Lesson 41

W-pI.41.1. Today's idea will eventually overcome completely the sense of loneliness and abandonment all the separated ones experience. ² Depression is an inevitable consequence of separation. ³ So are anxiety, worry, a deep sense of helplessness, misery, suffering and intense fear of loss.

W-pI.41.2. The separated ones have invented many "cures" for what they believe to be "the ills of the world." ² But the one thing they do not do is to question the reality of the problem. ³ Yet its effects cannot be cured because the problem is not real. ⁴ The idea for today has the power to end all this foolishness forever. ⁵ And foolishness it is, despite the serious and tragic forms it may take.

W-pI.41.3. Deep within you is everything that is perfect, ready to radiate through you and out into the world. ² It will cure all sorrow and pain and fear and loss because it will heal the mind that thought these things were real, and suffered out of its allegiance to them.

W-pI.41.4. You can never be deprived of your perfect holiness because its Source goes with you wherever you go. ² You can never suffer because the Source of all joy goes with you wherever you go. ³ You can never be alone because the Source of all life goes with you wherever you go. ⁴ Nothing can destroy your peace of mind because God goes with you wherever you go.

W-pI.41.5. We understand that you do not believe all this. ² How could you, when the truth is hidden deep within, under a heavy cloud of insane thoughts, dense and obscuring, yet representing all you see? ³ Today we will make our first real attempt to get past this dark and heavy cloud, and to go through it to the light beyond.

W-pI.41.6. There will be only one long practice period today. ² In the morning, as soon as you get up if possible, sit quietly for some three to five minutes, with your eyes closed. ³ At the beginning of the practice period, repeat today's idea very slowly. ⁴ Then make no effort to think of anything. ⁵ Try, instead, to get a sense of turning inward, past all the idle thoughts of the world. ⁶ Try to enter very deeply into your own mind, keeping it clear of any thoughts that might divert your attention.

W-pI.41.7. From time to time, you may repeat the idea if you find it helpful. ² But most of all, try to sink down and inward, away from the world and all the foolish thoughts of the world. ³ You are trying to reach past all these things. ⁴ You are trying to leave appearances and approach reality.

W-pI.41.8. It is quite possible to reach God. ² In fact it is very easy, because it is the most natural thing in the world. ³ You might even say it is the only natural thing in the world. ⁴ The way will open, if you believe that it is possible. ⁵ This exercise can bring very startling results even the first time it is attempted, and sooner or later it is always successful. ⁶ We will go into more detail about this kind of practice as we go along. ⁷ But it will never fail completely, and instant success is possible.

W-pI.41.9. Throughout the day use today's idea often, repeating it very slowly, preferably with eyes closed. ² Think of what you are saying; what the words mean. ³ Concentrate on the holiness that they imply about you; on the unfailing companionship that is yours; on the complete protection that surrounds you.

W-pI.41.10. You can indeed afford to laugh at fear thoughts, remembering that God goes with you wherever you go.