The really good news is that we do not need to heal 7.2 billion different errors in perception. There is only one error which must be healed, and that is the mistaken belief in separation. We have believed that we are separate, and our faith in that belief has created the experience of separation. Since our True nature is Divine, whole and complete, it is impossible for us to experience peace while experiencing the effects of believing in separation. That would be the original square peg/ round hole disconnect. Healing - whether physical, mental, emotional or spiritual, requires faith (belief) that we can be healed. The healing process is one of replacing thoughts of error with thoughts of Truth, and it just so happens that this is the same thing we are doing when we forgive. We give up thoughts of error for thoughts of Truth.

Forgiveness is a non-negotiable requirement. If we insist on holding on to anger, resentment, victimhood, self-hatred, or any other such behaviors, we are demonstrating that we really have faith in separation, not Wholeness. We cannot rise up in Spirit and experience the fruits of transformation while holding others (or ourselves) down in our thoughts.

Loving-kindness practice is a very practical and simple way to cultivate forgiveness. While generally thought of as a Buddhist meditation practice, our Master Teacher Jesus said that we are to "love your enemies, bless those who hate you, and pray for those who despitefully use you." All of this is done with loving-kindness meditation. Here's the how-to:

Invest a few minutes in relaxation, simply focusing on your breath, becoming comfortable in your chair, and allowing your attention to be gently focused upon your heart area. If possible, allow your mouth to form a smile. Begin to wish yourself well: "May I be well. May I be happy. May I be at peace." Once you have cultivated a sense of the genuine desire to be well, happy, and at peace, you are ready to continue. Note that you may or may not actually FEEL well, happy, and at peace. Whether you do or not is not the point. The point is that you have a genuine DESIRE to be well, happy and at peace. It is important that you not be sidetracked by your expectations of outcome or result. For now, just cultivate a genuine wish that these things be so.

Next, imagine the face of a good friend. Wish them the same things: "May you be well. May you be happy. May you be at peace." When you genuinely desire for your friend to be well, happy, and at peace, think of a neutral person in your life- perhaps a teller at your bank or the letter carrier who delivers your mail. Offer the same three wishes for them.

Now, bring to mind someone with whom you share a difficult relationship. "May you be well. May you be happy. May you be at peace." You don't have to want to hang out with them, you don't need to invite them to dinner, and they may have really done something terrible. But you do need to forgive them. You must give Truth for error. Be willing to be willing to cultivate a genuine desire that they be well. Remember that you can pause, relax, and focus on your breath and your heart at any time that it will be helpful.

Finally, cultivate good will for all beings, including yourself. "May we all be well. May we all be happy. May we all be at peace". Conclude with gratitude for your willingness to do this work, and for the assurance that it will be done as you believe. If all you can do is five minutes, that's better than nothing, but twenty minutes daily would be wonderful! Notice how you feel after your meditation. Do you notice any softening within yourself. Your willing heart, acting in Faith, will work wonders.