Above all else I want to see.
1. Today’s idea expresses something deeper than a mere decision.I
²It gives Vision the highest priority among all your desires.
³You may feel hesitant to use this idea because you are not sure you can say it with complete sincerity.
⁴That does not matter.
⁵The purpose of today’s exercises is to bring you a little closer to the moment when this idea will be entirely true for you.
2. You may be strongly tempted to believe that you are being asked to make some kind of sacrifice when you declare that, above all else, you want to see.
²If this lack of reservation makes you uncomfortable, you may add:
³Vision costs nothing to anyone.
⁴And if the fear of loss persists, you can also say:
⁵It can only bless.II
3. Today’s idea requires frequent repetition in order to bring you the greatest benefit. ²You should practice it at least every half hour, and more often if possible.III
³Try, if you can, to practice every fifteen to twenty minutes.
⁴It is advisable that, upon awakening or shortly thereafter, you set a specific rhythm for applying the idea throughout the day and commit yourself to following it.
⁵It will not be difficult to do this, even while engaging in conversation or other activities.
⁶You can always repeat a short phrase silently without interfering in any way.
4. The real question is: how often will you remember to do it?
²How much do you want today’s idea to be true?
³Answer either of these questions, and you have answered the other.
⁴You may forget to practice at times—or even many times.
⁵Do not be disturbed by this, but make a genuine effort to return to your schedule each time you notice you have strayed.IV
⁶If only once during the day you repeat today’s idea with perfect sincerity, you can be sure that you have saved yourself many years of effort.V
I This Lesson reinforces the declaration of Lesson 20: “I am determined to see,” and together they mark the culmination of earlier Lessons focused on undoing, of a negative character. These are luminous Lessons that present the solution to the darkness of the world’s thought system: the truth.
It is the will to know the truth that frees you from the illusion of death.
“You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:33).
II When you state today’s idea, it is not necessary to use exactly the formula proposed. Avoid falling into ritualism; that is equivalent to believing in magic. What truly matters is that you clearly understand the essence of what the idea conveys. Once you grasp it, express it in your own way. In fact, doing so is more effective, because it feels more natural and encounters less resistance.
For example, you could state today’s idea in this way: “What matters most to me, what I desire above all in this life, is to truly see. Jesus has told me that I do not have to pay any price for this, and that it can only bless me and everything around me, and I believe Him. This is what I truly want, and I want it to happen as soon as possible.”
Formulating the idea in this way—or in another that occurs to you—will make it much more workable. It is also essential that you understand that its effectiveness will increase if you connect it to a sincere emotion, felt from the depths of your heart. Ideas supported by emotions are incredibly powerful. Remember this principle throughout all your practice with this Workbook.
III This is the first time you are asked to use an idea intensively throughout the day, something that will also be required with many other ideas in the future.
IV Throughout the practice of the exercises in this Workbook, it is absolutely essential to banish completely the idea of guilt. You must remember that you always do the best you can and give all the love you have. Even so, always try to give a little more. Remember that no effort, however small, is wasted.
V This line hints that the task of reversing your thought system is a monumental feat that will require time, effort, and tremendous determination. Yet consider the reward: it is infinite. There is no alternative that can compare, nor any way of using your time that could benefit you more.
Moreover, you can be certain that along the way you will encounter innumerable rewards that will surprise you, heal you, and also heal those around you. Remember: this is A Course in Miracles.