In this workshop, the process of leaving and then returning to our home in Heaven is explained in the context of the self-concepts we cherish—their purpose and their undoing. Each step down the ladder is identified as a self-concept requiring denial of the preceding step; and the climb back up the ladder is explained as the process of disengaging step by step from all the ego's concepts of self by turning to Jesus and correcting the mistake at each rung of the ladder. Material from "Self-Concept versus Self," in Chapter 31 in the text, is the basis of much of the discussion.

Many students of the Course find themselves hoping there is a way to skip steps, to climb the ladder more quickly, releasing themselves from the ego's clutches, not realizing that we are the ones who are clutching onto the ego. Kenneth cautions in this program that there is no way to accelerate what for most of us will be a lifelong process, because of our fear of where it is taking us, other than the diligent but gentle practice of forgiveness in every moment of our lives, whenever we are aware that we are holding a judgment that separates us from anyone or anything else.

As we climb ever higher on the ladder, the Course aims to help us to become advanced teachers of God, approaching ever more closely its ultimate goal for us, the real world. But what is an advanced teacher? In this brief program Kenneth explores what the Course means by advanced teachers of God—those who have learned to smile at the dream, knowing that it has no effect on the truth and innocence of everyone they meet, with whom they gladly share that light.