By Gonny 
Let’s talk about guilt. Not the most cheerful topic, I admit. But if we shine the light of A Course in Miracles on something, darkness disappears, doesn’t it?
So, let’s take a closer look at guilt—the joy-killer, the subtle voice that whispers: “You did something wrong. You’re not good enough. And by the way, you’re going to pay for it.”
A Course in Miracles teaches that guilt is nothing but an illusion, a projection of a much deeper (but false) thought: the core illusion that we left God and must pay for it. Our entire world, including all these small personal guilt trips, is a projection of that foundational illusion. The ego clings to guilt because it serves as proof that the separation really happened. If we feel guilty, then surely, we must have done something wrong. And if we did something wrong, we must deserve punishment. And if we deserve punishment—well, then we’d better stay afraid, right? And just like that, the ego has us exactly where it wants us: trapped in a loop of fear and self-condemnation.
There is no level of guilt.
ACIM says that, at the level of absolute truth, no one is truly guilty, not even if someone has done something as extreme as taking another life, the truth remains: their real Self has not changed, and neither has the victim’s. The ego wants us to believe that some actions are beyond forgiveness, but ACIM reminds us that guilt only keeps us trapped in the illusion of separation.
Guilt is like a stalker—it follows you everywhere, and we’re addicted to it without even realizing it. Why? Because guilt gives us an identity.
“I am a bad (not important…ugly…disonest…introverse…insicure…ecc) person. I should not have done or be that.”
See? That’s a belief that strengthens the ego. And the ego thrives on those beliefs. As long as we believe we are guilty, we stay stuck in a world where punishment and suffering seem justified. But what if the whole premise of guilt was false?
Let’s try something. Imagine you’re feeling guilty because you skipped an appointment. That nagging voice (the devil??
) says, “You should have gone. Now they think you don’t care.”
Now picture an angel landing on your other shoulder, rolling their eyes, and saying:
“Wait a second. So, you honestly believe that skipping one gathering has caused permanent damage to someone’s life? And you think you will suffer cosmic consequences for this? That’s the story you’re telling yourself?”
See how ridiculous guilt becomes when exposed to the light? Guilt can only survive when we take it seriously. The moment you bring in some humor and love, it collapses like a house of cards.
So, what’s the remedy? You guessed it—forgiveness!
But not forgiveness in the traditional sense, like, “Oh well, I forgive myself because, you know, I’m only human.” No, A Course in Miracles teaches true forgiveness: the realization that there was never anything to feel guilty about in the first place because this ‘existence’ is an illusion, you are not a body you are the Son of God.
Try it. The next time guilt creeps in, smile at it. Look it in the eye and say:
“I see you. You’re an illusion. And I’m not falling for it anymore.”
I bet the ego will panic a little. But trust me, that’s a good sign.
With love and light,
G.
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