For practical and easy tips on how to apply forgiveness to our daily lives:
Explore spiritual teachings, real-life stories, and practical tools to help you forgive, release, and return to peace. Rooted in A Course in Miracles, compassionate spirituality, and soul-centered healing.
Saturday, November 30, 2013
Gary Renard on Forgiveness
For practical and easy tips on how to apply forgiveness to our daily lives:
Thursday, November 28, 2013
My Table is Set and Ready
As an expression of our thankfulness, we in turn, love our brothers. We release all judgments and we accept everything in this world. All is forgiven. We choose to live in love. And on this day of gratitude we say our Thanksgivings!
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
I Raise You and I Praise You
I Raise You and I Praise You
I Raise You and I Praise You
I Raise You and I Praise You
I Raise You and I Praise You
I Raise You and I Praise You
I Raise You and I Praise You
I Raise You and I Praise You
I Raise You and I Praise You
I Raise You and I Praise You
I Raise You and I Praise You
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Forgiveness is Replacing Judgment with Love
Forgiveness is replacing judgment with love. It is recognizing that God never judges anyone, ever. He loves each one of his creations. After all, he created every one of us in his own image. We are exactly like him. And since he is complete and pure love he sees us through eyes of love.
In forgiveness, we look at our adversaries with God's eyes. We drop our judgments and we see others in their truth. They are exactly what we are, pure spirit, complete love.
Of course, it is absolutely true that in this "dream world" people do things to us that are destructive to our well being and this can often be painful. However, we need to realize that people only do these things out of their own ignorance. They do not remember who they really are. They don't remember that they are actually perfect loving whole spiritual beings, created by God out of only love. They come here and they forget. They lose sight of the big picture. They become blinded by their ego minds and all the things the grasping ego demands for them. They forget their real truth.
Remember also that many people simply don't look to see love in the world around them. It just doesn't occur to them to do so. They may have been mistreated or disrespected. Perhaps they've never been shown what love really looks like. They don't know any better. That doesn't make what they do less destructive in our lives, but perhaps it makes it easier to see the world from their perspective.
That's OK. Let them be what they are and do what they will...for now. Recognize the fact that they are a little behind us on the path to God. They're not awakened yet.
But you, however, you are starting to wake up. It's your forgiveness job to look past the dream actions others take in this dream world and to see beyond to their truth. Raise them up in your mind. Release them and let them go. Forgive them and as you forgive, over time a backwash of love will seep into your life. Forgiving others is actually the road to forgiving yourself. And self forgiveness leads to inner peace.
Sunday, November 24, 2013
Living the Happy Dream: Finding Heaven on Earth Through Forgiveness
The Promise of the Happy Dream
A Course of Miracles promises that the more you forgive, the happier your life will be. In fact, over time, as you begin to forgive everyone and every difficult event or circumstance in the world around you, you will actually begin to live what the Course calls the "happy dream".
Forgiveness as the Path to Peace
Forgiveness is much easier than you may think. In fact, once you get in the habit, it actually becomes pleasurable. There's really no reason to live a life of fear, anxiety, upset or lack when the possibility of the "happy dream" life is such an easy alternative. It doesn't happen over night, of course, but a few years of significant forgiveness work will improve your life immeasurably.
Seeing the World Through Heaven’s Eyes
In A Course in Miracles, the “happy dream” is not a fantasy world or a denial of pain — it’s a state of mind where forgiveness has cleared away fear and guilt. When we forgive, we begin to see the world differently. Instead of focusing on what’s wrong, we start to notice the light in others, the beauty of the moment, and the quiet joy that comes from inner peace. The “happy dream” is what life looks like when we’ve stopped defending against love. It’s a gentle, forgiving perception of everything and everyone, a world softened by grace.
So...what are you waiting for?
Want to go deeper into forgiveness?
Explore how forgiveness reconnects us to divine compassion in Unblocking our Connection to Love →.My book, Forgiveness is the Key to Happiness, offers heartfelt guidance, spiritual tools, and real-life practices. Read it on Amazon →
Let daily affirmations support you too — discover the Forgiveness Metta Card Deck for a gentle morning practice of peace and release.
