How to conduct a "Forgiveness-Ritual"

Forgiveness is important to be able to move on, and to create a vibrant future. It is a gift you give yourself, not to the person who you are forgiving. That person, does not have to present during this ritual, actually it is best to be done alone, or with one support person.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• a comfortable, safe space

1. Create or find a spot in your home, where you feel completely safe, and comfortable, and will not be disturbed for the next 10 to 20 minutes.
2. Relax - you might want to meditate before you go to the next step, or spent time in prayer according to your faith.
3. Imagine the person you want to forgive. You do not have to see him/her clearly, just get a sense of him.
4. Allow yourself to recall the hurt. Put your hand at your heart, allow the tears to flow, do not hold back.
5. When you are ready, imagine yourself filled with warmth, and light, extend this light and warmth toward the person you want to forgive.
6. Say the words :"(name of the person), I forgive you."
7. Affirm to your self the affirmation "I release all." Repeat this sentence a few times, breathing slowly, relaxed.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember - this is a gift you are giving yourself. It is meant to free you, not to have anything to do with the person who you are forgiving.
• If you are trying to forgive an incident of abuse (physical or otherwise) and you are struggling with outward symptoms of that experience, such as addictions or other self-distructive behaviors, seek professional help, today!
• This ritual also works in forgiving an animal that has attacked you. Envision the animal instead of a person.
• Again, if you show any self-destructive or addictive behavior due to what has happened to you, talk to someone about it, today!