Embracing Forgiveness: A Simultaneous Acknowledgement We All Must Endeavor
In a world where many have lost sight of their purpose, one individual stands out, striving to help the blind see, the abused heal, the angry cry, and the lost remember. This compassionate soul, a Co-Editor/Writer for CLN, a Licensed Reiki Master, and a heart-centered Graphic Designer, is on a mission to lead others to the light they are blind to.
The author acknowledges that we all make mistakes, over-react, and are slaves to our emotions. Yet, they are learning to let go, to forgive, and to love more deeply. They believe that forgiveness is not just a moral or spiritual act, but a complex psychological process that requires empathy, self-reflection, and emotional regulation.
Empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, plays a crucial role in forgiveness. By seeing the offender's motivations and humanity, individuals can foster forgiveness. Self-reflection, on the other hand, helps process one's own emotions and needs, facilitating emotional healing.
Forgiveness also requires emotional regulation and psychological flexibility, reducing emotional reactivity and promoting acceptance of painful events. Past trauma, especially adverse childhood experiences, can complicate one’s capacity to forgive, as unresolved wounds may trigger heightened emotional reactivity.
A shift in perspective is another key factor in forgiveness. Understanding the offender’s context, such as their own trauma or stress, does not excuse the harm but softens resentment and helps distinguish current pain from older, unresolved injuries. Cognitive framing, expressing feelings using "I" statements to avoid defensiveness, and rebuilding trust incrementally also facilitate forgiveness.
The author values the loving, positive parts of relationships over holding grudges, even after betrayal or hurt. They see forgiveness as a higher purpose, about maintaining inner peace, giving and receiving authentic love. Forgiveness, they believe, is for giving and something that everyone should take up.
The author's journey towards forgiveness has not been easy. They have felt horrible for not being able to help themselves in the past. But they are learning to understand the reasons for harm caused to them, rather than seeking revenge. They have a tendency to react strongly when they feel their safety is threatened, but they do not hold grudges or seek revenge.
The author is an avid lover of Quantum Physics and Spirituality, and they have a progressive voice in social media activism and awareness. They believe that everything, even painful experiences, is here for their growth, experience, sharing, or remembering who they are. They are surrendering to life and following their heart, learning more about what they truly love and their gifts.
In essence, the author's life path and purpose is to help others see the light they are blind to and lead them to it. Mahatma Gandhi once said, "The weak cannot forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong." The author embodies this strength, choosing love over resentment, forgiveness over bitterness, and growth over stagnation.
References:
[1] Enright, R. D., & Fitzgibbons, M. E. (2000). The psychology of forgiveness. In H. T. Ornstein & A. W. Harrington (Eds.), Handbook of psychotherapy and mental health (pp. 490–502). Wiley.
[2] Worthington, E. L. (2006). Forgiveness and mental health: The benefits of forgiving and the costs of not forgiving. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 62(5), 605–616.
[3] McCullough, M. E., Pargament, K. I., & Thoresen, C. E. (2000). Forgiveness and health: Mechanisms linking forgiveness and well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 78(3), 375–388.
[4] Wade, N. G., McCullough, M. E., & Worthington, E. L. (2001). Forgiveness and health: A review of the literature and a call for a new research paradigm. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 20(6), 669–705.
- Embarking on a personal journey of spirituality, this individual seeks to foster emotional healing and promote forgiveness in their lifestyle, as they believe that these aspects are interconnected with education-and-self-development and personal-growth.
- In online activism and awareness, they advocate for the understanding of the complexities of relationships, encouraging empathy, self-reflection, and forgiveness to strengthen bonds and facilitate healing.
- They strive to help others remember their purpose, drawing insights from quantum physics and spirituality, and embracing the view that all experiences, including pain, serve as opportunities for growth and self-discovery.
