The Metta Deck Story: A Journey Into Forgiveness and Blessing

Forgiveness has been the heart of my spiritual path for many years, and one thing I’ve learned is this: forgiveness isn’t something we do once and move on from. It’s a practice — a way of returning to love again and again.

I wanted to create something that would make forgiveness simple, beautiful, and tangible — something you could actually hold in your hands, draw from for guidance, and feel supported by. That inspiration grew into the Forgiveness Metta Deck — fifty-two cards filled with messages of compassion, release, and blessing.

The deck was born out of my book Forgiveness Is the Key to Happiness and the many years I’ve spent writing, teaching, and living the principles of forgiveness. It is both a spiritual tool and a gentle companion for your daily life.

The Metta Forgiveness Card Deck--52 playing size cards 

What the Metta Deck Is

The Forgiveness Metta Deck is a collection of prayers, affirmations, and contemplations designed to bring peace to any situation. It can be used in many ways:

• As a prayer of blessing for someone you love.

• As a forgiveness practice for someone who has hurt you.

• As a path to self-forgiveness, because if all people are worthy of God’s love, then you must be too.

Each card offers a doorway back to truth — helping you see others (and yourself) as whole, innocent, and loved by the Divine.

See the full deck on Etsy →

The Seven Parts of the Deck

Each group of cards represents a layer of the forgiveness journey — from offering blessings to releasing judgment to remembering our shared holiness.

🌿 7 Metta Prayer Cards

Each of these is a line from the traditional Metta or loving-kindness prayer.
They’re meant to bless yourself and others with thoughts such as: May you be happy. May you be safe. May you live with ease.
You can use them to send light to someone you love, or to someone you’re struggling to forgive.

🌿 7 Highest-Self Forgiveness Cards

These cards are drawn from one of my favorite forgiveness processes — one that sees every person, no matter what they’ve done, as their highest self.
They help you look past behavior and remember Spirit. You can use them to bless someone you love or to forgive someone who has caused pain.
When you see their holiness, you remember your own.

🌿 16 A Course in Miracles Cards

These cards distill key teachings and direct quotes from A Course in Miracles.
They remind us that “Forgiveness is the key to happiness” and that what we give, we receive.
Each one serves as a simple anchor for reflection, meditation, or journaling.

🌿 3 Bible Verse Cards

Scriptural reminders that divine love is vast and merciful.
They show that forgiveness is not just a philosophy — it’s a universal truth shared across all faiths.

🌿 11 Contemplation Cards

These are quiet reflections that invite you inward. They ask gentle questions like:
Where am I still holding on?
What might forgiveness set free in me today?
They’re ideal for meditation or journaling and help you see how forgiveness deepens over time.

🌿 12 Forgiveness Process Cards

These are short, practical exercises to help you see the “other” as a perfect creation of God.
When you can forgive them — truly see their innocence — something shifts inside you.
You realize that what’s true for them must also be true for you.
This is how forgiving others becomes a doorway to self-forgiveness and inner peace.

Hold the peace in your hands — view the Forgiveness Metta Deck on Etsy →

How to Use the Deck

There’s no right or wrong way to use the Metta Deck.

You might:

• Draw a card each morning and let its message guide your day.

• Use it as a focus for meditation or prayer.

• Pull a card when you’re upset and let it soften your heart.

• Share a card with a friend who’s hurting.

Many people keep the deck beside their bed, on their altar, or at their desk — a quiet reminder that peace is always one forgiving thought away.

The Creative Journey

Designing this deck was a joy from start to finish. Every word, color, and font was chosen to radiate calm and hope.

I remember holding the first printed deck in my hands — such a small box, yet it felt like a lifetime of teaching and practice resting there. A little miracle, really.

Each card feels like a whisper from Spirit saying, “You are loved. You are forgiven. You are free.”

A Gift of Forgiveness

My deepest hope is that the Metta Deck helps you remember your own light — and the light in others.
That it reminds you to pause, breathe, and choose peace.
That it becomes your quiet companion on the path of forgiveness and self-acceptance.

You can find the Forgiveness Metta Deck on Etsy →.

