Lesson 20 – I Am Determined to See

Today’s lesson, “I am determined to see,” feels like a nudge to clarity and purpose. The Course guides us to shift our way of thinking, helping us understand that we do want salvation, peace, and happiness—but we may not realise it yet. The lesson starts to bring in a bit more structure, but not in a forceful way. It’s more about helping us create a habit of thinking that leads to vision, not just in a physical sense, but in how we perceive the world around us and within us.

A Gentle Introduction to Structure

In previous lessons, we practice these ideas lightly— no pressure. I appreciate this approach, for a mental shift without making it feel like a chore. It acknowledges that we’re not going to want to see, or think differently, if we feel forced into it. It can easily create resistance!

This structure helps us to develop the discipline we need to create that change in perception, which the Course emphasises is key to our peace and happiness.

You Want to Be Happy, Right?

One of the most striking points in this lesson is how it reminds us that we all want to be happy, but we’re so used to thinking and reacting in ways that bring the opposite. It’s easy to get caught up in the daily frustrations, pains, and grievances without realising that our minds are so undisciplined that we can’t even tell the difference to choose between what will bring us joy and what will bring us pain.

I find this relatable because we often react impulsively to situations, not taking the time to consider if what we’re thinking or doing is really going to bring us peace. Whether it’s reacting to a difficult conversation or just feeling off about a situation, the undisciplined mind doesn’t easily know how to shift from fear to love, from frustration to peace.

But Jesus reassures us that we can learn to tell them apart—and once we do, the reward will be great indeed.

The Simple Desire to See

What I love about this lesson is the simplicity of it. The only real requirement is that you want to see. If you genuinely want to see things differently, that’s the starting point for real vision. It’s not about forcing yourself to get it right every time; it’s about cultivating the intention to see the world through new eyes.

For example, if you’re upset about something—a conversation with a friend, a work issue, or even a personal frustration—this lesson reminds us to pause and say, “I am determined to see this differently.” And if you really want to, you will see it differently. The act of wanting to change your perception is what starts the process.

The Law of Cause and Effect

One of the most powerful ideas in this lesson is the realisation that what we see is directly linked to what we want to see. This concept of cause and effect becomes much clearer through the exercise of repeating the idea: “I am determined to see.” It shows us that our experiences aren’t random. If we see conflict or struggle, it’s because we are, in some way, choosing to see it that way.

This lesson invites us to apply the idea to any situation that upsets us, reminding us that if we truly want to see things differently, we can. And this is the true law of cause and effect—the power of our minds to change our perceptions and therefore our experiences.

A Daily Practice

Today’s practice is all about reminding yourself, every half hour or so, that you are determined to see. And even if you forget to do it every half hour (which I can guarantee will happen at least once or twice), the idea isn’t to be hard on yourself. Bring the thought back to mind when you can, especially in situations that trigger frustration or stress.

What this exercise helps me remember is that every moment of frustration is an opportunity to see differently. The real challenge is reminding myself to pause and actually want to see it in a new way. But like everything, it’s a practice, and we’re not expected to get it perfect overnight. Lucky!

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.