I was told that the act of forgiveness frees the person doing the forgiving from harboring dark, and ultimately self-destructive, emotions.

While there is no guarantee that the transgressor will be relieved of shame and guilt, the forgiver will always feel better.

In other words, forgiveness is, first and foremost, self-serving.

I may not be all about self-serving, but for the past few years I have been practicing a sort of forgiveness mantra.

Upon awakening and before retiring, I take a few seconds of my time to visualize those who have wronged me (except for a chosen few) and imagine myself flowing love and compassion toward them.

With a fire hose.

At around 250psi.

Additionally, I wish for them to have everything [that doesn't cross any of my best interests] they could possibly want.

I'm happy to report that it has worked for the most part.

Slowly over time, anger became resentment, became indifference, became amusement, and even came to a point of becoming affection in some cases.

And now I'm free and my heart is full.

 

Do you believe me?

Do I believe me?

I don't think so, no.

 

CLP#432 (amended)