Lesson 052: ”Review of Lessons 06-10.”
AI Reframe: When my thinking is tangled, the world looks tangled. But clarity is possible.
Suggested Practice:Begin the day by reading the five ideas with their comments included.
For the remainder of the day, do two-minute practices as often as possible focusing on the ideas and comments that resonate for you in the particular practice session.
”After you have read the idea and the related comments, the exercises should be done with your eyes closed and when you are alone in a quiet place, if possible.”
”This is emphasized for practice periods at your stage of learning. ²It will be necessary, however, that you learn to require no special settings in which to apply what you have learned. ³You will need your learning most in situations that appear to be upsetting, rather than in those that already seem to be calm and quiet. ⁴The purpose of your learning is to enable you to bring the quiet with you, and to heal distress and turmoil.”
View timelapse of the coloring of today’s mandala
on My YouTube Channel:
https://youtu.be/AL9IeV3hR5g?si=GUOXsidUZthwMMGq.
Message
As with yesterday’s lesson, the five review statements read like a story, with the addition of a few extra words.
I am upset because I see what is not there.—That’s because
I see only the past—therefore,
My mind is preoccupied with past thoughts—which means
I see nothing as it is now—which is why
My thoughts do not mean anything.
Once individual and seemingly disconnected, they now make more sense as they flow one into the other. By itself the statement, “my thoughts do not mean anything,” seems odd and rather flippant. If my thoughts don’t mean anything then why are they even there? They must serve some purpose of value.
Now, put in context with the four preceding statements, it makes more sense. Oh, I get it. How I react to everything I see and do now is based on what my ego-mind experienced and remembers from the past. Having this awareness is key to returning to peace. Where I run into trouble is when—out of habit—I let the past control, taint, or distort what I see and experience now.
Continuing from yesterday with using driving on the highway as an example, let me share another aspect of it as it relates to today’s review. I’m going to treat it like an interview.
What’s an example of your belief that “other drivers are out to get you”?
Well, I “know” that whenever I see a big ol’ pickup truck coming up behind me, out of habit, fear and anger take over.
Why?
Because I “know” it’s going to get as close as it can to bully me out of its way. Because, you know, it thinks it’s far more important than I am. I’m just driving a little foreign car that shouldn’t even be on this road, let alone in its way.
How do I know this?
Well, actually I don’t. But that’s where my fear-based ego-mind goes whenever I see one of those trucks in my rearview mirror.
Have you ever been tailgated before?
Yes.
Has it always been pickup trucks?
Well, no.
Do all pickup trucks do this?
No… but it feels like they do.
So, tell me. How does the fear and anger play out?
Sometimes, I drive slower. I’ve often thought about making a bumper sticker that reads “the closer you get, the slower I go”. How’s that for passive-agressive. Physically, though, my whole body tightens up, my shoulders rise, my jaw clenches, and my white-knuckled grip on the steering wheel stops the blood flow in my fingers. None of that feels like peace.
How is that reaction working out for you?
Not good. I usually end up at my destination in a stressed-out, grumpy mood.
Is the other driver aware of how you feel?
Except for me slowing down, I’m assuming they have no idea.
So, who suffers more in this scenario?
Ouch! I do.
Based on what we’ve talked about here and as it relates to today’s lesson, what would be your takeaway?
Losing my peace—suffering—over thoughts that may not even be true is an awful waste of energy.
Ah! Now I get it: I‘m upset because I see what is not there.
“The world I see is a picture of the past.”
— “The Course in Miracles Experiment” by Pam Grout
Blessings & Peace,
Maureen,
The Mandala Lady
transforming soul whispers into mandalas and channeled messages for clarity, peace, and love
About the 2026 Mandalas of the Day — ▶️ A Note About A Course in Miracles
Mandala of the Day 