Learn to Forgive Others No Matter What

In a recent edition of Mindful magazine, Elisha Goldstein reminds us about the need to forgive those who’ve hurt us—no matter what.[1] It’s a concept that people beginning a recovery journey, mindfulness practice, or therapy may find difficult to embrace. Surely, one might be justified to expect the other person to make the first move and to rectify the wrong that was done before forgiveness is granted? Of course that would be a desirable outcome, but it’s not something we can expect. Nor can we control another person’s thoughts, feelings, or actions. Instead, when we continue to carry the burden of a grudge, we’re the ones choosing to suffer under its weight.As Mr. Goldstein explains, “forgiveness … is simply the act of letting go of the burden that you carry from another person who has hurt you out of their own pain, ignorance, or confusion. It’s a practice of freeing up your energy to focus on things that incline toward your own health and well-being or the health and well-being of others.[2]In other words, forgiving others isn’t simply a moral imperative or recommendation for making peace in our relationships. It’s also vital to our physical health! As the author explains, “There’s a saying: ‘Not forgiving is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to get hurt or die.’ The reality is holding onto resentment literally keeps our cortisol running and makes us sick.”[3]How then, do we make a choice to let go of resentment and release our suffering with a practice of forgiveness? If you’re open to letting go of the resentment habit and opening up to a better future, I encourage you to read Mr. Goldstein’s article in its entirety. He provides a brief outline for doing forgiveness practice and he’s even given us a video to watch and try for ourselves:[1] Elisha Goldstein, “Learn to Forgive Others No Matter What,” Mindful, May 11, 2015[2] Ibid.[3] Ibid.