May it bless you, comfort you, and help you return — again and again — to love. 

Protect Your Peace: Forgive to Stay Sane in a Chaotic World

The World Feels Upside Down

Lately, it seems like everything is upside down. Headlines are filled with trauma, conflict, and fear worldwide. Political strife, division, and polarization dominate the news, especially here in the U.S., where everyone seems angry at everyone else. Polls show that much of the population is unhappy with how things are going, and no one seems to be on the same page about anything.

Even if we aren’t living in real danger or starvation, this constant stress seeps into our daily lives, creating tension, worry, and anxiety. How can we feel better? And more importantly, how can we help bring about unity and peace in our communities and the world at large?

Forgiveness as a Personal Shield

Forgiveness is one of the most powerful tools we have to reclaim our personal peace. When we forgive, we release fear, resentment, and anger. We flip the switch from fear to love.

And here’s the beautiful part: your personal peace doesn’t just stay with you. Because we are all part of a collective, every act of forgiveness spreads love outward. Even one person’s shift from fear to love can influence many others.

All Minds are Connected

The Global Ripple of Forgiveness

A Course in Miracles tells us that switching from fear to love can affect thousands. Forgiveness is exactly that switch. When we let go of resentment, when we release judgment, we don’t just heal ourselves—we become a source of light and love for others, near and far.

The world doesn’t need more anger or division. It needs hearts that are willing to forgive, hearts that radiate peace and understanding. Your practice of forgiveness may seem small, but its ripple effect is profound.

Those Ripples Keep Spreading Outward 

Taking Action Daily

You don’t have to change the world in a single day. Start with your own mind. The next time you read scary headlines or become aware of oppositional political attitudes around you, notice your own judgment, irritation, or fear. Pause. Forgive them all.  Forgive it all. Forgive yourself. Let it go. (For practical advice on How To Forgive World Leaders, see here.  For more thoughts on Forgiving the World, see here.  Also, my book, Forgiveness is the Key to Happiness) offers many easy forgiveness practices and tips.)

Then notice how your energy shifts. Your calm, your clarity, your love can touch others in ways you may never even see. One heart at peace can inspire another, and then another. That’s the power of forgiveness. That’s how personal peace becomes collective peace.

Want to go deeper into forgiveness?

• Explore how forgiveness reconnects us to divine compassion in Unblocking our Connection to Love.

• My book, Forgiveness is the Key to Happiness, offers heartfelt guidance, spiritual tools, and real-life practices. Read it on Amazon →

• Let daily affirmations support you too — discover the Forgiveness Metta Card Deck for a gentle morning practice of peace and release. View the deck on Etsy →

• Browse more forgiveness tools, art, and daily reminders in our Etsy Shop →

• Want to receive free weekly forgiveness coaching emails? Sign up and get insights, tools, and inspiration to deepen your practice of forgiveness → Sign up here

Let these tools light your path — because forgiveness sets you free.
— Sue Pipal

Forgiving World Leaders in Turbulent Times: A Spiritual Guide

 Why We’re Reposting This Post

In light of current events, many people are feeling victimized, ignored, or horrified by decisions and actions of world leaders. It can be overwhelming and upsetting, and it’s easy to feel powerless.

We believe this may be one of the most important posts on the blog right now. We’re reposting it as a service to help you navigate these feelings spiritually, offering guidance on forgiveness and maintaining inner peace even in the midst of global challenges.

Cruel world leaders?  It's not anything new.  Throughout history mankind has been led by self-serving, power hungry world leaders who have put their desires above the needs of those they lead.  Wars, poverty, and suffering in many forms are created by singular individuals or small groups who have used their power for their own selfish gains.  

Today not much has changed.  People continue to suffer in many places due to narcissistic leaders who start wars, oppress others or simply deny their people basic rights... all for the gain of power, land, resources or money.  

Why Forgiving World Leaders Is Hard—and So Important

From a spiritual perspective, how are we meant to respond? We see the suffering they create. Yet, we also know we must forgive them. Yes--it's a hard assignment, sometimes distasteful, perhaps one of the most difficult we will be given in life.  But we need to tackle it, so let's go.  

