The Freedom of Forgiveness
“Letting go gives us freedom and freedom is the only condition for happiness. If in our heart we still cling to anything — anger, anxiety, or possessions — we cannot be free.”
“I am reminded of how fragile life is and, because of its fragility, to do the best that I can to meet life where it is, honor what is precious, and live a life of integrity.”
I hear this wisdom from Dr.Michele Harper whenever I need to recenter. She offered it while sharing what it feels like as an ER doctor to hold someone’s hand as they take their final breaths. It comes to me in her voice as both an anchor and inspiration.
Dr.Harper reminds me that presence is the entry point to meet life where it is. It’s also an invitation to examine what keeps us in the past.
She shares this grounding Thich Nhat Hanh quote in her memoir, The Beauty in Breaking…
“Letting go gives us freedom and freedom is the only condition for happiness. If in our heart we still cling to anything — anger, anxiety, or possessions — we cannot be free.”
This week, we’re looking at letting go through the lens of forgiveness. In sharing her courageous journey forgiving her father, Dr.Harper illuminates that forgiveness not only offers us peace in the present. It becomes a compass to live in pursuit of it.
How might forgiveness make you feel lighter, including forgiving yourself? What is one step you can take towards that freedom?
Wishing you peace,
Jenna