December 2009
Love is For Giving
As children, many of us were taught to "forgive and forget." Along with "please" and "thank you," parents typically encourage their children to say the words, "I'm sorry" as a part of their social training. Children are taught that when they have a spat with a sibling, a disagreement with a friend, or whenever they accidentally bump into someone, the proper thing to do is to express their regret by saying, "I'm sorry" - whether or not they actually feel sorry. And, if regret is expressed to them, the taught response is "That's ok, I forgive you" or "I accept your apology" regardless of whatever feelings of resentment or hurt might remain. It is as if there is a magic formula where the words, "I'm sorry", are suppose to automatically erase hurt, resentment and regret. However, it's not that simple and these sentiments, while well-meaning, often fall short of effective forgiveness.
I've realized that, for me, the most difficult part of forgiveness is that of self-forgiveness. Apologizing to someone just isn't sufficient as long as I continue to replay the stories of my transgression over and over in my mind, harshly judging myself each time.
How do we, then, truly and fully let go of our past transgressions? How do we genuinely release the remnants of old, unforgiven hurts and injuries? How do we truly forgive ourselves and others? Inspired by Mark Anthony Lord's article in Science of Mind (November, 2009), I now realize that forgiveness is a process. It is an ongoing part of one's spiritual practice, not a one-time pronouncement. He says that forgiveness is not something we "do." Rather, forgiveness comes to and through us if we are willing to receive it and allow ourselves to become a channel for it. Forgiveness is an energy force that sweeps through our hearts and minds, expanding our capacity to love. As we let ourselves receive this wave of love, we are transformed. The love becomes stronger than the pain we have been harboring. Our heart expands and makes room for everyone, even those we have deemed "unforgiveable," including ourselves.
Try this exercise: think of a situation, a person or an experience that you feel is keeping you stuck--that which needs forgiving. Ask for the wave of forgiveness to sweep through you. Be willing to receive it. Let yourself feel what comes up without judgment. Remember, often times, healing is in the feeling. Open your heart to the willingness to receive. Love is for giving.
To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you. (Lewis Smedes)
Love expands my heart and sets me free
I am Jana Anna -- a medium, a psychic, a channel, a healer, and a life coach. Most simply, my work is to provide avenues for healing. Through intuitive readings I use my gifts and consciously connect you to the healing power of your Soul. My intention on this planet is to be a clear and conscious channel for Spirit, uniting the spiritual with the physical for the empowerment and expansion of humanity.
Contact me for more information on my services or to schedule a reading.
www.JanaAnna.com
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