How do you forgive?

Many of the people that I have discussed this topic with seem to think forgiveness happens naturally, overtime. When their mind is ready, it will let go of the anger that they have about someone or something.

I believe forgiving is an active process. For many years I held the same belief that most people I’ve spoken with held. I can’t really remember what book it was that I read that challenged this assumption I had, but it did change my perspective. Mostly, it was the meditation I learned  that made me realize that I hadn’t really forgiven anyone or anything.

The process goes like this:

• During mediation, bring to mind someone who has hurt you. Start off with something mild, later you can go after the big guns.
• Repeat something to this effect while you hold a loving/compassionate feeling in your heart: For all the times that you have hurt me, intentionally or otherwise, you are forgiven. I realize that you are the same as me and are seeking happiness.
• You can reverse this for people that you have wronged:
• for all the times that I hurt you intentionally or otherwise, I ask your forgiveness.
• Lather, rinse, repeat for everyone that you want to forgive.

That’s pretty much it. If you try it you might see, as I did, that it really helps a lot and sort of opens your heart more to other people as well.

Trackback Post

Related Posts