A Course
In Miracles

Workbook Lesson Four

Britney Shawley Spiritual Therapist

LESSON FOUR

"These Thoughts Do Not Mean Anything"

HELLO BEAUTIFUL SOUL,

Welcome back to Day Four of A Course in Miracles Workbook lessons! Today’s lesson is an invitation to go deeper as we explore Lesson Four:

“These thoughts do not mean anything. They are like the things I see in this room, on this street, from this window, in this place.”

WHY THIS LESSON MATTERS 

So far, we’ve explored the meaning we assign to what we see with our eyes. Today, we’re taking it a step further by examining our thoughts.

This lesson helps us realize that our thoughts—whether positive or negative—are simply projections, that don’t represent our true self.

By acknowledging that our thoughts do not mean anything, we create space for a higher wisdom and higher order thinking to guide us.

APPLYING THE LESSON

Today’s practice is simple but profound. Unlike previous lessons focused on what we see, today’s focus is on observing our thoughts:

1. Observe Your Thoughts
 
For about one to two minutes, allow your thoughts to come and go naturally. Notice them without judgment or resistance.

2. Apply the Lesson
 
To each thought that crosses your mind, gently remind yourself:

“These thoughts do not mean anything. They are like the things I see in this room, on this street, from this window, in this place.”

This exercise can be done throughout the day. You might apply it to any thoughts that arise, whether they seem good or bad.

By letting go of assigning meaning, we start to sift through what’s meaningful versus what’s simply mental clutter.

GOOD AND BAD THOUGHTS

Today’s practice isn’t only for “negative” thoughts. Apply this idea to positive thoughts, too. We are told that our positive thoughts are only “shadows” of our truth thinking, and so we can benefit from letting even positive thoughts go, to get in touch with our most wise and whole thinking, beyond the negative and positive. 

By releasing attachment to both types of thoughts, we’re clearing our minds of surface-level thinking, making room for the deeper, peaceful thoughts within us.

Remember, thoughts can shift from “good” to “bad,” but our true self remains unaffected by this duality.

A SIMPLE PRACTICE IN MINDFULNESS

Set aside a few minutes, two to three times today, to practice this.

It’s like a mini-meditation, noticing and releasing thoughts without attachment. This exercise will help you slow down and cultivate a calm mind.

That’s it for today, beautiful souls! Enjoy practicing this idea, and may it bring you a sense of peace and openness.

As always, feel free to share any reflections or questions below. I’ll see you tomorrow for Lesson Five, where we’ll wrap up our five-day journey. 🌟

Peace be with you!

Love,
Britney


THE MOST
COMMON QUESTIONS
FROM YOUR PEERS

Students often wonder if this means their thoughts are irrelevant or if it implies something deeper about the nature of thought itself.

This statement encourages us to recognize that we assign meaning to our thoughts as well as what we see, and the meaning we give to our thoughts is not inherent. By acknowledging that thoughts are not automatically meaningful, we can begin to question their power over us and see them more objectively. This helps us to step back from our thinking, observe and ultimately let our thoughts be undone.

Many wonder if they should repeat this idea with all their thoughts throughout the day or if it applies only to specific types of thoughts.

You can apply this idea whenever you notice thoughts arising. It’s not about controlling or stopping thoughts but about gently acknowledging them without attachment, noticing that they do not need to define your experience. 

This question reflects the concern that the lesson might be asking them to deny the reality of their thoughts or dismiss them entirely.

No, it’s not about denying the existence of thoughts but about challenging the assumption that they carry inherent meaning. This lesson invites you to see thoughts as simply passing experiences rather than ultimate truths.

Students often want to understand the purpose behind this idea, especially if they are accustomed to thinking that their thoughts are important and meaningful.

This idea helps us loosen our attachment to habitual thinking patterns. This idea also helps us to learn that we rule our minds, instead of our mind/thoughts ruling us. By recognizing that our thoughts aren’t inherently meaningful, we can find more freedom and peace in the space behind the thoughts, moving away from being consumed by repetitive or unhelpful surface level thoughts.

Many ask whether they should focus on positive, negative, or neutral thoughts or if the lesson is intended for all types of mental activity.

This lesson is meant for all types of thoughts—whether positive, negative, or neutral. It encourages seeing all thoughts as equal in that they are projections of the mind rather than reflections of a true, unchanging reality.

There can be a fear that this practice might lead to a sense of detachment from one’s own thoughts or mind, creating uncertainty.

No, this exercise is not about detaching from the mind. Instead, it’s about experiencing thoughts with a sense of peaceful non-judgmental awareness, which actually creates a deeper connection to your true mind, grounded in awareness rather than reactivity.

Students wonder about the connection between seeing external objects as meaningless and now seeing thoughts as meaningless, questioning if there is a broader point.

This lesson builds on the previous idea that the meaning we assign to objects is subjective. Now, it extends that concept to thoughts, helping us realize that our mental world, like our physical world, is shaped by personal interpretations rather than universal truths.

Many people encounter thoughts they feel are too meaningful to simply let go of, leading them to question how to handle these persistent ideas.

If certain thoughts feel too significant to let go of, just notice this attachment ….without judgment. You don’t need to force yourself to dismiss them. Over time, simply observing the attachment itself can help release it.

Students wonder if there’s an ideal attitude or mental state to adopt when practicing this idea.

The ideal mindset is one of openness and curiosity. There’s no need for strict discipline or pressure. Just observe your thoughts and practice seeing them without judgment, allowing a gentle release of fixed meanings.

A common question is how this exercise contributes to the goal of inner peace, especially if it seems to involve setting aside thoughts they’ve held dear.

Recognizing that thoughts don’t inherently mean anything allows us to move beyond self-imposed limitations and emotional reactivity. This openness cultivates a peaceful state of mind, creating space for inner stillness, inner guidance and a clearer perspective on life.

ASK BRITNEY ANYTHING!