The Ultimate Gift: Forgiveness

The Ultimate Gift: Forgiveness

“Forgiveness does not mean that we suppress anger; forgiveness means that we have asked for a miracle:  the ability to see through mistakes that someone has made to the truth that lies in all of our hearts.

Forgiveness is not always easy. At times, it feels more painful than the wound we suffered, to forgive the one that inflicted it. And yet, there is no peace without forgiveness. Attack thoughts towards others are attack thoughts towards ourselves. The first step in forgiveness is the willingness to forgive.”
~ Marianne Williamson

This time of year even commercials make me weepy. In the past, I’ve found that by December I’m more sensitive, less patient, and overworked than the energizing months prior. So this year I’ve been taking a few precautionary steps to slow down and be present for whomever I’m with and whatever comes up. The holidays are a fantastic opportunity to grow your big heart, let go of old crap, and finally surrender to your greater good. Here are a few simple ways to work with powerful emotions like anger, fear, and resentment to give you the courage to let go.

7 Ways to Work with Holiday Stress

  1. Walk away—stop the pattern by disengaging.
  2. Close your eyes—calm the nerves by limiting your sight for a few moments.
  3. Get outside—being with nature gives us perspective and pacifies the mind, body, and heart.
  4. Find a body of water—being near a lake, ocean, or river can calm the inner flames.
  5. Breathe deeply—inhale and exhale on a slow count of four. Repeat ten times.
  6. Listen to music—soft relaxing sound tones can do wonders for your mind as you decompress.
  7. Express it—talk or write it out so you can get it off your chest and begin the healing process of moving on.

Of course, the most simple and direct way to work with powerful emotions is by meeting the ultimate teacher, the breath. In one inhale, you take in all that life offers. In a single exhale, you release all of it. The breath holds the greatest teaching of what it means to be alive. Simplify and work with your emotions by practicing the four aspects of awareness anytime something grabs a hold of you.

Four Aspects of Awareness

  1. Notice it. How did you react?
  2. Name it. What are you feeling?
  3. 3. Locate it. Where in the body do you feel it and what is its quality?

Soften. Can you direct your breath to the area of tension and invite release?

Denmo is the founder and CEO of Earthbody. She is a writer, artist, therapist, and coach.

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