Forgive Yourself - ACIM - Song of Prayer

Jevon Perra led a discussion on "Forgiveness as an Ally to Prayer," explaining that forgiveness is the release of judgments and perceptions, which, unlike prayer, is temporary because it ends when one realizes oneness and steps out of the belief in a separate, defined self. Leila Fung and kristen shared personal examples of projecting judgments, with Leila Fung describing an issue with her child’s social interactions and kristen detailing frustration over a friend’s spending habits, which Jevon Perra analyzed as stemming from underlying fears of personal outcomes. The participants, including Soo Kim, explored the conflicting desires for belonging and uniqueness, and Jevon Perra offered Leila Fung practical, open-hearted communication strategies, learned from Jevon Perra's godmothers Caroline and Denise, for dealing with an overwhelming individual, stressing the importance of authenticity over avoidance.Forgiveness as an Ally to Prayer (Part Two: Forgiveness Introduction): Jevon Perra read a passage stating that forgiveness gives wings to prayer, making its ascent easy and swift, and that without it, one cannot rise above the bottom step of prayer. The text describes forgiveness as prayer's ally and sister in the plan for salvation, both supporting the individual, keeping their feet secure, and their purpose steadfast. While prayer is timeless, forgiveness has an end and becomes unneeded once the rising up is complete. However, in the present, forgiveness has a crucial purpose, and accomplishing it leads to redemption, transformation, and saving the world.The Temporary Nature of Forgiveness and the Role of Judgment: Jevon Perra explained that forgiveness, unlike its sister prayer, has an end because it is the release of judgments and perceptions. These judgments are the way individuals perceive things, assigning meaning, and often boxing people into categories like "friend or foe," with perceptions frequently flipping between the two categories, even when no actual change in the other person has occurred.Releasing Perception and Embracing the Current Moment: Jevon Perra discussed that the "perception game" involves giving up one's beliefs, admitting uncertainty, and acknowledging that one may not know what one truly wants. If this is the case, Jevon Perra suggested that the present situation might be perfect, as a "bigger game plan" with God and the universe is giving the individual exactly what they want. If an individual dislikes their companion, their actions, themself, or the world, Jevon Perra stated that the only necessary change might be letting go of the judgment and perception of how things "has to be," which is the essence of forgiveness.The End of Forgiveness and Realizing Oneness: Jevon Perra stated that the process of forgiveness ends when an individual steps out of the belief that they are a body and that their thoughts define them, because at that point they realize the reality of being connected, that "everything is okay and beautiful," and that their desires are already within them. Jevon Perra likened this state to being in a theater with Jesus, watching the entertaining drama of one's own life.Leila Fung's Personal Example of Releasing Judgment about her Child's Social Interactions: Leila Fung shared a personal anecdote about a conversation with her mother regarding her child's social life. Leila Fung initially expressed a judgment, thinking her child felt taken for granted by friends, but her mother stopped her, stating that she did not know the truth of the situation. Leila Fung’s child felt like a "last resort friend," being asked to hang out after others were asked, and then being upset when friends did not reply to her, especially after seeing the friends' stories online. Leila Fung explained that after talking with one of the parents, everything was clarified, and she realized she had created "a thousand stories" in her head instead of choosing to forgive, release judgment, and find out the truth. Jevon Perra noted that when it concerns "level one" issues (like one's children), it is easy to enter "attack mode" to protect "my people".Jevon Perra's Experience of High School Dynamics and Conflicting Desires at a Conference: Jevon Perra shared a personal story about a work trip to Vegas where they felt a "high school scene" dynamic at a conference due to a colleague named Aaron, who was handsome and popular, having a group of "groupies" around them. Jevon Perra described walking behind this group, feeling rejected and separate, and being torn between wanting to talk to people and simultaneously wanting to run away due to difficulty with small talk. Jevon Perra recognized this as a "crazy swirl of meaning" and acknowledged making up many worlds and conflicting desires, such as wanting to be in the conversation but immediately wanting to escape it once there.Misunderstanding Forgiveness and the Role of Guilt: Jevon Perra introduced the section "Forgiveness of yourself," reading...