A thought on the tricky process called Forgiveness

Forgiveness is an elusive and complex process. Sometimes we try to forgive but there lies beneath the surface unsolved resentments that mask the process so we simply cease to care. That is not true forgiveness. Understanding and compassion, even reliving the injuries and pain, give us the opportunity to let go of the past so we can live free in the future. Harboring a self righteous and seemingly superior position to those we would forgive will thwart our efforts and leave the seed of madness to slowly fester over time. When we sincerely desire to forgive, moments of sweet surrender and reminders of fleeting memories when goodness and gratitude existed in our hearts create a blanket of soothing warmth to soften our hardened hearts. Grab the moment, be kind and remember that we have all caused pain by our unconscious acts, self seeking motives, and uncontrolled desires and if we were on a path of right-thinking and generosity we would have never chosen to wound another. Then and only then can we release that darkness and surrender it as a bird to fly away exposing our open wounds to the healing light of love and understanding. Freedom from our pain gives us the peace to live in calmness and serenity.