own nature."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 317</ref>
 
of your own nature."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 317</ref>
  
 
"Recognize thus far how ambivalent you have been regarding
 
"Recognize thus far how ambivalent you have been regarding
your life and regarding this preparation. Realize that for this reason,
+
your life and regarding this [[preparation]]. Realize that for this reason,
 
this preparation has been given to you in very incremental steps, one
 
this preparation has been given to you in very incremental steps, one
 
step at a time, day after day. One step at a time, you learn to develop
 
step at a time, day after day. One step at a time, you learn to develop
 
and to accept your [[Desire and Capacity|desire and capacity]] for [[Knowledge]] and you learn to
 
and to accept your [[Desire and Capacity|desire and capacity]] for [[Knowledge]] and you learn to
 
express Knowledge as well."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 360</ref>
 
express Knowledge as well."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 360</ref>
 
"Practice feeling the strength of your own will. Do not let fear
 
and doubt cloud your mind. You need not try to feel the will of
 
God. It is simply there. It only requires your attention for you to
 
recognize it. Therefore, practice deeply by simply being present
 
to this experience."<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 43</ref>
 
  
 
===Anger===
 
===Anger===
Line 72: Line 66:
 
accept change in your outer life, for it is for your benefit."<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 84</ref>
 
accept change in your outer life, for it is for your benefit."<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 84</ref>
  
"Bear witness to the
+
"With your eyes open, gaze upon the world around you. Spend these
unfoldment of the world....[W]ith your eyes open, gaze upon the world around you. Spend these
 
 
times alone, gazing upon the world around you. Look without
 
times alone, gazing upon the world around you. Look without
 
judgment. Feel the world unfolding.You need not try to feel this. You
 
judgment. Feel the world unfolding.You need not try to feel this. You
Line 85: Line 78:
 
world."<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 66</ref>
 
world."<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 66</ref>
  
"Thank the world ... for what it has
+
"Thank the world once again for what it has
given to you.... Do not complain
+
given to you." ... "Do not complain
 
about this day. Recognize that everything that happens is an
 
about this day. Recognize that everything that happens is an
 
opportunity for you to apply your practice and to develop the true
 
opportunity for you to apply your practice and to develop the true
Line 92: Line 85:
  
 
===Condemnation===
 
===Condemnation===
"Allow yourself to repeat ['THERE IS NO JUSTIFICATION
+
"Be
FOR FAILING TO RECLAIM KNOWLEDGE'] upon the hour. Come to
 
this in your longer practice periods in stillness and receptivity. Be
 
 
grateful today that your errors have been forgiven. Be grateful today
 
grateful today that your errors have been forgiven. Be grateful today
 
that condemnation is not justified. Be grateful today that you have this
 
that condemnation is not justified. Be grateful today that you have this
Line 110: Line 101:
 
"Dedicate yourself today to ending war within the world by
 
"Dedicate yourself today to ending war within the world by
 
ending war within yourself so that you may be a peacemaker and a
 
ending war within yourself so that you may be a peacemaker and a
peacekeeper. Upon the hour remind yourself [that 'ENEMIES ARE ONLY FRIENDS
+
peacekeeper. Upon the hour remind yourself" [that 'ENEMIES ARE ONLY FRIENDS
WHO HAVE NOT LEARNED TO JOIN'] and
+
WHO HAVE NOT LEARNED TO JOIN'] "and
 
apply it to the world that you see around you. Apply it to all of the
 
apply it to the world that you see around you. Apply it to all of the
 
conflicts in the world of which you are aware. Try to understand its
 
conflicts in the world of which you are aware. Try to understand its
Line 134: Line 125:
  
 
===Doubt===
 
===Doubt===
"PRACTICE ..., and do not let doubt or
+
"Do not let doubt or
 
confusion dissuade you. Be a true student today. Allow yourself to
 
confusion dissuade you. Be a true student today. Allow yourself to
 
concentrate on your practice. Give yourself to practice. Be a true
 
concentrate on your practice. Give yourself to practice. Be a true
Line 140: Line 131:
  