Want to receive free weekly forgiveness coaching emails? Sign up and get insights, tools, and inspiration to deepen your practice of forgiveness. Sign up here →
Let these tools light your path — because forgiveness sets you free.
— Sue Pipal
Saturday, November 23, 2013
Stop Holding Yourself Back: Start Forgiving and Find True Peace
Why Forgiveness Matters
You may be wondering why forgiveness is so important. Here are two very big reasons why you are holding yourself back whenever you do not forgive.1) Holding Yourself Back from Going Home to God
Our ultimate goal is to be more like God so that we can return home and be with Him. Until we become more like Him, and think only loving thoughts, we remain in this “dream world” of suffering and fear.God does not judge; He only sees our true and perfect selves. He created us and he loves us unconditionally. In A Course in Miracles, we are asked to give up all forms of judgment and to accept and forgive everything in our lives. We are asked to become more like God, himself. He knows that all his children remain as he created them, perfect and whole, despite however they may behave on this confusing, psycho planet of illusion.
"It is necessary for the teacher of God to realize, not that he should not judge, but that he cannot." —A Course in Miracles, Manual for Teachers 10, 2, 1
"God's Son is guiltless, and sin does not exist." —A Course in Miracles, Manual for Teachers 10, 2, 9
2) Holding Yourself Back from Inner Peace
You are also holding yourself back from knowing peace while you are here. Relinquishing judgments by accepting and forgiving the world is the only path to inner peace."God's word has promised that peace is possible here, and what He promises can hardly be impossible. But it is true that the world must be looked at differently, if His promises are to be accepted." —A Course in Miracles, Manual for Teachers 11, 1, 7
We begin to see the world differently by looking through the eyes of forgiveness. We drop all judgments, recognizing that every person is a brother—even if they sometimes behave badly or forget their true nature. We must know their real identity for them. We accept with grace the events of this world and trust that they are happening here for us as a means where we can grow and purify by accepting and forgiving. When we accept everything that happens to us, we are creating peace in our minds.
"How is peace possible in this world? In your judgment it is not possible, and can never be possible. But in the Judgment of God what is reflected here is only peace." —A Course in Miracles, Manual for Teachers 11, 3, 7–9
Forgiveness and acceptance are not passive--we can still stand for justice, speak up, and take positive action--while maintaining love and respect for everyone.
Start a Forgiveness Habit Today
Begin a daily practice of forgiveness, even in small steps. It doesn’t happen overnight, but with diligence and consistency, your life will shift in ways that astonish you, bringing happiness, peace, and freedom.Want to go deeper into forgiveness?
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Explore how forgiveness reconnects us to divine compassion in Unblocking our Connection to Love. Read it here →
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My book, Forgiveness is the Key to Happiness, offers heartfelt guidance, spiritual tools, and real-life practices. Read it on Amazon → | Barnes & Noble → | Balboa Press →
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Let daily affirmations support you too — discover the Forgiveness Metta Card Deck for a gentle morning practice of peace and release.
-
Receive free weekly forgiveness coaching emails and insights to deepen your practice → Sign up here
Let these tools light your path — because forgiveness sets you free.
— Sue Pipal
Friday, November 22, 2013
Stuff to Forgive: How a Daily Forgiveness List Can Transform Your Life
Santa’s Coming Soon—Time to Make a List!
The holidays are almost here. Most of us think about what we want, gifts we hope for, and lists of things to buy. But if you want a truly joyful holiday season, why not focus on forgiveness instead? Rather than creating a list of things you want, create a list that will bring real happiness and peace to your life.
Start Your Forgiveness List
We all have things that weigh on our hearts:
Barking dogs in the neighborhood
- Your spouse for not appreciating you enough
- Your kids for making a mess all over the house
- The girl who made fun of your skirt in fifth grade
- The first guy who broke up with you
- Your former "best friend" for dating your ex-boyfriend
- Your aging parent for getting older
- Yourself for creating clutter
- Your friend or neighbor who died unexpectedly
- The deep hurt you feel when you are ignored
Go ahead… make a list. Take ten or twenty minutes and jot down everything you can think of. Nothing is too big or too small. Don’t worry about forgiving anything just yet—just do a brain dump and get it down on paper.
