Today's idea will eventually overcome completely the sense of loneliness and
abandonment which all the separated ones experience. Depression is an inevitable
consequence of separation. So are anxiety, worry, a deep sense of helplessness,
misery, suffering and intense fear of loss. The separated ones have invented
many "cures" for what they believe to be "the ills of the world." But
the one thing they do not do is to question the reality of the problem. Yet its
effects cannot be cured because it is not real.
The idea for today has the power to end all this foolishness forever. And
foolishness it is, despite the serious and tragic forms it may take. Deep within
you is everything that is perfect, ready to radiate through you and out into the
whole world. It will cure all sorrow and pain and fear and loss because it will
heal the mind that thought these things were real, and suffered out of its
allegiance to these beliefs.
You can never be deprived of your perfect holiness because its Source goes with
you wherever you go. You can never suffer because the Source of all joy goes
with you wherever you go. You can never be alone because the Source of all life
goes with you wherever you go. Nothing can destroy your peace of mind because
God goes with you wherever you go.
We understand that you do not believe all this. How could you, when the truth is
hidden deep within, under a heavy cloud of insane thoughts, dense and obscuring,
yet representing all you see? Today we will make our first real attempt to get
past this dark and heavy cloud, and to go through it to the light beyond.
There will be only one long practice period today. In the morning, as soon as
you get up if possible, sit quietly for some three to five minutes with your
eyes closed. At the beginning of a practice period, repeat today's idea very
slowly. Then make no effort to think of anything. Try, instead, to get a sense
of turning inward, past all the idle thoughts of the world. Try to enter very
deeply into your own mind, keeping it clear of any thoughts that might divert
your attention.
From time to time, you may repeat today's idea, if you find it helpful. But
most of all, try to sink down and inward, away from the world and all the
foolish thoughts of the world. You are trying to reach past all these things.
You are trying to leave appearances and approach reality.
It is quite possible to reach God. In fact it is very easy, because it is the
most natural thing in the world. You might even say it is the only natural thing
in the world. The way will open if you believe that it is possible. This
exercise can bring very startling results even the first time it is attempted.
And sooner or later it is always successful. We will go into more detail in
connection with this kind of practice as we go along. But it will never fail
completely, and instant success is possible.
Throughout the day use today's idea often, repeating it very slowly, and
preferably with eyes closed. Think of what you are saying; what the words mean.
Concentrate on the holiness which they imply about you; on the unfailing
companionship which is yours; on the complete protection that surrounds you.
You can indeed afford to laugh at fear thoughts, remembering that God goes with
you wherever you go.
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