“Let go . . . How would your life be different if you learned to let go of things that have already let go of you? From relationships long gone to old grudges, to regrets, to all the ‘could’ve’ and ‘should’ve’, to the dead friendships you still hang on to . . . Free yourself from the burden of a past you cannot change.” Dr. Steve Maraboli, Speaker, author and Behavioral Scientist
First, let me say that I’m so excited to see clients, once again, on Tuesdays at Storm Wisdom. Although I’ve connected with clients via phone and Zoom during ‘stay at home’ restrictions I’ve missed seeing clients in person! I hope to see some of you soon!
Now, I wonder how often you find yourself replaying experiences from the past? I find that I do sometimes and when I do it feels like a song on replay over and over again. It’s not like replaying a favorite song. I find myself more in a space of judgment. I analyze and try to figure out why I responded in the way I did and then I focus on how I could have handled it better and then if I continue in that loop I judge myself more. This isn’t a fun place to be is it? So, I’ve wondered how to change this cycle. During my reflective time I recognize that it’s important for me to forgive myself for my part in the experience. Sounds easy, right? Yes, it can be but like that comfortable pair of shoes it can be hard to let go, right?
Miguel Angel Ruiz also known as Don Miguel Ruiz, Mexican author of Toltec spiritualist and neoshamanistic texts shares some beautiful wisdom. He has said, “Forgive yourself. The supreme act of forgiveness is when you can forgive yourself for all the wounds you’ve created in your own life. Forgiveness is an act of self-love. When you forgive yourself, self-acceptance begins and self-love grows.” I asked myself, “Can I give myself the gift of forgiveness? Do I deserve it?” I realize that if I can’t accept and love myself enough to forgive choices I’ve made in the past then I’m stuck in the past, living in the present and moving forward becomes more difficult and maybe impossible. Whoa!
How can I not forgive myself? I must if I want to be the best me I can be and continue to grow! So, I recall the particular experience and imagine it as an observer. I look at the lessons learned and know that they are a part of the foundation of who I am. I choose to accept the experience, hold onto the positive lessons and know that I can let go of the negative ones. Then I ask for help from High Self and/or God to change, transform and transmute the energies of this experience that no longer serve me back to love. I continue to breathe and feel these energies lift until I no longer feel triggered by them. I trust that they’ve been transmuted and do an internal scan imagining the experience and notice the triggers are gone! It’s a wonderful feeling.
Thich Nhat Hanh, Vietnamese Buddhist monk reminds us that, “The whole cosmos has come together to create you. You carry the whole cosmos inside you. That is why to accept yourself is an expression of gratitude.” I’m so grateful that I am living more consciously and have the trust and tools to change with the help of High Self and God/Goddess/All That Is, Source. Rather than dwell and remain stuck in the past I choose to use the past as a learning experience. I am grateful for this awareness and I love and accept myself enough to give this gift of forgiveness to me. How about you?
I am available, once again, for private sessions at Storm Wisdom on Tuesdays from 1p – 6p. If you would like to connect with me or schedule a channeled private session on Tuesdays to explore becoming more of who you are, please call Storm Wisdom (602)334-1204. I am also available by phone or Zoom on other days. To schedule go to victoriabarna.com.