Lesson 15: My thoughts are images that I have made
Lesson 15 reminds us that the world we see is not the reality we think it is—it’s simply a projection of our own thoughts. When we look around, what we are actually seeing are the images our minds have created, not what is truly there.
It’s a challenging concept because we’re so used to trusting what our eyes show us. But as the lesson explains, our thoughts take form in the images we think we see, making it seem like the world is solid and real. The truth is that these images are just reflections of the thoughts we have made up in our minds. In other words, the world is a mirror for our inner state.
One of the key ideas in this lesson is that what we think is “seeing” is actually image-making. The images we create replace true vision, and what we perceive as reality is just a series of illusions based on our thoughts of separation. We might see a house, a person, or even an object like a chair, and believe that what we are looking at is real. But, in truth, we are just seeing an image our minds have projected onto the world.
The idea that “my thoughts are images that I have made” takes time to sink in, especially because it challenges the way we’ve always understood the world. But as we practice the lesson, we can start to see little glimpses of light—edges of understanding that hint at the deeper reality beyond the illusions we’ve made. These moments are like signs that we’re beginning to open our eyes to true vision, where we no longer rely on the body’s eyes to tell us what is real.
This lesson also touches on the idea of light episodes—moments where you might literally or figuratively see things in a new light. While these episodes won’t last, they are a step toward real vision. It’s a sign that you’re on the path to understanding that the world you see is not what it seems, and the images you’ve made are just that—images, not reality.
As I practice this idea, I remind myself that the world I see is made up of thoughts that I have projected. Whether I’m looking at a person, a situation, or even just an everyday object, I try to pause and think, “This is an image that I have made.” It’s not about denying the world or pretending that things don’t matter, but it’s about seeing that the way I’ve perceived things may not be the full truth.
This understanding helps me let go of the need to control or define everything I see. It encourages me to look beyond the surface and trust that there is something deeper and more meaningful underneath. By recognising that my thoughts create the images I see, I can begin to release the attachments I have to them, and in doing so, open the door to real peace and vision.
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.
