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Forgiveness is the key to transforming our minds and the entire
world. It is the key to happiness. If we truly want to see change in this
world, we must begin by practicing complete forgiveness for every living
creature. Forgiveness is the very essence of Love. It is the acknowledgement
that you realize this life is an illusion, someone made an error, and thus,
you have forgiven him or her of his or her mistake. (Forgiving is just as
it sounds - to give before the need arises.)
A Course in Miracles states
that our only function here is forgiveness. It further states that when we
truly carry out our function, we receive salvation, and that the salvation
of the world depends on us. Through our ability to forgive others as well
as ourselves will the world see change toward peace.
Have you ever stopped
and really looked at how your life is going and/or the people you draw to
you? Do you realize that what you see when you do this is a direct result
of what you have decided to focus on? The choice is whether we decide to
focus on the inner light, thereby increasing our vibration and allowing our
higher self to direct our life or whether we choose to continue
“reacting” to situations in the outer world that have been created
by our current thoughts and ideas.
Allow me to create a scenario
along with two separate ways of responding to this situation. Isabelle grew
up in a mentally abusive household. She was always talked down to and made
to feel unimportant. She knew deep inside she was very worthy of her parents'
love and grew up very confused by the mixed messages from the outside world
and her heart.
Outcome No. 1
Isabelle chose bitterness that equaled what she received
from the outside world. When she turned 18, she promptly moved out of her
home, far away, and vowed never to speak to her parents again. She decided
she would never forgive her parents for the way they raised her because to
her this was 'unforgivable'.
She was always depressed, consulted a number of therapists,
took prescription drugs for depression, and lived her life blaming all outside
forces for the way her life turned out.
In her old age, while looking back over her life, she
felt nothing but sorrow and regret, anger and resentment. By vowing to never
forgive her parents Isabelle lived a life in the past, always reliving the
hurt and sadness. Since she was never able to release the anger, it constantly
built up more and more through her years.
Outcome No. 2
Isabelle felt in her heart that her parents may have
had something in their background that was making them treat her they way
they had been treated, perhaps without even realizing it. She knew in her
heart they loved her deeply.
With this strong inner sense of love that she knew was
there, Isabelle chose to forgive her parents for the abuse she had suffered.
She decided one evening to communicate her feelings to her parents. It was
difficult for her to express exactly what she felt, but she opened her heart
and said the words that came naturally. Her parents had not realized they
had caused her so much pain. There were many tears that evening and many
past hurts relived, but by the end of the talk, both sides knew and understood
more about the other side than ever before. The parents explained their childhood
and how this may have had an impact upon the way they were raising her. They
were very sorry for the abuse and told her they would work very hard toward
changing their ways. They told her they loved her very much.
Isabelle lived the rest of her days released from this
past negativity. She grew to be a happy, open, loving adult. She had learned
the true meaning and joy forgiveness can offer.
There are as many different obstacles to overcome as
there are different ways of seeing things. But the point I'm trying to make
is that each of us always has a choice on how we will react to each situation
this life presents us with. By choosing loving, compassionate reactions rather
than hostile, angry reactions, we are freeing ourselves as well as others
from the stress and illnesses associated with choosing the latter. By
concentrating on how bad our life seems to be then we will attract more of
the same (a difficult life), but if we choose to concentrate on the good
things in our life then we open the opportunity for the Universe to bring
more of the same (good things) to us.
Diane Cantrell lives in the Midwest with her daughter and pets.
She telecommutes for an accounting firm and in her free time
loves to continue her spiritual growth through reading, writing, and
participating in spiritual awareness groups. Diane is dedicated to
helping others on their own personal journey in any way she can.
To read more of this chapter, order a copy of One Spirit's
Metaphysical Journey, or read some of Diane's inspirational
poetry, log onto
http://www.onespiritsjourney.com |
