Forgiveness

aayushi kumari 02-Jul-2016 Image Source

Forgiveness is a brave man's act, it needs a lot of guts to let go the anger and hatred. Forgiveness is the key to a happy life. If you do not forgive a person for the mistakes they have committed or the damage they have caused to you, it will be you who will be caught in this feeling of hatred, resentment or revenge. "I forgive not because I become a Saint, But because I am tired of Hating"

Once a person asked 'What is forgiveness?' The Sufi replied ' Its the fragrance that flowers give when they are crushed.'

1. What is Forgiveness?

Forgiveness is a process that can be painful at times and may seem unending. But whatever our pain, whatever our situation, we cannot afford to hold on to an unforgiving spirit. When someone you care about hurts you, you can hold on to anger, resentment and thoughts of revenge - or embrace forgiveness and move forward. You can't change what happened but be prepared for what is yet to come. Let your soul be free. "Forgive. It will not change the past, but it does enlarge the future." But, forgiving does not means forgetting and giving someone chance to hurt you back. Do not give the people who hurt you an opportunity to give you those scars back. Be aware of their intentions this time. Forgiveness doesn't means that you deny the other person's responsibility for hurting you, it doesn't minimize or justify the wrong.

Forgiveness is an offshoot of love - a gift, given freely to those who have hurt you.

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2. Benefits of Forgiving

1) Healthier Relationships 2) Greater spiritual and psychological well-being. 3) Less stress. 4) Less anxiety 5) Fewer symptoms of depression. 6) Strong immune system 7) Improved heart health 8) Higher self esteem.

Forgiving brings a kind of peace that helps you go on with life.

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3. Four Steps Towards Forgiveness

Step 1- Filled with anger At some point you are filled with self justified anger. You blame the person you feel wronged you. You forget that you have a choice between 'letting go' and 'holding the grudge.' Step 2 - When you realize anger does not feel good for you. It may be hurting your emotional balance or your physical health. So, you start to forgive. Step 3- Repair the relationship. It comes after when you let go your grudges and see the results of forgiveness. Step 4 - Often forgiving. There are some people for whom we feel such love that we are almost always forget the hatred and show them our love again.