Today’s idea is the introduction to your declaration of release. Again, the idea should be applied to both the world you perceive outside yourself and the world you conceive within. In applying the idea, we will use a form of practice that will be used more often, with changes as indicated. Generally speaking, the form includes two aspects, one in which you apply the idea on a more sustained basis, and the other consisting of frequent applications of the idea throughout the day.

Two longer periods of practice with the idea for today are needed, one in the morning and one at night. Three to five minutes for each of them is recommended. During that time, glance about you slowly while repeating the idea two or three times:

“I take full responsibility for the world I perceive.”

Then close your eyes and apply the idea to your inner world:

“I take full responsibility for the world I conceive.”

Both worlds are your experience. You will release yourself from both together, for the inner is the cause of the outer.

As you survey your inner world, merely let whatever thoughts cross your mind come into your awareness, each to be considered for a moment and then replaced by the next. Try not to establish any thought of hierarchy among them. Watch them come and go as dispassionately as possible. Do not dwell on any thought in particular. Let the stream move on evenly and calmly, without any special investment on your part. As you sit and quietly watch your thoughts, repeat today’s idea to yourself as often as you care to, but with no sense of hurry.

In addition, repeat the idea for today as often as possible during the day. Remind yourself that you are making a declaration of independence in the name of your own freedom. And in your freedom is the Freedom of the world.

The idea for today is particularly helpful to use as a response to any form of temptation to consider yourself a victim. It is a declaration that you will not yield to such temptation and believe yourself to be trapped.