Everyone has done things in life that they regret. Sometimes it can be very difficult to forgive someone when one feels wronged. Even more difficult is to own up to one's own actions and learn to forgive yourself. Although some may scoff at the idea of meditating, studies have shown that meditation has real healing capabilities not only on the mind, but, on the body and soul as well.
Learning Forgiveness and Healing
Take a moment to think about the following question. "Do I really want to go through the rest of my life feeling this way?" If the answer is no, the first step of healing has just taken place. As easy as it can be to carry around anger and guilt, it's not healthy physically, mentally, or emotionally.
Remember, there isn't a person out there who has never committed some kind of transgression. Learning to forgive marks the beginning of healing.
Forgiveness Meditation
To start this meditation, sit down comfortably and peacefully allow the eyes to close. Begin taking a few slow, deep breaths. If believing in a higher power, ask that higher power for help with this meditation. Now, think of something positive and good achieved in the past day. Focus on it for a minute and think about how good it felt.
Next, recall the incident that occurred that needs to be forgiven. See this incident as dark clouds surrounding the heart. If emotions enter in like anger or pain, it's okay to acknowledge them, but, then they need to be let go of.
If forgiving someone else, say something along the lines of, "I forgive you. I am letting go of all of the pain and anger you have caused. My life is too important to me to feel this way any longer. I forgive you and wish you the best."
While saying these words, feel the clouds began to disperse while golden rays of sunlight come in. Feel how the heart is being healed. Recognize the empowering feeling of no longer allowing someone else to cause feelings of pain. Continue to forgive this person until all the clouds are gone and the body is surrounded by the warm, loving light.
Forgiving Yourself Through Meditation
If looking to forgive yourself, do the above mentioned meditation, but, substitute the following for what is being said. "I know I made a mistake and I'm sorry. I didn't mean to cause so much pain. I recognize and acknowledge what I've done. I will learn from this and become a better person. I no longer want to feel the way I feel, so I need to let go of this and allow myself to heal. I forgive myself for what I've done."
While the clouds are going away and the sun is coming in, really try to see the beauty within yourself. Allow the feeling of love to surround the heart. Think of all of the wonderful, positive ways you have touched others in their lives. Feel all that weight on the shoulders lifting while positive loving energy is coming in.
Stay with this feeling for as long as needed. If help was asked for from a higher power, take a moment to give thanks. Stay relaxed for a few minutes before continuing the activities of the day.
Although forgiveness is not always easy, it's much better to let go of the anger and pain and allow for forgiveness. It is a much healthier way to take care of one's emotional health. By learning to forgive, healing can take place. You have now taken the second step to forgiveness by reading this article. When ready, try the meditation.
Interested in learning more about the benefits of meditation? If so, further information can be found in the articles Medical Benefits of Meditation, along with Healing The Mind With Meditation, and Positive Affirmations and Meditation.
Sources:
Meditation for Dummies, Stephan Bodian, (Wiley Publishing, Inc.,) 2006.
The Meditation Bible, Madonna Gauding, (Sterling Publishing Co., Inc.,) 2005.
Janis Masyk-Jackson - I'm here to seek out the truth about some of life's mysteries. There is nothing new about New Age beliefs. These are beliefs that have ...
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