Workbook Practice: He Really Means It
The author of A Course in Miracles really intends for us to do the actual practice exercises as presented in the Workbook. In fact, our actual doing of the Workbook practice is pivotal to obtaining real, lasting results from our work with the Course. Our daily practice is the practical application of the Course’s teachings.
You may complain that this course is not sufficiently specific for you to understand and use. Yet perhaps you have not done what it specifically advocates. This is not a course in the play of ideas, but their practical application. (T-l1.VIII.5:1-3)
The “new beginning “now becomes the focus of the curriculum. The goal is clear, but now you need specific methods for attaining it. The speed by which it can be reached is individual, depending only on this: your willingness to practice every step. (T-30.I.1:1-3)
A theoretical foundation such as the text is necessary as a background to make the exercises in this workbook meaningful. Yet it is the exercises that will make the goal of the course possible.
(W-In.I:1-2)
The only rules that should be followed throughout, are: First, to practice the exercises with great specificity. (W-In.5:1)
You are merely asked to apply them [the ideas] as you are directed to do. You are not asked to judge them or even to believe them. You are merely asked to use them. (W-In.7:3-5)
The real question is, how often will you remember? How much do you want today's idea to be true? Answer one of these questions, and you have answered the other. You will probably miss several applications, and perhaps quite a number. Do not be disturbed by this, but do try to keep on your schedule from then on. (W-27.4:1-5).
Try today not to allow any long periods of time to slip by without remembering today’s idea....
(W-43.10:2)
But do not forget. Above all, be determined not to forget today. (W-44.11:2-3)
However, do not wait for such an opportunity [to close your eyes]. No chance should be lost for reinforcing today’s idea. (W-63.4:2-3)
Regard these practice periods as dedications to the way, the truth and the life. Refuse to be sidetracked into detours, illusions, and thoughts of death. (W-Re.2.In.4:1-2).
Make every effort to do the hourly exercises today. Each one you do will be a giant stride toward your release, and a milestone in learning the thought system which this course sets forth. (W-94.7)
Do not forget today. We need your help, your little part in bringing happiness to all the world. And Heaven looks to you in confidence that you will try today. Share, then, its surety, for it is yours. Be vigilant. Do not forget today.
Throughout the day do not forget your goal. Repeat today's idea as frequently as possible, and understand each time you do so, someone hears the voice of hope, the stirring of the truth within his mind, the gentle rustling of the wings of peace. (W-95.15-16:1-2).
You need the practice periods today. (W-101.5:1)
Spend your five minutes thus with Him each time you can today, but do not think that less is worthless when you cannot give Him more. At least remember hourly to say the words that call to Him to give you what He wills to give, and wills you to receive.
Determine not to interfere today with what He wills. (W-105.10-11:1)
But learning will be hampered when you skip a practice period because you are unwilling to devote the time to it that you are asked to give. Do not deceive yourself in this. Unwillingness can be most carefully concealed behind a cloak of situations you cannot control.
Those practice periods which you have lost because you did not want to do them, for whatever reason, should be done as you have changed your mind about your goal. You are unwilling to cooperate in practicing salvation only if it interferes with gods you hold more dear.... They gave you nothing. But your practice periods offer you everything. (W-Re.3.In.3:1-3; 4:1-2,4-5)
The exercises to be done throughout the day are equally important, and perhaps of even greater value [than the morning and evening practice periods]. You have been inclined to do your exercises only at appointed times, and then go on to other things, without applying what you learned to them. As a result, your learning has had little reinforcement, and you have not given it a fair chance to prove how great are its potential gifts to you. (W-Re.3.In.9)
Let not today slip by without the gifts it holds for you receiving your consent and your acceptance. We can change the world if you acknowledge them.... Practice in earnest and the gift is yours…. Can you withhold so little, when His hand holds out complete salvation to His Son? (W-164.9:1-2.4,7)
Is it not worth five minutes of your time each hour to be able to accept the happiness which God has given you? Is it not worth five minutes hourly to recognize your special function here? Is not five minutes but a small request to make in terms of gaining a reward so great it has no measure? You have made a thousand losing bargains at the least.
Here is an offer guaranteeing you your full release from pain of every kind, and joy the world does not contain. You can exchange a little of your time for peace of mind and certainty of purpose, with the promise of complete success. And since time has no meaning, you are being asked for nothing in return for everything. Here is a bargain where you cannot lose. And what you gain is limitless indeed! (W-98.5-6)