Forgiveness Facilitates Flow!

There is an aspect of forgiveness which we tend to forget about: how forgiving can facilitate the flow of good energy again.

FORGIVING OTHERS

When we are annoyed at something done to us, we become resentful. Feelings of bitterness instantly cause adrenalin to be released into our system, enabling flight-or-fight reactions. If not utilised physically, this adrenalin turns into cortisol, which is dangerous and deadly to our bodies.

Forgiving others is hard: we feel wronged, sometimes with reason, other times because of a misunderstanding. We need to realise the toll that withholding forgiveness is taking of our bodies, minds and spirits. We are literally killing ourselves with our resentment.

FORGIVING OURSELVES

When we are annoyed at ourselves for something we have done, we become guilty. We enter into an endless cycle of self-blame and guilt, feeling stupid, feeling unworthy or just downright self-hatred. Not only do we also get all the downside of cortisol build-up, but we prevent any good energy from flowing through our blood vessels, bodies and minds.

Forgiving ourselves seems to be something we do not even stop to consider: we chastise ourselves and punish ourselves over and over. One or other aspect of self-immolation dominates. I, for one, consider how foolish I have been, and what an idiot I am. It seems to fit in with what I experienced as a child.

FACILITATING THE FLOW

Facilitating the Flow: what flow, and how do we bring it about, and guarantee that it keeps going?

THE FLOW OF GOOD ENERGY IN OUR BODIES

First of all, endorphins produce happy and loving feelings in our bodies; secondly, positive energy aids us in feeling good about ourselves, and helps us to concentrate upon what we have achieved, and not on what we haven't. It enables us to move forward into setting goals and achieving what we desire.

Let's look at each of these in turn:

1. Endorphins are produced by the brain and the pituatary gland when we exercise healthily. They help us to continue to want to experience that happy feeling, by doing more of the same, thereby keeping us healthy. They are also released when we get excited, and that is the reason people seek out extreme activities, because these help the body release endorphins. Laughter can also trigger their release, so just looking at a funny movie can do wonders! Not for nothing are these words so popular: "laughter is the best medicine".

A smile can create a happy mood, and certainly is a magnet for others to catch your good feelings.

Then there is the positive awareness we can bring to problem situations and people in our lives. If we become aware of what we are able to change and improve, and then go about trying to improve a bad situation, then we are going to add to the sum of good in the world. It is when we keep trying to change things and people who are resistant to changing that we once again experience frustration, and resentment starts its insidious and destructive effects. 

We would do well to realise that we can only change certain situations, and not others. In the words of the Serenity Prayer: God, grant me the serenity to accept what I cannot change, the courage to change what I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. Therein lies great peace.

Forgiveness brings freedom: from suffering, bitterness, sickness and guilt. It offers us the freedom to choose a good and happy way of life for ourselves, and to bring blessings to the lives of others. Forgiveness facilitates the flow of positive energy, and gives us the freedom to choose from inifinite possibilities.

Forgiveness brings life - CHOOSE LIFE!