Forgiveness vs. Acceptance
THIS is a huge one for so many…..
In my experience and perspective, there is such a stigma around *forgiveness*…plenty of people preaching that you MUST forgive in order to heal, find peace, and accept your life as it is. But, what I believe is that we actually do not need to forgive the unforgiveable.
Some wounds are etched so deep, the pain penetrable, and the impact in our being immeasurable.
Yet, there absolutely can be an acceptance of these experiences and encounters, and from there, a palpable and authentic sense of spaciousness and peace.
Over time, with acceptance, the impact on your being lessens.
Everyone has been hurt by another to some degree or another. Certainly to varying degrees. Some of these hurts area more benign and with practice and time…can be forgiven on multiple levels.
Yet, there are also those wounds that have been carved so deeply – those violent acts on our being – verbally, emotionally, physically – that cannot be forgiven.
Yet, they can be wrapped in acceptance if we choose to.
This doesn’t diminish the impact nor does it say “Oh, it’s okay. I forgive you for hurting me on the most fundamental level”. Yet, it can offer some inner spaciousness into ourselves and our state of being.
Acceptance can create the spaciousness to move forward in life intact, in the present moment…with only threads to the past hurts rather than tethers. Weights. Anchors.
Living a life of actively accepting the past – the hurts and pain and deep wounding – provides the platform of possibility.
The landing pad for authentic, vulnerable, raw, heart-expanding connections to life exactly as it is…right now…in this precious present moment…with our beautiful, upright, and empowered selves on board.
From there, there are only building blocks and stepping stones to love. To truth. To alignment.
So, next time someone tells you that you “need” to forgive the unforgiveable, you can confidently and clearly, with an open heart and upright spine layered in truth say….actually, I do not forgive the person/situation/action, but I DO accept it and, therefore, I am at peace with myself.