‘Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burnt’
— The Budhha
1. Forgiveness liberates
Forgiveness is an indispensable virtue of life. The first stage of forgiveness is to be aware that you cannot hate others without hurting yourself. Forgiveness is not just about accepting an apology but letting go of your anger and grudge at the psychological level. It is a state of mind.
Image source: iStock
2. Forgiveness is the tool to free yourself from the mental spiral
It helps you let go off resentment and thoughts of revenge. A person might have hurt your sentiments once but if you keep on playing it on your mind like a broken gramophone, you are going to harm your mental health and peace of mind. Learn to practice forgiveness. Anger, hatred and revenge would consume you in no time.
3. Here’s how to switch to the forgiving mode
You don’t have to take jibes and insults personally. Not everyone out there intends to hurt you. A little patience and they would probably come around to their sweet selves. None of us would like to be in the company of grumpy, whining people and so let us not be grumpy ourselves. So, if a friend or a colleague is a bit out of tune, just be polite and cooperate.
Image source: iStock
Put yourself in the other person’s shoes. Lots of people we come across in a day may carry huge burdens on their shoulders. There is no excuse for boorish behaviour but try seeing it from their perspective before you feel the pinch inside.
4. Health benefits of forgiveness
Researchers at Hope College, Unites States, found that forgiveness lowers the amount of cortisol, the hormone released by the body under stress.
A study found that people who held on to grudges for long tend to have higher heart rates and higher blood pressure. So, being empathetic and forgiving are virtues that even cardiologists are beginning to harp on.
Fewer symptoms of depression
Lower risk of alcohol, cigarettes and substance abuse
Healthier relationships in the office and family
Cultivate a daily habit of forgiving others and also unhesitatingly seek other’s forgiveness when you are the defaulter. This is not just moral science lessons but doctors and health experts prescribe doses of “forgiveness” for a sound body and a healthy mind.