 
===Emotions===
 
===Emotions===
"Repeat ['MY EMOTIONS CANNOT DISSUADE MY KNOWLEDGE'] and then enter into
+
"Today learn to value that which is certain and to understand
stillness. Today learn to value that which is certain and to understand
 
 
that which is uncertain, to recognize that which is cause and that
 
that which is uncertain, to recognize that which is cause and that
 
which obstructs cause but which may in time serve cause itself."<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 89</ref>
 
which obstructs cause but which may in time serve cause itself."<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 89</ref>
Line 155: Line 145:
 
Use these practice periods for this introspective process and
 
Use these practice periods for this introspective process and
 
when you are done, do not speak of the results to any other person,
 
when you are done, do not speak of the results to any other person,
but allow the investigation to continue naturally, as it naturally will."<<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 26</ref>
+
but allow the investigation to continue naturally, as it naturally will."<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 26</ref>
  
"Upon each hour of [the] day, repeat to yourself that you wish to
+
"Upon each hour of this day, repeat to yourself that you wish to
 
learn from your errors and feel for a moment what this means. Thus,
 
learn from your errors and feel for a moment what this means. Thus,
 
through many periods of practice today, you will begin to understand
 
through many periods of practice today, you will begin to understand
Line 174: Line 164:
 
these things objectively. Learn to strengthen those aspects of yourself
 
these things objectively. Learn to strengthen those aspects of yourself
 
that encourage and strengthen your participation in the reclamation of
 
that encourage and strengthen your participation in the reclamation of
Knowledge, and learn to adjust or correct those qualities that interfere."<<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 77</ref>
+
Knowledge, and learn to adjust or correct those qualities that interfere."<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 77</ref>
  
 
===Failure===
 
===Failure===
"Remind yourself [that 'WHEN OTHERS FAIL,
+
"Think of every individual that you think has failed and realize
I AM REMINDED OF THE NEED FOR KNOWLEDGE'] upon the hour and in your two
 
longer practice periods, actively engage your mind in comprehending
 
this idea. Think of every individual that you think has failed and realize
 
 
the meaning of today’s lesson in light of those individuals serving you.
 
the meaning of today’s lesson in light of those individuals serving you.
 
Realize the need for Knowledge within their lives and within your
 
Realize the need for Knowledge within their lives and within your
Line 186: Line 173:
  
 
===Fear===
 
===Fear===
 +
"Evaluate the existence of your fears and remind yourself that your reality is beyond them, but that you must recognize them to understand their damaging presence in your life. Close your eyes and repeat the idea for today; then consider each fear that arises in your mind. Remind yourself that the truth is beyond that specific fear. Allow all fears to arise and be evaluated in this way."<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 151</ref>
  
"Evaluate the existence of your fears and remind yourself that your reality is beyond them, but that you must recognize them to understand their damaging presence in your life. Close your eyes and repeat the idea for today [LET ME RECOGNIZE MY FEARS
+
"Practice letting
SO THAT I MAY SEE THE TRUTH BEYOND THEM]; then consider each fear that arises in your mind. Remind yourself that the truth is beyond that specific fear. Allow all fears to arise and be evaluated in this way."<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 51</ref>
 
 
 
"In [two thirty-minute] practice periods today, practice letting
 
 
go of fear so that you may know. Allowing your mind to be still and
 
go of fear so that you may know. Allowing your mind to be still and
 
receptive without making demands will be a [[demonstration]] that you
 
receptive without making demands will be a [[demonstration]] that you
Line 197: Line 182:
 
different world." <ref name="stk87">''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 87</ref>
 
different world." <ref name="stk87">''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 87</ref>
  
"Repeat [the] idea for the day [I WILL NOT FOLLOW FEAR WITHIN THE WORLD] upon the hour,  and consider it
+
"Allow yourself to be vulnerable today, for you are only vulnerable to
in light of all that you experience today. In your two longer practice
 
periods, apply your mind actively in attempting to understand today’s
 
lesson. Again, this is a form of mental application. We shall not practice
 
stillness and mental silence today but mental application so that you
 
may learn to think constructively. For when your mind is not still, it
 
should be thinking constructively. It should be investigating. Do not
 
rely upon early conclusions. Do not rely upon self-comforting ideas.
 
