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
Happy Leaping Greenly Spirits
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 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.
So...what are you waiting for?
Saturday, November 23, 2013
Are You are Holding Yourself Back?
You may be wondering why forgiveness is so important. Well, here are two very big reasons why you are holding yourself back whenever you do not forgve.
1) You are holding yourself back from going home to God. Our goal is to be more like God so that we can go home and be with him. Until we become more like him we are destined to remain in this "dream world" of suffering and fear.
God does not judge. He only sees our true and perfect selves. In A Course in Miracles, we are asked to give up all forms of judgment and to accept and forgive everything in our lives.
"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) You are holding yourself back from knowing peace while you are here. Relinquishing judgments by accepting and forgiving this 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 look at the world differently by seeing through the eyes of forgiveness. We drop all judgments. We know that every person here is a brother, even if sometimes they have forgotten this themselves and behave badly in ignorance. 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
Start a forgiveness habit today and move your life in the direction of happiness! It doesn't happen overnight, but with diligent practice your life will change in ways that astonish you.
Friday, November 22, 2013
What's on Your List?
- barking dogs in the neighborhood
- your spouse for not appreciating you enough
- your kids for making a mess all over the house, yet again
- the girl that made fun of your skirt in the fifth grade
- the first guy that broke up with you
- your former "best friend" for dating your x-boyfriend
- your aging parent for getting old
- yourself for creating clutter in your house
- your friend and neighbor for dying unexpectedly
- the deep hurt you feel that everyone ignores you much of the time
We all have lots of stuff like this. 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 bother even thinking about trying to forgive anything on the list right now. Just get it down. Just write. Do a brain dump.
Once you have your list, start to work on forgiving one thing on the list each morning when you do your daily meditation and prayer work. Take it slow. Don't worry if you don't always forgive something new every day. Sometimes I work on the same thing for many days at a time. And sometimes, I just stew. I think about forgiving, but I'm just not ready to face it, yet.
That's OK. Just know that it is right, however it is. 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 are forgiving or it might be another forgiveness "lesson" that is similar. 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 quickly as you are ready.
As you move forward, remember that you are doing this FOR YOU!! YOU want to be happy. YOU want the peace.
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Are you really, truly happy?
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Abundance Affirmations--Pair them With Forgiveness
Another great affirmation which I use frequently is a simple meditation. Breathe in and say "I accept". Then breathe out and say "the love of God".** Repeat this over and over. I use this often before going to bed at night and find I sleep beautifully. Again, this is another great tool, but if you want lasting happiness, forgive first and then meditate. Make forgiveness a permanent part of your bedtime ritual and watch your life change.
*Center for Spiritual Living Tahoe-Truckee
**From The Way of Mastery
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.
Monday, November 11, 2013
"This Mind is in all People"--Embracing Oneness and Forgiveness in Ernest Holmes' Teachings
We are all the same. Strip away this world of dreams and it all boils down to one thing, we all spring forth from the same single mind. We are one. When we know this about another person, we are able to overlook any silly behavior they show us in this dream world. It's not important. It's them forgetting who they really are. Just know their real truth for them, and let it go...
We Are One: The Mind of God in All of Us
Ernest Holmes, in his Living the Science of Mind, beautifully captures a profound truth: “This Mind is in all people.” He explains that the Mind which you use is the same Mind that I use; it is the Mind of God. This Mind is omnipresent, enveloping all beings and existing at the center of everything. The Mind of God is complete unity, and when we know the Truth at the center of our being, we know it within the only Mind there is.
This idea reveals a deep spiritual truth: we are all interconnected through the divine Mind. The barriers that we perceive between ourselves and others are illusions of the ego. At the core, we are all manifestations of this single divine Mind, and when we remember this, we can begin to see through the surface-level actions of others.
