A Course
In Miracles

Workbook Lesson Five

Britney Shawley Spiritual Therapist

LESSON FIVE

"I Am Never Upset for The Reason I Think"

WELCOME BEAUTIFUL SOUL, 

Here we are at Day Five of A Course in Miracles Workbook lessons. You made it! I am so proud of you and your commitment!

Today’s lesson is powerful and truly transformative. We’re diving into Lesson Five, a tool for exploring our feelings and how they are effects of our thoughts:

“I am never upset for the reason I think.”

WHY THIS LESSON MATTERS

So far, we’ve worked with what we see and think. Now, we’re bringing awareness to our feelings.

This lesson reminds us that our initial reasons for being upset—whether with a person or situation—aren’t the true source of our emotions.

By acknowledging this, we create space for deeper self-understanding and healing.

APPLYING THE LESSON

Today’s exercise is about recognizing that the real reasons behind our feelings often lie beneath the surface. Here’s how to practice:

1. Observe Your Feelings 
Take a few moments to notice any upsetting feelings, whether big or small. You might feel frustrated, worried, or sad.

2. Apply the Lesson
 
To each feeling, repeat: 
“I am never upset for the reason I think.”

For instance, if you’re feeling annoyed with someone or anxious about an event, remind yourself that the true reason for your upset may not be what you think.

This openness allows us to stop projecting our emotions onto people and situations, moving toward real peace.

EXAMPLES

For a few minutes, try applying this idea to any feelings that arise. You might say:

~ “I am not angry at my partner for the reason I think.”
~ “I am not anxious about work for the reason I think.”
~ “I am not worried about my child for the reason I think.”

EMBRACING THE PRACTICE

You only need to practice this lesson three to four times today, taking a minute or two each time. It’s okay if resistance comes up; acknowledging our emotions without judgment is part of the journey.

By staying open, we allow ourselves to gently release long-held beliefs that no longer serve us.

Thank you for being here and committing to these lessons!

Remember, this journey is a gift to yourself, one that brings greater peace and clarity each day. If you’d like to share any reflections or questions, I’d love to hear from you below.

Keep shining, keep studying, and I’ll see you in future lessons.

Peace be with you! 🌟

Love,
Britney


THE MOST
COMMON QUESTIONS
FROM YOUR PEERS

Many students wonder how this statement applies when their reasons for feeling upset seem obvious or tied to specific events or situations.

This lesson invites you to see that the surface reasons you identify for being upset are often just triggers, not the real cause. Your feelings often stem from deeper, unrecognized beliefs, making it possible to look beyond immediate circumstances, to the deeper meaning below our surface thoughts. When we get in touch with these deeper thoughts,  and let these go, the upset will be corrected and undone so you  find more lasting peace.

This question often arises as students seek to understand if the lesson implies that their emotional responses are incorrect or misplaced.

Not at all. This lesson acknowledges your feelings but suggests they may be rooted in something deeper than the obvious reason you attribute to them. It’s not about dismissing feelings; it’s about recognizing that there may be more to explore beneath the initial reaction or perceived cause of upset.

Students want to know how this lesson can provide insight into their feelings, especially when they are accustomed to seeing emotions as direct responses to events.

By considering that your reasons for upset might go deeper, you open yourself to explore emotions with greater curiosity. This approach encourages you to look beyond surface causes, gradually uncovering patterns or beliefs that influence your feelings.

There is often curiosity about which types of experiences this idea should be practiced with, as it may not be obvious if it applies to minor frustrations or significant emotional issues.

This lesson applies to any situation where you feel upset—big or small. Practicing with everyday frustrations can be just as effective as working with intense emotions, as both offer insight into your inner thoughts and beliefs.

Many ask if this lesson implies that their reasons for being upset are not real, which can feel confusing or unsettling.

Not exactly. The lesson suggests that the reasons you attribute to your upset may not be the true cause. This perspective helps you gently detach from immediate triggers and explore whether there is something more profound influencing your response. This is helping us to see the cause of our upset as something below and beyond what we originally thought. Helping us to get in touch with the true cause of our upset.

Students often find it challenging to apply this concept to intense feelings like anger or sadness and wonder if the exercise is still relevant in such moments.

Practicing with strong emotions can be powerful, but it’s essential to be gentle with yourself. Acknowledge your feelings fully, then consider the idea that deeper beliefs may be contributing to them. This approach allows you to look at your emotions with curiosity rather than self-judgment.

Many hope that understanding this idea will lead to reduced emotional distress or greater emotional stability over time.

Yes, over time, this practice can lead to more emotional stability. By recognizing that surface reasons are not the true cause of your upset, you become less reactive to immediate circumstances and more connected to a calm, centered perspective.

Resistance is common, especially if the idea feels contradictory to lived experiences. Students often ask how to practice if they struggle with accepting the concept.

If you feel resistance, just observe it without judgment. This resistance can often reveal how strongly attached we are to certain interpretations. Simply practicing with curiosity and gentleness will allow you to explore the concept gradually, without forcing acceptance.

Students often question how to proceed if they still believe their reasons for being upset are valid, even after practicing this idea.

It’s natural to feel this way. The lesson doesn’t require you to dismiss your reasons completely; instead, it invites you to consider the possibility that there may be more beneath the surface. Over time, this openness may help you uncover deeper insights.

Many wonder how seeing that they are “never upset for the reason they think” connects to the larger goal of achieving peace, particularly if it seems to challenge familiar perspectives on emotional responses.

By acknowledging that surface reasons for upset are not the full picture, you can detach from immediate reactions and experience a sense of calm. This practice helps release emotional attachments to triggers, leading to a more peaceful, understanding approach to life’s challenges.

ASK BRITNEY ANYTHING!