Forgiveness

There was a time when I thought that forgiveness meant, I would have to forget or become involved with those who had hurt me  in my past......I knew that forgiveness is essential.  I knew that without forgiveness that resentment would harden the heart, and that all I once was, would become just a shell.

I began to really study forgiveness, and the yoga practice of opening or softening the heart... releasing blocked emotions, letting go of grief and sadness and anger.   Gratitude was part of that practice of opening the heart and  forgiving.  Service became another way of forgiving, of opening my eyes to the troubles of those around me.  Giving without expectations.......a wonderful way to open the heart and learn
about forgiveness.

Realizing that I had spent a great deal of my life in fear, I began to practice living without fear.....and with that practice, accepting the past and getting on with my life became reality. I know that sometimes the hurt is so bad, it just seems impossible to forgive those who have hurt you........but holding on to that does nothing to change what happened or to change or hurt those who hurt you.......it is just a slow breakdown of your life, your joy, your happiness.

Some think that once the person dies who hurt you, then it will all be ok.......how so  not true.  Without your forgiveness, their death doesn't change how you feel, or the prison that you have built for yourself with the blocks of resentment and anger.  Forgiveness means freedom......freedom to live your life,  to experience love, and contentment, freedom to move forward.  Forgiveness opens your heart to the possibilities of life and all that it holds for you.  Forgive, and  move on......forgive, and let go.