We may forgive those who have hurt us deepest, but to forget, is another thing. This famous cliche is not realistic. A psychologist once said that forgiveness is not to literally forget what was done, but to graciously accept that it did happen in your life, and facing it without all the angry adverbs and adjectives you can think of. Forgiveness, then, is an art of accepting that bad things happen to people, but life must go on, with hope and the brightest smile to face the uncertainties of tomorrow.

A study had been made on college students with deep feelings of hate and resentment. By focusing on the negative aspects of their situations, it has been noted that heart rates and blood pressures increased. Suddenly, the body is in a state of stress from all those tensed muscles. On the other hand, forgiveness helps loosen up the knots of deep-seated hate, increasing positive feelings, and making the body feel at ease. This means free from dis-ease. The practice of gratitude also helps in the process of forgiveness. By being grateful for the lessons learned from your experience, you then move on with a greater sense of self and inner peace. That’s also very relaxing for your heart, brain, and muscles.

What are the Health Benefits of Forgiveness?

Less Stress
Lower Blood Pressure
Healthy Heart Rate
Better Control of Anger
Lesser Risk to Depression
Lesser Risk to Anxiety Disorders
Reduced Risk from Chronic Fatigue and Pain
Healthier Inter-Personal Relationships
Improved Self Image and Well-Being
Better Spirituality

There are many ways that can enhance your feeling of forgiveness – from meditation, breathing exercises, stress management, and cognitive training. You can forgive by choosing to let go of those angry thoughts on this very person who did you wrong. Avoiding the person will not make the pain go away. In the end, all those pent-up feelings will lead to chronic stress to dangerous, obsessive behaviors. The last thing you want is to go down the rabbit hole into the pitch-black cold.

There are many reasons why we might feel hurt and this can include rejection, betrayal, abuse, insult, and many more. It is very difficult to accept without some form of retaliation. But before you even think of vengeance, ask yourself if it’s worth all your energy. You can use your time and efforts on something more positive and spiritually-enriching. Remember that you are the key to your own salvation and you have to reach the keys to forgiveness, no matter how deeply buried it is in your angry self. Be at Peace!

A Short Video on the Health Benefits of Forgiveness: