Forgiveness

Forgiveness is a gift we can give ourselves. We don't need to forget experiences to forgive. We don't have to condone the actions of others to forgive. We don't need to change our boundaries to forgive. We don't even need to have a conversation in order to forgive an experience that has hurt us deeply.

Forgiveness is freedom. It is feeling the wounds inflicted on our hearts, acknowledging them, allowing ourselves to feel these wounds and then heal them. With forgiveness we are able to give ourselves a path to freedom from the heavy load of anger, resentment and bitterness. We are free to love, to choose kindness, empathy, compassion and live happy, joyful lives.

Our mantra for the week is...

It is possible to forgive.

I let go of resentment

I open my heart to the freedom of forgiveness

I allow myself to feel the hurt and emotions, in order to heal and forgive

Our journaling prompt is…

What do I need to forgive myself for?

Am I holding any grudges? What would it feel like to forgive and heal these memories?

Would it be helpful to ask anyone for forgiveness?

And our meditation is...

Find a comfortable seat. This can be sitting on the floor, in a chair. This can be laying down or even standing with support. You can choose to keep your eyes open or close them gently.

Connect to the sensation of your breath. Say "I am breathing in. I am breathing out." for 7-10 breaths. Be here in the breath.

Begin to focus on the space of your heart. Feel the range of emotions that exists here.

Visualize someone who has caused you harm. See them clearly in your mind as if they were standing in front of you.

Say these words out loud or in your mind...

I am learning to forgive you.

With love and compassion, I release the harm you have caused me

I am ready to let go of hurt, anger, resentment

I release the hold this experience has on my heart

I am free to forgive you

Continue to say these statements, watching the response in your mind, your body, your heart. Using your own words, continue to offer forgiveness for this experience. Allow yourself as much time as you need to begin to free yourself with forgiveness.

Visualize someone you have harmed. See them clearly in your mind as if they were standing in front of you. Say these words out loud or in your mind...

Will you forgive me?

With love and compassion, will you release the harm I have caused you?

Will you please let go of hurt, anger, resentment toward me?

Please release the hold this experience has on your heart

Please forgive me.

Continue to say these statements, watching the response in your mind, your body, your heart. Using your own words, continue to ask for forgiveness for this experience. Allow yourself as much time as you need to ask for forgiveness with an open heart.

Feel into your own heart. See it clearly in your mind. Say these words out loud or in your mind...

I forgive myself.

With love and compassion, I release the harm I have caused myself.

I let go of hurt, anger, resentment toward myself.

Please release the hold this experience has on my heart

I forgive myself.

Continue to say these statements, watching the response in your mind, your body, your heart. Using your own words, continue to ask for forgiveness for yourself. Allow yourself as much time as you need to ask for forgiveness with an open heart.

Pause and allow yourself plenty of time to slowly return to your day.