The Transformative Power of Forgiveness

Forgiveness: we all know we are supposed to do it – but why is it so hard and seemingly unattainable?

The problem is we have been conditioned to view circumstances from the level of consciousness where we judge everything to be right or wrong and good or bad – and from this place forgiveness rarely occurs. When we transcend our judgments and simply recognize that all actions that cause pain and suffering are taken in ignorance of our true divine nature, then we can open our hearts and minds to compassion.

We suffer fear-based emotional reactions (such as anger, resentment, frustration, shame, guilt, righteous indignation, contempt, humiliation) when we put all our faith into the fear-based ideas, concepts and beliefs of our social conditioning. When we learn to see the world as it is, without the judgment that results from seeing life through the filter of our belief system and concepts, we experience peace.

The emotions of frustration, anger and self-righteousness that result from our desire to be right – according to what we believe – cause our suffering and prevent us from leading lives of compassion and kindness. Whenever our point of view is based on dualism and a lack of awareness of our oneness we will experience the emotions associated with judgment. The end result is personal and global suffering.

When we say forgiveness is the act of pardoning or excusing, that is saying that we have judged a person’s acts or words to be wrong according to our point of view or the point of view of society. However, this is where we get stuck over and over again, constantly judging, becoming angry and then having to forgive. The transformative power of forgiveness results from the definitive action of letting go of our stories and surrendering our attachment to judging circumstances from our personal point of view.

Together we will:
• Transform the fear-based beliefs and judgments within us that cause human conflict, pain, and suffering.
• Adopt specific techniques and practices to assist in the ultimate transcendence of our beliefs through the action of forgiveness, compassion, and unconditional love.

• Practice experiential exercises to forgive ourselves and others and experience the transformative power of forgiveness.