Overcoming the Illusion of Separation
When we strip away the distractions of this world—our judgments, our fears, our separateness—we come to realize that we all spring from the same source. We are one. Our differences, our mistakes, and the ways we fail to live up to our true nature, are just reflections of us forgetting who we truly are. They are part of the "dream" world we navigate while we journey toward awakening.
When we understand this, we can look past the behavior of others in the "dream world." Just as we seek to remember our own truth, we can also hold space for others to remember theirs.
Forgiveness is Knowing the Truth of Another’s Being
When we forgive, we’re not excusing behaviors or letting anyone "off the hook." Instead, we’re choosing to acknowledge that at the deepest level, we are all connected and that each of us is a reflection of the divine Mind. Forgiveness is not just a gift we give to others; it’s the way we free ourselves from the illusion of separation.
Let this truth guide you today: you and everyone you meet are part of the same divine Mind. When you know this truth for yourself, you can know it for them too. And in that knowing, you can let go of any judgments and truly live in peace.
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 →
Sunday, November 10, 2013
What is Forgiveness? Colin Tipping Explains Its Power in Our Awakening
Colin Tipping on the Power of Forgiveness
Colin Tipping, a profound teacher on the topic of forgiveness, truly understood the deep transformative power that forgiveness can bring into our lives. His words are a beacon of wisdom for anyone on a spiritual journey. He asks us, “What is forgiveness if it is not extending the energy of Love to another and joining with him or her? What is forgiveness if it is not the key to our awakening? What is forgiveness if it is not the ONLY way to overcome the illusion of separation?”
Forgiveness as the Key to Awakening
For Colin, forgiveness isn’t just an act—it’s the key that unlocks our spiritual growth and re-establishes our connection to one another. When we forgive, we transcend the ego’s need to separate, heal the wounds of the past, and embrace the love and compassion that flow from a place of divine truth.
Releasing Separation and Embracing Connection
It is through forgiveness that we begin to understand that we are not separate from each other or from God. We are all interconnected, and when we forgive, we come back into alignment with this universal truth. Forgiveness isn’t about excusing behavior; it’s about releasing the energy that keeps us bound to past pain, allowing us to live in peace, harmony, and connection.
The Freedom That Comes with Forgiveness
I personally resonate deeply with Colin Tipping’s perspective on forgiveness. It is the gateway to our true nature, and it is through forgiving ourselves and others that we unlock the freedom to awaken to a life of love, compassion, and peace. It’s not always easy, but it is always worth it.
Explore Colin Tipping’s Community of Radical Forgiveness
If you’re ready to dive deeper into this powerful teaching, you can read more on Colin’s website, Radical Forgiveness. I also encourage you to purchase his book, also entitled Radical Forgiveness. Unfortunately, Colin Tipping passed on in 2019, but his forgiveness community of coaches, programs and books lives on.
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.
— Sue Pipal
Saturday, November 9, 2013
The Importance of Forgiveness in Jesus’ Teachings: A Path to Peace
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 →
Let these tools light your path — because forgiveness sets you free.
— Sue Pipal
Friday, November 8, 2013
Overcoming Doubt and Fear with Forgiveness: A Path to Peace
Transforming Intellectual Knowledge into True Knowing
Even though we may “know” on an intellectual level that we are perfect, whole, and complete, do we truly believe it?
Jennifer Hadley asked this question in one of her daily emails. Most of us experience deep emotional doubts, even while learning spiritual truths intellectually. Turning knowledge into knowing, however, requires forgiveness work.
The reason we doubt is that we carry massive guilt in our subconscious minds.
Even though we may “know” on an intellectual level that we are perfect, whole, and complete, do we truly believe it?
Jennifer Hadley asked this question in one of her daily emails. Most of us experience deep emotional doubts, even while learning spiritual truths intellectually. Turning knowledge into knowing, however, requires forgiveness work.
The reason we doubt is that we carry massive guilt in our subconscious minds.
