My thoughts do not mean anything.
My thoughts do not mean anything.
This idea applies to all the thoughts of which you are aware, or become aware in the practice periods. The reason the idea is applicable to all of them is that they are not your real thoughts. We have made this distinction before, and will do so again. You have no basis for comparison as yet. When you do, you will have no doubt that what you once believed were your thoughts did not mean anything.
This is the second time we have used this kind of idea. The form is only slightly different. This time the idea is introduced with “My thoughts” instead of “These thoughts,” and no link is made overtly with the things around you. The emphasis is now on the lack of reality of what you think you think.
This aspect of the correction process began with the idea that the thoughts of which you are aware are meaningless, outside rather than within; and then stressed their past rather than their present status. Now we are emphasizing that the presence of these “thoughts” means that you are not thinking. This is merely another way of repeating our earlier statement that your mind is really a blank. To recognize this is to recognize nothingness when you think you see it. As such, it is the prerequisite for vision.
Close your eyes for these exercises, and introduce them by repeating the idea for today quite slowly to yourself. Then add:
This idea will help to release me from all that I now believe.
The exercises consist, as before, in searching your mind for all the thoughts that are available to you, without selection or judgment. Try to avoid classification of any kind. In fact, if you find it helpful to do so, you might imagine that you are watching an oddly assorted procession going by, which has little if any personal meaning to you. As each one crosses your mind, say:
My thought about ______ does not mean anything.
My thought about ______ does not mean anything.
Today’s thought can obviously serve for any thought that distresses you at any time. In addition, five practice periods are recommended, each involving no more than a minute or so of mind searching. It is not recommended that this time period be extended, and it should be reduced to half a minute or less if you experience discomfort. Remember, however, to repeat the idea slowly before applying it specifically, and also to add:
This idea will help to release me from all that I now believe.
One Response
Leave a Comment
May 14th, 2008 at 8:33 pm
My thoughts do not mean anything.
What does today’s lesson mean to me?
This lesson revisits the idea that my mind is really a blank. Why do my thoughts not mean anything? Because they are not my real thoughts. In order to experience my real thoughts I will need to accept that this is true. If I continue to believe that my thoughts are meaningful and important, I will be unwilling to release them. I will never know what my real thoughts are.
How can I apply this lesson in my life right now?
I am recognizing how intensely frightening it is to think of releasing my thoughts. They do not mean anything, but I have identified with them. I think they define me. If I release them, who am I? Jesus is telling me that I have real thoughts, but that is not my experience. I am being asked to accept this on faith. But I am being given little simple exercises; I am taking small gentle steps. Each of these little steps is teaching me trust and bringing my awareness closer to my real self.
My message from Holy Spirit.
Precious one, you have placed great value on your thoughts, and it is hard to give up what you value. So we begin by introducing the idea that your value is misplaced. Here is a parable for you. A wealthy man goes into his treasure room and looks at his gorgeous treasure chest. He runs his hands over the smooth wood, and the shiny metal. He admires the stones of many colors and varying sizes that are encrusted all over the box. He never tires of admiring this box and each time he looks at it, he notices something he had not seen before. He thinks how lucky he is to have so much and thinks, “I am a rich man.”
The man is indeed rich, but it is not the smooth wood and shiny metal and colorful stones that are his wealth. In truth they are worth little. Inside the box is his true wealth, but he has never seen it because he cannot take his eyes off the distractions offered on the surface of his chest.
Myron you have been gazing adoringly at the worthless, while under that you have real treasure. The ego provides endless distractions to keep your attention on the meaningless, because if you see your real thoughts you will laugh at the foolishness of the ego and it will disappear.
I assure you, Myron, that your meaningless thoughts are of no value, and are merely covering your true treasure. They are like dark clouds that block your vision, and like clouds are insubstantial and easily dispersed. Together, you and I will take the simple steps that will brush away the meaningless and reveal your holy thoughts.
My message to Holy Spirit.
It is true that I feel some reluctance to let go of what I have for what I don’t know, and that I have trouble accepting my thoughts are meaningless and that I am not really thinking at all. It seems so strange and hard to understand. I am willing to do what you say, though, because I love You and I trust You. Holy Spirit, You have taught me to value the peace of God, and I want more of it. I give you all the willingness I have, and I give you my doubts and uncertainties as well.