A theoretical foundation, such as the text, is necessary as a
background to make these exercises meaningful. Yet it is the exercises
that will make the goal possible. An untrained mind can accomplish
nothing. It is the purpose of these exercises to train the mind to think
along the lines which the course sets forth.

The exercises are very simple. They do not require more than a few
minutes, and it does not matter where you do them. They require no
preparation. They are numbered, running from 1 to 365. The training
period is one year. Do not undertake more than one lesson a day.

The purpose of the workbook is to train the mind to a different
perception of everything in the world. The workbook is divided into two
sections, the first dealing with the undoing of what you see now, and
the second with the restoration of sight. It is recommended that each
lesson be repeated several times each day, preferably in a different
place each time, and if possible in every situation in which you spend
any long period of time. The purpose is to train the mind to generalize
the lessons, so that you will understand that each of them is as
applicable to one situation as it is to another.

Unless specified to the contrary, the exercises should be practiced with
the eyes open, since the aim is to learn how to see. The only rule that
should be followed throughout is to practice the exercises with great
specificity. Each one applies to every situation in which you find
yourself, and to everything you see in it. Each day’s exercises are
planned around one central idea, the exercises consisting of applying
that idea to as many specifics as possible. Be sure that you do not
decide that there are some things you see to which the idea for the day
is inapplicable. The aim of the exercises will always be to increase the
application of the idea to everything. This will not
require effort. Only be sure that you make no exceptions in applying the
idea.

Some of the ideas you may find hard to believe, and others will seem
quite startling. It does not matter. You are merely asked to apply them
to what you see. You are not asked to judge them, nor even to believe
them. You are merely asked to use them. It is their use which will give
them meaning to you, and show you they are true. Remember only this; you
need not believe them, you need not accept them, and you need not
welcome them. Some of them you may actively resist. None of this will
matter, nor decrease their efficacy. But allow yourself to make no
exceptions in applying the ideas the exercises contain. Whatever your
reactions to the ideas may be, use them. Nothing more than this is
required.