007. How do I love my enemies?

“The holiest of all the spots on earth is where an ancient hatred has become a present love.”

ACIM, T-26.IX.6:1

With the 2024 Presidential Election coming up, the political divide and polarization here in the U.S. have been at an all-time high. When we’re caught up in the narrative of us-versus-them and perceiving others as enemies that need to be defeated, we feel so justified in attacking them. This mindset – enemy consciousness – is the basis for all the wars, violence, and conflict we see playing out in the world.

I used to feel outraged and depressed that “all these people out there” were waging wars and perpetuating cycles of violence and hatred – until I learned the radical spiritual principle that everything I’m seeing in the world is actually in my own subconscious mind. I then became aware of how I was also wrapped up in enemy consciousness, attacking others in my mind and blaming them for my unhappiness.

In this solo episode, I’m sharing how I’ve been learning to let go of grievances towards everyone (yes, everyone) and love them unconditionally. A Course In Miracles calls this forgiveness. It’s a practice that has completely transformed all my relationships – and one that has the potential to heal not only your personal life, but also the whole world.

I talk about:

• What enemy consciousness is, and how it’s playing out in the world

• The connection between what’s in our own mind and what we see out there in the world

• How judging others and holding grievances hurt us – and what we can do about it

• What forgiveness is according to A Course In Miracles, and two main ways I practice it

• How your forgiveness can change the world

… and more!

Connect with Rieko & When We Are Healed

• Instagram | @whenwearehealed

• YouTube | @whenwearehealed

• Website | rieko.co

Mentioned: Incredible Forgiveness Stories

• Mary Johnson’s Story: “She Met and Forgave Her Son’s Killer!”

• Debbie Baigrie’s Story: “Befriending Her Shooter”

Mentioned: Other Resources

• A Course In Miracles

• Byron Katie – The Work

• Loving What Is: Four Questions That Can Change Your Life by Byron Katie**

• Episode 004.How do I love myself when I don’t like myself?

• Episode 006. From imagined unworthiness to freedom – with Rosalyn Rourke

**Affiliate link – Purchasing a copy of the book through this link on Bookshop.org is a way to support independent bookstores as well as this podcast.

Credits

• Original Music: Jeff Shreve

• Editor: Sonic Highlark

All quotes are from A Course in Miracles, copyright ©1992, 1999, 2007 by the Foundation for Inner Peace, 448 Ignacio Blvd., #306, Novato, CA 94949, www.acim.org, used with permission.