Forgiving can be one of the most liberating things we can do for ourselves.  Then why does it seem to be one of our biggest challenges???  Because if its easy we don’t learn. Most humans need to learn the hard way.  And I am coupling compassion with this forgiveness topic because in some ways we need to have compassion for those that need to forgive.  They are going through what they need to forgive and the emotions connected to that.  We all perceive situations and heal very differently.  In case you haven’t noticed.  And probably not because we are so caught up in judging each others actions and behaviors not relative to our own that we lose the part about its not our business and shouldn’t have an effect on us anyway.

No ones ever angry!  so they say…but they just don’t remember!

Sometimes we hold onto anger as a subconscious way of protecting ourselves from being hurt again.  In the long run, that is worse.

 In fact, many people are still holding onto grudges or anger for something that happened 1, 2,  15, 25, 40 even 50 years ago.  Please tell me what sense this makes when Buddha makes it very clear that “holding on to anger is like drinking a bottle of poison and waiting for the other person to die”.  If we hold on we lose.   It effects our emotional state.  It interferes with relationships.  It effects your sleep.  Until you consciously let go of it, it eats away at you, and you don’t even know it.  And, truth be told it takes a lot of weight off your shoulders because you are carrying it around whether you realize it or not.

Now, I am not saying you have to go up to the person or persons and forgive them to their face or be their best friend forever.  But, we really don’t know how another person thinks.   We don’t know what their fears are that caused whatever to happen.  Or their jealousies for that matter.  Try your best to be compassionate.  

Here are a few tips:

So sit quietly, close your eyes, see them in your space.  Forgive them.   Say it however you want, but mean it.  Then ask them, YES, ask them to forgive you for anything you may not have aware that you did, to forgive you.  Then LET IT GO.  Release it from your body because it will eventually begin bringing imbalances to your physical body.  You can disagree with me but I have been doing this work way to long to not know this as a fact.  You can even write them a letter and burn it when your done and let it be gone.

It’s going to hurt you less if you just try it!  This will help you to live free of hatred and with peace in your heart.  Bottom line, if you want to live a healthy, happy life, let go of the anger that may be holding you back!

Check out some items to assist with compassion and forgiveness here!