Photo: Two “spheres” appear in a picture taken at Sun River, Oregon, 2008
Perception is the ego’s interpretation of people, circumstances, things, situations etc. Therefore perception being from the ego’s slanted position is not TRUE it is not a FACT.
Why do we believe our ego’s perceptions and judgments? We cannot tolerate those aspects as also being in ourselves so we must see them elsewhere.
Ken Wapnick says in his book, ‘Journey Through the Text of A Course In Miracles’ – Volume two, Chapter 11. Pg. 84
“If we accuse others of not being Christ like to us, not being loving, sensitive, or understand, it is only because we were not Christ-like to them, if only in our unkind thoughts. No matter how hateful people may be, we experience them that way because we were hateful first; otherwise we could not judge them.”
We just cannot accept those qualities in our self so we MUST see them outside. They are too icky!! No way is that within me! Ken goes on to say:
“It can never be said too often that perception is interpretation, not objective fact. There are no objective facts in the world of illusion. Regardless of the behavior of others, our accusations of un-Christ like behavior come only because we were like that, if not in actions then certainly in our minds. The guilt over perceived sin of withholding love demands that we project, judging others for what we secretly believe we have done.”
The Course in Miracles claims that this world was not created by God so it is therefore an illusion. God only creates the REAL and ETERNAL and the world is neither. Certainly not ETERNAL since one day it will be consumed by the sun and become a cinder.
“The world’s viciousness notwithstanding, if we choose the Holy Spirit (The voice for Love in our right mind) as our Teacher, the behavior will be perceived as an expression of fear and a call for love. The mind’s decision alone is the determiner of wrong or right minded perceptions; projection makes perception.”
How can we hear the love or Holy Spirit in our right mind? Become QUIET! Shhhhhhh – don’t think. Not one miserable thought is TRUE. Shhhhhhhh. Breathe – in hale long through your nose and exhale out through your mouth. What “color” is the exiting breath? Keep it up until that “color” is clear, translucent and filled with light. A TRUE thought will come and it will bring tears of gratitude.
Ken continues:
“Once again, herein lies the difficulty of practicing A Course In Miracles: there are no exceptions to this principle of forgiveness. Acceptance of this happy fact of salvation marks the end of all wars, in the mind and in the world, which ultimately originate in the authority problem. We need to accept full responsibility for everything we perceive and react to. Once more: perception is interpretation.”
Did you catch what he said? This practice of looking at our projections is a “principle of forgiveness.” Isn’t that nice to know. You don’t have to “excuse” someone because you think they cheated you. All you have to do is see that you have also cheated! Own it! It is the way to PEACE!
And so it is!
Go to http://www.facim.org and visit the bookstore. Many of Ken’s small concise books are on sale!
Inner Peace For You 