Benefits of Forgiveness
Who hasn't been hurt by the actions or words of others?
By embracing forgiveness, you can also embrace peace, hope, gratitude, and joy. Consider how forgiveness can lead you down the path of physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Some of the benefits of Forgiving:
Mentally healthier
Increased self-esteem
Less anxiety, stress
Blood pressure is reduced
Depression symptoms are less
The immune system is stronger
Heart Health Improved
A mindful approach to forgiveness
Forgiveness means different things to different people. Generally, it involves letting go of resentment and thoughts of revenge.
Learning to forgive should be part of your daily mindfulness practice. Every day we encounter situations in our lives that need to be forgiven.
Take a step back and try to understand why you feel certain emotions as things happen in your life. Some people are extra sensitive to certain things and are quickly offended and automatically start to build a wall of resentment around them.
Remember forgiveness is not for the other person, it's for you. So it's important to take notice of your feelings at the moment, without interpretation or judgment.
Just imagine if you were to get offended every time someone said or did something that didn't meet your standards.
For what? For who? Let it go... you will be glad you did.
Feelings of Resentments are like weeds in your garden, they will multiply and ultimately take over your garden and suffocate all the flowers.
Not worth it!! move on...
Also, remember "misery loves company". If you have a friend or family member that's dealing with resentment. Be careful not to fall into the trap of listening to their cries of misery. If someone wants to complain, they love to have someone on their side with the same mindset to listen and understand where they are coming from.
Therefore, it's always best to listen to their concerns without interpretation or judgment.
This is not something that you simply do overnight. It takes practice and most importantly awareness- which is where mindfulness comes into play. When you are more mindful of others' thoughts and feelings you will be better able to spot certain situations ahead of time.
Matthew 18:21, 22. Then Peter came up and said to him, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?" Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven."
I know this sounds crazy, but stop and think how many times a day we are already forgiving each other. Just being aware of the process is a great place to start.
As a result of forgiving, and making a decision to let go of grudges you're likely to experience less fear, anger, and depression. Overall better health.
Holding on to the bitterness has no effect on the person that harmed or offended you. You end up carrying the heavy load of hurt and resentment on your shoulders.
You might never forget the act that hurt or offended you, but forgiveness can help you FREE YOURSELF. Forgiveness can ease its hold on you and help you escape the control of the person who harmed you.
"Forgive others, not because they deserve forgiveness, but because you deserve peace"
-Mel Robbins-
Forgiveness doesn't mean forgetting or excusing the harm done to you or making up with the person who caused the harm. Forgiveness is not always easy. At times, it can feel even more painful than the act itself.
It will though bring peace into your life, allowing you to grow and move forward in your life.
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