The first part before the Lesson is a little story about Merlin and Arthur, and an overview of how Merlin sees the world. and the people in it.
In the introduction (Part 1) the Author explains how to use the book and work through the lessons.
There are some key phrases at the beginning of the lesson. I would recommend just skim these first, then read the story and the sections “Understanding the Lesson” and “How to Live with the Lesson”. Then go back to the key phrases and sit with these.
The story : This is a metaphor for the entire book being embodied by the first lesson. Everything is in the first spoonful.
Understanding the Lesson : This explains our ever unfolding connections, and how each of us is at the centre of our own universe, our own connections spiralling outwards like ripples, or the spiders web.. “A day will come when you will realise that the entire universe can be found inside you…“
For me there are another two key phrases in this lesson :
“Spend time not pondering what you see, but why you see it“, and
“Look beyond your limited self to see your unlimited self“.
Living with the lesson :
There is a lovely explanation in this part of the difference between “Love” (in summary Acceptance) & “love” (in summary – the act of repeating what felt good before).
When I first read this lesson it reminded me of the first lesson my first teacher gave me which was called “Becoming Aware of Awareness”, with an affirmation that went “I am ready to feel my own consciousness”. It is the same, just written differently.
If you are reading this book for a second or third time as I am I think it is worth challenging ourselves a bit. What I have done for myself is change the wording of the phrases. Instead of “Wizard” I use “I”. So they change as follows:
I am a wizard. I see and know everything.
I am beyond opposites of light and dark, good and evil, pleasure and pain.
Everything I see has its roots in the unseen world.
Nature reflects my moods.
The body and mind may sleep, but I am always awake.
I possess the secret of immortality.
I sit with these in the present moment and/or meditation. When all thoughts have gone from my mind and peace has settled, I take one of the phrases and repeat it to yourself. I regard how my body reacts and work out why. Maybe take one a day. Have fun with it too.
Remember we are all at different places on our own path. Enjoy where you are, but also seek more joy.