Work Slowly and Gently
Once your list is ready, start forgiving one thing each morning during your daily meditation or prayer. Take it slow. You don’t need to tackle something new every day. Sometimes you may work on the same item for several days. Sometimes you may just stew on it. That’s okay.Remember: forgiveness is a process. Don’t rush it. Be gentle with yourself, and don't be surprised if the universe gives you a little shove. It might gift you with a little more information or insight about what you're forgiving. Or sometimes we get another forgiveness "lesson" that is similar to the issue we're working on. It's nothing to be upset about. It's there for your good and overall growth, adding greater understanding to the lesson. Chances are you'll be gently nudged in ways that will help you tackle each item on your list. Let it unfold and do the forgiveness work you can as you are ready.
You’re Doing This for You
Above all, remember that this practice is for you. YOU want peace. YOU want happiness. Every step you take toward forgiveness is a step toward your own freedom and well-beingWant to go deeper into forgiveness?
-
Explore how forgiveness reconnects us to divine compassion in Unblocking our Connection to Love. Read it here →
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My book, Forgiveness is the Key to Happiness, offers heartfelt guidance, spiritual tools, and real-life practices. Read it on Amazon → | Barnes & Noble → | Balboa Press →
-
Let daily affirmations support you too — discover the Forgiveness Metta Card Deck for a gentle morning practice of peace and release.
-
Receive free weekly forgiveness coaching emails and insights to deepen your practice → Sign up here
Let these tools light your path — because forgiveness sets you free.
— Sue Pipal
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Are you really, truly happy?
A Surprising Discovery in a Book Club
When I was in my early 30s, I joined a book club. One meeting, I remarked that it seemed like all the books we had been reading were filled with angst. “Where are the happy people and the happy stories?” I wondered.I was surprised when my book club friends all looked at me blankly. “Sue, the world is not about happiness,” they said. I was shocked. This was a group of successful career women, many with corporate husbands, lovely homes, and small children cared for by nannies. On the surface, we looked happy—but not so.
The Hidden Struggles Beneath the Surface
As we went around the room, each woman confessed she didn’t feel happy much of the time. They spent most of their lives navigating monstrous “to-do” lists, keeping their households running, excelling at work, and caring for everyone around them.Beneath their exterior success, they were disappointed in unmet expectations, struggled with feeling unconnected, and often felt distant from family and friends. Every one of them battled fear, rejection, and inadequacy.
What We Really Feel Is Guilt
Much of what we call unhappiness is actually guilt. We feel guilty because we are living separately from God. Denying that guilt drives us to chase accomplishments, possessions, and the symbols of success. It’s the pride of self our egos cling to that separates us from knowing our true relationship with God. And clinging to these trappings, activities, and illusions only moves us further from the peace and joy that are naturally ours.It’s by our own choice that we live in unhappiness.
Forgiveness: The Key to True Happiness
In my book, Forgiveness is the Key to Happiness, I provide many easy-to-use processes that help you forgive anybody and any event in your life—past or present. Develop a daily habit of forgiveness, and watch your life transform from fear to love.Want to go deeper into forgiveness?
-
Explore how forgiveness reconnects us to divine compassion in Unblocking our Connection to Love. Read it here →
-
My book, Forgiveness is the Key to Happiness, offers heartfelt guidance, spiritual tools, and real-life practices. Read it on Amazon → | Barnes & Noble →
Let daily affirmations support you too — discover the Forgiveness Metta Card Deck for a gentle morning practice of peace and release.
-
Receive free weekly forgiveness coaching emails and insights to deepen your practice → Sign up here
Let these tools light your path — because forgiveness sets you free.
— Sue Pipal
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Abundance Affirmations--Pair them With Forgiveness
The Power of Affirmations
Affirmations are a simple but powerful way to invite abundance into your life. They help reprogram the mind, shift perspective, and open your awareness to opportunities, blessings, and joy that might otherwise go unnoticed. But affirmations work even better when paired with forgiveness.Why Forgiveness Enhances Abundance
Unforgiveness blocks energy. Holding onto resentment, guilt, or anger can create invisible barriers to abundance—whether that’s peace, love, joy, or even material prosperity. When we forgive, we clear the space in our hearts and minds, making room for the positive energies of life to flow freely.Daily Affirmations to Pair with Forgiveness
Here are some affirmations to repeat daily, ideally after a moment of self-forgiveness or forgiving someone else:-
I release all that no longer serves me and open to the abundance of love and joy.
