Forgiveness

Forgiveness as a Path to Optimal Health and Wellness:
We all get hurt in life; sometimes by well-meaning people who never intended to offend or cause pain. And sometimes by mean-spirited or irresponsible people who just don't care. Holding a grudge, or living in a state of anger and rage, is worse for our health and wellness than theirs.

Our goal is to embrace forgiveness and to understand that forgiveness is not only a positive and conscious choice, but also a skill that can be learned. Clinical research and data supporting the therapeutic value of forgiveness helps the participant reach this goal.

Forgiveness: A Continuum, A Choice, An Obstacle Course
A lthough the word forgiveness is widely used, other words which convey aspects of this concept and which may contribute to our understanding include mercy, remission, absolution, exoneration, pardon, and reprieve. Clarification is established regarding what forgiveness is and what forgiveness is not.

The Forgiveness Path to Health:
In choosing to forgive, we seek to eliminate ill will. We choose something other than revenge toward someone we hold accountable for committing hurtful, harmful acts. Forgiveness is a priceless gift, because it liberates us from the self-imposed bondage of the past. To forgive allows us to become the architect of our freedom. It adds a positive dimension to how we experience life in general and to how healthy we are in particular.

On the Forgiveness Path we transform what was once perceived as something negative into something positive, and nurture a growing awareness that forgiveness is in our best interest. This requires an inward journey of the heart, mind, and soul in order for healing to take place -- physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

The Forgiveness Journey:
The steps and milestones involved in forgiveness of self and forgiveness of others are explored in detail during the forgiveness journey. At the conclusion of this journey, each participant should have a clear understanding that forgiveness is vital to health. Specific guidelines provided throughout enable the participant to incorporate new forgiveness behaviors in order to achieve optimal health and wellness.
A man that studieth revenge keeps his own wounds green, which otherwise would heal and do well. -- Francis Bacon
How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in your life you will have been all of these. -- George Washington Carver
An eye for an eye would make the whole world blind. -- Mahatma Gandhi
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