Each time we forgive, the Holy Spirit enters our subconscious and removes a little of that guilt. Over time, as we forgive repeatedly, our storehouse of guilt—the source of much suffering on Earth—diminishes.
This is why I look forward to opportunities to forgive. Even though life’s “classroom” may bring painful experiences, when I forgive and truly accept my world, I am offered peace instead.
Forgiveness is the bridge that transforms doubt and fear into love.
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.
— Sue Pipal
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Forgiveness and God's Love: Insights from A Course in Miracles, Lesson 46
God never judges and therefore he never finds it necessary to forgive. I find this message to be of great comfort.
As our creator, God always knows his own truth about each of us. We are perfect. We are only good. We are love always and everywhere.
Since God made us exactly in his own image, we can only be these things. If we judge ourselves to be anything other than this, it is only our own self-created illusion. We perceive that we are not perfect and therefore need God's forgiveness.
When we forgive others, we are actually acknowledging their truth--that there is nothing to judge them for, because they are also created in perfection. They are only good. They are love always and everywhere.
The reason why it is so essential that we forgive others and see their truth is that as we see their truth, we actually begin to convince ourselves of our own truth. If they are perfect, then we must be too.
I have already been forgiven.
No fear is possible in a mind beloved of God.
There is no need to attack because love has forgiven me."--Lesson 46
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
A Forgiveness Blessing: Sending Healing to Those Who Trigger You
Monday, November 4, 2013
Forgiveness on Alert: Stay Ready for Life’s Lessons and Spiritual Peace
Throughout the course of our days, we are going to encounter all kinds of "forgiveness opportunities". Sometimes we are simply forgiving the little annoyances of life, like the person who jostles us in the supermarket and doesn't apologize. Other times, our lessons may be huge, overwhelming and even extremely painful such as when someone we care for deeply dies. Some forgiveness opportunities take only a few minutes to forgive and some may take a lifetime.
My policy is to forgive what I can when I can. This means that I am always up-to-date with my forgiveness work. I try to forgive the supermarket jostler on the spot if I can. If the environment is too busy and I can't concentrate for the minute it takes to forgive, or if I just can't take the time at that moment, I'll forgive when I climb into bed for the night. I find that this is the perfect time to review my day and forgive anything that pushed my buttons.
Some days memories and unresolved issues from my past come into my mind and trigger painful feelings. Again, with these, I try to be always "on alert" with my thinking, carefully watching for thoughts that are resentful, angry, worried, painful or fearful in any way. If I'm feeling victimized, I know I have something to forgive. If I'm feeling rejected or unworthy in any way, I know I have something to forgive. I add these feelings to my nightly forgiveness work.
Sometimes an awareness of a memory of something from the past will cause me to feel physically uncomfortable. I might feel stress symptoms such as a pounding heart and tight muscles, or I might feel a sharp pain in the area of my heart. These physical feelings also alert me to the fact that there is something here that needs to be forgiven.
Of course, we all have experienced at least a few big painful events or betrayals in our lives. I try to pull every aspect I have associated with these feelings into my awareness. I work at forgiving these often. Some nights I'll deliberately bring these painful events to mind to see if anything new about them occurs to me. If so, I'll do some deep thinking and feeling about the issue, intensifying any memories or emotions associated with it. It is surprising how often new aspects of the same old issues come to the surface. I've found that it is possible to train myself to be vigilant and always aware of the tiniest threads of an issue. I know that when I tug at these threads, a bigger piece of that ugly wound-up knot of pain will come free.
There are days when there is simply nothing to forgive. Sometimes, this can be the way of things for several days in a row. I go about my business in peace. Other days there may be a small thing or two to forgive. Of course, sooner or later the lessons of life will occur. That's when it's time to buckle down and devote the time it takes to do some serious forgiveness work.
I'm at peace with this process now, but regardless of what kind of a day I'm having, I remain always "on alert" looking for my forgiveness opportunities. After all, I know I need them if I want to get back to God.