Unlike the preceding three lessons, the exercise for today does not immediately begin with the idea for the day. In today’s practice periods, begin for about a minute noting the thoughts that are crossing your mind. This will likely be best done with eyes closed. Then apply today’s idea to the thoughts of which you have become aware in that short time of reflection. In using your thoughts for application of the idea for today, identify each thought by the central figure or event it contains. For example:

“This thought about _____ does not mean anything in Reality. It is like the things I look upon in this place (in this room, from this window, in this yard or park, etc.).”

The usual specificity is required in selecting the subjects for the application of today’s idea. If you become aware of unhappy thoughts, you can use these as subjects for the idea. Do not, however, select only the thoughts you think are “bad” or negative as those that don’t mean anything in Reality. Use “good” or positive thoughts as well.

You will find as you train yourself to objectively observe your thoughts that they represent such a mixture that, in a sense, none of them can be called “good” or “bad.” None of these thoughts represent your real Thoughts, which are being covered up by the surface thoughts of which you are aware. The “good” thoughts of which you are aware are merely shadows of your real Thoughts, and shadows make seeing difficult. The “bad” thoughts are blocks to sight, and make seeing impossible. This is why these thoughts about the things you look upon do not mean anything in Reality, and why you do not want to hold on to them, whether you now judge them as “good” in comparison to the “bad” thoughts.

This is a major exercise in that it is the first step in training you toward the goal of separating what is the same and what is different. It is also the beginning of training your mind to recognize the meaningless from the meaningful. It is a first attempt in the long-range purpose of learning to perceive the meaningless as not real and therefore not part of you, and the meaningful as within you. Because of its significance, this exercise will be repeated from time to time in somewhat different form.

Practice today’s exercise in a leisurely manner for a minute or so at a time, three or four times during the day. Be aware that you may be too inexperienced as yet in examining your thoughts to avoid a tendency to become pointlessly preoccupied. Further, since this exercise is the first of its kind, with the focus inward, you may find the suspension of judgment in connection with today’s idea particularly difficult. If you feel a sense of stress in practicing today’s idea, shorten the practice time.

You can also use today’s idea during the day for any particular thought you become aware of that you recognize as harmful or disruptive to your peace of mind and sense of well-being. This practice is useful, but shouldn’t be a substitute for the more random procedures to be followed for the exercises.