Forgiveness

What happens when we are so triggered, upset, and frustrated that we can’t see straight?

The heart beats faster, the cheeks flush, and the adrenaline pumping from the kidneys is almost palpable.

The more invested, the more skin we have in the game, the higher the stakes. What’s going on?

These are all signs of some real triggers—and real treasures.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

In times like this, I ask myself, “What’s the learning here? What is the lesson that this challenging situation is trying to teach me?”

. . . . . . < D E E P B R E A T H > . . . . . .

Great Spirit,

I’m praying for humility, ownership, and direct communication.

For the things that have been left unsaid— be heard

For the things that have been left unseen— be brought to light.

In order to learn these lessons of growth, change, and maturity,

please hold me with compassion, love and grace.

To hold forgiveness for myself and for those

I have wronged, knowingly or unknowingly.

Aho.

May I gracefully untangle myself from this toxic relationship that only serves to re-trigger our core wounds.

May we part on peaceful terms that recognize our differences.

May we share the mutual purpose in exiting out of the things that have kept us in orbit,

and still uphold dignity and respect.

. . . . . . < D E E P L Y I N H A L E T H E P A I N > . . . . . .

. . . . . . < D E E P L Y E X H A L E T H E P L E A S U R E > . . . . . .

I compassionately give myself the space to feel into the pain, to let it in and to let it flow through me.

As I practice Tonglen meditation, I know that the extent to which I dissolve the barriers to pain is the extent to which I let the love in.

I courageously dissolve my ego-barriers by staying with myself and not running away from pain.

As I feel compassion for myself, I grow compassion in my heart for others who are going through the same.

Tonglen gives you a way of acknowledging where you’re closing down. This is so crucial.

The bodhicitta can begin to flow when we begin to acknowledge what is happening.

Even if we can’t do anything but that — that is huge and revolutionary.

~ PEMA CHODRON

From Pema Chodron’s The Compassion Box