Internal Dialogue

The daily lessons and the discussions that accompany them are brief, practical and direct. The emphasis is not on theory, but rather on experience. To receive the most benefit from the daily lessons, proceed with them in the manner outlined in the following paragraphs.

Each morning, soon after arising, review the lesson (and its accompanying discussion) for the day. Start with Lesson One and sequentially practice one lesson per day. Practice in a quiet place, one where you won't be disturbed. Relax and spend about five minutes reading the lesson and the discussion slowly, keeping the lesson (which appears in boldface) and the discussion in the forefront of your thoughts. During your practice time concentrate on the lessons and the discussion, and let any distracting thoughts go. If an unwanted thought interrupts your concentration, simply acknowledge its presence and then gently let it go.

During the day, when stressful situations crop up, slowly and thoughtfully repeat the lesson to yourself. This is especially useful in times of conflict. Apply the lessons to all people and all situations that you encounter. Do not make exceptions. Review the lesson periodically during the day for a few moments, preferably hourly. You may find it helpful to copy the lesson onto a piece of paper and carry it in your pocket. In the evening, preferably right before retiring, take five minutes or more to review the lesson and the discussion again. Think about your day and how the lesson applies to specific circumstances that were difficult for you. When you have completed all 21 lessons you may choose to repeat them or to try the full workbook for students from ACIM. You will soon find yourself applying the lessons spontaneously and consistently in your life.

In brief, your daily practice consists of four parts: a morning practice session, application of the lesson to stressful situations that occur throughout the day, an hourly review, and and evening review.