First there was conflict. But in excusing yourself and trying to rid yourself of blame, you gave power to the lie. Then it became the truth to you.

Then came confusion. In the quietness of meditation, you will come back the way you came—backing away from confusion and conflict. Don’t worry or become upset. Being upset is never conducive to handling problems, inside or out.

Take ownership of your problems. Be truly sorry. For Heaven’s sake, don’t resent your helplessness and wait with patience for your salvation. What you will receive is the unmerited gift of grace. 

It is only necessary to long to be a better person, knowing that of yourself you have no power over evil, nor can you change the color of one hair on your head. Put aside all thoughts of advantage, glory, love, affection, riches, and pride-power. That is how you let go and let God.

Dispel the mist of excuses. Quiet mental chatter by observing your own errors as they appear, without excusing them. Allow the pain of conscience to catch up and progressively redeem you from your faults. Be patient.

The pain you will feel is repentance. Bear it for a while without cursing it or struggling. Just watch, perhaps with tears of regret. Soon it will pass and things will become new again—not because it is written here, but because you know it is right in your heart. This is the beginning of the rest of your life.

You need to learn how to respond less and less to unjust pressures around you, the secret of which is overcoming resentment. Then you will not be imprinted by suggestions. 

Words will roll off you like water off a duck’s back and never again will you be threatened by negative remarks and unkindness. You may feel external pressure upon you, but it will stay outside your skin…and immunize you from evil.

"The excitement of praise is the other side of anger and they will both bring you down into despair"

Look upon irrational behavior as a kind father looks on naughty children—emotionally detached, unmoved, and yet compassionate—caring, where compassion is fitting, but never worried. This is the way you should react in any situation that involves thoughtless and cruel people.

Be careful not to seize upon any subtle cruelty to puff up in judgment and self-righteousness. 

Correction of others, when necessary, must be calm and neutral, and at the moment it is intuitively needed. Never wait to get upset in order to function! 

Let the past go…do the same for the future. From now on, forbear to respond with resentment to pressure (and it must be done right on the spot)…that way your old nature will die. Also, do not let compliments puff up your pride.

The excitement of praise is the other side of anger and they will both bring you down into despair. Both criticism and praise can be used to fatten you for the kill, but only if you respond angrily and pridefully.

Every time you overcome resentment you are increasing your response to an inside pressure that is gentle and intuitive. Not because Roy Masters or anyone teaches this, but because you have put aside your common sense through too much emotion.

Each time you face the small issues of life this way, it will become easier to face bigger ones. Again, not because of this teaching, but because I merely remind you of what you already have in your heart.

Live in this light and watch how quickly you become immune to stresses. Eventually, no matter what people do, you won’t feel any stress at all. Resent not evil, that is how you overcome evil with good.