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I forgive myself and others, and I am free to receive all good things.
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Every day I attract opportunities, love, and blessings in perfect timing.
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I am worthy of abundance in all areas of my life.
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My heart is open, my mind is clear, and I trust the flow of life.
Bringing It Into Your Daily Life
Pairing affirmations with forgiveness is more than a practice—it’s a lifestyle. Each time you notice resentment, guilt, or judgment creeping in, pause, forgive, and then repeat your affirmations. Over time, this habit transforms not just your mindset, but the energy you project into the world, attracting more of the goodness and abundance you seek.
And Before Bed
Want to go deeper into forgiveness and abundance?
-
Explore how forgiveness reconnects us to divine compassion in Unblocking our Connection to Love.
-
My book, Forgiveness is the Key to Happiness, offers heartfelt guidance, spiritual tools, and real-life practices. Read it on Amazon →
-
Let daily affirmations support you too — discover the Forgiveness Metta Card Deck for a gentle morning practice of peace and release. View the deck on Etsy →
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Browse more forgiveness tools, art, and daily reminders in our Etsy Shop →
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Want to receive free weekly forgiveness coaching emails? Sign up and get insights, tools, and inspiration to deepen your practice of forgiveness → Sign up here
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Made by God.
Recognizing Our Holiness Heals Guilt and Fear
I am made by God. He created me exactly in His own image. Therefore I am holy. I am beloved. I am perfect in every way.
"Since my holiness saves me from all guilt, recognizing my holiness is recognizing my salvation. It is also recognizing the salvation of the world. Once I have accepted my holiness, nothing can make me afraid. And because I am unafraid, everyone must share in my understanding, which is the gift of God to me and to the world." --A Course in Miracles From the review materials for Workbook lesson 39 (see page 97)
When I practice self-forgiveness, I remind myself: I am made by God. I am cherished, precious, and wholly loved. I am only love. There is nothing evil, sinful, or wrong about me. I am perfect in every way. I am part of God.
A practice that helps me release guilt and fear is to create an altar to God in my mind. I visualize it as shining white marble, vast and beautiful. I place anything I feel guilty, hurt, or angry about onto this altar and hand it over to the Holy Spirit. He will handle it, wash me clean, and remove my fear.
Want to go deeper into forgiveness?
-
Explore how forgiveness reconnects us to divine compassion in Unblocking our Connection to Love.
-
My book, Forgiveness is the Key to Happiness, offers heartfelt guidance, spiritual tools, and real-life practices. Read it on Amazon →
-
Let daily affirmations support you too — discover the Forgiveness Metta Card Deck for a gentle morning practice of peace and release. View the deck on Etsy →
-
Receive free weekly forgiveness coaching emails and insights to deepen your practice → Sign up here
Let these tools light your path — because forgiveness sets you free.
Monday, November 18, 2013
A Simple Forgiveness Practice for Everyday Annoyances
A Simple Practice for Small Forgiveness Challenges
Here’s a quick little forgiveness practice that works for most smaller forgiveness challenges. I use this if someone I know well and really love is annoying me momentarily. I also use it on people I barely know—or don’t know at all—when they are annoying me just a little bit.How to Use This Forgiveness Prayer
Feel the Release and Bless with Love
Want to go deeper into forgiveness?
- Explore how forgiveness reconnects us to divine compassion in Unblocking our Connection to Love. Read it here →
- My book, Forgiveness is the Key to Happiness, offers heartfelt guidance, spiritual tools, and real-life practices. Read it on Amazon →
- Let daily affirmations support you too — discover the Forgiveness Metta Card Deck for a gentle morning practice of peace and release. View the deck on Etsy →
- Want to receive free weekly forgiveness coaching emails? Sign up and get insights, tools, and inspiration to deepen your practice of forgiveness. Sign up here →
Let these tools light your path — because forgiveness sets you free.
Sunday, November 17, 2013
Forgiveness Removes Guilt
Forgiveness Removes Guilt
I encourage everyone I know to start a daily forgiveness practice. Why? Because when we develop the habit of daily forgiveness, over time our guilt will be removed.
