Forgiveness.... the never ending story. We come across it often within our lives, sometimes in smaller doses and other times like a big black storm that hangs over our heads and hearts for days, sometimes years. Forgivness can be one of the most challenging bridges to cross. Yet to move forward into a life of love and freedom we must learn to cross that bridge and forgive. 

We may feel we don't want to forgive. we may not know how to forgive. However the first step to begin the healing process is to be willing to forgive.

I have met this challenge a few times in my life, one time it was for years where I held a grudge. It felt like a clenched fist around me heart, but as soon as I took the steps to gently let go and forgive I immediately felt expansion through my chest. 

When I think back now and think of the experience I don't feel resentment. Nor do I feel triggered and I genuinely and authentically feel love towards those involved.

Forgiveness doesn't mean you have to be friends, or that you receive someone back into your life. What it means is that you become free of the hurt and free of the resentment. Not only does it allow freedom on your on your journey, it allows the other person to be free on theirs.

A wise way of looking at it is that each person that crosses our path does so for a reason. There is a gift in every relationship we attract. It may be in the form of love, or learning to love, a lesson, a mirror, a recurring message, it is all part of a reflection of our self. An opportunity to learn, to grow and to reach an even higher level of self.

So how do we go about "Forgiving"? , sometimes it is easier said than done, right? 

A great tool for moving through this block is a "Forgiveness Meditation", It can help you to sit long enough with your feelings to experience them and let them go. 

I have also had some great experiences using the Hawaiian technique called Ho'oponopono, which means "to make right". This is an ancient practice that is used for reconciliation and forgiveness. When resentful thoughts or issues arise repeat "I love you, I'm sorry, please forgive me. thank you". Repeat and repeat until you feel the intense energy reside.

Saying "please forgive me" means we are taking responsibility for our thoughts, and when we heal ourselves it heals others.

You deserve to be happy, free and filled to the brim with love. Surrender the heartaches and be willing to forgive, as yogi Bhajan says "let go and let God".

Inspiration for forgiveness can be found in the following 5 beautiful quotes, as well as in the knowledge that when we forgive others we forgive ourselves and open up more space for love. Who wouldn't want that?

"True forgiveness is when you can say, "Thank you for that experience." ~Oprah Winfrey

"The truth is, unless you let go, unless you forgive yourself, unless you forgive the situation, unless you realise the situation is over, you cannot move forward." ~ Steve Maraboli

"The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong." ~ Mahatma Gandhi

"Forgiveness doesn't excuse their behaviour. Forgiveness prevents their behaviour from destroying your heart." ~ Justin and Trisha Davis

"People have to forgive. We don't have to like them, we don't have to be friends with them, we don't have to send them hearts in text messages, but we have to forgive them, to overlook, to forget. Because if we don't we are tying rocks to our feet, too much for our wings to carry!" ~ C. Joybell C.

Closing prayer. Place your right hand on your heart with the left hand over top. Feel your heart. Feel the warmth, the beat and feel it expand. Then when you feel ready, affirm: "May my heart soften and surrender to the healing energy of forgiveness. May my inner light shine strong from within and may that light beam the brightest it is meant to beam always and forever from this day forward.... and so it is"

Have a beautiful day,

Rachel x

PS this stunning pic is via pinterest. Photography by Anne McKinnell