Practicing Mastery: Forgiveness
Today, we are invited to step more deeply into our mastery through the practice of forgiveness. The definition of forgiveness that accompanies this card is: “an action or process that eases feelings of anger or resentment towards another person for an offense, flaw, or mistake.”
Often it is assumed that this also means letting go and forgetting about what happened or coming into reconciliation with the other party. Notably, the process of forgiveness does not require forgetting or reconciliation. Indeed, there are some things that may seem and feel impossible to forgive.
What is being asked of us is to take responsibility for our lives and to refrain from giving away our power. Forgiveness is really not for the other party with whom you’ve had some form of conflict, it is for you - so that you may free yourself and be able to move forward.
When we do not forgive, we stay mired in the energy of the conflict. It may take up space in our mental machinations each day. It may dictate the choices we make out of fear, avoidance, resistance, blame, victimization, anger, guilt, or shame. Without forgiveness, we stay tethered to this energy and continue to participate in it.
While forgiveness may feel impossible, it is a necessary part of our growth and development. It does not need to happen quickly or all at once. And, in the process of learning to forgive, we also learn much about ourselves because forgiveness requires us to be radically honest with ourselves.
Take the time to quiet your mind and connect with your heart today. Call forth the presence of our Great Mother Gaia, the Earth. Ask for her energy to come closer and allow yourself to feel it. Also, ask for the presence of your guidance team and angels. Do you sense their presence? Ask them to come closer.
What are you holding onto in your life?
Are you angry? Are you resentful?
What do these feelings reveal to you?
Are there those you believe have wronged you in your life? Do you blame them for your continued experiences?
What purpose do feelings of anger, resentment, heart break, hurt, betrayal, abandonment, etc. serve for you? As you listen with your body and mind, continue to probe with curiosity, for the ego and intellect generally have a list of reasons at the ready to justify holding onto these emotions. What purpose do these feelings really serve for you?
Do they allow you to remain small, isolated, protected, safe? Do they allow you to avoid taking responsibility for co-creating your life? Do they allow you to avoid intimacy? Do they allow you to avoid truly living - taking chances, exploring, etc?
This practice asks us to look at the large and the small areas of our lives where we are holding onto these various emotions and not forgiving. If nothing comes forward, ask your guides to show you what you most need to know. Be patient and continue asking.
Notice when you are not feeling grateful. Notice when you are feeling grateful.
Bring your attention to all of your emotions and notice when you are triggered and reactive. What is behind these feelings and reactions?
You may wish to try the practice of Ho’oponopono. This is an ancient Hawaiian practice of communication, forgiveness, and reconciliation. It may appear simple, yet it is deeply moving and powerful as it invites each of us to take responsibility for ourselves and our pain. There are four mantras: “I’m sorry; please forgive me; thank you; I love you.” You might try repeating these phrases 7 or 8 times with an open heart. Allow yourself to feel deeply as you do. What do you notice? How do you feel? This practice may be used with others or when you are alone using your intention. It has had miraculous results for those who have used it.
Sometimes the most challenging person to forgive is ourselves - and this is often buried under many other stories and layers the ego has concocted. Ask your guidance team to reveal to you where self-forgiveness is needed. Remember, you may also work with Ho’oponopono for self-forgiveness as well.
Forgiveness practice is invaluable in bringing more awareness self-love, and freedom into our lives. Working with forgiveness will assist you in remembering who you are - in remembering your mastery. You do not have to be perfect at it, especially at first - this is why it is a practice. Be kind, gentle, and compassionate with yourself and you will uncover more than you imagined possible.
May your heart beat lightly as you are held in the loving arms of the Universe, who sees all and knows all that you are - and loves you for it.
