Greetings All –
UPON THE HOUR PRACTICE MAKING THIS STATEMENT and feeling its impact. Strengthen your commitment to Knowledge. Do not fall into the apparent ease of self-deception. Do not be comfortable merely with assumptions or the beliefs of others. Do not accept generalities as truth. Do not accept appearances as representative of the reality of another. Do not accept the mere appearance of yourself. Doing these things demonstrates that you do not value yourself or your life and that you are too indolent to carry forth effort on your own behalf.
YOU MUST ENTER UNCERTAINTY TO FIND KNOWLEDGE. What does this mean? It simply means you are giving up false assumptions, self comforting ideas and the luxury of self-condemnation. Why is self condemnation a luxury? Because it is easy and does not require you to examine the truth. You accept it because it is acceptable in this world, and it gives you a great deal to talk about with your friends. It evokes sympathy. Therefore, it is easy and weak.
DO NOT DECEIVE YOURSELF TODAY. Allow yourself to examine the mystery and the truth of your life. Upon the hour today repeat today’s idea and feel what it means. Also today, in two longer practice periods, repeat the statement and then dedicate yourself to stillness and receptivity. By now, you are beginning to learn how to prepare yourself for stillness—using your breath, concentrating your mind, relinquishing thoughts and reminding yourself that you are worthy of such an effort. Remind yourself of the goal that you are attempting to reach. Do not deceive yourself today. Do not give in to what is easy and painful.
PRACTICE 81: Two 30-minute practice periods. Hourly practice.
Simple, not easy. We do our best at the Steps.
Yesterday: Step 80 - I can only practice.
From the Journal:
6:31 A.M. Tuesday, October 5, 1999 →
I can only practice. There must be a better way. I am always teaching. With Knowledge/Holy Spirit I can improve my practice within the limits of the earth spell and assist in advancing to the happy dream.
9:05 A.M. ... Late for the office - but doing my life - its practice will improve with the conceptual tools S2K provides.
Notes also in the Steps book.
The notes in the journal and text reflect my earlier study of ACIM - A Course in Miracles. In Greater Community Spirituality there are confirmations and parallels with other teachings, as well as new perspectives. The new is the revelation for this time.
NNC
