Forgiveness

First lets take a look a the meaning of forgiveness. Wikipedia's definition is the process of ceasing to feel resentment, indignation, or anger against another person for a perceived offense, difference. or mistake.


I found it interesting that the definition referred to the offense as perceived! My question on forgiveness has always been "Is there anything to really forgives ourselves or others?" Is it really just a matter of perspective?





I believe that all suffering, anger, hate, and/or resentment is just caused solely by our perception of event . It is very simple really - We want the person, place or event to be different! I am not saying here that we should never feel these emotions - but if you really looked at the things that you think you need to forgive others for you would find that you want them to be different! It is not the event that made you angry but the perception of the event.

Lets try a short example to make a point. You are driving down the road when suddenly someone cuts you off and begins yelling at you out their window. It is really not the event that made you angry. It is the voice in your head that begins to say things like, how dare you, who do you think that you are, this was your fault and you are blaming it on me. This continues and is probably repeated to others so they will take your side. The event happened and was over hours ago but the anger is growing in each passing moment. The event just was, they anger that followed was YOUR choice. One person may choose to be angry, another may choice to find it amusing, and still another may actually become confrontational. Like everything else in life it is a matter of choice.

So really is there anything to forgive? Think about and as you do I would suggest that you read Loving What Is by Bryon Katie. In what she calls "The Work" Byron Katie leads us with four questions on how to accept what is. You can also visit her website to get more information on her work.

Bless you all. I love you.

TinaMae