Circular Miracles vs. Collapsing Time: A Deeper Look at Forgiveness

In our latest Wisdom Dialogues episode, we explored the profound difference between circular miracles and miracles that collapse time—a concept that emerges from A Course in Miracles teachings on forgiveness.

Circular Miracles

When we examine forgiveness as traditionally practiced, even in spiritual communities, we often encounter what Jesus describes as circular miracles.

These occur when we say things like,
“I forgive myself for playing small.”
or
“I forgive myself for thinking I was separate from God.”

While these statements might provide temporary relief, they maintain the fundamental illusion that we are capable of miscreation in the first place.

True Miracles: Collapsing Time

True miracles, the ones that collapse time, come from recognizing a profound truth:

We never actually had the power to miscreate.

As the Course teaches, we cannot think apart from God. When we understand this deeply, forgiveness shifts from believing we did something wrong that needs correcting, to realizing that the perceived wrongdoing was merely an illusion.

This recognition breaks the circular pattern and accelerates our awakening.

Boundaries and Oneness

This concept applies powerfully to how we experience personal boundaries. Many spiritual seekers struggle with setting boundaries while also attempting to embody oneness.

True boundaries aren’t personal at all—they’re guided by the Holy Spirit.

When we release the idea that we need boundaries to protect ourselves, recognizing that we are incapable of harming or being harmed, relationships transform radically.

Preferences & Daily Life

This understanding even extends into daily experiences—like food choices and sexual relationships. Preferences themselves aren’t problematic when they aren’t rooted in fear or separation. They become simply part of our unique role in the dream.

Sexual experiences, when freed from society’s heavy meaning, can be seen as another natural expression of energy in the field of consciousness.

The Power of Watching the Mind

One of the most practical teachings is about watching the mind. An unwatched mind believes thoughts that aren’t true—and creates suffering.

When we witness thoughts without identifying with them, even seemingly distressing ones like I hate my life can be seen as simply not true. This watchfulness is transformational.

Everything Is for Our Awakening

Perhaps most importantly, the dialogue emphasized:

Everything arising in our experience is perfectly designed for our awakening.

There’s no need to change the illusion or control circumstances. Whatever appears is exactly what we need for our journey. This allows us to live transparent, authentic, and undefended—knowing that in our defenselessness lies our true safety.

Living the Miracle

This wisdom isn’t just theoretical—it’s a lived experience that transforms relationships, dissolves fear, and lets natural joy emerge in everyday life.

The freedom that comes from knowing we cannot miscreate—that separation was never real—is the ultimate gift of true forgiveness.