Seeing Global Suffering Through a Spiritual Lens

First, let’s zoom out and simply accept, as A Course in Miracles teaches, that we never truly know what anything is for here.  As souls, do we finally collectively evolve when we look upon all the horrible suffering in the world and choose love?  Could it be possible that suffering exists as a catalyst to help the people of the world to join together to create a better world and choose love, sharing, service and oneness finally and forever over fear, hatred and self service? Maybe, just maybe, these challenging world leaders exist to help us evolve.  They provide the contrast as what we don't want from which we can choose anew.  We might see them as great learning tools for society as a whole.  

Second, we need to know deep in our hearts that every one of us, no matter how seemingly difficult, ugly or bullying is actually part of the great oneness.  We are all sourced from God.  We are all interconnected.  It's true that when we come here to this crazy confusing planet many of us forget who we are, get lost in the madness and behave badly.  But that behavior does not change who we really are, our true identity as a Child of God.  It just means that we are temporarily not aware of who we are.

Remember the words of Jesus on the cross, "Forgive them, Father, for they know not what they do".  This is an important key to forgiveness, knowing that ultimately people might do better if they knew better.  

Acknowledging Your Pain and Emotions

So here's how I forgive world leaders.  Often, I'll catch a headline on my ipad or I'll hear a story on NPR as I'm driving around in my car.  First, I stop and feel my feelings.  It's okay to acknowledge the pain.  For me, lately, its often specifically grief and sadness that I feel over the suffering today in places like the wars in Gaza and Ukraine, the hunger in Africa, the displacement of people such as in Myanmar, the denial of women's rights in Iran and Afghanistan and so many other places and issues.  (And of course, the painful schism right here at home in the US!)

Recognize Your Judgments and Release Them 

I may also notice myself judging and condemning various people or groups.  Perhaps I might think something like, "I can't believe _______ is doing such a cruel thing.  He is a selfish bully who is only out for himself and is completely blinded about how his decisions affect others in the world."  

All right.  Take a beat.  

It's time to just notice that I am judging.  No need for me to criticize or scold myself for this.  I just notice and maybe take a breath or two to get myself back into my heart space.  And, by the way, I must be sure not to get so activated that I go into victim mode along with those harmed by these leaders.  I need to dig deep to control my thoughts and immediately stop all that negative jabber thinking in my brain right here.  I ban thoughts like, "That's so unfair.  He's a hideous man.  I hate him."  I use my breath to get myself into a calmer space of neutrality where I can do the important forgiveness work I need to do. 

A Simple Prayer to Forgive World Leaders

After I allow myself a moment to acknowledge my feelings followed by a little breathing and mind calming,  I'll start to think or say something like:

 "World leader or power group (fill in any appropriate name) _______________, You are Spirit, whole and innocent.  I forgive you.  I release you.  I bless you with love."  

I might repeat or chant this for awhile until I feel a release in my heart.  

Then I simply go on with my day until the next time something happens and I feel activated again. I might have to repeat this little forgiveness trick every time I hear the news about this particular leader or part of the world.  That's okay.  I just keep noticing my feelings and working on my forgiveness.  If it's a daily thing or even something I need to do many times a day, that's just fine.  I just keep forgiving and converting my fearful, judgmental, angry, sad thoughts into forgiveness and love.  That's my job in all this.  It's the way I can be the most helpful to the world.  And it's your job too.  It's your mission, should you decide to accept it.  

Sometimes, that little short saying just isn't enough to clear through the anguish I feel at what is happening in the world.  In that case I pull out my big forgiveness prayer.  It always does the job for me although sometimes I have to do it two or three times to obtain peace. Here it is:  

"World Leader_____________, You are Spirit, whole and innocent.  I forgive you, I release you, I bless you with love. You are a child of God, perfect, whole and complete.  God created you exactly in his own image.  You are pure Love, you are pure Joy, you are perfect Peace.  God loves you infinitely.  You are God's beloved only Son.  I forgive you. I release you.  I bless you with love."

Blessed relief.  That feels better!

