FORGIVENESS

FORGIVENESS

On Friday I attended an early morning yoga class. I continuously attempt to dedicate four days a week to my personal yoga practice. It has become a part of my self-care regimen. My yoga practice is not only about the physical aspects but also the spiritual. I believe that the study of asana is NOT about mastering posture. It’s about using posture to understand and transform yourself! I consciously enroll in yoga studios that reflect this belief. I have been lucky to find some lovely yoga instructors who teach with integrity.

On Friday the instructor asked us to set an intention for our practice or to dedicate our practice to a loved one. I decided to set an intention for my practice. My intention was forgiveness.

I recently experienced a tower moment. It’s that moment when everything comes crashing down suddenly and unexpectedly. It’s shocking and it shakes you to the core. It’s a shit show. (excuse my French). As I reflect on this situation I search for the positive. The silver lining is the fact that after everything has come crashing down, there is a brief moment of solitude followed by time to heal and rebuild.

A few days later I realized I was holding this pain in my heart regarding this situation. I had repressed feelings of bitterness, anger, and resentment.  I almost let it change my heart.

I am blessed with supportive, loyal, and wise friends who give great advice. My friend encouraged me to let go and not let this situation change me or harden my heart, because there are people in my future who need my kindness. So, as I regain and muster my strength to move forward, I focus on forgiveness because I don’t want to have hard feelings towards anyone in life. I don’t like holding grudges. I am willing to forgive. I am willing to be open minded towards reconciliation and resolutions.

Mother Teresa said: People are often unreasonable and self-centered. FORGIVE THEM ANYWAY. If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. BE KIND ANYWAY. If you are honest, people may cheat you. BE HONEST ANYWAY. If you find happiness, people may be jealous. BE HAPPY ANYWAY. The good you do today, may be forgotten tomorrow. DO GOOD ANYWAY. Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough. GIVE YOUR BEST ANYWAY.

Today I take steps towards forgiveness:

Step 1: Get back into alignment and seek balance. Meditation instantly raises your vibration.

Step 2: Move forward and let go! Stop replaying the scenario in your head. Embrace the situation as a learning experience. Begin to understand yourself. Let the experience be as it may. Do not blame others for your feelings. Don’t blame yourself either! Just allow the experience to unfold and tell yourself that no one has the power to make you uneasy without your consent, and that you’re unwilling to grant that authority to this person right now.

Step 3:  Take responsibility for your part. Learn to acknowledge your missteps and forgive yourself.

Step 4: SEND UNCONDITIONAL LOVE

Unconditional love does not mean you have to unconditionally accept bad behavior. You don’t have to take abuse or put up with bullshit. I can be one hell of a loving woman but I will not tolerate disrespect because I value myself.

Unconditional love is known as affection without any limitations, or love without conditions.

How can you learn unconditional love if you’re in a relationship with a person that meets all of your conditions?

Sometimes the people that challenge us, hurt us the most. We must find a way to continue to love them and accept them for who they are as people. Flaws and all. Remember that anything or anyone you dislike is teaching you unconditional love.