Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Session 10 - Forgiveness, The Art of Love I



Welcome to session 10

AIM: To release all the pain, all the resentment from past, present and future circumstances in our lives and to be able to finally see life through a different perspective; with a different set of mind. Free of hang ups, weights and obstacles that keeps us away from realizing our true potential.

ACTION: Take a journey into our life and make mental a list of all those who needs forgiving. Circumstances and people alike. From the earliest memories to the most recent. Putting special attention on forgiving the only constant in this story... Oneself!

Nearly everyone has been hurt by the actions or words of another. Perhaps your mother criticized you since you were a child. or maybe your father abuse you during childhood or your partner had an affair. These wounds can leave you with lasting feelings of anger, bitterness and even vengeance — but if you don't practice forgiveness, you may be the one who pays most dearly. By embracing forgiveness, you embrace peace, hope, gratitude and joy.

What is forgiveness?
Generally, forgiveness is a decision to let go of resentment and thoughts of revenge. Forgiveness can even lead to feelings of understanding, empathy and compassion for the one who hurt you.

Forgiveness means taking responsibility of your own destiny in the greater picture of life. Spiritually speaking, we know that all that happens in our life is being attracted by us to help us grow as souls in human form. By forgiving those who hurt us we bring healing and understanding into our experience.

What are the benefits of forgiving someone?
Letting go of grudges and bitterness makes way for compassion, kindness and peace. Forgiveness can lead to:

  • Healthier relationships and lives.
  • Greater spiritual and psychological well-being
  • Less stress and hostility
  • Lower blood pressure
  • Fewer symptoms of depression, anxiety and chronic pain
  • Lower risk of alcohol and substance abuse
Why sometimes is so difficult to forgive?
When we're hurt by someone, we may become angry, sad or confused. This is the state of the egoic mind, when in a very simplistic and dualistic sense we feel to be victims of the circumstances. If we allow our mind to dwell on hurtful events or situations, grudges filled with resentment, vengeance and hostility. If we allow negative feelings to crowd out positive feelings, we may find ourselves swallowed up by your own bitterness and sense of injustice.

What are the effects of unforgiveness?
If you're unforgiving, you may pay the price repeatedly by bringing anger and bitterness into every relationship and new experience. Your life may become so wrapped up in the wrong that you can't enjoy the present. You may become depressed or anxious. You may feel that your life lacks meaning or purpose, or that you're at odds with your spiritual beliefs. You may lose valuable and enriching connectedness with others. At the end all ends up reflected in our physical body. illness and disease will start causing problems. Cancer is one of the most common effects of unforgiveness.

How do I reach a state of forgiveness?
Forgiveness is a commitment to a process of change. A way to begin is by recognizing the value of forgiveness and its importance in our life at a given time. Then reflect on the facts of the situation, how you've attracted such a situation, and how this combination has affected your life, health and well-being.

When ready, actively choose to forgive the person who's offended you. Move away from your role as victim, be grateful for their role in your spiritual growth and take responsibility and power over the offending person's action as something attracted to you, by you. This is the only way to release all anger, frustration and pain. of As you let go of grudges, you'll no longer define your life by how you've been hurt. We may then find compassion and understanding.

What happens if I can't forgive someone?
Forgiveness can be challenging. It may be particularly hard to forgive someone who doesn't admit wrong or doesn't speak of his or her sorrow. Remember, they do not have to admit anything as they could be acting unconsciously. We can't get angry with a dog with rabies for being angry. The same thing happens with an unconscious mind.

If you find yourself stuck, it may help to write in a journal, pray or use guided meditation. You may want to talk with a person you've found to be wise and compassionate, such as a spiritual guide, a mental health provider, or an unbiased family member or friend. You may also want to reflect on times you've hurt others and on those who've forgiven you. Keep in mind that forgiveness has the potential to increase your sense of integrity, peace and overall well-being.

Does forgiveness guarantee reconciliation?
If the hurtful event involved someone whose relationship you otherwise value, forgiveness may lead to reconciliation. This isn't always the case, however. Reconciliation may be impossible if the offender has died or is unwilling to communicate with you. In other cases, reconciliation may not be appropriate, especially if you were attacked or assaulted. But even in those cases, forgiveness is still possible — even if reconciliation isn't.

What if I have to interact with the person who hurt me but I don't want to?
If you haven't reached a state of forgiveness, being near the person who hurt you may be tense and stressful. To handle these situations, remember that you have a choice whether or not to attend specific functions and gatherings. Respect yourself and do what feels best. If you choose to attend, don't be surprised by a certain amount of awkwardness and perhaps even more intense feelings. Do your best to keep an open heart and mind. You may find that the gathering helps you to move forward with forgiveness.

What if the person I'm forgiving doesn't change?
Getting another person to change his or her actions, behavior or words isn't the point of forgiveness. Think of forgiveness more about how it can change your life — by bringing you more peace, happiness, and emotional and spiritual healing. Forgiveness takes away the power the other person continues to wield in your life.

What if I'm the one who needs forgiveness?
Consider admitting the wrong you've done to those you've harmed, speaking of your sincere sorrow or regret, and specifically asking for forgiveness — without making excuses. Remember, however, you can't force someone to forgive you. Others need to move to forgiveness in their own time. Simply acknowledge your faults and admit your mistakes. Then commit to treating others with compassion, empathy and respect.

Remember to enjoy the process
COMMIT - SMILE - LISTEN

WE CAN DO IT TOGETHER, GUARANTEED!

FOLLOW US
See you next session ☝

SatNam
xXx

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