Forgiveness is Freeing
I was introduced to CDM many years ago. It was long before the COVID-19 pandemic, so I participated in their in-person classes and events. In addition to their books, eBooks, CDs, and downloadable audio recordings, I have since enjoyed CDM’s many online offerings, including their classes and guided meditations.
Listening to the pre-recorded, guided meditations available on their website has contributed immensely to my growth. Some days I need a little extra help focusing and letting go of distractions, and the guided meditations help with this. Plus, they are educational, interesting, and so much fun!
If I’m dealing with a particular issue, I choose a recording on that topic to assist me. One guided meditation that has helped me and that I have listened to multiple times is, “Free Yourself with Forgiveness.”
When I was younger, I thought that if I forgave someone that I felt had hurt me it meant I was condoning their behavior, even if I wasn’t. I thought that if someone angered me, I should remain angry. These instances of hanging on and remaining in fight mode were an attempt to protect myself and punish the other person. However, this pattern hurt me more than anyone else.
In addition to the important information that forgiveness means letting go, I have learned that it is easier than I thought. There may be times that forgiving someone, a situation or oneself seems impossible or challenging. Using CDM’s meditation techniques of grounding, centering, and releasing energy help the process and lessen the struggle.
These and other CDM techniques help me to be in the present moment, have a more neutral, non-judgmental perspective, and release whatever energy I am ready to let go of. Instead of just intellectualizing the words and beliefs, they are tools to change on a deep, internal level. Instead of just thinking about changing, they help to literally create desired changes.
When you forgive someone, you don’t have to forget. But you will have less of your energy tied up with that other person, so your thoughts will be consumed less by them. Any fears, doubts, or other blocks you need to get through to forgive and let go, are so well worth it. The access you will have to that previously tied up and restricted energy is freeing and empowering.
As author, teacher, and CDM Spiritual Center Founder, Mary Ellen Flora states in her “Free Yourself with Forgiveness” meditation, forgiveness is not giving up yourself. “It’s getting yourself back.”
