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Practice forgiveness from "summary" of Start Where You Are by Pema Chödrön
Forgiveness is a practice that can be incredibly challenging. It involves letting go of our resentment, anger, and desire for revenge towards someone who has hurt us. It can be difficult because our ego often wants to hold onto these negative emotions, believing that they will protect us in some way. However, forgiveness is not about condoning the harmful actions of others; it is about freeing ourselves from the burden of carrying around this heavy emotional baggage. When we hold onto our resentments, it is like carrying a heavy weight on our shoulders wherever we go. It drains our energy and prevents us from fully engaging with the present moment. Forgiveness allows us to release this weight and move forward with a lighter heart. It is a gift we give to ourselves, not to the person who has hurt us. It is a way of saying, "I am choosing peace and freedom over anger and resentment." Practicing forgiveness does not mean that we forget what happened or pretend that it did not hurt us. It simply means that we are no longer allowing those painful memories to control us. We can acknowledge our pain and the harm that was done to us, while also recognizing that holding onto it only perpetuates our suffering. Forgiveness is an act of compassion towards ourselves, as well as towards the person who hurt us. Forgiveness is a process that takes time and effort. It requires us to be patient and gentle with ourselves as we navigate through our feelings of hurt and anger. It may not happen overnight, but with consistent practice, we can gradually let go of our resentment and open our hearts to healing. Forgiveness is a powerful tool for personal growth and transformation. It allows us to break free from the cycle of suffering and create space for love, joy, and peace to enter our lives.- We are not only benefiting ourselves but also contributing to the overall well-being of the world. By releasing our anger and resentment, we are fostering a sense of connection and understanding with others. We are choosing to respond to difficult situations with compassion and wisdom, rather than reacting with hostility and aggression. Forgiveness is a practice that requires courage and vulnerability, but the rewards are immeasurable. It is a path towards liberation and inner peace.
