The Art of Forgiveness

I've had this idea for a while now. The idea to talk more about forgiveness. Not as a religious experience but as a human one. So many of us are riddled with guilt for things we've done, said, thought. Many of us carry this weight on a daily basis, increasing our tendency toward unhealthy choices and keeping us stuck in the past. Or maybe it is not such a big event but a small nagging voice the rears its head from time to time, disengaging us from our present living long enough to disrupt our thoughts and current mood.

Lack of forgiveness can be found just about everywhere we look. Just turn on the nightly news and you will see a number of events that I have to wonder, if looked upon differently would the outcome be less catastrophic? But I also wonder what we see or do that is closer to home that could be altered if we met the situation with compassion? Certainly, I can imagine there are a multitude of events in life that are horrific...I'm not simplifying or minimizing what anyone has lived through. But, I do believe at some point, if we are to truly heal...and that is our goal, forgiveness must play a role.

I do not claim to have any clear answers or really any advice on the subject. Yet I am very curious to begin a conversation on this topic. Can you remember a time that you forgave someone? What impact did this have on you or the person you forgave? How did you feel? Were you changed by this experience? I'm hoping that the more we talk about forgiveness perhaps the easier it will become to actually forgive. Maybe we will become a more kind person, showing compassion instead of anger. Perhaps talking about this will free ourselves of the events that we personally need forgiveness for. Maybe we'll find the courage to seek this forgiveness out for our own wellbeing and that of our loved ones.

Over the weeks and months ahead, as we continue this conversation I hope to engage as many of you as possible. Who knows where this topic will lead us or what events may grow. Consider this your invitation to share any thoughts, ideas, feelings regarding this subject and I welcome you to explore this alongside me.



In Peace.