Forgiveness - the inner decision to free the heart

"Forgiveness means releasing a prisoner - and recognizing that you yourself were the prisoner"

Forgiveness is one of the most profound, radical and powerful tools on the spiritual path. It is not simply an act of politeness or an attempt to avoid conflict - it is an inner resolve to free the heart. Forgiveness is a sacred “yes” to life, despite all the hurts, disappointments and unresolved stories we carry with us. True forgiveness is not a cognitive process, but an experience of the heart. It comes when we are willing to let go of our judgement, our resentment, our blame - not because “it was all good”, but because we realize: We no longer want to be bound to the pain.

Forgiveness is self-healing.

What forgiveness is not

There are many misunderstandings surrounding the topic of forgiveness. It is therefore important to clarify what forgiveness does not mean:

• Forgiveness does not mean that you condone another person's behavior.
• Forgiveness does not mean that you should allow yourself to be hurt again.
• Forgiveness does not mean that you have to forget the past.
• Forgiveness does not mean that there should be no consequences for the behavior of others.

Forgiveness rather means:

• I choose to no longer stay in this inner connection of pain and resentment.
• I honor my feelings - and at the same time I am ready to become free.

Why forgiveness is so important

Forgiveness is not primarily a gift to the other person - it is a gift to ourselves. If we do not forgive, we remain energetically and emotionally bound to the past. Resentment, anger, rage - they bind us to an inner image of the hurt. This attachment keeps us small, prevents us from healing and prevents us from truly living in the present moment.
Forgiveness brings:

• Heart opening: resentment closes our heart - forgiveness reopens it to love, compassion and connection.
• Inner freedom: Forgiveness frees us from emotional dependencies and inner imprisonment.
• Mental growth: It is one of the most powerful forms of inner transformation.
• Spiritual depth: Forgiveness leads us closer to our true self, to the divine source within us.

The two paths to forgiveness

Forgiveness towards others

In our lives, we encounter people who have hurt, disappointed or abandoned us. Some of these wounds are small - others are deep and old. We may even have spent our lives trying to forget them. But every unhealed wound carries energy. And as long as we do not consciously heal them, they continue to have an effect - in our relationships, decisions, fears and patterns.

Forgiveness towards others means stepping out of the role of victim - and into self-empowerment. It means: "I choose healing instead of guilt. I choose love over separation."

It is an act of maturity - and of liberation.

Self-forgiveness

Often the most difficult form of forgiveness is towards ourselves. We carry feelings of guilt, self-condemnation, shame or remorse. We may condemn ourselves for past mistakes, for words we have said - or for what we have failed to do. But true healing only happens when we treat ourselves with the same loving kindness we wish for others.

Self-forgiveness means recognizing my humanity - taking responsibility without judging myself.

I let go of old guilt and return home to my heart.

The spiritual dimension of forgiveness

In many spiritual traditions, forgiveness is not just an ethical attitude, but a path to enlightenment.

• In Christianity, Jesus teaches the radical power of forgiveness - even towards those who kill us.
• In Buddhism, “metta” - loving kindness - is a way of treating all beings with compassion, even our “enemies”.
• In yoga, forgiveness is one of the foundations of ahimsa, the principle of non-violence - towards others as well as oneself.
• In shamanic healing or in the Hawaiian Huna teachings (e.g. Ho'oponopono), forgiveness is a central element for clarifying and restoring harmony.

Forgiveness is spiritual hygiene. It cleanses the heart. It softens us. It allows light and love to flow through us and for others.

Forgiveness takes time

Forgiveness is a process. It does not happen at the push of a button. It has its own rhythm. And sometimes we have to go through many layers:

• Anger,
• pain,
• tears,
• grief,
• powerlessness,
• resistance.

And that's okay. Forgiveness is not a “must”. It is a maturing process.

Sometimes it starts with a single sentence: “I am ready to be ready.”

Forgiveness is a daily practice

Forgiveness is not just one big act - it is a way of life. Every day we encounter situations in which we are hurt - or hurt others. A conscious life asks:

• Where am I still holding on?
• Where can I make a new decision today - for peace instead of resentment?

Forgiveness means: I choose anew in every moment.

Conclusion: Your freedom is waiting for you

Forgiveness is not easy - but it is liberating .
It is an inner gift - that you give yourself.
You don't need to do anything - just be ready:

• Ready to open your heart.
• Ready to let go of the old pain.
• Ready to return to yourself.

Because behind the hurt lies your true greatness. Love is waiting behind the resentment. And behind the letting go waits your freedom.

May you free yourself.
May you heal.
May you love.

If you feel addressed here and have gained the impression that I can make a contribution to your future better life, then simply contact me without obligation for a free 1:1 introductory conversation.