Another great thing about being business partners with two other fabulous like minded, woo-woo lovelies is that we share new personal growth strategies that we are exploring and are resonating with us.
I like to read about different alternative modalities, watch documentaries on how science and energy are forging new paths together and especially LOVE to try new things that will expand my knowledge and challenge my belief system.
Recently, in a script writing session with the girls, Debbi mentioned she had been dabbling with a new meditation practice that was fitting into her lifestyle with ease and she seemed to be really enjoying it. Having had past issues with finding a meditation practice that really ‘struck & stuck’ with me… this instantly piqued my interest. Thankfully she is so very generous with her experiences and instantly shared the info!
A few days later, I looked back in our group text and found the info about the book that she had been reading and explored its author a bit more. Didn’t take me long to be intrigued and to download the book to my Kindle! I dove right into the book and was enjoying the content and the message.
Then I got to chapter 3 – ‘Peace Through Forgiveness’
Ahhh… ok that content was an eye opener and a brain scratcher and it directed me down a few rabbit holes… some of those rabbit holes were documented studies on the power of a forgiveness meditation on your well being but most of them were past history rabbit sink holes still lingering from my own life experiences!
I gotta tell ya… this chapter stopped me in my tracks and somewhat deflated me. Not in a bad way… more like in a way that the little voice in my head was saying ‘finally … you are here at this point and ready to receive this information’.
If I had to pick one sentence from this chapter that hit home the most, it would be the part that stated ‘forgiveness is less about the other person and more about setting yourself free from negativity’.
Hola – that resonated!
The chapter goes on to explain the insidious three Rs – resentment, rejection and regret. We all experience these feelings at some point in our lives and they are the ones that linger and eat away at your state of mind for days, weeks, months or even years. Why do they stick around so long? Well… because they are all based on past events and although the event is in the past… the hurt hasn’t gone anywhere. The author goes on to say… unless we learn something from it (past event) the three Rs will continue to stay.
I won’t give the whole book away but let’s just say… it made me really reflect on my next steps towards inner peace and happiness. I have some forgiving to do! And above all else, that includes forgiving myself.
I did find the research on the power of forgiveness on one’s health to be absolutely fascinating and I would like to share some of the documented findings:
Effects on the Body
Improved Cardiovascular Health: Studies have shown that forgiveness can lead to lower blood pressure and reduced heart rate, both of which are beneficial for cardiovascular health. Chronic anger and resentment are associated with increased risk of heart disease, and forgiveness helps mitigate these risks.
Enhanced Immune Function: Forgiveness has been linked to improved immune system function. Holding onto grudges and anger can weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to illness. Letting go of these negative emotions can help strengthen immune response.
Reduced Chronic Pain: Research suggests that forgiveness can lead to a decrease in chronic pain. Individuals who forgive report lower levels of physical pain, possibly due to the reduction of stress and tension in the body.
Lower Stress Levels: Forgiveness is associated with lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. Chronic stress is detrimental to overall health, and reducing stress through forgiveness can improve various aspects of physical well-being.
Better Sleep Quality: Letting go of negative emotions and practicing forgiveness can lead to improved sleep quality. Reduced stress and anxiety contribute to more restful and uninterrupted sleep.
Effects on the Mind
Reduced Anxiety and Depression: Forgiveness has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. By letting go of negative emotions, individuals experience a greater sense of peace and emotional balance.
Improved Mental Health: Overall mental health benefits from forgiveness include increased psychological well-being, greater life satisfaction, and a more positive outlook on life.
Enhanced Emotional Resilience: Practicing forgiveness helps build emotional resilience. Individuals who forgive are better equipped to handle future stressors and emotional challenges.
Increased Empathy and Compassion: Forgiveness fosters empathy and compassion, not only towards others but also towards oneself. This can lead to more positive and nurturing relationships.
Better Coping Skills: Forgiveness is linked to better coping skills. Individuals who practice forgiveness are more likely to employ positive coping strategies in the face of adversity, rather than resorting to anger or avoidance.
Greater Psychological Flexibility: Forgiveness can enhance psychological flexibility, which is the ability to adapt to changing circumstances and view situations from multiple perspectives. This flexibility is crucial for mental health and well-being.
That is a lot of goodness that is awaiting us… all from one powerful conscious decision to embrace the art of forgiveness.
All this research I have been reading has slightly sidetracked me from the original book that Debbi sent my way (which for everyone’s reference is ‘The 6 Phase Meditation Method’ by Vishen Lakhiani), but I am trusting my intuition and that I need to focus on forgiveness right now. I feel that once I do some work in the forgiveness department and I let go of those three Rs from past events… so many other things will manifest wonderfully in my life.
So… thank you Debbi for all the rabbit holes this week and sending me something I needed at just the right time! ❤️
Much Love!
Comments