The Forgiving Yourself Thread

[Akashic_Librarian]

I want everyone to use this thread to publically forgive THEMSELVES for anything that they did.

I hereby forgive myself for all the times I looked away.

For all the things I said.

For all the things I didn't say.

For all the times I stole. (I don't steal from shops, don't get all up in a panic, its a personal thing)

For all the times I hurt the ones I love.

[Jim11]

I forgive myself for wasting 30 seconds reading this thread and then replying to it.
jk

[Akashic_Librarian]

Hey Jim, thanks for that reply. In the future don't bother.

[cdn2wheeler]

Just curious about something, Akashic, and I sincerely don't mean this as a criticism.

Would not the process of publicly proclaiming forgiveness like this only further reinforce the feeling that one has been wronged in some way? Like the alcoholic who goes to AA meetings who has to proclaim something like, "My name is so-and-so and I'm an alcoholic. I took my last drink such-and-such time ago" reinforces the notion that regardless of how far the person has come, they're still an alcoholic?

I don't know... just a thought... perhaps I'm wrong.

[Akashic_Librarian]

Well you could view it like that. However I find it very therapeutic to place my thoughts, feelings and ill-doings out there objectively so I can realise I don't have to identify with my past.

cdn2wheeler I understand what you mean, but I think if you ignore what you have done then you are denying valuable lessons. If you dwell on what you have done, you cannot see the lessons for the percieved evil within the action. Only by contemplating the philosophical, intellectualy and emotional value of memories can we make the here and now a better place.

Also forgiving ourselves can help us see the future in a new light.

[NotesMaeve]

Sorry about forgetting the ice cream, self. I forgot how big of a bitch you can be when you're PMSing and want that.

[maddox]

well, i'm sorry this post kind of deteriorated. I rather liked the idea.

Forgiving is different than being sorry. Forgiving is letting go. I have a feeling that the Librarian meant it this way, to write it and let it go. But acknowledgement is important. Ignoring something is merely that.. ignoring. Accepting and putting it behind you and looking into the sun is much more powerful.

Anyways, I forgive myself for all the wasted time. Without it I wouldn't be here doing this, but it's still a little painful nonetheless. Whoever said waking up was instantaneous is still waking up : )