Allow yourself to be vulnerable today, for you are only vulnerable to
 
 
Knowledge. Yet, Knowledge will shield you from all things of harm
 
Knowledge. Yet, Knowledge will shield you from all things of harm
 
within this world and will provide a comfort and a stability that the
 
within this world and will provide a comfort and a stability that the
Line 212: Line 189:
 
express itself through you."<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 52</ref>
 
express itself through you."<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 52</ref>
  
"In ... two meditation practices today, once again enter into
+
"Enter into
 
stillness. Today there will be no mental speculation or activity, for the
 
stillness. Today there will be no mental speculation or activity, for the
 
mind will once again come to rest so that it may experience its reality.
 
mind will once again come to rest so that it may experience its reality.
Line 251: Line 228:
 
nothing that is real within you or within the world."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 319</ref>
 
nothing that is real within you or within the world."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 319</ref>
  
===Idealism===
+
=== Idealism ===
 
"Recognize the extent of
 
"Recognize the extent of
 
your own idealism. Observe carefully what you want yourself to be,
 
your own idealism. Observe carefully what you want yourself to be,
Line 266: Line 243:
  
 
===Judgment===
 
===Judgment===
"Upon the hour repeat ['I DO NOT UNDERSTAND THE WORLD'] as you look upon the world.
+
"You do not understand the world today. Be happy that this is so, for your condemnation is unfounded. You do not understand the world today. This gives you an opportunity to witness the world. Upon the hour repeat this idea as you look upon the world. Remind yourself that you do not understand what you see, so you are
Remind yourself that you do not understand what you see, so you are
+
free to look again." <ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 213</ref>
free to look again.... In your two deeper practice
 
periods today, allow your mind to enter stillness, for without the
 
burden of attempting to justify your fantasies, your mind will naturally
 
seek its true place in service to Knowledge." <ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 213</ref>
 
  
 
"Listen to others today so that you may experience yourself in
 
"Listen to others today so that you may experience yourself in
Line 277: Line 250:
 
and comprehended." <ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 193</ref>
 
and comprehended." <ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 193</ref>
  
"Upon the hour repeat [the] statement ['I WILL NOT USE FEAR TO SUPPORT MY JUDGMENTS'] and consider it in
+
"Upon the hour repeat your statement" ['I WILL NOT USE FEAR TO SUPPORT MY JUDGMENTS'] "and consider it in
 
light of all things that are occurring today. In your two deeper
 
light of all things that are occurring today. In your two deeper
 
practices, consider the meaning of today’s idea as you think about it
 
practices, consider the meaning of today’s idea as you think about it
Line 340: Line 313:
 
===Self-doubt===
 
===Self-doubt===
  
"Upon the hour today practice repeating ['I WILL NOT BE AFRAID OF WHAT I KNOW'] and consider its meaning. Upon the hour you will learn to
+
"In your two longer practice periods today, practice letting
release fear from your life, for Knowledge will dispel all fear, and you
 
will dispel fear to give Knowledge its right to express itself. Trust what
 
you know.... In your two longer practice periods today, practice letting
 
 
go of fear so that you may know. Allowing your mind to be still and
 
go of fear so that you may know. Allowing your mind to be still and
 
receptive without making demands will be a demonstration that you
 
receptive without making demands will be a demonstration that you
Line 349: Line 319:
 
and the animosities of this world. With this, you will begin to see a
 
and the animosities of this world. With this, you will begin to see a
 
different world."<ref name="stk87"/>
 
different world."<ref name="stk87"/>
 +
 +
"Without judgment look
 +
and see what has been offered, what you have done and what
 +
can possibly be done to deepen your practice so that you may
 +
receive its benefits more directly. If you are having difficulty,
 +
recognize the problems and attempt to correct them. Give the
 +
week ahead greater involvement. In doing so, you will correct
 +
self-doubt and confusion merely by directing your will."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 42: Review</ref>
  
 
===Self-judgment===
 
===Self-judgment===
Line 364: Line 342:
  
