“To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you”
Lewis Smedes
Forgiveness is one of the most misunderstood emotional states.
Why?
There is a misconception that to forgive means you forget or it is because your excusing away the behavior of that wronged you.
In reality, this is actually not the case. To forgive means that you have come to a deep level of peace, compassion and empathy. This does not mean you condone the behavior that was done to you.
This is a profound emotional state of mind that is free of vengeance, wrath and anger.
To forgive means you are in a place of movement forward. It is the transmutation of the energy that caused you pain and into a state of love that propels you forward and on with your life.
How do we cultivate forgiveness?
Acknowledge • Reflect • Release
By acknowledging the wrong that you have experienced. This gives way to validation for your experience and your point of view. This creates a doorway into situational awareness. The awareness of your current emotions, reality and what has occurred is fundamental in the release process of heavier emotions.
Reflecting is that next step where your taking time (how ever long that is for you) to allow the emotions you are truly feeling to fully come into your awareness as you begin to see various points of view through deep thought provoking questions.
Releasing is such a beautiful way to free yourself from deeply seated negative or unwanted emotions. As you have already began reflecting, looking from different points of view can instantly shift your perspective on the situations that have hurt you.
Forgiveness is the natural flow from releasing heavy painful emotions.
Always remember that heavy emotions are like staircases… you cannot immediately shift out of that heavy emotional state, but you can take baby steps in the direction to a better mind and body.
Guided By Spirit 