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Today's
Meditation:
It's
very difficult to forget harmful things that others have
done to us-- in fact, I'd be tempted to say that it's
impossible to forget most of the truly harmful things.
It is not, however, impossible to forgive the actions and
forgive the persons. It usually takes a great effort
on our part, but it definitely is not impossible. It
simply takes a conscious, straightforward decision that
says, "I'm not willing to let the harm that this person
has done to me continue to hurt me by thinking about it and
not forgiving it."
We
really do have a much greater capacity to hurt ourselves
than other people have to hurt us. Making a decision
not to forgive does add to our anger, and anger is truly a
destructive emotion-- it is best let out in appropriate ways
and then left behind. If we carry it with us, we're
subjecting our minds, spirits, and bodies to its poisons,
and it definitely will hurt us. Long-term effects
include high blood pressure, high stress levels, ulcers,
headaches, and many other potentially dangerous
symptoms. It truly is "poison for the soul."
Pardoning
others can set them free from guilt and anxiety, but it
also can set free the person who forgives from many, many
dangerous and destructive symptoms. It is medicine for
the soul, and it is very important if we want peace of mind and
heart and spirit to be an important part of who we
are. If we were to get a rusty arrow shot through our
body, we'd head for the emergency room to have it taken
out. An unforgiven injury is much the same-- it must be
taken care of, gotten out of our minds and hearts, as soon
as possible.
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