Boost your daily forgiveness practice with a tool thoughtfully created to support your spiritual growth: 

Our Forgiveness Metta Card Deck. We carefully designed each card with your well-being in mind, so you can practice seeing the higher truth in everyone you encounter—even the most challenging people. With gentle prompts and affirmations, it helps you release anger, cultivate compassion, and bless even the toughest situations. This deck was made to guide and support you on your journey, helping you integrate forgiveness into your daily life with ease and intention.

Extending Forgiveness to Supporters Too 

But wait, there's more...what do I do about supporters of selfish World Leaders?  Some of these leaders have actually been voted into power!  We forgive their supporters, too, of course, even if we can't relate at all to their opinions and choices.  Remember that God gave us all the gift of free will.  Free will is a law of the universe.  It seems that it was important to Him that we all be given the chance to choose how we perceive the world to be.  Everybody gets to choose their own favorite ride in this crazy Disneyland world.  Accept that.  Get over it.  Let them be.  Stop judging.  And go ahead and use one of the forgiveness practices above to forgive them.  

Best of all, you'll feel better when you do.  

How Forgiveness Benefits You

Remember that forgiveness releases you, too.  It's actually a gift you give to yourself.  Another law of the Universe--you get what you give.  When you forgive and offer love, what comes back to you is peace.  

For a deeper understanding of how forgiveness reconnects us to divine compassion, see Unblocking our Connection to Love.

Want to go deeper into forgiveness?

• My book, Forgiveness is the Key to Happiness, offers heartfelt guidance, spiritual tools, and real-life practices. Read it on Amazon → | Barnes & Noble → 

• Let daily affirmations support you too — discover the Forgiveness Metta Card Deck for a gentle morning practice of peace and release.

• Browse more forgiveness tools, art, and daily reminders in our Etsy Shop → Visit Etsy Shop

• Receive free weekly forgiveness coaching emails and insights to deepen your practice → Sign up here

• Enjoyed this post? Follow this blog to get new forgiveness insights delivered straight to your inbox! Just click the Follow button at the top of the page.

• Explore how forgiveness reconnects us to divine compassion in Unblocking our Connection to Love. Read it here →

Let these tools light your path — because forgiveness sets you free.
— Sue Pipal

You Probably Don’t Want to Hear This (and Neither Do I) — But It Has to Be Done

If we're going to have a true forgiveness practice, we're going to have to forgive the shooters.  I know. This is a really hard one.  Yes, I’m talking about the shooters, the people who commit acts that seem unforgivable. And yes, we’re going to explore why forgiveness matters even here

Forgiveness Unblocks the Divine

Forgiveness serves many purposes, but one of the most profound is that it reconnects us to the divine. When we only forgive some of the transgressors, we block ourselves from fully experiencing unity with the great Oneness. True spiritual freedom comes when our forgiveness extends without limits—even to those whose actions shock or horrify us.  And remember, forgiving them does not mean condoning or approving their actions. Forgiveness is about freeing your own heart and opening to love, even in the face of what feels unforgivable.

Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash

Stepping Into Their Shoes

When we begin the difficult work of forgiving “shooters” or anyone who commits acts of extreme violence, a helpful step is empathy. Try to imagine what could cause someone to behave this way. Often, these individuals feel alienated, unloved, or harshly judged. Many were bullied as children, had few friends, or never felt they belonged. It’s not an excuse, but understanding their suffering can soften our hearts and open the door to forgiveness. 

Society’s Role

We can’t ignore the environment that shapes these behaviors. When society normalizes games where children simulate shooting others for hours, what mindset are we cultivating? We are literally training young minds to think in terms of guns and violence, numbing them to the horror and suffering that such actions cause. This societal conditioning contributes to a cycle of pain that extends far beyond the individual.

Why Forgive Anyway

It’s hard. It may feel repugnant. But forgiveness is about freeing ourselves first. Resentment, anger, and fear keep us trapped, while forgiveness releases us and opens the way to love, clarity, and peace. Extending forgiveness—even in these extreme cases—connects us to the higher truth of our shared humanity and to the divine Oneness that unites us all. 

