Have you or your loved one ever been hurt by someone? Did someone treat you unfairly in the past? Did someone break your trust? If so, what type of emotions appear in your mind and how do you feel when you think about that person?
“Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies.” – Nelson Mandela
“To err is human, to forgive, divine.” – Alexander Pope
Modern science and research consistently and effectively prove that forgiveness leads to various mental and physical health benefits. Not forgiving leads to negative emotions and undesirable health outcomes.
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Studies have shown that forgiveness lowers the heartrate and blood pressure, prevents heart disease, improves immunity, decreases likelihood of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Those who forgive, live longer, and have reduced physical pain intensity as compared to those who do not forgive!
The journey from suffering to forgiveness may not be easy and may be obstructed by numerous barriers. Recognizing the need, understanding the emotions, and changing the thought patterns are various stages that finally lead to forgiveness. Forgiveness doesn’t mean you have to go out and tell that person or the whole world about it, it is an internal process, within you. Sometimes it requires help from psychotherapy and support groups.
Can you think of someone who you can forgive?
Reference:
Integrative Medicine by David Rakel
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