By Michael Chojnacki
Every day, people search for deeper meaning and greater purpose in their lives. They long for fulfilling relationships and higher awareness in their journey through life. One of the highest steps people can take to greater self-development is forgiveness.
Once while at a party, an acquaintance standing with a group of friends asked me what program I was currently developing. When I mentioned "Forgiveness," everyone in the group slumped forward and looked down. The mere mention of forgiveness caused them to momentarily withdraw and fall into silence. Their response was, "You're teaching forgiveness? That is the most difficult thing of all."
It is said that all forgiveness begins with self-forgiveness.
My journey of forgiveness began when I made the decision to forgive. I realized I could only find peace when I released the need to blame others for my own shortcomings. After many hours of contemplation, I discovered I had a choice. I could continue to feel frustrated and angry, or I could release the old mental conditioning that no longer served me. This opened the door to a new way of life and a greater way of being.
It is said that all forgiveness begins with self-forgiveness. When we decide to stop playing the role of the victim, we begin to forgive ourselves and soon it becomes easier to forgive others. We can start by developing the capacity to forgive others in small ways. When people are rude to us, we do not have to accept their rudeness, we can choose to see them in a higher light and bless them with kindness. Wherever we go, we can silently express the blessing of forgiveness through our thoughts, emotions, and actions. Soon, forgiveness becomes a central focus in our daily life. With conscious daily awareness, we can reach a higher perspective and discover the deeper meaning of forgiveness.
Listen to Michael Chojnacki on Beyond the Ordinary KRSE Archived Radio Programs
An Audio CD of "The Art of Forgiveness and the Return To Peace" and more CDs, as well as other articles, are available at www.aikiway.com
