Lesson 10: My Thoughts Do Not Mean Anything
Lesson 10 continues to explore the idea introduced earlier in Lesson 4, but now it shifts to a more personal level by stating: "My thoughts do not mean anything." This change in language emphasises that it's not just thoughts in general that are meaningless, but our own thoughts—what we think we think—are devoid of reality.
Understanding the Nature of Thoughts
At this stage, the lesson reminds us that we don’t yet have a basis for comparison. We are still too identified with our ego-driven thoughts to fully grasp what Jesus is saying here. Our “real thoughts”—those that come from the Holy Spirit—are currently blocked by the meaningless ones we entertain daily. These meaningless thoughts are not real, and recognising this is the first step towards understanding true vision.
Thoughts as Projection
Jesus points out that our mind is often preoccupied with meaningless thoughts that we’ve projected onto the world. These thoughts are not reality, but we mistakenly believe they are. When we project our ego-driven thoughts, we create a world based on illusions and distortions. By realising that our thoughts are nothing, we can begin the process of releasing their hold over us.
The exercise for today involves closing your eyes, acknowledging each thought as it arises, and stating:
“My thought about [name of person/object/emotion] does not mean anything.”
This practice is meant to detach you from the significance you place on your thoughts, allowing you to observe them without judgement. Imagine your thoughts as a procession of images, each passing by without personal meaning. As you recognise this, you begin to release yourself from false beliefs.
Today’s idea can be applied to any thought that upsets you. The goal isn’t to suppress thoughts but to look at them objectively and realise they hold no real power over you.
This lesson has been particularly helpful for me. I’ve noticed that when I’m stressed or anxious, it’s usually because I’m giving too much weight to thoughts that really don’t mean anything. Now, when I catch myself spiralling, Once I realise that my thoughts are mostly projections of the past or worries about the future, it became easier to dismiss them. This lesson has become a powerful tool for clearing my mind and staying present. I pause, and remind myself that my thoughts are just thoughts, not reality. It’s freeing to realise that my mind has been preoccupied with illusions—and this recognition has helped me experience more peace in my daily life.
In Lesson 10, we are learning that our thoughts don’t have the meaning we assign to them. They are simply projections of our ego-driven beliefs. As we continue to practise observing and releasing these thoughts, we will gradually open our minds to true vision and begin to perceive the world through the lens of love, beyond illusions and fear.
Bibliography
A Course in Miracles.
Foundation for Inner Peace.
A Course in Miracles: Combined Volume, 3rd Edition. Foundation for Inner Peace, 2007.
URL: https://acim.org.
