Getting & Giving

It is important to remember that we all have everything we need now, and that the essence of our being is “love.” If we think we need to get something from another person we will love that person when we get what we think we want, and we will hate that person when we do not. We frequently have love/hate relationships in which we find ourselves trading conditional love. The “getting” motivation leads to conflict and expressions of hostility towards ourselves and others.

On the other hand, the “giving” motivation leads to a sense of inner peace and joy that is unrelated to time. “Giving” means extending one’s love with no conditions, no expectations and no boundaries. Peace of mind occurs, therefore, when we put all of our attention into “giving” and have no desire to get anything from, or to change another person.

I Am Responsible For What I See

Lesson 18

I choose the feelings I experience, and I decide upon the goal I would achieve. And everything that seems to happen to me I ask for, and receive as I have asked.

I Can Elect to Change All Thoughts That Hurt

Lesson 17

In my mind are thoughts that can hurt me or harm me. I am constantly choosing the contents of my mind, since no one else can make this choice for me. I can choose to let go of everything but my loving thoughts.

I am determined today that all my thoughts be free from fear, guilt or condemnation, whether of myself or others, by repeating: I can elect to go of all thoughts that hurt.

Only My Condemnation Injures Me

Lesson 16

Without condemnation I can be free of guilt and fear. If I believe that I can hurt others, I must also believe that they can harm me. Today, I will claim my own freedom by accepting forgiveness for myself and extending it to everyone, as I remind myself: I choose gladly to release myself and everyone I know from the prison of condemnation.

 

The Past is Over. It Can Not Touch Me

Lesson 15 

Only if I keep reliving the past in the present am I a slave to time. By forgiving and letting go of the past, I free myself of the painful burdens I have carried into the present. Now, I can claim the opportunities for freedom in the present without my past distortions.

Today, freedom is my goal as I say: I choose to claim my release from past pain and suffering by living only in the immediate present.

This Instant is The Only Time There is

Lesson 14

My preoccupation with the past and its projection into the future defeats my aim of present peace. Peace cannot be found in the past or future, but only now, in this instant. The past is over and the future is yet to be.

I am determined to live today without past/future fantasies by entering fully into this present instant, by reminding myself: This is the only time there really is.

 

Today I Will Judge Nothing That Occurs

Lesson 13

Not recognizing how limited was my vision, I thought it possible to pass judgment on the people and events in my life. Yet many of the experiences which I have seen as difficult or disastrous have provided me with major opportunities to shift my perception. Without these challenges, I could never see that each one gives me another chance to learn the very lessons that I most need.

Today, I will view without judgment everything that occurs, and will remind myself frequently: Everyone exists with me, to be loved, not judged.

In My Defenseless My Safety Lies

Lesson 12

A defensive response to an “attacking” world will not work, since it  increases my own feelings of weakness and vulnerability. Only the fearful believe that defenses protect them, not recognizing that they are caught in an endless chain of attack and defense. Yet defenselessness is strength and cannot be attacked. Today I recognize that defenses cannot protect me, but do the opposite of what I want.

Throughout the day when you feel threatened, repeat to yourself: In my defenselessness lies my safety and strength. I choose to leave weakness behind today.

 

All That I Give is Given to Myself

Lesson 11

I was mistaken in believing that I could give anyone anything other than what I want for myself. Since I want to experience peace, love, and forgiveness, these are the only gifts I would offer others. It is not charity on my part to offer forgiveness and love to others in place of attack. Rather, offering love is the only way I can accept love for myself.

In all situations and encounters today, say: All that I give is given to myself. Am I now giving what I want for myself?

Forgiveness is the Key to Happiness

Lesson 10

Whenever I see someone else as guilty, I am reinforcing my own sense of guilt and unworthiness. I cannot forgive myself unless I am willing to forgive others. It does not matter what I think anyone has done to me in the past or what I think I may have done. Only through forgiveness can my release from guilt and fear be complete.

Today I choose to let go all my past misperceptions about myself and others. Instead, I will join with everyone and say: I see you and myself only in the light of true forgiveness.