Forgiveness is not a one-time decision: It is a lifelong practice of LIVING in Forgiveness.
Forgiveness is an important spiritual practice that gives us personal freedom. When we forgive, we release the emotional charge of past wrongs and hurts that may drag us down. Did you ever consider forgiveness as an act of love towards ourselves?
Rev. Dr. Michelle Wadleigh talks and teaches about forgiveness to bring freedom into our lives. She shares: “Exercise this (forgiveness) muscle properly, and you will discover a bounty of freedom you have never known before.”
When I started attending her forgiveness classes years ago, one thing I learned was that the most important people we need to forgive are ourselves. Personally, I learned young to forgive people for their hurts against me. I knew my well-being depended on it. But I did not always forgive myself. In fact, I let the trauma of my misguided actions torment me over the years! And, falling on my Catholic upbringing, I often allowed unforgiveness to torture me because ‘I deserved it!’
Neither you nor I is meant to live in this prison of self-condemnation!
Joseph Nelson and Darryl Prince authored an article in the October Science of Mind Magazine on the subject of forgiveness. They describe forgiveness as a three-sided process:
- Acceptance: Acknowledging what happened and allowing the emotion to flow through us.
- Surrender: Going deep into our spiritual strength in order to let go
- Release: Letting go of the need to change the condition
Although self-forgiveness can follow those same steps, it is important to support ourselves through this process with spiritual practices. Some of those practices can be visualization, journaling, affirmative prayer, and meditation.
One of the best practices for forgiveness is non-judgment! When we learn to stop judging others and ourselves, we support our own freedom. How do we practice non-judgment? Try looking at the situation with curiosity! When we look at others’ actions from a perspective of curiosity, rather than judgment, it frees our souls.
I have found Rev. Michelle’s teaching and books on forgiveness helpful and successful in freeing myself from non-forgiveness and non-judgment.
Her newest edition of her Forgiveness Workbook is scheduled for release on November 11, 2025. You can pre-order a copy from Amazon here:
She also has a wonderful class, using the book, where you can receive support from her and other students. You can learn more about her course, scheduled for October 29, here: Forgiveness – the Course