We all carry huge storehouses of unresolved guilt lurking in our subconscious minds. We feel guilty for every lie we've ever told, every unkind thought we've ever had, every person we've ever judged, or rule we've ever broken. We believe we have sinned.
The Mother-Lode of Guilt
Over the years, this guilt builds up. However, it pales in comparison to the mother-lode of guilt we create every moment we live apart from God. Living as individuals in our egos and choosing to ignore our true identity and oneness as God’s Son* leaves us with an iceberg of guilt beneath the surface of our conscious minds. Only forgiveness can heal this deep guilt.
Guilt Blocks Our True Inheritance
Without forgiveness, we believe we are unworthy. Guilt blocks our ability to experience the true gifts which are our inheritance from God. These gifts include peace, love, happiness, knowledge, beauty, and abundance.
The Key to Happiness
Here is the key to happiness: do your forgiveness work, and you will be able to live in God’s gifts. Forgive and release guilt, and you will begin to believe yourself worthy of accepting everything that God has to offer.
*Son--The word Son in A Course of Miracles, refers to the collective Sonship, of which we are all a part, having been created by God. We are all his perfect Son, the Christ.
Want to go deeper into forgiveness?
- Explore how forgiveness reconnects us to divine compassion in Unblocking our Connection to Love. Read it here →
- My book, Forgiveness is the Key to Happiness, offers heartfelt guidance, spiritual tools, and real-life practices. Read it on Amazon →
- Let daily affirmations support you too — discover the Forgiveness Metta Card Deck for a gentle morning practice of peace and release. View the deck on Etsy →
- Want to receive free weekly forgiveness coaching emails? Sign up and get insights, tools, and inspiration to deepen your practice of forgiveness. Sign up here →
Let these tools light your path — because forgiveness sets you free.
— Sue Pipal
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
How Bob Newhart’s ‘Stop It’ Sketch Teaches Us to Let Go of Judgment
Bob Newhart’s Timeless Wisdom on Judgment
I recently attended a seminar in which Jon Mundy spoke. He mentioned how he is often asked about judgment—how to stop judging others. He reminded me of an old Bob Newhart episode that really puts things into perspective.
Just Stop It! The Power of Simple Advice
In the episode, Newhart’s character, a therapist, tells his patient simply: "Stop it. Just stop it!" It’s hilarious, but also profoundly simple advice that highlights how we often make our judgments more complicated than they need to be. The solution is as simple as Newhart’s character suggests: stop it. Stop the judging and choose to live in peace instead.
A Personal Connection to Bob Newhart
For me, this brought to mind not only the wisdom of Newhart's sketch but also my own personal connection to him. I have always loved Bob Newhart and watched many of his shows in reruns. Interestingly, my sister's first husband's father was the producer for Newhart's show. Bob Newhart’s mild manner always reminded me so much of my own dad, and I could sense his gentle, calm energy, even on-screen.
A Humbling Moment with Bob Newhart
One day, when I was in my early 20s, I was waiting at a stop signal on Hilgard Ave, adjacent to the UCLA campus. As I glanced over at the car idling next to me, I was delighted to see that it was none other than Bob Newhart! He had a small child (probably a granddaughter) in the seat next to him, and as I watched, he wrapped his arm tenderly around her, bending over to listen intently to whatever the child was saying. It was a charming, quiet moment that seemed to capture the essence of Newhart’s calm demeanor in real life.
Letting Go of Judgment: Choosing Peace
This moment, combined with Newhart’s iconic sketch, helped me realize how much judgment complicates our lives. It’s easy to get caught up in judging others, but if we can pause and reflect, we can choose to let go of judgment and replace it with love, peace, and understanding. The simple wisdom of “stop it” is more powerful than we often give it credit for.
So there you have it folks, let's all just stop it. STOP IT!! Stop the judging and live in peace.Want to go deeper into forgiveness?
Explore how forgiveness reconnects us to divine compassion in Unblocking our Connection to Love. Read it here →My book, Forgiveness is the Key to Happiness, offers heartfelt guidance, spiritual tools, and real-life practices. Read it on Amazon →
Let daily affirmations support you too — discover the Forgiveness Metta Card Deck for a gentle morning practice of peace and release. View the deck on Etsy →
Let these tools light your path — because forgiveness sets you free.