The First 34 Lessons

Hello, Everyone,

Once again, I'll be uploading the daily lessons from the Course in Miracles Workbook starting January 1. In preparation for starting the lessons, I wanted to comment briefly on the first 34 lessons. Before you begin the lessons, please be sure to read the Introduction to the Workbook. It will describe the purpose of the lessons and how to approach them.

The Introduction states that "The purpose of the workbook is to train your mind in a systematic way to a different perception of everyone and everything in the world." Basically, these first lessons are designed to break down the erroneous thought system of the ego. For this reason, you will find that your ego is going to kick and scream and tell you that they are nuts! Insane! Know that this is just a smoke screen and a ploy to stuck right where you are--along with the rest of the world. So just keep on keeping on.

The Intro also says not to stress over trying to understand these first lessons. It advises us just to follow the directions and leave the rest to Spirit. It gives only a few guidelines to be observed. "First, that the exercises be practiced with great specificity . . . as this will help you generalize the ideas to every situation in which you find yourself. Second, be sure you do not decide for yourself that there are some people, situations or things to which the ideas are inapplicable. This will interfere with transfer of training." It also strongly recommends that you not do more than one lesson a day. Other than that, the pace at which you do the lessons is entirely up to you. You may decide to spend a week or a month on a single lesson. Spirit will guide you.

Lastly, the Intro says "you need not believe the ideas, you need not accept them, and you need not even welcome them. . . But do not allow yourself to make exceptions in applying the ideas. . . Nothing more is required."

I look forward to embarking on this "journey without distance"with you. Have a blessed and joy-filled CHRISTmas, and as you enjoy the holiday, take time to celebrate the birth of the Christ in you.

Much love,
Jo