Although it feels easier to be critical―“I hate my body,” “She makes fun of my efforts to eat mindfully”―in fact, it’s actually easier to forgive. A form of letting go, forgiving creates a space to establish skillful habits and mind states that are in harmony with the desire to change. Forgiveness also diminishes the stress that comes from judging ourselves and others. The process begins by forgiving ourselves: our mistakes, feelings, and habits. From this perspective, everything is equally forgivable, whether it’s our laziness, self-hatred, impatience, large thighs, or tendency to overeat. Just the willingness to be mindful of what is calling for forgiveness is a radical step.
A Mindfulness Practice for Forgiving Your Imperfections
It’s helpful to do a forgiveness practice every day, including any aspect of ourselves or our experience that could benefit from this practice.
First, make a list of the things you find hardest to forgive yourself for. You’ll use the list in the following exercise.
Sit in a quiet and comfortable place, in a relaxed sitting position.
Consider each item on your list and repeat the following phrase: To the extent that I am able, I forgive myself for any hurt or harm I have caused myself intentionally or unintentionally.
Begin with smaller things like “not getting enough exercise” and build up to bigger issues such as “the habit of beating myself up for not being perfect.”
Go through your list repeat these phrases: To the extent that I am able, I forgive myself for not getting enough exercise. Even if I can’t forgive myself, I forgive myself for that. For as long as it takes, I will continue to offer myself the priceless gift of forgiveness.
Next, we focus on forgiving others. Make a list of the things you find hardest to forgive others for.
Consider each item on your list and repeat the following phrase:To the extent that I am able, I forgive my friend Mary for the hurt or harm I’ve experienced. Even if I can’t fully forgive her, I forgive myself for that. Again, begin with small issues and build up to bigger ones.For as long as it takes, I will make the effort to offer Mary the priceless gift of forgiveness.
With diligent practice, we begin to realize that forgiveness is a unique form of nourishment, a way of providing ourselves and others a spaciousness around our conflicts and difficulties. We no longer feel as alone, stuck, or doomed to fail and the resulting peace of mind provides an inner fullness.
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Tara Well January 2, 2020
Willem Kuyken December 10, 2019
