1. Contemplate and Meditate: Contemplate on the eternal truths that have been revealed. It is a helpful ritual to recite from memory the ACIM Beliefs (ACIM Creed), Faith, and Vision as enumerated in the blog section of this website. As one recalls these ideas and focuses on the meaning behind the symbols, one’s mind let’s go of our day-to-day preoccupations and settles down to a meditative state of being. After considerable practice the light and love of God will dawn in one’s mind.
2. Continuous Prayer: The Course informs that “You are much too tolerant of mind wandering and are passively condoning your mind’s miscreations.” 6.47 Thus, we can replace the chitter chatter of our minds with repeating: “Be still and know that I am God.” 6.48 This can be considered the ACIM mantra and can be repeated throughout the day when we are busy performing simple tasks such as: washing dishes, taking a shower, straightening out the house, cutting grass, driving a car, sitting in traffic, etc. At the beginning it takes a great deal of effort; however, after a while it becomes automatic. To our amazement, when we must perform a task that requires significant concentration, we find that doing such tasks are accomplished much easier than before and with grace.
3. Read and Study the Course and other inspirational material: One should take a few minutes every day to read a few sections of the Text, Workbook, or Manual for Teachers. It is also helpful to read other materials that support the principles of the course. If one is into reading about other thought systems as one is at the state of exploring and searching that is fine; however, the serious ACIM student will focus on that material that supports the principles of the Course. This will save one a considerable amount of time.
4. Share what I am learning with my brothers and sisters: It is extremely helpful to learn the principles of the Course with other like-minded friends. The Course makes it very clear that as an idea is shared it is strengthened in one’s mind. One should search for study groups that enable one to share the ideas of the Course and the challenges of putting these ideas into practice. Mind you, these groups are not cults and should put no conditions on participation other than maintaining a peaceful and loving attitude.
5. Perform Miracles as guided by my Creator: – i.e., express forgiveness as taught by the Course, extend unconditional love, and be of service to others. It is essential that we put the principles of the Course into practice. However, we are cautioned to continuously solicit the guidance of the Holy Spirit as we will have to take decisions as to what to do and what not to do. And either we will be listening to the Force or to our ego. At this point, it is helpful to briefly summarize the three steps of forgiveness as taught by the Course:
- Recognize that the cause of discomfort is a result of what you are projecting from your own mind. It is a dream, an illusion and it is not real. You, as a spiritual being, you have not really been attacked.
- Let it be! Forgive yourself for this projection and see no sin in your brother/s or sister/s. This takes a superhuman power, therefore:
- Call upon the Force, the Holy Spirit to help you master this process.
Following these Five Daily Practices is a way to reprogram our minds from the old to the new thought system and, finally, to practice forgiveness along the lines of the Course. There may be other ways. This one works.