Last night I was tormented in my dreams with feelings of guilt about things that happened long ago. I am sure that on at least a few occasions you have similar dreams. If not, good for you. A counselor would suggest my subconscious was still processing what had happened and working through a process of self-forgiveness. I’m not so sure. I think I just had a bad dream. But it got me to thinking and remembering – Forgiveness is a process.
It doesn’t happen overnight, especially when it comes to self-forgiveness. In my opinion, the most difficult and stubborn person we ever need to forgive. It is because the self has very few healthy outlets for its anger. Forgiveness certainly never happens over night, but ultimately is necessary for our own sake. Failure to forgive is like a cancer. It eats at our insides and occupies all our thoughts. We forgive not only because we know it is the right thing to do, but because it is the only way we can heal. We grow stronger from forgiving others, regardless of what forgiveness does for them.
Web,
Thanks for that. I have been going through that myself lately (not the dreams but the guilt). I have been reading a book by Thich Nhat Hanh called “FEAR” essential wisdom for getting throught the storm. It is good, teaches mindfulness but it has been bringing up guilt feelings about things that had happened a very long time ago.
–John
Thanks John. I think self-guilt is a very difficult thing to overcome. I’ll check out the book and its good to hear from you. Webb
I happened upon my friend Roger today, who happened upon me, your Hubbell scope. after reading your article on Aaron (very moving, by the way) I happened upon your blog! alas… every book I have picked up in the past week, be it fiction or non, there is a passage on forgiveness. A gentle, at first, nudge to pay attention and then just a flat out smack in the face to take action on forgiveness. Thank you for forgiving yourself enough to not only show up for life but to participate in it. Thich also wrote a book on anger that helps in this area of forgiveness! “there are no coincidences” were Roger’s parting words…
Blessings!