A Course
In Miracles

Workbook Lesson One

Britney Shawley Spiritual Therapist

LESSON ONE

"Nothing I see means anything"

WELCOME BEAUTIFUL SOUL~

Today, we will dive into Workbook Lesson One from A Course in Miracles, and I’m so excited to walk through this with you.
Grab your book, and let’s explore what this lesson means and how to apply it.

WHY AM I DOING THIS?

It’s totally normal to wonder, “Why start here? What does this lesson even mean?” Lesson One is about breaking free from the meanings we’ve been taught to give everything. We’re not trying to think through this with our logical brain—instead, we’re letting go of judgments so we can open up to an experience beyond thought.

THE LESSON: “NOTHING I SEE MEANS ANYTHING.” 


“Nothing I see in this room, on this street, from this window, in this place, means anything.”

This can feel confusing! You might be asking, “What do you mean nothing means anything?” That’s why we’re doing this together. This lesson challenges us to realize that what we think things mean isn’t what they actually mean.

Think of a child, eyes wide with wonder, seeing everything fresh. The child does not know what anything means yet, and that’s exactly the place this lesson wants to bring us back to—the beginner’s mind.

By coming to this blank slate, we open ourselves up to seeing ourselves and our world with new, loving eyes, instead of old judgments.

HOW TO APPLY THE LESSON

Let’s talk about applying this to your day. Here’s how to practice “Nothing I see means anything.”

STEP 1. Look Around
Start by just looking around the room, out the window, or down the street—wherever you are.

STEP 2. Observe Without Judgment
Pick an object, let your eyes rest on it, and repeat, “This [object] does not mean anything.” 
Examples: “This microphone does not mean anything.” “This laptop does not mean anything.” “This coffee mug does not mean anything.”

STEP 3. Keep It Simple
Don’t feel the need to cover every single thing. Just let your eyes move naturally. Try this for about one or two minutes.

Do this a couple of times throughout your day, but keep it light.

Maybe as you’re heading into work, you pause and think, “Nothing I see means anything.”

It’s not about doing this perfectly; it’s about getting a feel for it.

WHY THIS MATTERS

This exercise isn’t about categorizing or prioritizing objects. It’s an invitation to notice how much meaning we assign to everything, and then to consciously let go of those meanings.

By practicing, we start to clear the way for a new way of seeing—a way that’s open, free, and beyond judgment.

 

SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE

As you practice, notice what comes up for you. Did it feel strange, freeing, or maybe even challenging? Let’s stay connected and share what we experienced during this process. Remember, I am here to support you.

Please look through the FAQ section below. If I can answer a question you do not see, please submit it to me at the bottom of this page.

That’s it for Lesson One: “Nothing I see means anything.”

Take this with you today, apply it where you can, and let me know how it goes. I’m so looking forward to hearing your reflections.

With love,
Britney


THE MOST
COMMON QUESTIONS
FROM YOUR PEERS

Students often wonder how to understand this statement and how to apply it when they feel that their surroundings obviously seem meaningful.

This lesson invites us to start fresh by acknowledging that the meaning we assign to things is subjective and learned. The statement “nothing I see means anything” is a way to let go of our conditioned responses, allowing us to see beyond preconceived meanings.

 

This question reflects the desire to know the right way to practice this lesson. Students are curious about the practical shift it’s asking for.

This exercise isn’t about looking differently in a physical sense. Instead, it’s about momentarily suspending judgment and seeing objects without attaching significance. The lesson gently suggests looking at everything with openness and curiosity rather than our usual assumptions.

 

Some may feel that the lesson asks them to ignore or deny the reality of the physical world, which can feel confusing or disorienting.

No, this lesson isn’t about denying reality but questioning the meaning we impose on things. It’s about realizing that what we think we “see” is shaped by our thoughts and beliefs. The Course encourages students to explore the idea that truth lies beyond our interpretations, in a realm of peace and unity.

Since it’s an unconventional start, students often want to understand why the Course begins with this idea instead of something seemingly more positive or inspiring.

Starting with this idea helps loosen our attachment to personal interpretations. By recognizing that meaning is constructed, we create mental space for deeper, universal truths that go beyond our conditioned thinking. It’s a way to break down barriers to seeing the world with clarity and love.

 

 

 

Many wonder if they’re “doing it right” or if there’s a way to confirm they’re practicing in alignment with the Course’s intention.

There is no “right” way to do this exercise beyond following the instructions. The Course emphasizes consistency over perfection, so if you’re reading the statement and genuinely considering it, you’re doing it correctly. It’s about practice, not mastery, especially in the early lessons.

This question reflects curiosity about the focus on everyday objects and why the Course starts with objects in its first lesson.

Objects represent the everyday things to which we attach meaning and significance. By starting with familiar objects, the Course helps us see that if they don’t inherently hold meaning, perhaps other things in our lives are also open to new interpretations. This step-by-step approach lays the foundation for a more profound shift in perception.

Students often worry that applying this idea could make them feel less engaged or less appreciative of the world around them.

While this lesson may feel unusual, it’s not intended to create a sense of detachment or disconnection. Instead, it offers a path to becoming free from false attachments and judgments. Over time, it actually leads to a deeper connection by moving beyond superficial meanings toward unconditional love and acceptance.

Questions about why seeing is emphasized can come up, as students wonder what deeper meaning lies in how we perceive and interpret what we see.

Seeing is a metaphor for perception. The Course teaches that how we perceive the world shapes our experience. By exploring “seeing” without judgment, we begin to uncover how perception affects our relationships and sense of self, ultimately shifting us towards a vision based on love rather than judgment.

Many are curious if they should expect a noticeable shift in perception after practicing this lesson or if it’s more about gradual change over time.

No, immediate change isn’t expected. The lessons are part of a gradual process, aimed at gently training the mind. With consistent practice, however, students often notice a subtle, progressive shift in perception as they learn to release judgments and embrace a more peaceful way of seeing.

ASK BRITNEY ANYTHING!