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September-December, 2025

Living Forgiveness: The Heart of True Perception

by Rev. Maria Felipe, Ordained Ministerial Counselor

When I wrote my first book, Live Your Happy, back in 2017, I felt called to share what it really means to live the teachings of A Course in Miracles — not just study them, but truly embody them. Now, a few years later, I’ve published my second book, Live Your Happiest, and the message that kept coming through loud and clear is one I’ve spent decades learning to live by: forgiveness.

Forgiveness is at the very heart of A Course in Miracles. It’s not always easy to understand or practice, but it’s the true path to peace. Ever since I discovered the Course in the 90’s and completed the ministerial program at Pathways of Light, I’ve made it my life’s work to choose forgiveness — over and over — in every part of my life. What I’ve learned is this: When I let the Holy Spirit heal my mind through forgiveness, I remember Who I really am.

Because forgiveness has been such a powerful teacher for me, I want to share a special excerpt from the first chapter of Live Your Happiest, called You Are Forgiving Deeper:

“Forgiveness is the key to happiness. Here is the answer to your search for peace. Here is the key to meaning in a world that seems to make no sense. Here is the way to safety in apparent dangers that appear to threaten you at every turn, and bring uncertainty to all your hopes of ever finding quietness and peace.” (W-pI.121.1.1-3)

Forgiveness is undoubtedly our superpower in this cuckoo world, amigos, and the good news is that it’s always just a non-judgmental thought away. Since publishing Live Your Happy, I’ve come to see just how essential forgiveness is in navigating the complexities of daily life, particularly in the roles that mean the most to me — as a wife and a mother.

Forgiving in the ACIM Way

Forgiveness, as taught by A Course in Miracles, goes beyond the traditional understanding of merely pardoning someone’s actions. It is a profound spiritual practice that invites a shift in perception of the entire world as we see it, leading to inner peace and healing. The Course asserts that we chiefly need to forgive ourselves for believing we are separated from our inner divinity (God, that is). So forgiveness undoes our rock-bottom belief in separation, restoring awareness of our inherent unity and interconnectedness.

According to ACIM, the world we perceive is an illusion — a projection of our own minds struggling to make sense of feeling abandoned. Our experiences are shaped by all our negative thoughts and beliefs of abandonment, and forgiveness is the tool to transform those perceptions. When someone behaves in a hurtful or unkind manner, it stems from their own fears and insecurities and is not a reflection of our true worth or identity.

Forgiveness is a choice we make to release our grievances, most of which stem from the ego’s desire to protect itself and maintain a sense of separate identity. It is not about condoning or accepting harmful behavior, but about recognizing that our peace of mind is more valuable than holding onto anger, resentment, or judgment.

In this regard, the Course gives us a handy tool for perceiving everything that other people may do: They are either expressing love, or issuing a call for love. It’s up to us to remember that either way, love is the best and obvious answer. And when a call for love is very challenging to us, forgiveness is the best way to start.

I share this excerpt because forgiveness isn’t just a lofty spiritual ideal; it’s a lived experience, one that brings us home to peace and freedom. I’ve witnessed firsthand how forgiveness can transform our daily lives, helping us to navigate conflict, disappointment, and fear with more grace and resilience. And if I can be vulnerable for a moment — forgiveness hasn’t always come easily to me.

I’ve had to forgive myself many times over for mistakes, for not living up to my own expectations, and for holding onto pain longer than necessary. But through that process, I’ve discovered that forgiveness is the path back to my true Self — the part of me that is always whole, always loved, and always at peace.

If you’re on this journey, I encourage you to lean into forgiveness as a practice, not just a concept. Begin with small moments: forgiving a harsh thought, releasing a minor irritation, or simply choosing not to judge yourself so harshly. Each step brings you deeper into healing and reminds you that your peace is worth more than holding onto resentment.

Thank you for allowing me to share this part of my heart with you. May forgiveness be a gentle, steady companion on your path to living your happiest.

© 2025, Pathways of Light. https://www.pathwaysoflight.org
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