At some point in our lives, all of us have been wronged by
another person and felt hurt, angry or stressed. This is a natural reaction and
part of being human. However, if we do not resolve or come to terms with these
hurts, they drive our actions and create a negative way of life. By harboring
past hurts, we have the potential to do far more harm to ourselves than anyone
else can possibly do.
“All illness is caused by not forgiving.”
–
Native American belief
Forgiving others – or yourself – does not mean forgetting or
condoning what happened, or giving up the values that were violated or assuming
you are at fault; nor is it condemning the other person or seeking justice or
compensation. Forgiveness can be viewed as foregoing the resentment or revenge
when the wrongdoer’s action deserves it and giving the gifts of mercy,
generosity and love when the wrongdoer does not seem to deserve them. To
release the shackles of the past, we must be willing to forgive.
Forgiveness is about creating a state “for giving” – both to
self and others – and excusing a mistake or an offense and letting go of the
associated hurt, anxiety, anger or resentment. Because forgiveness has the
greatest benefit to the person doing the forgiving, it is one of the greatest
gifts that you can give to yourself.
Forgiving allows us to get on with our lives and to open up
our minds and hearts to new ways of seeing others, the world and ourselves. It
releases energy that can be used for other, more productive thoughts and
actions.
Forgiving yourself and others can be the greatest anti-anxiety
pill that you can give yourself. If you ever want to live a stress free and positive
life you have to practice the natural remedies of forgiveness. Simple minded people
often sicken themselves pondering negative and destructive attitudes towards
others, over things that are not very important to begin with. By harboring
past hurts, we have the potential to do far more harm to ourselves than anyone
else can possibly do.
So, the next time you are tempted to carry on a grudge for
months and years on in give thought to the possibilities that presents itself
if you are willing to create a state of “for giving” and enjoy your life with
freedom of stress from not forgiving someone.
Take this path to great mental and physical health, you want
be sorry.
