The Power of Forgiveness

[Guest guest]

Good Morning!

 

The Power of Forgiveness

 

" Forgiveness is the healing of wounds caused by another " . It is our

choice to learn to let go of a past wrong and it is our choice to no

longer allow ourselves to be hurt by it. Remove your ego from the

equation. Now look at the situation. Does it appear differently? As

it was so eloquently stated by Henry Ward Beecher, when someone

says " I can forgive, but I cannot forget " , it is only another way of

saying, I will not forgive.

 

Why Should We Forgive?

 

The need to understand the power and place of forgiveness in our

world is important in the healing process. It is urgent that we

examine the steps that lead to justice and strengthen society. We

need to understand how forgiveness improves the human condition. How

do we choose to forgive? What are the effects of holding grudges and

seeking revenge? We can find a way to balance our need for security

with the potential for granting forgiveness.

 

Forgiveness offers the possibility of two types of peace: peace of

mind -- the potential healing of old emotional wounds, and peace with

others -- the possibility of new, more gratifying relationships in

the future.

 

 

" The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the

strong. " - Mahatma Gandhi

 

 

Author Larry James (1.) states " Forgiveness works! It is often difficult, AND it

works! We often think of forgiveness as something that someone who has done us

wrong must ask of US. There is always another way of looking at something. My

thoughts on forgiveness suggest that you focus on offering forgiveness TO the

person who has wronged you. To not forgive them is like taking the poison

(continuing to suffer for what they did or didn't do to you) and expecting THEM

to die! "

 

 

Alexander Pope once said, " To err is human; to forgive, Divine. "

Believe it!

 

 

Mr. James goes on to say " Forgiveness is a gift you give to yourself.

It is not something you do FOR someone else. It is not complicated.

It is simple. Simply identify the situation to be forgiven and ask

yourself: " Am I willing to waste my energy further on this matter? "

If the answer is " No, " then that's it! All is forgiven " .

 

 

" The secret of forgiving everything is to understand nothing. " -

George Bernard Shaw

 

 

Tools For Forgiveness

 

The need to understand the power and place of forgiveness in our

world is important in the healing process. See humility as

forgiveness. Your own sense of peace and contentment are born out of

forgiveness. How and when you forgive, reflects much of the way you

view yourself and the world around you. Consider these reasons and

tools for forgiving:

 

1. Our ability to forgiven is in direct proportion to our ability to

receive forgiveness.

 

2. When we are able to forgive all parts of ourselves, this allows us

to be that much more perfect and whole. This in turn helps us to

forgive others for any past mistakes.

 

3. Remember: mistakes come from good people who from time to time

made some bad choices.

 

4. Judgments, resentments and grudges are destructive emotions. When

left unchecked, unresolved or not under control, they can wash away

the foundation of any relationship.

 

5. A wake-up call is in order! Talk it out. Resolve issues, disputes

and misunderstanding by expressing your feelings in a calm, well

thought out, civil conversation. Preferably in person.

 

6. When we hurt ourselves we hurt each other. Learn to forgive

yourself by releasing your guilt. Learn to forgive others by letting

go of your ego.

 

7. Remind yourself that we live in each other's hearts and when we

look at ourselves we see each other. When we love each other we love

ourselves more.

 

8. Learn to understand the relief you gain from forgiveness.

 

9. Step up to the plate and speak your peace.

 

10. Forgiving is the ultimate in acceptance of yourself and others.

It revels a path to our true selves.

 

 

" Always forgive your enemies--nothing annoys them so much. " - Oscar

Wilde

 

 

Forgiveness Workbook

 

This Forgiveness Worksheet or Life Workbook, is a great way to bring

the power of your thoughts, good energy and a generous way to express

your true feelings on paper. This journal can be used for writing

down situations and how you have experienced them. These journals are

good places to record your positive outlook, your goals for achieving

a path to your truths and your daily affirmation. It can allow you to

look at that information later for understanding inspiration and

guidance.

 

Tips for Understanding Forgiveness

 

1. Upon waking, write down the name of the person you are forgiving.

Write down what it is you are forgiving them for.

 

2. It is a good idea to write words such as I am, I can, I will.

 

3. Write down your perception of the misunderstanding.

 

4. Jot down significant words/phrases, that signify your mindfulness,

today. " My partner " , " my great career " , " my respect for myself and

others " .

 

5. List what negative feelings you are still holding on to. Explain

in your journal.

 

6. Now learn about the power of letting go of these feelings. Write

down each day, something new that you find forgivenss in doing,

seeing, saying, hearing...

 

7. Understand, it is now time to let go, which you will do

by____________________. (write it down). Look at it periodically.

What has positive impact on your thoughts?

 

8. Do you see failure as a stumbling block or a stepping stone to

forgiveness? Find three things in forgiving that make it a stepping

stone to the next level! List them now.

 

9. Be sure and write the time and day on the top of the page.

 

10. Make this journal your own! Buy or make a book that you are eager

to go to each day. Use stickers, color, doodles that all express your

journey to forgiving yourself and others.

 

 

 

Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac.

http://www.peacefulmind.com/forgiveness.htm

Therapies for healing

mind, body, spirit

 

 

 

 

References

(1.) 2005 - Larry James. Reprinted with permission. - This article

is adapted from Larry's books, " How to Really Love the One You're With:

Affirmative Guidelines for a Healthy Love Relationship, " " LoveNotes for Lovers:

Words That Make Music for Two Hearts Dancing " and " Red Hot LoveNotes for

Lovers. " Author Larry James presents seminars nationally for singles and

couples. Subscribe to Larry's FREE monthly " LoveNotes for Lovers " eZINE.

Contact: CelebrateLove.com, P.O. Box 12695, Scottsdale, AZ 85267-2695.

LarryJames - www.CelebrateLove.com