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Lesson 198: ”Only my condemnation injures me.”

Reframe: Self-judgment is the only thing that limits me.

Suggested Practice:

From the Introduction to Lessons 181-200:

”Our next few lessons make a special point of firming up your willingness to make your weak commitment strong; your scattered goals blend into one intent. ²You are not asked for total dedication all the time as yet. ³But you are asked to practice now in order to attain the sense of peace such unified commitment will bestow, if only intermittently. … And so we start our journey beyond words by concentrating first on what impedes your progress still. …⁴So we now attempt to go past all defenses for a little while each day. ⁵No more than this is asked, because no more than this is needed. ⁶It will be enough to guarantee the rest will come.”

Do two 15-minutes practices today.

“This world has many seeming separate haunts where mercy has no meaning, and attack appears as justified. ²Yet all are one; a place where death is offered to God’s Son and to his Father. ³You may think They have accepted. ⁴But if you will look again upon the place where you beheld Their blood, you will perceive a miracle instead. ⁵How foolish to believe that They could die! ⁶How foolish to believe you can attack! ⁷How mad to think that you could be condemned, and that the holy Son of God can die!”

…

“Today we practice letting freedom come to make its home with you. ²The truth bestows these words upon your mind, that you may find the key to light and let the darkness end:”

³Only my condemnation injures me.
⁴Only my own forgiveness sets me free.

“Do not forget today that there can be no form of suffering that fails to hide an unforgiving thought. ⁶Nor can there be a form of pain forgiveness cannot heal.” (ACIM, W-198.7:1–9:6)

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on My YouTube Channel:

https://youtu.be/LIW5ysXJZZE?is=DCNObA9lDCptusB1

Message

Before I had a chance to read today’s Lesson, I went to do my weekly “Silent Vigil for Unity and Peace” in our downtown park.

When I arrived at my usual spot, someone was set up close by with their dog running around off leash. My self-righteous ego mind went into overdrive: this person had violated a park rule and a city law—no dogs allowed, and all dogs must be on leash unless on private property or in a designated off-leash zone.

My ego mind went on a rampage. “How dare they bring a dog to this park.” “Who do they think they are?” “Do they think the rules don’t apply to them?” I wanted to go over and give them a piece of my mind. Then I thought better of it—I’d either look like an entitled busybody or they might attack me. From there I went down a rabbit hole: 1) trying to figure out who to talk to about enforcing these rules, 2) wanting to research why dogs aren’t allowed so I’d have more ammunition, and 3) wanting to contact social media people who give advice on handling difficult people.

All of this ranting happened in a matter of minutes, with about five minutes to go before the vigil started. Thankfully, the irony of my ego rant right before a peace vigil was not lost on me.

That’s when “read today’s Lesson” popped into my head. Halfway through I already knew what I’d write about. By the end, I looked over at the person and their dog—now on leash and resting—and found myself totally at peace with them. This line did it for me:

“Condemn and you are made a prisoner. Forgive and you are freed.”

Thinking back to my rant, I realized I was tense, angry, and not at all filled with peace, love, or joy. While condemning that person, I was also condemning myself to suffering—physically and emotionally. Once I forgave them and myself—and by forgiveness I mean seeing the situation from a higher perspective, with different eyes—I was free and at peace with both of us.

This experience gave me a tangible example of what I think the Lesson is saying, twofold:

When I condemn others, I condemn myself to suffering. When I forgive, I am free, for freedom is my gift, and I can now receive the gift I gave.

With that new insight, I was authentically present for the peace vigil.

“Lesson 198 tells me there’s no reason to oppose it, quarrel with it, or seek for a thousand reasons it won’t come.”
— “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

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