Forgiveness is a powerful way to make your life and relationships better. But why is it so important? In a world full of arguments and hurt feelings, learning to forgive can help you unlock personal growth and lasting inner peace.
This post will show you the four main benefits of forgiveness. You’ll also learn simple ways to practice it and use the power of your mind to make forgiveness a habit.
Let’s get started.
“Forgive them, even when they are not sorry. Let them be right, if that’s what they need. Send them love and send them off. Don’t tie yourself to small mindedness, it will steal your well- being.” -Tessie Blackmar
Table of Contents
Why is Forgiveness Important?
Let’s say we’re angry with someone and have cut off contact with them. They wronged us. And every time we think of them, the anger vibrates within us.
We feel justified in this anger. Anger, resentment, hate, and bitterness are always fueled by righteous indignation.
But the upset that you feel is in you and does not affect them in the slightest. You are the one suffering from it. You suffer from it again and again every time you think about it.
Anger is not something someone does to us; it is something we do to ourselves. Thus forgiveness is a gift you give yourself, not someone else. In fact, the person who wronged you doesn’t even need to know that you’ve forgiven them so you can enjoy the benefits of forgiveness.
You let go of your anger because it does no good. You forgive so you can move on.
You deserve forgiveness. You deserve to be free of this annoyance, to not have it upset you and bring you down every single time you think about it.
The Benefits of Forgiveness
1. You let go of trapped energy
Anger, hate, resentment, and other negative emotions trap energy inside your body. When you forgive someone, you release that toxic energy. You can then channel this energy into more productive areas.
2. You reclaim control over your well-being
The benefits of forgiveness always go to the person who is forgiving, not to the one forgiven. Knowing that makes it much easier to forgive. In fact, it seems almost ludicrous not to do it. Even though someone has hurt, manipulated, or lied to you, the anger you feel lives only within you. It is your thoughts that have created and have been fueling it. This is excellent news because it means you have the power to let go of it.
3. You clear mental space
Think of forgiving as decluttering your mind. When we release anger, we make room for better energetic vibrational frequencies, like positivity and love. We allow higher vibrations to flow within us. It’s a transformative process that uplifts both our inner world and the world around us.
4. You grow stronger and more resilient
Letting go of anger and resentment requires effort and discipline, but it builds inner strength. It’s an act of self-empowerment that proves you control your emotions, not the other way around.
How to Practice Forgiveness
Think of one or two individuals with whom you can practice forgiveness this month.
You don’t need to speak to them or tell them what you are doing; this is an internal practice. If you do speak to them at a later date, you will be able to do it without any animosity. Your forgiveness will have long ago swept away the negative feelings you had toward them.
Practice forgiveness by wishing the person who wronged you well, every time you think of them.
It’s a simple practice, but it’s not always easy. In fact, you probably won’t be able to the first, second, or even tenth time you think of them. Your mind will rehash all the reasons they do not deserve your kindness.
Notice the negative voices in your mind and do not indulge them. Consciously send the person love and appreciation instead.
You might say: “I hope Mary is feeling well. I hope her husband is kind to her, that she is in good health, and that she had a successful day at work.”
And if you continue with the practice of wishing them well every single time you think of them, you will eventually notice a change. It’s radical, revolutionary, and incredibly effective.
Harnessing Mind Power for Forgiveness
Forgiveness is intrinsically linked to the power of our minds.
Mind Power teaches us to be aware of our thoughts and to consciously choose more empowering ones.
When we catch ourselves dwelling on past hurts, we can use this awareness to redirect our focus to more positive and forgiving thoughts. This practice not only aids in forgiveness, but also enhances our well-being and personal growth.
The Mind Power program offers tools to help us understand the deeper layers of our minds. That’s where many of our grudges and resentments live.
By accessing these layers, we can better address and release these negative emotions. We pave the way for true forgiveness and personal transformation.
When we understand and harness the power of our minds, we can speed up and deepen our forgiveness practice. Mind Power techniques help us reshape our thought patterns, making it easier to let go of grudges and resentments.
The first lesson of the Mind Power training is available for free. Get it here.
And if you’re ready to embark on an incredible journey of self-transformation, buy the full Mind Power course today.
Final Thoughts
Wounds heal when we forgive others and ourselves for our humanness. We allow ourselves and others to fail and make mistakes—to not be perfect. We forgive ourselves for lost opportunities and foolish decisions.
When we drop pettiness, we make room for moments of fun, joy, and beauty. Doing so makes us strong.
Vulnerability and fragility are part of who we are—it’s far from being a weakness.
Our quirks and idiosyncrasies are all part of our distinctiveness. We are special and beautiful because of our humanness, not in spite of it.
Your assignment is to practice the energy paths of generosity and forgiveness. Notice where they take you and how they make you feel within.
These practices transform lives!
FAQ
What is the true meaning of forgiveness?
Forgiveness is letting go of your upset. It’s freeing yourself from the anger, resentment, or bitterness you’ve been holding on to. It’s not about condoning or forgetting what happened—it’s about releasing the emotional weight that keeps you tied to the past. Forgiveness is a gift you give yourself.
Why do some people struggle to forgive?
People struggle to forgive because they feel their anger is justified. Righteous indignation can feel empowering, but it traps negative energy within us. Holding onto anger only hurts the person feeling it. Letting go requires effort and a willingness to shift perspective, which many resist.
Forgiveness isn’t easy; it’s something you work on. And you do it because you know it is good for you.
What is the hardest part of forgiveness?
The hardest part is overriding the mental loop that rehashes the wrongs and insists the other person doesn’t deserve forgiveness. It takes practice to silence these thoughts and consciously choose to let go. Forgiveness isn’t easy, but it’s transformative.
Can I forgive myself?
Absolutely. Self-forgiveness is just as important as forgiving others. It’s about accepting your mistakes, flaws, and everything else that makes you human. By forgiving yourself, you release self-criticism and open the door to personal growth, freedom, and joy.
How do I forgive someone who isn’t sorry?
You don’t need their apology. Forgiveness is an internal process, not a transaction. Let them be “right” if that’s what they need. Wish them well and release the anger you’ve tied to them. Do it for yourself, not for them. They don’t even have to know.
