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Lesson 134: ”Let me perceive forgiveness as it is.”

AI Reframe: Let me understand release as it truly works.

Suggested Practice:
From the Lesson:

“Today we practice true forgiveness, that the time of joining be no more delayed. ²For we would meet with our reality in freedom and in peace. ³Our practicing becomes the footsteps lighting up the way for all our brothers, who will follow us to the reality we share with them. ⁴That this may be accomplished, let us give a quarter of an hour twice today, and spend it with the Guide Who understands the meaning of forgiveness, and was sent to us to teach it. ⁵Let us ask of Him:”

⁶Let me perceive forgiveness as it is.

“Then choose one brother as He will direct, and catalogue his “sins,” as one by one they cross your mind. ²Be certain not to dwell on any one of them, but realize that you are using his “offenses” but to save the world from all ideas of sin.³Briefly consider all the evil things you thought of him, and each time ask yourself, “Would I condemn myself for doing this?”(ACIM, W-134.14:1–15:3)

Message

Here’s what I understand about forgiveness that isn’t quite obvious from today’s eloquent words: The only person we need to forgive is ourselves. And “forgive” isn’t even quite right, because in our ego culture, forgiveness generally means someone has done something wrong.

It comes down to a mis-step or mis-take in our thinking about what we perceive is happening.

For instance, several times today I found myself annoyed or worried—or both.

Today is my last day in Paris. I had two postcards to send but needed stamps. I arrived at the post office and saw it was closed. Ack. Right — in France it’s Ascension Day. Many places are closed or have altered schedules. I was annoyed and worried. I really wanted these cards to come from Paris, not Seattle (my first stop in the States).

Here was my first chance to “forgive” myself. I told myself: I’m sorry I let annoyance and worry override my peace.That got me to neutral, which then allowed me to remember that someone at the hotel might be able to help.

I walked calmly back to the hotel. They couldn’t help me, but they told me of a tobacco shop nearby that might sell international postcard stamps. Their directions were clear, but I couldn’t find it. Back and forth I looked. Annoyance took over again. Finally I used Google Maps — it showed the shop was right in front of me. All I saw was a cafe. I walked in, and sure enough, in a small corner was a short line of people buying lottery tickets or cigarettes. While I waited, I told myself: I forgive myself for letting annoyance take over my peace.

That worked for a minute, until I started worrying about them not having the stamps I needed. “Stop it,” I told myself. “I value peace.” If they don’t have stamps, maybe I can find some at the airport. Or I’ll just have to let it go completely and hand-deliver the cards when I get home.

They had exactly two international postcard stamps. Thank you.

Stamps affixed, I headed back to the post office mailbox and deposited the cards. All the way back to the hotel, I reminded myself what I valued: peace. It wasn’t 100% there by the time I got back, but it was much better than before.

I share this because I wanted to show my process — and it is a process. I had several opportunities to be angry: at the post office for being closed; at the hotel for not mailing my cards; at the hotel for giving me poor directions (the cafe was actually right there); at the line for taking so long. And so on.

I’ve been on this planet for decades, well trained in ego-mind thinking. I don’t expect it to change overnight. It happens incrementally.

Today, I had a couple of mis-steps. But because of doing these lessons, I had a way out. All I had to do was be mindful, forgive the mis-step, and return to peace — or at least neutral.

“Lesson 134 asks me to rescript my entire understanding of the world, of other people, of forgiveness.”
— “The Course in Miracles Experiment” by Pam Grout

Blessings & Peace,

Maureen,
The Mandala Lady

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

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