Progression of Belief

Found this cool progression while reading A Course in Miracles Lesson 284: I can elect to change all thoughts that hurt.

Loss is not loss when properly perceived. Pain is impossible. There is no grief with any cause at all. And suffering of any kind is nothing but a dream.

This is the truth, at first to be but said and then repeated many times; and next to be accepted as but partly true, with many reservations. Then to be considered seriously more and more, and finally accepted as the truth. I can elect to change all thoughts that hurt. And I would go beyond these words today, and past all reservations, and arrive at full acceptance of the truth in them.

A Course in Miracles, Lesson 284

Here is the progression I've extracted. This is can be applied to any "radical truth" from A Course in Miracles, not just the idea that pain is impossible. In fact, if you think there are degrees to miracles, you may want to start smaller. (yes i see what i did there)

The Phases

For a given radical truth you attempt to learn, you move through these phases:

  1. Repeat it to yourself. Repeat it to yourself.
  2. Accept it as partly true with reservations.
  3. Consider it seriously more and more.
  4. Accept as truth.

What phase are you on? r/acim discussion

I asked around Reddit to see where they stood in the progression. The only two answers are at Phase 1.


Let's get to Phase 4 individually and collectively. Individually on collectively as many truths as possible. (You only need one.)

How?

The Steps:

  1. Repeat it until it works once.

    And you believe it works. Be aware that you are using the words to increase a peaceful mind. Be honest whether the effect was achieved.

    example: "I could see peace instead of this" successfully reminds you to reduce feelings of impatience while waiting in a line

  2. Repeat it in the area where it worked once. Generalize it to other areas.

    Once it happens once, be glad that you have a useful tool to dispel stress. Use it as soon as you remember when stress and unease arise.

    Repeat "I could see peace instead of this" to reduce impatience with coworkers.

    Repeat "I could see peace instead of this" to reduce stress with a flat tire.

    Repeat "I could see peace of this" to reduce stress during an argument.

  3. Habitually repeat the words of truth in response to applicable discomforting stimuli.

    After the idea has been generalized, it becomes a highly prized thought, readily at the forefront. It will be habitual to apply it to applicable situations.

    At the moment you notice any upset, you remember you could see peace instead. This brings you peace more often than not.

  4. You understand that it works.

    You believe the thought system so well that you live in a state that the once "radical truth" dispels thoughts of lack of peace before you have a chance to become invested.

    example: There is nothing to see peace "instead" of. You see peace.


In a.b shorthand -- do it again until it works. A simple algorithm for learning anything if you really think about it.

I can attest that this was my personal progression with the truth "I choose the joy of God instead of pain." I'm somewhere around Phase 2/3 at the time of this posting. Still wouldn't want to stub my toe though.

- alex brady



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