Free yourself of burdens by learning to forgive well
Free yourself of burdens by learning to forgive well
If you have been beating yourself up because you felt you did or said something hurtful, you could probably use some forgiveness. Holding onto negative feelings is damaging to your self esteem.
Ask yourself now what emotions you feel when you think about what happened? Note how quickly the little voice in your head starts telling you what a rotten person you are.
It is time to banish that voice and learn to forgive yourself. It is not hard to do but it does take practice.
Let's say that you have already asked the offended person for forgiveness and let's also say they granted it. Why can you not let it go? You have not yet forgiven yourself and you need to.
How about this, you have tried to seek forgiveness and the person you seek it from will not accept it. You may console yourself with the fact that you tried, but your self esteem is probably low.
In the worst case scenario, the person you most want forgiveness from had died. You may think that obtaining forgiveness here is impossible but it is not.
How to practice self forgiveness
Plan. Have a period of time where you will be uninterrupted
Clear your mind. Sit or lie quietly for a few minutes without thinking of anything at all.
Recall the event that triggered your need for forgiveness. Recall but do not relive.
Ask. In your mind ask the person for their forgiveness and hear them say I forgive you.
Replace. Summon that person again in your mind and replace the negative thing you said or did with a positive one.
Release. Now picture yourself and ask yourself for forgiveness, grant it to yourself.
Rest. Hold this feeling of release for a few minutes and affirm that you have asked for and been given forgiveness by the other and from within.
This will take practice. Each time you recognize an experience that is holding you back from your full positive self esteem you will get better at accepting and giving yourself forgiveness.
So now what you earlier thought was impossible becomes possible! It is never too late to receive forgiveness if only you will practice forgiving yourself.
Each time you allow forgiveness you are allowing your self esteem to become more positive. The chances are you will become more self aware and have less to feel sorry for.