The Holy Instant

The Holy Instant in A Course in Miracles (ACIM) is a profound invitation to shift our perception and embrace forgiveness. It’s about recognizing that we often get caught up in the past, letting our judgments and ego dictate our decisions. But what if we could step outside of time, even just for a moment? That’s where the Holy Instant comes into play.

When we are angry, hurt or frustrated with ourselves or another, and acknowledge that our decision-making mind has made a mistake, we can choose to see things differently. This is when a miracle occurs. This isn’t just about changing behaviour; it’s about transforming how we perceive ourselves and others. The miracle is simply a shift in perception; it’s realizing that what we've projected onto the world is not reality but rather a reflection of our own thoughts.

Choosing Holy Spirit as our guide allows us to extend forgiveness genuinely. It doesn’t mean ignoring negative thoughts or feelings; instead, it encourages us to be kind and gentle with ourselves when those impure thoughts arise. We’re not asked to suppress them but rather recognize them as mistakes—opportunities for change through the Holy Instant, that moment out of time and space where we are led by Holy Spirit to connect with God and truth.

The beauty of this practice lies in its simplicity: when we choose the Holy Instant of Forgiveness, we feel more peaceful, and suddenly, our interactions with others begin to transform. The cause of these changes resides within us; it's all about choosing how we respond mentally rather than reacting from ego-driven impulses.

Remember, “the requirement of the Holy Instant is that we have no thoughts that we would keep.” This means letting go of judgments based on past experiences—those learned definitions of needs shaped by special relationships filled with fear. Instead, in the Holy Instant, you can see each relationship for what it truly is: an opportunity to experience love without conditions.

God knows you only now; you are an idea born from love itself. In this momentary suspension of judgment—where you acknowledge your mistakes without shame—you can correct your course by simply remembering who you are at your core. Embrace this journey with openness and curiosity; after all, every moment offers a chance for renewal and connection with both yourself and others through love's lens.