The Simple Truth About Forgiveness

It really is simple to forgive these people. Just remember: they are all children of God, too. God created them, and He loves them. If He can love them, we can at least extend forgiveness.

God sees all of us beyond our crazy actions on this psycho planet. He knows our true goodness because He created us exactly in His own image. He is pure love, and in our ultimate truth, so are we.

All you have to do is hold that thought for these poor, misdirected souls. Feel it in your own heart for a moment or two. That’s what forgiveness truly is: a moment of seeing the higher truth.

Want to go deeper into forgiveness?

• Explore how forgiveness reconnects us to divine compassion in Unblocking our Connection to Love.

• For a little Halloween-inspired forgiveness see What's Behind the Costume. 

• My book, Forgiveness is the Key to Happiness, offers heartfelt guidance, spiritual tools, and real-life practices. Read it on Amazon →

• Let daily affirmations support you too — discover the Forgiveness Metta Card Deck for a gentle morning practice of peace and release. View the deck on Etsy 

• Browse more forgiveness tools, art, and daily reminders in our Etsy Shop 

• Want to receive free weekly forgiveness coaching emails? Sign up and get insights, tools, and inspiration to deepen your practice of forgiveness → Sign up here

Let these tools light your path — because forgiveness sets you free.
— Sue Pipal

Why the World Feels Like a Psycho Planet — and How Forgiveness Frees

What’s Going On Here?

This place is nuts. 

Psycho Planet

Photo by 愚木混株 Yumu on Unsplash

I used to think I was relatively happy, but as I began to study A Course in Miracles (ACIM), it dawned on me just how much true tragedy and difficulty we all accept as normal every single day. We accept rejection. We accept disappointments. We accept frustration, refusals, and the constant “No” that seems to be part of life at every turn. We accept lack—or only some instead of all. 

Life’s Challenges Have Always Been Crazy 

We rarely even blink at the craziest things. We might shake our heads a little, but mostly, we accept that this is just “the way of things” on earth. Why are things set up so that only a few win while so many lose? Only one becomes the head cheerleader, the captain of the football team or the class valedictorian. 

You didn’t get the job. You didn’t get the partner you wanted. Your body isn’t healthy, and you suffer real pain. You don’t feel utterly and completely loved and accepted anywhere. Your favorite pets pass away. Your children face rejection and disappointment. 

In the past, all of these usual trials—illness, loss, frustration—already made life feel like living on a psycho planet. But now, everything has amped up. Extreme political strife, global instability, and constant scary news make it all feel so much crazier than even in the not-so-recent past. 

Seeing the Higher Perspective 

What exactly are we accepting? Are we crazy? Well…yes, ACIM would say that we are. We are accepting a crazy, ego-based interpretation of life. In fact, as egos, we actually created much of this insanity ourselves. 

Choosing Love and Forgiveness 

It’s all in the perspective we choose. Flip the switch from fear to love and focus on what’s working: the good people who help others, the truths we share in common, the beauty that surrounds us in nature, and the brilliance of humans who have created amazing music, mathematics, literature, and art. 

And beyond that, forgive everything that’s crazy. And I mean everything. These days, it’s pretty much an all-day job—but it has to be done. Every time the crazy starts to peep out at you in the world, forgive it. Let it go. And then, when it shows again—even if it’s five minutes later—take a moment to forgive again. Then return your focus to the love, the good, and the beautiful. 

Choosing this perspective is the first step toward stepping off the psycho planet and into a life rooted in love, gratitude, and forgiveness. 

Want to go deeper into forgiveness? 

Explore how forgiveness reconnects us to divine compassion in Unblocking our Connection to Love . My book, Forgiveness is the Key to Happiness , offers heartfelt guidance, spiritual tools, and real-life practices. Read it on Amazon → 

Let daily affirmations support you too — discover the Forgiveness Metta Card Deck for a gentle morning practice of peace and release. View the deck on Etsy → 

Browse more forgiveness tools, art, and daily reminders in our Etsy Shop → 

Want to receive free weekly forgiveness coaching emails? Sign up and get insights, tools, and inspiration to deepen your practice of forgiveness → Sign up here 

Let these tools light your path — because forgiveness sets you free. — Sue Pipal

Why Some People Are Here to Test Our Forgiveness

The Challenge of Life’s Hard Moments

On a global level, it can sometimes feel as if many of us are moving backward rather than forward. War, crime, poverty, political strife, greed, and selfishness…so much of the world seems stuck in fear.

