Have you ever noticed that when you have a positive attitude, those around you are more likely to as well? Have you noticed that when your attitude is negative, it gets a negative response from others?
 
You are not alone in experiencing the effects of your seeing. Those around you will reflect back to you what you have chosen to see.

Begin to see differently with Lesson 18.

I am not alone in experiencing the effects of my seeing.

The idea for today is another step in learning that the thoughts which give rise to what you see are never neutral or unimportant. It also emphasizes the idea that minds are joined, which will be given increasing stress later on.

Today's idea does not refer to what you see as much as to how you see it. Therefore, the exercises for today will emphasize this aspect of your perception. The three or four practice periods that are recommended should be done as follows:

Look about you, selecting subjects for the application of the idea for today as randomly as possible and keeping your eyes on each one long enough to say:

• I am not alone in experiencing the effects of how I see _____.

Conclude the practice period by repeating the more general statement:

• I am not alone in experiencing the effects of my seeing.

A minute or so, or even less, will be sufficient for each practice period.

Quote of the Day
Something amazing happens when we surrender and just love. We melt into another world, a realm of power already within us. The world changes when we change. The world softens when we soften. The world loves us when we choose to love the world.

— Excerpted from A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles