How can we forgive? What does it look like? What does it feel like? We all have experienced hurt and pain. It may be difficult to forgive. Forgiveness is a spiritual practice and conscious choice to let go of the burdens of anger and resentment toward yourself and those who have harmed you.

Forgiveness is beyond just the verbal expression, "I Forgive You". It is a wholehearted feeling of resolve. Freedom is inherent in the power of true forgiveness. Oftentimes, when we think we are finished, we find ourselves dredging up old stories, swinging back and forth, and ruminating over past wrongs. Spiraling out of control with a surge of negative emotions, it becomes apparent that we are not done with it. Obsession with the past inhibits creating a better life. Whether it is holding on to past grudges, feelings of betrayal and anger, it is time to lay the burden down. Learn from the past and become resilient.

True forgiveness is a genuine opportunity to reclaim our personal power. Break with the old and create from a renewed spirit and loving heart. The act of forgiveness is reclaiming our personal power. Find rest, peace and joy with true forgiveness that can be attained with deliberate conscious action, a compassionate heart, reflecting love and spiritual evolution. Dr. Jean Marie highlights each.

Our Love In Action Practice is to reflect on experiences when you betrayed yourself. Do you replay these experiences over and over condemning yourself with regret? The more you repeat these occurences the more stuck you become. Take time to forgive yourself and intervene with positive thoughts and feelings about yourself. Next, reflect on an experience when you were betrayed by a family member, friend or coworker. What did you learn about yourself? Perhaps the need for acceptance or approval and to fit in reinforced this connection. Were there behaviors in yourself or others that you overlooked? Did you fail to pay attention to your gut feelings? Are you stuck in anger and remorse? Free yourself and open space for positive connections and a healthy relationship with yourself.

Email you insights and observations: jean72farish@yahoo.com

Dr. Jean Marie closes with her excerpts on Self-Talk and Self-Cleanse.