Forgiveness First Aid Kit
Remember what it feels like when you first arrive at the beach? That feeling of relief?
That's what forgiveness feels like.
Neuroscience tells us that when you forgive, the pain circuitry inside your brain becomes quiet, the craving circuitry of revenge becomes quiet, and your self control circuitry activates. Everything is calm and still. You feel relief.
Think of forgiveness as a critical part of your brain's internal First Aid Kit.
Try it now. Think of any grievance or sense of mistreatment, injustice, or victimization that you've been carrying. Any one will do.
Now, don't try to forgive it yet. You might not be ready. Instead, just imagine how you would feel if you did. Just imagine it. Take a second, close your eyes, and imagine how you would feel if you forgave it.
Feel the pain washing away? Feel the relief? The freedom?
That's forgiveness shutting down your brain's pain network and revenge craving circuitry. Forgiveness actually stops pain and revenge desires rather than just covering them up with a temporary (and addictive) dopamine hit.
Forgiveness isn't weakness. It's a combination of wonder drug and human superpower, an inexhaustible ocean of relief. And it's free, without a doctor or a prescription, available anywhere, anytime, manufactured and dispensed inside your own brain.
Try it again.
And again.
Whenever the pain returns, just imagine forgiving it and washing it away. Like a wave spreading across the surf, smoothing the rippled sand.
Don't stop.
Your brain has everything you need to take away your pain. You don't even need to tell the person who hurt you that you're forgiving them. You're doing this for you, not them. This is for your own health and wellbeing (although you can tell them if you want to).
In times of distress or despair over anything, say this Forgiveness First Aid Kit Mantra over and over to yourself:
I forgive this world for all things done and all things left undone.
I am forgiven for all things done and all things left undone.
Nothing real can be threatened. Nothing unreal exists.
You can even use this Forgiveness First Aid Kit Mantra to help with physical illnesses--or even if the person you have a grudge against is you. Say it to yourself as often as possible for maximum benefit.
Just forgive.
Want more help to free yourself from the wrongs of the past and live your best life today? These excellent forgiveness coaches will work with you personally and show you how:
Eileen Barker, The Path of Forgiveness
https://thepathofforgiveness.com/eileenbarker/
Diane Sherwood, The Center for Peace and Forgiveness
https://peaceandforgiveness.com/about/
Stephen Tolfree