6 Powerful Forgiveness Tips

It’s not easy to forgive, even though we know it’s for our own good. Experts say we need to practice forgiveness to master the challenge.

6 Powerful Forgiveness Tips

Science is backing up the power of forgiveness. Researchers have found when we forgive anxiety is reduced, the immune system is stronger, and there was an increase of energy. The Stanford University Forgiveness Project found that people who practice forgiveness for minor offenses saw a boost in their cardiovascular health. It’s not easy to forgive, even though we know it’s for our own good. Experts say we need to practice forgiveness to master the challenge. Try these six ideas.

Reminders

Think about the ramifications of unforgiveness by using reminders, wrote author Robert Enright. Forgiveness will help you avoid disorder, protects emotional well-being, and “stand against the worst kind of injustice so that it does not defeat you.” It’s protecting your inner sanctum.

The Offender

Enright explained in 8 Keys to Forgiveness that forgiveness is not making excuses for the offender. You’re not letting people off the hook, you are letting go of the resentment that is destroying you. Injustice is still injustice.

Get to the Roots

We need to go to the roots of rejection, anger and hurt. There could be layers that need to be revealed and healed. This could be the reason you’re reacting to minor events like feeling left out of a meeting, lunch, or getting upset if one disagrees with you.

Find Meaning

Find meaning in suffering if you can. How can you change this story and make it a positive one? How did this situation make you more courageous? Use this to empower yourself, and move forward.

Forgive Yourself

Forgive yourself for making mistakes, and learn self-acceptance. If this is hard, seek a licensed therapist for guidance and healing.

Change Your Perspective

Change your perspective and know that this won’t defeat you. Just because you still have hurts, doesn’t mean you have not forgiven, or moved on.

Beliefnet.com