 
===Self-pity===
 
===Self-pity===
"Upon the hour, then, repeat [I WILL NOT PITY MYSELF TODAY]. Allow it to enter your
+
"Upon the hour, then, repeat this idea." ['I WILL NOT PITY MYSELF TODAY']. "Allow it to enter your
 
mind and consider it for a moment. In your two practice periods,
 
mind and consider it for a moment. In your two practice periods,
 
repeat this affirmation and then enter into stillness. No being who is
 
repeat this affirmation and then enter into stillness. No being who is
Line 383: Line 361:
 
==References==
 
==References==
 
<references/>
 
<references/>
 +
 +
 +
==See also==
 +
 +
[[Practices]]
 +
 +
[[Practices to strengthen]]
  
 
[[category:practice]]
 
[[category:practice]]

Latest revision as of 13:36, 3 April 2023

Ambition

"Allow yourself to be without ambition, for you do not know what to do with Knowledge. In your longer meditations, allow this to free you so that you may enter stillness and leave the world of physical things."[1]

"Allow yourself to be instructed in how to reveal greatness in the world. Realize that the world is ambivalent and accept this, for this is the current state of the world. Realize that you must give with Wisdom and discernment. And realize that you must let Knowledge give of itself and not try to give from your own ambition or need to avoid a sense of inadequacy. Allow your giving to be true and your giving will be true."[2]

I want to be separate to be unique. "On two occasions today, spend 15 minutes concentrating upon the idea for today. Think seriously about what this lesson means and call upon your own experience to reflect upon its relevance to your life. Reflect upon what your desire for separation has cost you in time, energy and pain."[3]

Ambivalence

"Strengthen your conviction that you must escape from ambivalence. Realize the deadly cost of ambivalence. See how it keeps people lost in their ideas, denying their engagement with life. See the human cost around you. It is tremendous. Realize that with certainty everyone will find their rightful place."[4]

"Once again realize how ambivalence is still robbing you of inspiration, robbing you of motivation, robbing you of courage and robbing you of relationship."[5]

"In your deeper practice periods, escape your own ambivalence and re-enter the sanctuary of Knowledge where in stillness and in peace you can fully experience the power of Knowledge and the truth of your own nature."[6]

"Recognize thus far how ambivalent you have been regarding your life and regarding this preparation. Realize that for this reason, this preparation has been given to you in very incremental steps, one step at a time, day after day. One step at a time, you learn to develop and to accept your desire and capacity for Knowledge and you learn to express Knowledge as well."[7]

Anger

"In your deeper practice periods, actively engage your mind in looking at every single thing that you are angry about, from very tiny things that are specific to things in general that upset or discourage you. Remind yourself as you review your inventory of anger that your anger is unjustified. Remind yourself that it calls for the application of Knowledge and that within each angry experience or feeling that you have, there is a seed which is true. Therefore, your anger need not be rejected but cleansed, for in cleansing your anger you will be able to communicate that which you intended to communicate in the beginning where you initially failed. Then your self-expression will be complete, and anger will be no more."[8]

Change

"You are not expected to take great leaps, yet each small step will seem like a great leap, for it will give you so much more than you have ever had before. Allow your external life to become rearranged as your inner life begins to emerge and to shine its light upon you. Maintain your focus and accept change in your outer life, for it is for your benefit."[9]

"With your eyes open, gaze upon the world around you. Spend these times alone, gazing upon the world around you. Look without judgment. Feel the world unfolding.You need not try to feel this. You will feel it because it is natural."[10]

Complaining

"Each hour spend a minute not complaining about the world. Do not let the hours go by unattended, but be present for practice. Recognize the extent to which others are complaining about the world and how little it gives them and how little it gives the world."[11]

"Thank the world once again for what it has given to you." ... "Do not complain about this day. Recognize that everything that happens is an opportunity for you to apply your practice and to develop the true faculties of your mind."[12]

Condemnation

"Be grateful today that your errors have been forgiven. Be grateful today that condemnation is not justified. Be grateful today that you have this opportunity to come to Knowledge, which will affirm that which is truest and greatest within you. Be grateful today that there is no justification in denying this, for without guilt and blame you can only receive that which life has to offer you. Let this be a day to celebrate your freedom. Let this be a day to affirm that you are blameless, though you are a student of Knowledge. Let this be a day to affirm that all the problems of the world can be solved without condemnation, for without condemnation all problems in the world will be solved." [13]

