How to forgive? I wish I had an easy answer or a formula that would take us from the bondage of anger to the freedom that forgiveness offers in quick and easy steps. The truth is that forgiveness can happen in an instant through the grace of a sudden awakening to years of working through a steady process of shedding layers of anguish. A Course in Miracles is a yearlong workbook on forgiveness - I bought my copy 15 years ago and it has been a steady companion to me ever since - and I still struggle with issues of forgiveness. Even after experiencing the miracles offered through a forgiving heart I find myself caught in moments where forgiveness seems just plain impossible. So what do I do in times of struggle? I forgive myself. It takes time. Maybe less time now after years of practice - but it still takes time, a little effort and some patience and kindness towards myself. Self forgiveness offers internal space - a little breathing room to maneuver around some weighty emotional issues. It's a place to start. It's a healing place. A sacred place and place where I can extend this self love and compassion to others, where I can recognize that not only are we one in spirit but that indeed we are one in our struggle as human beings sharing a world that can be difficult sometimes. We all suffer. We all wish for peace and joy and freedom and love. I recognize this in myself. I recognize this in others - especially the ones I love. Yet it's only one step, one small step further to recognize this in the heart of someone who may have hurt me. I can take this step - here - in my sacred place of self forgiveness - I can take this step and offer all that I wish for myself and for my loved ones to this person that I now see clearly shares so much with me. I can take this step and I do. As many times as needed.
Peace,
Eric
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