Forgiveness

Forgiveness is a huge topic.... a little daunting to be fitting this into our 6 week summer session.
However we will look at aspects of forgiveness that might dislodge some of our old perceptions and give us a clearer view of what it means.
Regarding self forgiveness Patrick Miller in THE WAY OF FORGIVENESS says," Forgiving your flaws and failures does not mean looking away from them or lying about them. Look at them as a string of pitiful or menacing hitchhikers whom you can't afford not to pick up on your journey to a changed life. Each of them has a piece of the map you need hidden in its shabby clothing. You must listen attentively to all their stories and win the friendship of each one to put your map together."
For me the idea of "listening to their stories" makes all the difference. What lies beneath our inability to forgive ourselves? We can begin to let go of and remove the armor that protects and keeps hidden our shame and guilt. We can bring it into the light and acknowledge it. We can learn the truth that surrounds it.
In yoga practice, we often feel that we have peeled away some of the protective layers of tension that we habitually store and hold in our bodies. That is one of the reasons we feel so good after practice. There is a freedom that is felt in the body... a new way of moving and breathing.
What if through a regular practice of forgiveness we felt that same lightness and freedom.
Similar to yoga, our first attempts may feel clumsy and awkward. However with practice it becomes easier more fluid and we begin to claim it as how we live. We catch ourselves holding a grievance and begin to wash it away little by little. We boldly stay present with our state of mind and how we are responding or reacting.
Forgiveness is a yoga... a practice of knowing ourselves and responding from a deep well of wisdom within.