Forgiving Faults The word resentment comes from the Latin roots.
Its original meaning was to feel again.
We all deal with resentments,
Holding onto harm that has been caused in the past.
This is a painful experience.
When you hold on like this,
You feel the pain repeatedly.
Sometimes these resentments may feel like they offer security from future harm.
But with forgiveness,
You can free up space in the heart to allow love and care to take root.
The practice of forgiveness will help you let go of these painful experiences and offer freedom to the mind and heart.
Find a comfortable meditation posture and invite gentleness into your body from the beginning.
Notice any discomfort or tension in the body and try to soften around it.
Bring to mind somebody you feel resentful toward.
When new to this practice,
Don't choose the strongest resentment in your heart.
Instead,
Start where it's a little bit easier.
Notice the harm that was caused and why you feel resentful.
Connect with the intention to cultivate an open and loving heart.
If there is resistance,
Notice its presence without pushing it away.
It takes time to reopen the heart,
So don't force anything.
Begin offering phrases of forgiveness,
Connecting with the words as much as you are able.
Say a phrase slowly in your head,
Finding a rhythm.
It may be helpful to offer a phrase with each exhale,
Or with every other exhale.
Use these phrases.
I forgive you.
I forgive you as much as I am able to in this moment.
May I let this pain free itself from my heart.
May I let this pain free itself from my heart.
I forgive you.
I forgive you.
Now,
Let go of these phrases.
Turn toward yourself,
Recognizing that you too have caused harm to others.
You don't need to engage in stories about the harm you have caused.
Just recognize that you have indeed caused difficulties for others.
Whether you intended to or not,
Call to mind a specific person you have hurt.
Begin asking for forgiveness from this person,
Using these phrases.
I ask for forgiveness for any harm I have caused you.
May you find room in your heart to forgive me.
May you forgive one another.
I forgive you.
I forgive you.
A little about safety and forgiveness.
When you work on forgiveness,
It may feel like you are being weak or opening yourself up to future harm.
Remember that forgiveness does not require you to let somebody back into your life,
To let them cause harm again,
Or to be okay with somebody's actions.
You can let go of the resentment while still retaining healthy boundaries.
A forgiving heart sets boundaries out of self-care,
While a resentful heart sets boundaries out of fear.
Return to your own body.
Breathe deeply,
And rest your awareness on your breath before you open your eyes.
Resist.
You you
