The Value of Repetition
The Holy Spirit repeats His lessons
The Holy Spirit will repeat this one inclusive lesson of deliverance until it has been learned, regardless of the form of suffering that brings you pain. (T-27.VIII.11:2)
We need to be reminded often of certain things
Yet I can tell you, and remind you often, that what God wills for Himself He wills for you, and what He wills for you is yours. (T-11.III.3:7)
The Course repeats its ideas
Ask Him, therefore, what God’s Will is for you, and He will tell you yours. It cannot be too often repeated that you do not know it. (T-11.I.8:7-8)
We have repeated several times before that you but make a journey that is done. (W-pI.169.8:3)
The Course repeats certain important exercises
This is a major exercise, and will be repeated from time to time in somewhat different form. (W-pI.4.3:1-1)
We will repeat today’s idea from time to time. For this one thought would be enough to save you and the world, if you believed that it is true. (W-pI.110.1:1-2)
You learned the ego by repetition
No one who understands what you have learned, how carefully you learned it, and the pains to which you went to practice and repeat the lessons endlessly, in every form you could conceive of them, could ever doubt the power of your learning skill. (T-31.I.3:1-1)
Repeating the idea means practicing a certain determination
The exercises for today consist in reminding yourself throughout the day that you want to see. Today’s idea also tacitly implies the recognition that you do not see now. Therefore, as you repeat the idea, you are stating that you are determined to change your present state for a better one, and one you really want. (W-pI.20.4:1-3)
You can repeat one short sentence no matter what you are doing
It will not be difficult to do this, even if you are engaged in conversation, or otherwise occupied at the time. You can still repeat one short sentence to yourself without disturbing anything. (W-pI.27.3:5-6)
One perfectly sincere repetition will save many years
If only once during the day you feel that you were perfectly sincere while you were repeating today’s idea, you can be sure that you have saved yourself many years of effort. (W-pI.27.4:6)
Repeating the idea is a declaration of independence
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. (W-pI.31.4:1-2)
Repeating the idea for several minutes can calm distress
Remember to apply today’s idea the instant you are aware of distress. It may be necessary to take a minute or so to sit quietly and repeat the idea to yourself several times. Closing your eyes will probably help in this form of application. (W-pI.33.4:1-3)
Repeat the idea as often as you can
The shorter exercises consist of repeating the idea as often as you can. (W-pI.37.6:1-1)
Repeating the idea reminds yourself that you want the goal
The more often you repeat the idea during the day, the more often you will be reminding yourself that the goal of the course is important to you, and that you have not forgotten it. (W-pI.42.8:1-1)
Repeating the idea is remembering your function
Try today not to allow any long periods of time to slip by without remembering today’s idea, and thus remembering your function. (W-pI.43.9:2)
Repeating the idea is appreciating your mind’s holiness
Take a minute or two, as you repeat the idea throughout the day, to appreciate your mind’s holiness. (W-pI.45.9:2)
Repeat the idea as often as possible, any time, anywhere
Today’s practice periods will be very short, very simple and very frequent. Merely repeat the idea as often as possible. You can use it with your eyes open at any time and in any situation. It is strongly recommended, however, that you take a minute or so whenever possible to close your eyes and repeat the idea slowly to yourself several times. It is particularly important that you use the idea immediately, should anything disturb your peace of mind. (W-pI.48.2:1-5)
Repeat the idea frequently, with eyes open or preferrably closed
Do not forget to repeat today’s idea very frequently. Do so with your eyes open when necessary, but closed when possible. And be sure to sit quietly and repeat the idea for today whenever you can, closing your eyes on the world, and realizing that you are inviting God’s Voice to speak to you. (W-pI.49.5:1-3)
Repeating the idea frequently is part of dedicating your day to God
We will begin the day by acknowledging it, and close the day with the thought of it in our awareness. And throughout the day we will repeat this as often as we can: (W-pI.63.3:2-3)
You need to hear the truth about yourself 4 or 5 times an hour