Conflict

"Dedicate yourself today to ending war within the world by ending war within yourself so that you may be a peacemaker and a peacekeeper. Upon the hour remind yourself" [that 'ENEMIES ARE ONLY FRIENDS WHO HAVE NOT LEARNED TO JOIN'] "and apply it to the world that you see around you. Apply it to all of the conflicts in the world of which you are aware. Try to understand its complete relevancy to these conflicts. This will require that you see these conflicts from a different point of view in order to realize the full impact and meaning of today’s idea. It is this point of view that you must cultivate, for you must learn to see as Knowledge sees, to think as Knowledge thinks and to act as Knowledge acts. All this you will most certainly accomplish as you follow Knowledge each day."[14]

Confusion

"Today allow yourself to be confused, for you are confused, and you must always begin from where you are. Knowledge is with you. You are free to be confused. In your longer practice periods today, enter into stillness whether you are confused or not, for stillness, grace and peace are always available to you."[15]

"Each hour as you look upon the world and all of its activities, judge it not, for it is merely confused. If you are in distress today, judge yourself not, for you are merely confused."[16]

Doubt

"Do not let doubt or confusion dissuade you. Be a true student today. Allow yourself to concentrate on your practice. Give yourself to practice. Be a true student today."[17]

Emotions

"Today learn to value that which is certain and to understand that which is uncertain, to recognize that which is cause and that which obstructs cause but which may in time serve cause itself."[18]

Error

"In your practice periods review the errors that come to mind as you sit quietly alone, and then see how each one can be utilized to your current benefit. What needs to be learned from them? What must be done that was not done before? What must not be done that was done before? How can these errors be recognized in advance? What were the signs that preceded them and how can such signs be recognized in advance of error in the future? Use these practice periods for this introspective process and when you are done, do not speak of the results to any other person, but allow the investigation to continue naturally, as it naturally will."[19]

"Upon each hour of this day, repeat to yourself that you wish to learn from your errors and feel for a moment what this means. Thus, through many periods of practice today, you will begin to understand the statement you are making and will perhaps then perceive how it can be brought about. If you are willing to learn from your errors, you will not be so afraid to recognize them. Then you will wish to understand them, not to deny them, not to bear false witness against them, not to call them by other names, but to admit them for your own benefit. From this recognition, you will be able to assist others in the reclamation of Knowledge, for they too must learn how to learn from their errors."[20]

"Examine the qualities within yourself which aid you in your preparation and the qualities within yourself that make your preparation more difficult. Observe these things objectively. Learn to strengthen those aspects of yourself that encourage and strengthen your participation in the reclamation of Knowledge, and learn to adjust or correct those qualities that interfere."[21]

Failure

"Think of every individual that you think has failed and realize the meaning of today’s lesson in light of those individuals serving you. Realize the need for Knowledge within their lives and within your life."[22]

Fear

"Evaluate the existence of your fears and remind yourself that your reality is beyond them, but that you must recognize them to understand their damaging presence in your life. Close your eyes and repeat the idea for today; then consider each fear that arises in your mind. Remind yourself that the truth is beyond that specific fear. Allow all fears to arise and be evaluated in this way."[23]

"Practice letting go of fear so that you may know. Allowing your mind to be still and receptive without making demands will be a demonstration that you are trusting Knowledge. It will give you reprieve from the afflictions and the animosities of this world. With this, you will begin to see a different world." [24]

"Allow yourself to be vulnerable today, for you are only vulnerable to Knowledge. Yet, Knowledge will shield you from all things of harm within this world and will provide a comfort and a stability that the world can never change. Learn of this today so that you may be a source of Knowledge within the world so that your Source may express itself through you."[25]

"Enter into stillness. Today there will be no mental speculation or activity, for the mind will once again come to rest so that it may experience its reality. Let not fear or anxiety dissuade you. Remember, this is your negative imagination only. Only Knowledge can indicate if you are doing something inappropriate, and that will only be in the face of immediate events. You will find that this is quite different from negative imagination and will require a different response from you."[26]

