Forgiveness

Letting go is one of the most difficult things we can do. We hold on to things that cause us pain beyond it’s ability to serve us. Finding forgiveness in order to let go is even more difficult.

Past actions replay in our head in a continuos loop. While we replay these over and over, it causes our stress levels to go up and our mind to fixate, leaving us in a continued state of tension.

Leo Babuta from Zen Thoughts reminds us:

“Forgiveness can change your life.

Forgiveness does not mean you erase the past, or forget what has happened. It doesn’t even mean the other person will change his behavior — you cannot control that. All it means is that you are letting go of the anger and pain, and moving on to a better place.”

Finding forgiveness is one of the most difficult things we can do. It takes us going to the mirror and looking deep into our soul, chipping away and unleashing a virtual well-storm of emotions that drain you in ways never imagined. While it seems easier for us to wall off painful emotions, it still leaves them trapped inside our bodies, festering.

That festering holds us hostage, keeping us attentions on things that are more important, like our lives. We’re so tied up worrying about the past, or what will happen in the future, that our present leaves us in misery.

How can you let go?

It’s different for everyone. Some pray, while others are very clinical and just let go. I’ve known people who write all of the ugly in their life on paper, then light it on fire and burn their heartache away.

No matter it is, forgiveness is an essential part of the process. It doesn’t mean you forget. However, the simple act of choosing not to be affected by whatever force holding your brain hostage is liberating.

We have to be responsible for our own healing. Letting go of what’s holding our mind hostage is a stepping stone to allowing more positive items take residence and manifest into something beautiful.

How do you let go?