I had a few challenges yesterday – nothing to be upset about, but there were some difficulties and I’m really only sharing this because I also started part 1 of my 4 part Forgive & Be Free class and so forgiveness is on my mind.

A Course in Miracles helps us to see that the only reason we need forgiveness is because we judge something.  

Our judgment is the meaning we made of what occurred.

Our forgiveness is releasing our judgment.  

Our willingness to release that judgment, that opinion, is all that’s needed to move into the place of true forgiveness and true healing from the suffering that our resentments and regrets cause.

Unforgiveness is often a kind of punishment.  It can seem like it’s directed at someone else, but we’re the ones that suffer the most over it.  When we can’t be loving, it hurts us.

So, here’s what happened yesterday – two times I took my puppy, Bodhi, out for a walk.  We drove to a place very nearby.  Both times she wouldn’t get out of the car when we got home.  She literally stayed in the car for nearly 2 hours twice.  

I know she stayed in the car becauseshe didn’t want me to rinse her off and she’d gotten into muddy water.  As long as she was in the car she didn’t have to be washed off.

Washing off isn’t painful.  It’s really just a simple hose down, but for some reason she hates it.  I think it has to do with her ego.

Then, in between the walks, she was outside and she took off to go across the street and into the swampy water they have over there.  Of course, I don’t want her running around off of the property.  I had to go get her, and I took the car for that.  And, she didn’t get out of the car.  This was one of her 2 hour car “sit ins.”

Then, when we took the 2nd long walk, just before dark, she ran off.  I could see where she was because I have a tracker on her collar and an app on my phone that shows me where she is.  In order to get her, I had to go back to the car and then go and find her.  She did manage to get back to the car about the same time as I did.  

She gets a bit wild when she’s not getting enough exercise.  She wasn’t getting as much exercise because she wouldn’t get out of the car.  

I won’t bore you with the details, but she got muddy again, I cleaned her up, and I also found at least 4 ticks attached to her that I had to remove.  

None of all that was fun or enjoyable – but I didn’t get angry and I didn’t punish her.  I maintained my loving attitude and I also let her know that I didn’t like this behavior.  Still, it doesn’t affect that I love her and care for her.  She’s still a good girl and she’s never a bad dog.

I don’t have to forgive her because I don’t judge her.  She knows what I like and don’t like, but punishing her would only make her fearful of me and I won’t do that.

She’s a year and half old, but she’s still a puppy.  She’s a dog.  Dogs get on the trail of scents and they roll in deer poop to disguise themselves.  They like the smell of a swamp.  It’s perfume to them.  

Her choices are sometimes very inconvenient for me.  

When she won’t get out the car it’s hard to make her.  She’s a big heavy dog now.  Rather than force her, I let her sit with her choice and see if it feels good to her.

If I start judging Bodhi or myself, then I’ll be upset.  It’s not worth it.  

I no longer have a tolerance for being upset, so when I do judge, I can let it go quickly.

Bodhi is always teaching me.  Everyone is my teacher.  I’m so blessed by my teachers!

Forgiveness practices have taught me how to release the judgments if I do make them.  They teach me how to release the causes of my suffering.

And that’s part of why I’m so committed to sharing forgiveness teachings.  I have many free offerings of forgiveness teachings, and I’m also offering more extensive classes that have a charge – like my Forgive & Be Free 4 part class – this is one of the bonuses with Masterful Living – anyone can register, but if you’re in Masterful Living for this year or next, it’s FREE and a bonus.

I’m putting the pedal to the metal on forgiveness to support those who would like to shift things NOW in order to have a better experience of the holidays.  Please consider joining me!  We did part 1, part 2 and 3 are on Saturday.  Join us now and get the recording of part 1.  We’re choosing liberation and you can join us! Forgive & Be Free 4 part class

Masterful Living 2023 – Registration opens today.  Don’t miss out!  I’d like you to get all my LIVE Bonuses THIS WEEK.  Click here now to learn more.

Remember that you can book an Exploratory Call with one of the spiritual counselors to discuss any questions you have about Masterful Living and that’s a free call!

MY LATEST ACIM PODCAST EPISODE:  My topic is Success Is Guaranteed. The best defense is to value the truth more than being right or getting revenge.