Lesson 32 

I have invented the world I see. 

W-pI.32.1. Today we are continuing to develop the theme of cause and effect. 2 You are not the victim of the world you see because you invented it. 3 You can give it up as easily as you made it up. 4 You will see it or not see it, as you wish. 5 While you want it you will see it; when you no longer want it, it will not be there for you to see. 

W-pI.32.2. The idea for today, like the preceding ones, applies to your inner and outer worlds, which are actually the same. 2 However, since you see them as different, the practice periods for today will again include two phases, one involving the world you see outside you, and the other the world you see in your mind. 3 In today’s exercises, try to introduce the thought that both are in your own imagination. 

W-pI.32.3. Again we will begin the practice periods for the morning and evening by repeating the idea for today two or three times while looking around at the world you see as outside yourself. 2 Then close your eyes and look around your inner world. 3 Try to treat them both as equally as possible. 4 Repeat the idea for today unhurriedly as often as you wish, as you watch the images your imagination presents to your awareness. 

W-pI.32.4. For the two longer practice periods three to five minutes are recommended, with not less than three required. 2 More than five can be utilized, if you find the exercise restful. 3 To facilitate this, select a time when few distractions are anticipated, and when you yourself feel reasonably ready. 

W-pI.32.5. These exercises are also to be continued during the day, as often as possible. 2 The shorter applications consist of repeating the idea slowly, as you survey either your inner or outer world. 3 It does not matter which you choose. 

W-pI.32.6. The idea for today should also be applied immediately to any situation that may distress you. 2 Apply the idea by telling yourself: 

3 I have invented this situation as I see it. 

Journal 

Jesus is bringing the lessons together in this one lesson as he has done previously. He is reminding us that the world within is mirrored in the world that appears to be outside us. He notes that we decide how this distress will be interpreted as he instructs us. 2 Apply the idea by telling yourself: 3 I have invented this situation as I see it. So, both what we see and how we see it is our own invention. How then, can we ever be victims. 

If I listened to the ego-mind, I would have seen myself a victim of the hurricanes that struck my area this year. How could I be responsible for hurricanes and the awful destruction and damage they caused? We are, indeed, responsible for everything that happens in the world we made. I didn’t do it all by myself, but then I am not all by myself. We all share the same mind and are one regardless of the experience we give ourselves of being separate. 

I try to imagine how it is that we do such things. Perhaps it is the combined energy of rage that causes such upheavals.  Perhaps it is simply the effect of the tiny mad idea that we would like to experience a world separate from God, and separate from each other. This is a world of fear and rage is another expression of fear. Certainly, we have experienced fear as rage in our country recently as people have turned on each other in the name of politics. Our minds have been in upheaval and the world reflects it back to us as raging fires and raging winds. 

I didn’t feel like a victim, though, because I do understand that whatever happens in this world is the result of our thoughts so I cannot be a victim. We invented the world; we but do this to ourselves in our desire to continue to experience the world. I could have felt sorry for myself and for others. I do have compassion, especially for those who don’t understand and do think they are victims, but I don’t feel sorry for any of us. This is the kind of thing that gives us an opportunity to release thoughts that hurt us, and if one is not ready for that step, the impact on them will bring them closer to realizing there must be a better way. 

There is a hurricane recovery group on Facebook where people ask for help or help in finding help. They also warn each other of unscrupulous contractors and tell their victim stories. I know how that feels. I used to have lots of victim stories myself and I told them endlessly to whoever would listen. The conversations often turned into contests to see who was most victimized. But it was just such victim experiences that eventually drove me to find a way out, so I am grateful for each and every one of them. 

How is it helpful to know we are not victims? If I had felt like a victim of the hurricane, I would have felt vulnerable and unsafe. That mindset would have projected many situations that seemed to prove I was vulnerable and unsafe because I was a victim. I didn’t have that feeling and so I haven’t experienced it. I have had some moments that required correction from the Holy Spirit, but no wrong-minded thought I wasn’t eager to give up. Therefore, I have been at peace during this long process of recovery. And, I have not reinforced the belief in victimization in myself nor within the mind we all share.