LESSON 21 I am determined to see things differently.

1. 1The idea for today is obviously a continuation and extension of the preceding one. 2This time, however, specific mind-search­ing periods are necessary, in addition to applying the idea to par­ticular situations as they may arise. 3Five practice periods are urged, allowing a full minute for each.

2. 1In the practice periods, begin by repeating the idea to yourself. 2Then close your eyes and search your mind carefully for situ­ations past, present or anticipated that arouse anger in you. 3The anger may take the form of any reaction ranging from mild irritation to rage. 4The degree of the emotion you experience does not matter. 5You will become increasingly aware that a slight twinge of annoyance is nothing but a veil drawn over intense fury.

3. 1Try, therefore, not to let the “little” thoughts of anger escape you in the practice periods. 2Remember that you do not really recognize what arouses anger in you, and nothing that you believe in this connection means anything. 3You will probably be tempted to dwell more on some situations or persons than on others, on the fallacious grounds that they are more “obvious.” 4This is not so. 5It is merely an example of the belief that some forms of attack are more justified than others.

4. 1As you search your mind for all the forms in which attack thoughts present themselves, hold each one in mind while you tell yourself:

2I am determined to see ____________ [name of person] differently.

3I am determined to see ________________ [specify the situation] differently.

5. 1Try to be as specific as possible. 2You may, for example, focus your anger on a particular attribute of a particular person, believ­ing that the anger is limited to this aspect. 3If your perception is suffering from this form of distortion, say:

4I am determined to see ____________ [specify the attribute] in ____________ [name of person] differently.