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I opened with a quote from Paul Ferrini, in his book The 12 Steps of Forgiveness: “Properly speaking there are only three states of consciousness available to us. One is love, which is eternal and unconditional. One is fear, which is temporary and conditional. And the last is forgiveness, which is a bridge from the illusion of fear to the reality of love.”
WHOA. THAT’S HUGE.
I have spent YEARS believing and knowing and teaching that there are only two states of consciousness: love or fear. The idea that there is a third state, a bridge, if you will, from fear to love, is radical for me. And yet, it answers the question of how one gets to love when one is feeling fear. I said I have believed and taught this concept for years, and many times a student will ask me, “how do I turn my fear into love?” That question has always been a difficult one for me to answer, because how I’ve done that internally is a process that I can’t put into words. It has to do with faith, or knowing. It has to do with allowing. It has to do with acknowledging and inner awareness. It has to do with all that stuff. But as I think about it none of that really addresses a process for moving from fear to faith. But now we have one. Forgiveness!
And I just happen to have a forgiveness process for you. This is a process recently created by myself and my students in a class called 5 Gifts for an Abundant Life. We were in the class on forgiveness and more than one student voiced frustration that there wasn’t really a process in the class to use to forgive. So we created one. Thanks and acknowledgment go to Julia Mattis, Cindy Mesa, Jamie Russell and Sharon Anyan for helping to create this.

This process is for self forgiveness, because as Ferrini says, we can’t forgive others until we forgive ourselves.

I offer this process to you for your consideration:

1. Create a safe container by going into meditation, so that forgiveness of self is more of a heart space thing than an intellectual thing. Be gentle with yourself.
2. Identify what wants to be forgiven.
3. Breathe. Honor what comes up, and don't dismiss it. Accept it without judgement
4. Ask: What am I feeling? What are my beliefs behind this feeling? Identify your limiting beliefs. More meditation might be necessary.
5. Talk about it with a practitioner, prayer partner, mentor, coach or trusted friend.
6. Resolve to change your thinking. Do a treatment: Identify what you want to replace the old belief or way of thinking, then identify how you will feel when the old way of thinking or believing is replaced, then treat for that. Ask for help from a practitioner or prayer partner if necessary.
7. Resolve to change our feelings about it, not our thoughts. courageously release my resistance, courageously surrender.
8. Set the intention every day to feel the way you identified that you want to feel. Then go about your day, trusting that your intention is coming true.
9. Make amends to yourself, which means to set things right with yourself. Sometimes the treatment and intention is enough, sometimes you might need action as well. Resolve to do things differently if needed.
10.Go forth and have fun!

Affirmation: Today I fully and completely forgive myself, thus opening myself up to joy, happiness and peace.

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Summary
Introductions and background @ 0:00Karen introduces her podcast "Fearlessly Feral Living" and her guests, Reverend Gil Olmstead and Robyn Rice Olmstead. She provides background on their roles - Gil is the senior minister at Rio Grande Center for Spiritual Living, and Robyn is a practitioner emeritus and an "artivist" (artist/activist). They discuss their upcoming trip to the Conference of the Americas in Mexico in August.
Navigating a remote marriage @ 5:29 Karen asks Gil and Robin about how they make their long-distance marriage work, given that they live in separate states. They share that they had to consciously vision and align on their priorities as a couple, and that active listening, balance, and trusting the unfolding process have been key principles. They recount stories of how their wedding vision unexpectedly manifested in unique ways.
The visioning process @ 21:28 Gil and Robin explain the visioning process they use, which involves opening oneself to receive guidance from Spirit about a vision, rather than trying to force a predetermined outcome. They share examples of how their wedding vision unfolded in surprising ways that were more meaningful than their initial plans.
Upcoming events @ 45:02 Karen and her guests discuss the upcoming Conference of the Americas in Mexico that Gil and Robin will be attending and presenting at. Karen also shares about her new interim minister assignment in Bakersfield, which will involve a long drive she's looking forward to.

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Karen discusses her recent trip to Bakersfield, California, and her preference for taking the "road less traveled" rather than the main highway. She describes the beauty and serenity of driving along Highway 178, but also the anxiety she experienced about potentially breaking down in a remote area. She emphasizes the importance of having a sense of adventure and humor when taking the road less traveled.

Overcoming anxiety and staying present

When Karen starts to feel anxious about potential car trouble on the remote road, she describes her techniques for managing her PTSD-related anxiety, including deep breathing, body relaxation, and self-reassurance. She highlights the importance of staying present and mindful, rather than letting anxiety ruin the enjoyment of the journey.

Discovering unexpected sights and experiences

As Karen continues her drive, she comes across unexpected natural wonders like Lake Isabella and the "Canyon of Delights" with the dramatic Kern River. She expresses a desire to return and explore these areas more thoroughly, especially with her camera. Karen emphasizes how taking the road less traveled can lead to discovering beautiful and unexpected experiences.

The benefits of an optimistic mindset

Karen contrasts the benefits of an optimistic, "Pollyanna" mindset versus a pessimistic one when taking the road less traveled. She argues that an optimistic outlook, grounded in the principles of Science of Mind, allows one to fully embrace the uncertainty and possibilities of the journey, rather than getting stuck in anxiety and fear.

Recap and encouragement to try the road less traveled

In closing, Karen reflects on her successful journey down Highway 178 and the sense of empowerment and accomplishment she felt. She encourages listeners to consider taking the road less traveled, either literally or metaphorically, as a way to open themselves up to new experiences and personal growth.

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