I see nothing as it is now.
1. This idea is, obviously, the logical conclusion of the two previous ones.
²But although you may accept it intellectually, it is unlikely to mean anything to you at this point. I
³In any case, it is not necessary that you understand it now.
⁴In fact, recognizing that you do not understand is a prerequisite for undoing your false ideas.
⁵These exercises focus on practice, not understanding.
⁶For you do not need to practice what you truly understand.
⁷Certainly, it would make no sense to try to understand something while assuming you already understand it. II
2. It is difficult for an untrained mind to believe that what it once thought it saw is not there.
²This idea may be quite disturbing and provoke strong resistance, which can take many forms.
³However, that should not prevent you from applying it. ⁴All that is required for this or any other exercise is that you apply the idea that is being presented. III
⁵Each small step will clear away a little more of the darkness, and understanding will finally come to illuminate every corner of the mind that has been cleared of the debris that darkened it.
3. Three or four practice sessions are sufficient for today’s exercises.
²You need only look around you and apply today’s idea to everything you see.
³Remember to apply the idea indiscriminately, and to follow the essential rule of not excluding anything deliberately.
⁴For example:
⁵I do not see this typewriter as it is now.
⁶I do not see this key as it is now.
⁷I do not see this telephone as it is now.
⁸Begin with the things nearest to you, and then look farther away.
⁹I do not see that coat rack as it is now.
¹⁰I do not see that face as it is now.
¹¹I do not see that door as it is now.
4. It is emphasized once again that, although you should not attempt to include everything, you must avoid any specific exclusions.
²Be honest with yourself in making this distinction.
³You may be tempted to conceal this tendency from yourself.
I Jesus clearly acknowledges that there is a vast difference between accepting an idea intellectually and truly understanding and embracing it. You may accept the idea that you do not see anything as it is now, yet it may take quite some time before you begin to grasp what that really means.
Fortunately, the Lesson goes on to say that it is not necessary for you to understand it. In fact, what is essential is that you recognize that right now you do not understand. You could say that one of the things you are meant to learn from this Lesson is precisely that you do not understand it!
To recognize one’s own ignorance—the humility of the student—is essential for learning, for without this acknowledgment, your false “understanding” prevents it. This Lesson invites you to disbelief, that is, to question your belief that you understand what you “see.”
II The natural vocation of the mind is to resolve, in the present, the difficulties it encounters. That is its rightful function and also its capacity, for it was created by God.
Yet the mind you now recognize and use to interpret reality is not your true mind; you have identified with a tiny part of it and reduced its infinite potential almost to nothing. That is why it is both absurd and unhelpful to try to understand what you are told now, and in many other instances of this blessed Course, with your defective instrument. At present you do not understand, but surely you will. That is precisely the most important characteristic of God’s teachers that you must bring to bear in these situations: trust. Do what you are told and trust, for be certain that the words of Jesus well deserve it in those moments of darkness.
III Today it may be helpful for you to review the final paragraph of the Introduction to this Workbook: “Remember only this: you need not believe the ideas, you need not accept them, and you need not even welcome them. Some of them you may actively resist. None of this will matter, or decrease their efficacy. But do not allow yourself to make exceptions in applying the ideas the exercises contain. Whatever your reactions to the ideas may be, use them.” (W-In.7).
Nothing more than this is required.