"Remind yourself upon the hour not to let fear overtake you. When you begin to feel its effects, in whatever manner that it exerts its influence upon you, withdraw from it and claim your allegiance to Knowledge. Give your confidence to Knowledge. In your two deeper practice periods today, give yourself to Knowledge. Give your mind and your heart so that you may be strengthened in that certainty where fear can never enter. Your fearlessness in the future must not be born of pretense, but born of your certainty in Knowledge."[27]

"Upon the hour abide with Knowledge. Dispel fear and remind yourself that Knowledge is with you. Remind yourself that your Teachers are with you. Remind yourself that students everywhere who are involved in the reclamation of Knowledge are with you. In this, the world will become small and you will become great. In your deeper practices, allow yourself the freedom of experiencing Knowledge. Enter the great depth and stillness of the mind, as it immerses itself into the presence of love."[28]

"Whenever you enter into fear, practice this day recognizing that a Greater Power is in the world. Utilize this recognition to bring yourself out of fear by remembering that a Greater Power is in the world and by remembering that a Greater Power is in your life. Think about this on the hour and in your two deeper meditation practices, re-enter your sanctuary where in stillness and in confidence you receive the Greater Power that is in the world. Here you must realize that your preparation requires that you step away from fear and darkness and that you step forward into the light of truth. These two activities will confirm your nature and will betray nothing that is real within you or within the world."[29]

Idealism

"Recognize the extent of your own idealism. Observe carefully what you want yourself to be, what you want your world to be and what you want your relationships to be. Repeat today’s idea and, with eyes closed, examine each of your ideals."[30]

"Concentrate on accepting things exactly as they are. You are not condoning violence, conflict or ignorance in doing this. You are merely accepting the conditions that exist so that you may work with them constructively. Without this acceptance, you have no starting place for true engagement. Allow the world to be exactly as it is, for it is this world that you have come to serve."[31]

Judgment

"You do not understand the world today. Be happy that this is so, for your condemnation is unfounded. You do not understand the world today. This gives you an opportunity to witness the world. Upon the hour repeat this idea as you look upon the world. Remind yourself that you do not understand what you see, so you are free to look again." [32]

"Listen to others today so that you may experience yourself in relationship with them, so that their true message to you may be given and comprehended." [33]

"Upon the hour repeat your statement" ['I WILL NOT USE FEAR TO SUPPORT MY JUDGMENTS'] "and consider it in light of all things that are occurring today. In your two deeper practices, consider the meaning of today’s idea as you think about it carefully. Apply your mind in a state of work as you attempt to penetrate the meaning of today’s lesson. Do not be comforted by premature conclusions. Investigate deeply with your mind in your practice periods. Use your mind actively. Consider many things within yourself while maintaining a concentration on today’s idea."[34]

"Take a moment and look at the world without judgment. Repeat the affirmation for today and spend a moment looking at the world without judgment. Regardless of what appearance you may see, whether it pleases you or displeases you, whether you find it beautiful or ugly, whether you think it is worthy or unworthy, look at it without judgment."[35]

Limitation

"With your eyes open, concentrate now on your limitations. Recognize them. Do not judge them as good or bad. Simply recognize them. This gives you humility, and in humility you are in a position to receive greatness."[36].

"Allow yourself to be limited but without judgment. There is no condemnation. Actively engage your mind in focusing on your limitations. Focus without condemnation. Look objectively. You are meant to be a vehicle for a Greater Reality to express itself in this world. Your vehicle for expression is quite limited, but it is fully adequate to accomplish the task that is yours to accomplish. In accepting its limitations, you can understand its mechanism and learn to work with it constructively. Then it is no longer a limitation but a form of joyful expression for you."[37]

Loss

"In your two 30-minute practice periods, look and see how the truth has served you. Look at experiences that were happy. Look at experiences that were painful. Particularly in painful experiences, look at how the truth has served you. Look openly. Do not defend a former position if you are tempted to do so. If pain still exists from a loss of an earlier time, accept that pain and its discouragement, but try to look and see how you were truly served by that loss. This point of view of being served by your experience is something you must cultivate. It does not justify the experience itself. Understand this. It merely gives you an opportunity to use your experience for your advancement and your empowerment."[38]