It will be particularly helpful today to practice the idea for the day as often as you can. You need to hear the truth about yourself as frequently as possible, because your mind is so preoccupied with false self-images. Four or five times an hour, and perhaps even more, it would be most beneficial to remind yourself that Love created you like Itself. Hear the truth about yourself in this. (W-pI.67.5:1-4)
Repeat the idea several times an hour and when you are upset
This should be repeated several times an hour. It is most important, however, to apply today’s idea in this form immediately you are tempted to hold a grievance of any kind. (W-pI.73.11:5-6)
The idea needs repeating over and over
There are no laws except the laws of God. This needs repeating, over and over, until you realize it applies to everything that you have made in opposition to God’s Will. (W-pI.76.6:1-2)
Repeating the idea is a statement of freedom
We will repeat this dedication as often as possible today; at least four or five times an hour, as well as in response to any temptation to experience ourselves as subject to other laws throughout the day. It is our statement of freedom from all danger and all tyranny. It is our acknowledgment that God is our Father, and that His Son is saved. (W-pI.76.12:1-3)
Repeat the idea over and over with gratitude
Your only problem has been solved! Repeat this over and over to yourself today, with gratitude and conviction. (W-pI.80.2:1-2)
Repeat the idea as often as possible, and with deep conviction
Assure yourself often today that your problems have been solved. Repeat the idea with deep conviction, as frequently as possible. And be particularly sure to apply the idea for today to any specific problem that may arise. (W-pI.80.6:1-3)
Certain central ideas need repeating, and frequent repeating
It is important to remember that miracles and vision necessarily go together. This needs repeating, and frequent repeating. It is a central idea in your new thought system, and the perception that it produces. (W-pI.91.1:1-3)
Repeating the idea all day prepares us for our nighttime practice
After the morning meeting, we will use the day in preparation for the time at night when we will meet again in trust. Let us repeat as often as we can the idea for today, and recognize that we are being introduced to sight, and led away from darkness to the light where only miracles can be perceived. (W-pI.92.11:2-3)
Repeating the idea prepares you for the next hourly practice period
Throughout the hour, let your time be spent in happy preparation for the next five minutes you will spend again with Him. Repeat today’s idea while you wait for the glad time to come to you again. Repeat it often, and do not forget each time you do so, you have let your mind be readied for the happy time to come. (W-pI.98.10:1-3)
You must repeat the idea over and over until it is accepted
Your sinlessness is guaranteed by God. Over and over this must be repeated, until it is accepted. It is true. Your sinlessness is guaranteed by God. (W-pI.93.6:1-4)
Repeat the idea and try to feel the meaning of the words
Repeat this several times, and then attempt to feel the meaning that the words convey. (W-pI.95.11:5)
Each time you repeat the idea someone hears the voice of hope
Be vigilant. Do not forget today. Throughout the day do not forget your goal. Repeat today’s idea as frequently as possible, and understand each time you do so, someone hears the voice of hope, the stirring of the truth within his mind, the gentle rustling of the wings of peace. (W-pI.95.14:5-8)
Take the idea with you into the business of the day
These practice periods are planned to help you form the habit of applying what you learn each day to everything you do. Do not repeat the thought and lay it down. Its usefulness is limitless to you. And it is meant to serve you in all ways, all times and places, and whenever you need help of any kind. Try, then, to take it with you in the business of the day and make it holy, worthy of God’s Son, acceptable to God and to your Self. (W-pI.rIII.IN.11:2-6)
Repeating the idea adds jewels to the mirror in which you see your Self
Add further jewels to the golden frame that holds the mirror offered you today, by hourly repeating to yourself: (W-pI.124.12:1-1)
Repeat the idea slowly enough to see the gifts they contain
Then repeat the two ideas you practice for the day unhurriedly, with time enough to see the gifts that they contain for you, and let them be received where they were meant to be. (W-pI.rIV.IN.8:2)
Repeating God’s Name over and over has incredible power
