1. Today we are continuing the idea for yesterday, adding another dimension to it. \u00b2You cannot see in darkness, and you cannot make light. \u00b3You can make darkness and then think you see in it, but light reflects life, and is therefore an aspect of creation. \u2074Creation and darkness cannot coexist, but light and life must go together, being but different aspects of creation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. In order to see, you must recognize that light is within, not without. \u00b2You do not see outside yourself, nor is the equipment for seeing outside you. \u00b3An essential part of this equipment is the light that makes seeing possible. \u2074It is with you always, making vision possible in every circumstance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Today we are going to attempt to reach that light. \u00b2For this purpose, we will use a form of exercise which has been suggested before, and which we will utilize increasingly. \u00b3It is a particularly difficult form for the undisciplined mind, and represents a major goal of mind training. \u2074It requires precisely what the untrained mind lacks. \u2075Yet this training must be accomplished if you are to see.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. Have at least three practice periods today, each lasting three to five minutes. \u00b2A longer time is highly recommended, but only if you find the time slipping by with little or no sense of strain. \u00b3The form of practice we will use today is the most natural and easy one in the world for the trained mind, just as it seems to be the most unnatural and difficult for the untrained mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. Your mind is no longer wholly untrained. \u00b2You are quite ready to learn the form of exercise we will use today, but you may find that you will encounter strong resistance. \u00b3The reason is very simple. \u2074While you practice in this way, you leave behind everything that you now believe, and all the thoughts that you have made up. \u2075Properly speaking, this is the release from hell. \u2076Yet perceived through the ego\u2019s eyes, it is loss of identity and a descent into hell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
6. If you can stand aside from the ego by ever so little, you will have no difficulty in recognizing that its opposition and its fears are meaningless. \u00b2You might find it helpful to remind yourself, from time to time, that to reach light is to escape from darkness, whatever you may believe to the contrary. \u00b3God is the light in which you see. \u2074You are attempting to reach Him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
7. Begin the practice period by repeating today\u2019s idea with your eyes open, and close them slowly, repeating the idea several times more. \u00b2Then try to sink into your mind, letting go every kind of interference and intrusion by quietly sinking past them. \u00b3Your mind cannot be stopped in this unless you choose to stop it. \u2074It is merely taking its natural course. \u2075Try to observe your passing thoughts without involvement, and slip quietly by them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
8. While no particular approach is advocated for this form of exercise, what is needful is a sense of the importance of what you are doing; its inestimable value to you, and an awareness that you are attempting something very holy. \u00b2Salvation is your happiest accomplishment. \u00b3It is also the only one that has any meaning, because it is the only one that has any real use to you at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
9. If resistance rises in any form, pause long enough to repeat today\u2019s idea, keeping your eyes closed unless you are aware of fear. \u00b2In that case, you will probably find it more reassuring to open your eyes briefly. \u00b3Try, however, to return to the exercises with eyes closed as soon as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
10. If you are doing the exercises correctly, you should experience some sense of relaxation, and even a feeling that you are approaching, if not actually entering into light. \u00b2Try to think of light, formless and without limit, as you pass by the thoughts of this world. \u00b3And do not forget that they cannot hold you to the world unless you give them the power to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
11. Throughout the day repeat the idea often, with eyes open or closed as seems better to you at the time. \u00b2But do not forget. \u00b3Above all, be determined not to forget today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n