{ forgiveness }

I think we all carry around a lot of weight on our shoulders - especially related to guilt, anger, grudges and resentment...Just in the past few months I've had several conversations & issues with people that center on resentment, anger, jealousy and untruths and I myself seem to be holding onto a few grudges I need to let go of. I've also recently been coming across the topic of forgiveness and letting go on some blogs I love. I recently took an amazing yoga class and the teacher read this meditation and thought I'd share it with all of you in case you, or someone you know is in need...

This meditation from Jack Kornfield (found in this book), has helped me so much lately...enjoy.

I hope it helps you too....

Let yourself sit comfortably, allowing your eyes to close and your breath to be natural and easy. Let your body and mind relax. Breathing gently into the area of your heart, let yourself feel all the barriers you have erected and the emotions you have carried because you have not forgiven–not forgiven yourself, not forgiven others. Let yourself feel the pain of keeping your heart closed. Breathing softly, begin reciting the following words, letting the images and feelings that come up grow deeper as you repeat them.

There are many ways that I have hurt and harmed others, have betrayed or abandoned them, caused them suffering, knowingly or unknowingly, out of my pain, fear, anger, and confusion.

I ask for your forgiveness. I ask for your forgiveness.

Just as I have caused suffering to others, there are many way that I have hurt and harmed myself. I have betrayed or abandoned myself many times in thought, word, or deed, knowingly or unknowingly.

For the ways I have hurt myself through action or inaction, out of fear, pain, and confusion, I now extend a full and heartfelt forgiveness.

I forgive myself. I forgive myself.

There are many ways I have been harmed by others, abused or abandoned, knowingly or unknowingly, in thought, word, or deed.

I remember the many ways others have hurt, wounded or harmed me, out of fear, pain, confusion, and anger. I have carried this pain in my heart long enough. To the extent that I am ready, I offer you forgiveness.

To those who have caused me harm, I offer my forgiveness, I forgive you.

Added on August 4th - The world is clearing sending me a signal as I just read this great post on Crazy Sexy Life about Forgiveness, entitled {Why is it so damn hard?}