The lesson of forgiveness is one of the hardest lessons I've needed to learn in my life. Like most people, I thought that it was important to keep in mind the wrongs that others had done to me. (It just seemed like the responsible thing to do.) I never forgot who was an asshole. But guess what? The real asshole was me.
Yes! I was being a total asshole to myself. Those other people didn't remember those wrongs - I did. They didn't walk around with the burden of hurting my feelings. No - I did that to myself. I burdened myself with memories of negative times and people. And holding on to all that was not doing me any good.
But when I let go - and I mean REALLY let go - great things happened. I started living the life I was supposed to live - not a life filled with bad memories. And I started breathing better. Really.
If you are burdened by not forgiving someone, here is a little way to start healing yourself:
(DO this now!)
1. Take a slow, deep breath in through your nose and then slowly out through your mouth.
2. Let go. Let your mind go, let your muscles go, let your jaw go.
3. Smile.
4. Repeat as necessary.
It really is that simple.
How long has it been since you've taken a slow, deep breath like that? If it's been a while, then try to do this at least 10 times a day. One way to remind yourself is EVERY time you see the color yellow, do these steps.
And remember - forgiving someone else is really just loving yourself!
Here is a video from Marianne Williamson that helps explain the personal power of forgiveness.
