Lesson 081: ”REVIEW: I am the light of the world. Forgiveness is my freedom as the light of the world.”

AI Reframe: My purpose, peace, and clarity come from the same inner place.

Suggested Exercise:
From the Review:

“The longer practice periods will follow this general form: Take about fifteen minutes for each of them, and begin by thinking about the ideas for the day, and the comments that are included in the assignments. ²Devote some three or four minutes to reading them over slowly, several times if you wish, and then close your eyes and listen.”

”Repeat the first phase of the exercise period if you find your mind wandering, but try to spend the major part of the time listening quietly but attentively. ²There is a message waiting for you. ³Be confident that you will receive it.⁴Remember that it belongs to you, and that you want it.”(ACIM, W-rII.in.2:1–3:4)

“Reaffirm your determination [to fulfill your function] in the shorter practice periods as well, using the original form of the idea for general applications, and more specific forms when needed.” (ACIM, W-rII.in.6:1)

For Lesson 61:

“²How holy am I, who have been given the function of lighting up the world! ³Let me be still before my holiness. ⁴In its calm light let all my conflicts disappear. ⁵In its peace let me remember Who I am.” (ACIM, W-81.1:2-5)

For Lesson 62:

“²It is through accepting my function that I will see the light in me. ³And in this light will my function stand clear and perfectly unambiguous before my sight. ⁴My acceptance does not depend on my recognizing what my function is, for I do not yet understand forgiveness. ⁵Yet I will trust that, in the light, I will see it as it is.” (ACIM, W-81.3:2-5)

View timelapse of the coloring of today’s mandala
on My YouTube Channel:

https://youtu.be/-BbnIsZFUU0?si=BDQ5DJrgAtsQN24S.

Message

The last 20 lessons advanced us into new, important territory. To ensure we grasp it, the Course asks us to review them, two lessons per day.

These first two—Lessons 61 and 62—give us everything we need to live a peaceful, fulfilling life. We’re reminded of who we are: we are the light of the world, and our function is to light it. Then we’re reminded and encouraged to see the light in everyone, which the Course calls forgiveness.

A visual came to mind while doing the practice. A large, dark room with about 100 people standing around in darkness. Someone in the middle lights a candle. The darkness lessens a bit. One by one, those closest bring their candles to light from the original. With each lighting, the room grows brighter until everyone can clearly see each other—all from that one light.

It only took one light. We are all that light. As we shine ours, it gives others permission and inspiration to shine theirs.

If you have the chance, listen to Odetta’s version of “This Little Light of Mine” which includes a reading of Marianne Williamson’s poem:

Our Deepest Fear
By Marianne Williamson

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. 
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. 
It is our light, not our darkness
That most frightens us. 

We ask ourselves
Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be? 
You are a child of God. 

Your playing small 
Does not serve the world. 
There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking 
So that other people won’t feel insecure around you.

We are all meant to shine, 
As children do. 
We were born to make manifest 
The glory of God that is within us. 

It’s not just in some of us; 
It’s in everyone.

And as we let our own light shine, 
We unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. 
As we’re liberated from our own fear, 
Our presence automatically liberates others.

Note: This inspiring poem is taken from Marianne Williamson’s book A Return to Love. Though often quoted as part of Nelson Mandela’s moving inaugural speech, “Our Deepest Fear” does not appear in the speech. Marianne Williamson herself has commented on this mistaken attribution. For Marianne’s website, click here.

“My true identity is light of the world.”
— “The Course in Miracles Experiment” by Pam Grout

Blessings & Peace,

Maureen,
The Mandala Lady

transforming soul whispers into mandalas and channeled messages for clarity, peace, and love

 About the 2026 Mandalas of the Day — ▶️ A Note About A Course in Miracles