Self-deception

"Begin to look more deeply at those things that are forms of obstruction to you. Think of this upon the hour. In your two deeper practice periods, engage your mind actively in attempting to discern specific forms of self-deception and self-obstruction. Do this without condemnation, but with the objectivity that is necessary to view yourself clearly. Do not be dismayed that there are many subtle forms of self-deception. They are merely slight variations upon very simple themes. Their seeming complexity and number are unimportant except that you recognize them."[39]

Self-doubt

"In your two longer practice periods today, practice letting go of fear so that you may know. Allowing your mind to be still and receptive without making demands will be a demonstration that you are trusting Knowledge. It will give you reprieve from the afflictions and the animosities of this world. With this, you will begin to see a different world."[24]

"Without judgment look and see what has been offered, what you have done and what can possibly be done to deepen your practice so that you may receive its benefits more directly. If you are having difficulty, recognize the problems and attempt to correct them. Give the week ahead greater involvement. In doing so, you will correct self-doubt and confusion merely by directing your will."[40]

Self-judgment

"As you penetrate your own self-judgment, realize it is born of your fear and based upon assumption." [41]

Self-justification

"Upon the hour remind yourself that you do not understand yourself. Free yourself from the burden of justifying your own judgments. Look upon yourself in your deeper meditation practices and remind yourself that you do not understand yourself. Now you are free to enter into stillness, for you are not attempting to use your experience to justify your fantasies about yourself. Here your mind becomes free to be itself, and you become free to appreciate yourself." [42]

Self-pity

"Upon the hour, then, repeat this idea." ['I WILL NOT PITY MYSELF TODAY']. "Allow it to enter your mind and consider it for a moment. In your two practice periods, repeat this affirmation and then enter into stillness. No being who is pitiful can enter into silence, for silence is the experience of profound relationship, and stillness is the acceptance of profound love." [43]

Social conditioning

"As you practice today, be aware of the many subtle forms of self-pity that you entertain. Be aware of the many subtle forms of manipulation of others as you attempt to make them like or accept you according to a view of yourself that you are attempting to claim."[43]

Suffering

"Upon the hour confirm that you do not want to suffer today and realize the inevitability of your suffering if you attempt to engage yourself in the world without Knowledge."[44]

References

  1. Steps to Knowledge, Step 219
  2. Steps to Knowledge, Step 360
  3. Steps to Knowledge, Step 13
  4. Steps to Knowledge, Step 274
  5. Steps to Knowledge, Step 310
  6. Steps to Knowledge, Step 317
  7. Steps to Knowledge, Step 360
  8. Steps to Knowledge, Step 241
  9. Steps to Knowledge, Step 84
  10. Steps to Knowledge, Step 348
  11. Steps to Knowledge, Step 66
  12. Steps to Knowledge, Step 180
  13. Steps to Knowledge, Step 246
  14. Steps to Knowledge, Step 288
  15. Steps to Knowledge, Step 221
  16. Steps to Knowledge, Step 222
  17. Steps to Knowledge, Step 20
  18. Steps to Knowledge, Step 89
  19. Steps to Knowledge, Step 26
  20. Steps to Knowledge, Step 73
  21. Steps to Knowledge, Step 77
  22. Steps to Knowledge, Step 245
  23. Steps to Knowledge, Step 151
  24. 24.0 24.1 Steps to Knowledge, Step 87
  25. Steps to Knowledge, Step 52
  26. Steps to Knowledge, Step 128
  27. Steps to Knowledge, Step 162
  28. Steps to Knowledge, Step 226
  29. Steps to Knowledge, Step 319
  30. Steps to Knowledge, Step 54
  31. Steps to Knowledge, Step 55
  32. Steps to Knowledge, Step 213
  33. Steps to Knowledge, Step 193
  34. Steps to Knowledge, Step 151
  35. Steps to Knowledge, Step 60
  36. Steps to Knowledge, Step 45
  37. Steps to Knowledge, Step 46
  38. Steps to Knowledge, Step 27
  39. Steps to Knowledge, Step 228
  40. Steps to Knowledge, Step 42: Review
  41. Steps to Knowledge, Step 262
  42. Steps to Knowledge, Step 214
  43. 43.0 43.1 Steps to Knowledge, Step 123
  44. Steps to Knowledge, Step 293


See also

Practices

Practices to strengthen