Philosophy of Forgiveness:
The most powerful tool that human beings possess is Forgiveness. Men and women must learn to use forgiveness to bring peace to individuals, to communities, and to entire societies. Before we can apply forgiveness to our grief and grievances, however, we must dispel some myths about forgiveness. In our culture, forgiveness is usually seen as a sign of weakness. Our movies, generally, perceive an individual in fear approaching an individual in power with cries of mercy and forgiveness. Or, we may see a spouse seeking forgiveness from a mate for a perceived indiscretion. In almost every case forgiveness, in our society, is intended to release the offender from the feeling of guilt. We view forgiveness as a way for two people or two groups of people to settle disputes.
Forgiveness, however, are so much more.
In an article for Lifetime titled 'Forgive and Feel Better', Jeanann Pannasch wrote, "In a recent study, Charlotte Witvleit, Ph.D., a psychology professor at Hope College in Holland, Michigan, found that when individuals were able to forgive, they experienced greater joy, a more profound sense of control over life and less depression. Sound appealing?". She goes on to quote Everett L. Worthington Jr., Ph.D., executive director of A Campaign for Forgiveness Research who said, "But grudge-holding only gives us the illusion of power. If you hold on to that anger on a chronic basis, then it has power over you, eating away at your peace of mind and perhaps even your immune system.
Without seeming to usurp the meaning in the words of Jeanann Pannasch, the key difference between our common attitude toward forgiveness and what she writes is in the place of emphasis. Our common attitude assumes that forgiveness is more beneficial to the person asking for forgiveness.
Jeanann Pannasch places the emphasis on the person giving forgiveness. Her interpretation represents the most powerful use of forgiveness. When we grant forgiveness, we release from within ourselves some form of fear, hate, anger, and guilt. We make room within us for more love to enter. Forgiveness is equally beneficial to the giver and to the receiver. But the giver has far more discretion on how forgiveness may be used in his or her life, and, that is where the power of forgiveness lies.
There are no limitations to forgiveness. Forgiveness can be given openly to a person or persons face to face. However, forgiveness is most effective when given to a person or persons, to a situation, or to an entire culture from within without ever mentioning that forgiveness to another person. Why? Because the most effective use of forgiveness is to clear our own mind's paths of debris and sludge. These paths have become filled with fear, hate, anger, and guilt. Our ability to give and receive love is diminished. Our ability to communicate to our higher self is blocked. When we have a thought, any thought, that thought is communicated. If it is not communicated, openly, through speech or through writing does not mean that it does not have impact. Every thought has an impact. Thoughts of fear, hate, anger, and guilt have a great impact within. We may not be aware of the impact. But, there is an impact. Thoughts of forgiveness have a great impact within especially for the person doing the forgiving. The thought of forgiveness becomes part of universal energy and reaches the minds of all those accepting that forgiveness.
About Us:
Our newsletters are our means to reach out to others who are in search of basic truth. This search began almost 30 years ago with one question: How can we balance our lives? The summary of the answer to this question was compiled in a book titled 'Creating Your Personal Journey'. The book was published in 1996. The search has continued as we adapt to a new question: What is the truth? We are guided by the thought that, 'The best way to learn anything is to teach it.
Please feel free to pass this e-zine on to your friends. However, we ask that you keep it intact and forward it in its entirety.
To subscribe: Send us an email with your name and email address. Insert the word 'subscribe' in the subject line.
To unsubscribe: Send us an email with your name and email address. Insert the word 'remove' in the subject line.
? Copyright 2005 Roger Paradis
Roger L. Paradis-"We R One"
http://www.were-one.com
mail to paradisrjs@were-one.com
623 East New Lenox Rd. Pittsfield, MA, 01201
Creating a New Vision for the 21st Century
Let's say you're ready to change some aspect of your... Read More
Have you ever felt the whole world was against you?... Read More
Look at this glass on the table in front of... Read More
Dear Friends,All human beings have a unique ability right from... Read More
People with negative attitudes may wonder why they never achieve... Read More
Our attitude makes seems to control just about everything about... Read More
Near the end of December 2004, I received an email... Read More
"There is an infinitely worthier subject for philosophers (to study)... Read More
Resentment isn't a spectacular emotion, but it is long-lasting and... Read More
? Make a list of all your accomplishments in life... Read More
Self belief is a wonderful thing.I know from my own... Read More
The power of positive thoughts to affect one's experience of... Read More
I AM SO GRATEFUL for meeting challenges head-on. We see... Read More
At first glance, it would seem that positive thinking and... Read More
Whether it's the other kids making fun of you at... Read More
Ever had a problem with doubts? Ever felt that nagging... Read More
Are feelings and attitudes the same thing or different? Does... Read More
I need your help. I did a good deed recently,... Read More
How would you like to stop feeling like your life... Read More
Are you a person who loves challenges, or hates them?... Read More
You've been looking for a job for as long as... Read More
Do you really believe that there is anything in this... Read More
Humans tend to categorize things by large or small, bright... Read More
Our lives are busy. We rush here only to remember... Read More
The fear of success is more common than some might... Read More
Granger limo Chicago ..It took me a long time to realise the benefits... Read More
Good morning I love you.This is a basic exercise, which... Read More
Smart folk have always realised how vital it is to... Read More
The mind absolutely amazes me. It will never be understood,... Read More
Gratitude is one of the most important things you can... Read More
With Thanksgiving approaching, I thought it would be especially appropriate... Read More
You wake up in the morning sleepy and fatigued; the... Read More
I've had several coaching clients come to me who, while... Read More
The other day I bought an unusual piece of software:... Read More
This is the age of the Quick Fix - the... Read More
Life is the greatest roller coaster ride we will ever... Read More
The hardest part of success is the **courage** you need... Read More
As we enter this holiday season, and this time of... Read More
As a trainer of coaches I often teach my students... Read More
You may be facing a type of disappointment, frustration, loss,... Read More
People with negative attitudes may wonder why they never achieve... Read More
"You can't always get what you want . . ."... Read More
There is a growing volume of research that shows' staying... Read More
Few people are aware of the thoughts that pass through... Read More
Are you completely happy in your life right now? Honestly?... Read More
Hospital patient undergoing surgery recounts how Hero Soul provided strength,... Read More
So, do you love yourself?Shouldn't really be a difficult question... Read More
This is a technique that sounds a bit silly when... Read More
Satisfaction 100% guaranteed or your money back! That was the... Read More
Why do we have such a downer on Pollyanna? After... Read More
Positive Attitude Tips |