Repeat God’s Name, and all the world responds by laying down illusions….Repeat the Name of God, and little names have lost their meaning. No temptation but becomes a nameless and unwanted thing before God’s Name. Repeat His Name, and see how easily you will forget the names of all the gods you valued….Repeat the Name of God, and call upon your Self, Whose Name is His. Repeat His Name, and all the tiny, nameless things on earth slip into right perspective. Those who call upon the Name of God can not mistake the nameless for the Name, nor sin for grace, nor bodies for the holy Son of God. And should you join a brother as you sit with him in silence, and repeat God’s Name along with him within your quiet mind, you have established there an altar which reaches to God Himself and to His Son. Practice but this today; repeat God’s Name slowly again and still again. Become oblivious to every name but His. Hear nothing else. Let all your thoughts become anchored on This. No other word we use except at the beginning, when we say today’s idea but once. And then God’s Name becomes our only thought, our only word, the only thing that occupies our minds, the only wish we have, the only sound with any meaning, and the only Name of everything that we desire to see; of everything that we would call our own. Thus do we give an invitation which can never be refused. And God will come, and answer it Himself….Repeat God’s Name, and you acknowledge Him as sole Creator of reality. And you acknowledge also that His Son is part of Him, creating in His Name. Sit silently, and let His Name become the all-encompassing idea that holds your mind completely. Let all thoughts be still except this one. And to all other thoughts respond with this, and see God’s Name replace the thousand little names you gave your thoughts, not realizing that there is one Name for all there is, and all that there will be. (W-pI.183)
By repeating the idea you hold the key to Heaven’s gate
To every apprehension, every care and every form of suffering, repeat these selfsame words. And then you hold the key that opens Heaven’s gate, and brings the Love of God the Father down to earth at last, to raise it up to Heaven. God will take this final step Himself. Do not deny the little steps He asks you take to Him. (W-pI.193.13:4-7)
Repeating the idea many times culminates in accepting the truth
There is no grief with any cause at all. And suffering of any kind is nothing but a dream. This is the truth, at first to be but said and then repeated many times; and next to be accepted as but partly true, with many reservations. Then to be considered seriously more and more, and finally accepted as the truth. (W-pII.284.1:3-6)
Let your repetitions be joyful, confident, grateful reminders
The shorter practice periods, too, will be joyful reminders of your release. Remind yourself every quarter of an hour or so that today is a time for special celebration. Give thanks for mercy and the Love of God. Rejoice in the power of forgiveness to heal your sight completely. Be confident that on this day there is a new beginning. (W-pI.75.9:1-5)
Repeat the idea 5 or 6 times an hour
Five or six times an hour, at reasonably regular intervals, remind yourself that miracles are seen in light. (W-pI.91.11:1-1)
You remind all of God’s Thoughts of the idea when you repeat it
We give to those unborn and those passed by, to every Thought of God, and to the Mind in which these Thoughts were born and where they rest. And we remind them of their resting place each time we tell ourselves, “I rest in God.” (W-pI.109.9:5-6)
Reminding yourself of your goal frequently makes the day of special value
As often as you can, remind yourself you have a goal today; an aim which makes this day of special value to yourself and all your brothers. Do not let your mind forget this goal for long, but tell yourself: (W-pI.126.11:1-2)
Forgetting about your purpose for long periods is not beneficial
Frequent but shorter practice periods have other advantages for you at this time. In addition to recognizing your difficulties with sustained attention, you must also have noticed that, unless you are reminded of your purpose frequently, you tend to forget about it for long periods of time. You often fail to remember the short applications of the idea for the day, and you have not yet formed the habit of using the idea as an automatic response to temptation. (W-pI.95.5:1-3)
Repeating the idea will eventually end doubt and bring peace
“Who walks with me?” This question should be asked a thousand times a day, till certainty has ended doubting and established peace. (W-pI.156.8:1-2).
Comments:
You might say that time is for repeating. There is no such thing as time, so that time can either repeat illusions or repeat truth. The ego simply repeats the original unholy instant over and over. The Holy Spirit repeats the holy instant over and over.
[Please note: ACIM passages quoted in this article reference the Foundation for Inner Peace (FIP) Edition.]