Almost everyone has been hurt by someone close to them by their words or actions. It is human nature as everyone throughout their lives will experience pain. Another persons wrong doings can leave deep cut wounds with negative emotions attached to them. For those who do not forgive are the ones that suffer the most by carrying around that negative energy and eventually consume their mind, body and soul into sickness and depression. By embracing forgiveness, you are embracing love, joy, hope and peace.
Forgiveness is a choice, a decision to let go of resentment and negative emotions. The act of being hurt will always be remembered but forgiveness allows you to soften the attachment associated with it. It will help you to focus on the positive parts of your life. By forgiving others you are also inclined to reach a higher perspective of the situation and lead to a greater understanding, empathising and carrying compassion for those who have hurt you.
Research have proven benefits of the act of forgiveness such as having healthier relationships, spiritual awareness, and increased psychological well being, less stress, low blood pressure, less risk of consuming alcohol and illicit drugs.
However, by not forgiving you are holding grudges and anger and this can affect you in more ways than you are aware of. You may carry this resentment and negative emotion into every relationship or experience and therefore not enjoy the present and let opportunities on experiencing the beauty of life pass you by. You may lose faith in others, and therefore lose friendships and family.
Forgiveness is not easy and does not happen overnight. It is a commitment to a process of change. It involves reflecting your thought and feelings to how you have reacted to the situation, accepting it and actively choosing to forgive and embrace the situation by becoming detached to it. You will no longer play the role of the victim and allow yourself to define your life of how you’ve been hurt.
That’s the beauty of forgiveness. It may not be easy but it is part of life, a journey and a lesson in life you must go through to experience spiritual freedom.