A Six Step Plan to Forgiveness

Forgiveness is a form of letting go. Yet so many view forgiveness as a form of giving in, condoning or weakness; as though forgiving someone or oneself will solicit further disrespect or abuse. By not forgiving we are actually harming ourselves more than the original hurt. When we forgive, we release the pain along with the judgment and we are free.

Forgiveness doesn't negate setting healthy boundaries or learning from our experiences. Instead, it teaches us to expand our own inner knowing and trust. Every experience that we've had is an opportunity to learn, grow and develop compassion. Without forgiveness, we become hardened and bitter, and eventually we shut down from life.

The energy of forgiveness is soft and gentle; it's a form of self-love and release. You can choose to be in this state anytime you want.

Try these 6 Action Steps towards forgiveness and see the wonderful feeling you get.

1. Let yourself see an image of each person who has hurt you in your life. Notice if you're still carrying the pain. If not, feel the freedom of having let that go. If you are still carrying any hurt, ask yourself how this is affecting you in present time? Write down the benefits and negatives. The list speaks for itself.

2. For each person that has harmed you in your life, become aware of the judgments you have about them. Are you carrying any resentment? Write down what it takes to let this go? Take action. One step at a time brings you one step closer to peace and happiness.

3. Where have you not forgiven yourself? What does this do to you? What would it feel like to set you free? Get a clear visual image in your mind, write it down. Post the image and writing everywhere for you to see it ALL THE TIME!

4. Tune into the pure energy of forgiveness by closing your eyes and finding stillness in the center of your soul and heart. Let your mind and body relax. Imagine a beautiful beam of golden light a few feet in front of you vibrating at a state of forgiveness. Imagine stepping into this pure forgiveness energy. Notice what it feels like. Let your whole body embrace this state of being.

5. Once you are in a state of forgiveness, imagine someone you resent standing in front of you. Focus on this feeling of forgiveness as you look at them but most important is to look deeply into their soul. You will see it is pure and kind. Most people do not realize the hurt they cause to others. Allow yourself to release any pain as you free yourself from this person by forgiving them or this person may be you. Forgive yourself.

6. The next time you are triggered or hurt by someone, ask yourself how you want to feel; do you want to be angry and resentful or would you rather be happy and free? If you are ready to feel better then choose the state of forgiveness, which is really a form of letting go. From this place set whatever boundaries you need with the other person or you may well choose not to have this person in your life anymore. The choice is yours.

"To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you."
Lewis B. Smedes