Seeing Life Through a Higher Lens

According to Colin Tipping’s teachings, some of us may actually be here to provide others with forgiveness opportunities. In fact, we may have agreed to certain “trespasses” even before we were born.

Think about that for a moment. What could be more for the higher good than sacrificing a little—or even a lot—of our personal comfort or growth in order to allow someone else the chance to learn, heal, or awaken?

Photo from Unsplash

Small and Large Scale Forgiveness

Sometimes, this happens on a small scale—with friends, family, or colleagues. But occasionally, it may appear on a grand scale: a particularly difficult or even evil person may challenge an entire community—or even the world.

Does this perspective make it easier to forgive people who make our lives difficult? Perhaps. Seeing others as unwitting teachers rather than enemies can change our hearts and free us from resentment. Forgiveness isn’t about approving of bad behavior; it’s about recognizing the higher truth that even the hardest interactions can serve a purpose in our growth.

Want to go deeper into forgiveness?

• Explore how forgiveness reconnects us to divine compassion in Unblocking our Connection to Love.

• For more on the topic of world leaders, How to Forgive Cruel World Leaders.

• My book, Forgiveness is the Key to Happiness, offers heartfelt guidance, spiritual tools, and real-life practices. Read it on Amazon →

• Let daily affirmations support you too — discover the Forgiveness Metta Card Deck for a gentle morning practice of peace and release. View the deck on Etsy →

• Browse more forgiveness tools, art, and daily reminders in our Etsy Shop →

• Want to receive free weekly forgiveness coaching emails? Sign up and get insights, tools, and inspiration to deepen your practice of forgiveness → Sign up here

Let these tools light your path — because forgiveness sets you free.
— Sue Pipal

Forgiveness is Releasing the Meaning We Give to Things

"Forgiveness is releasing the meaning we have made of things." — Jennifer Hadley

Our minds are always interpreting the world around us, trying to make sense of the events, people, and situations that swirl through this 3D earthly life. We might decide that someone doesn’t like us based on a frown or a curt word. But what we don’t know is that they might just be stressed, worried about bills, or juggling challenges we can’t even see.

We feel hurt. We feel angry. We think we’re the victims. But in truth, they may be the ones struggling even more than we are.

Photo by Wang Sheeran on Unsplash

Assume the Best, Let Go of the Rest

The key is to cut people some slack. Assume the best about everyone. Let minor affronts slide. With a little practice, forgiveness becomes almost automatic when we see the higher truth in others: they are just humans, doing their best, struggling and suffering, trying to get by.

Those of us who consciously practice forgiveness are walking the path of grace. Our own suffering is often far lighter than that of others. We can allow people to behave however they do, let them off the hook, and be sensitive to the challenges they face.

Take a moment to feel gratitude for your own awareness and understanding, for the path you’re on, and for the capacity you have to release judgment. Then let it go.

Want to go deeper into forgiveness?

• Explore how forgiveness reconnects us to divine compassion in Unblocking our Connection to Love.

• My book, Forgiveness is the Key to Happiness, offers heartfelt guidance, spiritual tools, and real-life practices. Read it on Amazon →

• Let daily affirmations support you too — discover the Forgiveness Metta Card Deck for a gentle morning practice of peace and release. View the deck on Etsy → https://www.etsy.com/listing/4350470896/metta-prayer-forgiveness-affirmation

• Want to receive free weekly forgiveness coaching emails? Sign up and get insights, tools, and inspiration to deepen your practice of forgiveness. Sign up here →

• New: Explore the Forgive and Be Happy Etsy Shop for more inspiration and products: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ForgiveAndBeHappy

Let these tools light your path — because forgiveness sets you free.
— Sue Pipal