Why Should You Forgive?

When I teach private Yoga sessions, sometimes, I become aware that a client has issues that cause anxiety, depression, and a negative outlook on life. This often causes difficulty for the student when trying to practice a stage-by-stage relaxation, and especially during meditation sessions.

When I mention letting go of a situation and forgiving others, very often I hear, "What's in it for me?" or "Why should I?" To be quite frank, you should sincerely forgive for your own health. The purpose is to let go of a heavy burden, that you have placed upon yourself. This is a form of self-imprisonment, where you become bitter and this problem has established control over your life.

Releasing a grudge is like a prisoner having a sentence overturned, but it is much easier for you, since you are your own prison keeper. This is, in fact, an internal conflict and you can take control at anytime you wish.

Yoga, meditation, and relaxation sessions, are therapeutic practices, similar to a life preserver for the mind and body. On the other hand, holding a grudge causes negative energy and a multitude of physical and mental ailments. So, why not just let go of this self-imposed burden? Forgiveness is a way of refusing to carry extra problems around.

Some people like to carry around a "badge of courage" wherever they go. The badge of courage becomes their self-image and the whole world around them can see it "written all over their faces." We all know somebody who walks around, day after day, with a scowl on his or her face. This person may have forgotten who hurt them in the first place. Each conflicting situation compounds, upon the last, to create a life of misery and poor health.

Now, I am not asking you to forgive or apologize, if you don't mean it, but do you see any common ground, between yourself and the other party? Do you think there might be room to negotiate or, at least, talk? Do you see the other viewpoint? Would you be willing to listen?

Starting any negotiations allows both parties to hear each other out peacefully. This should be a common agreement before you meet. This requires that you listen to grievances, "on the other side of the fence," completely. You will have to listen with empathy. This is a skill very few people have mastered.

Then you present your side of the issue, without malice. Very often, a perceived "big problem" is diffused when both parties realize a small misunderstanding created the two opposing viewpoints. It takes courage to sincerely give an apology and it takes courage to sincerely accept one. How you handle conflict and forgiveness is a true measure of your character.

Paul Jerard is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in North Providence, RI. He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. He is a master instructor of martial arts, with multiple Black Belts, four martial arts teaching credentials, and was recently inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame. He teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness to children, adults, and seniors in the greater Providence area. Recently he wrote: Is Running a Yoga Business Right for You? For Yoga students, who may be considering a new career as a Yoga teacher. http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.ht ml

---

Seeing Challenges as Opportunities

Are you a person who loves challenges, or hates them?... Read More

How I Make And Save Thousands Of Dollars Using Only My Subconscious Mind-You Can Do The Same!

Thousands of dollars will be yours, just by using your... Read More

3 Proven Ways To Build Self-Esteem

When someone thinks of a person with self-esteem most people... Read More

Life Changing Attitude

Do you really believe that there is anything in this... Read More

Growth From Discontent: Lifes Way Of Giving You A Little Push

That strange, gut-wrenching feeling you have is not the sushi... Read More

The Top Ten Ways To Be Positive In The Workplace Of Life

There is a growing volume of research that shows' staying... Read More

Growing Optimistically

Spring is here at last! The season brings with it... Read More

Being Tender With the Ugly Parts of Yourself

Does that title make you cringe? It made me cringe... Read More

Attitude Is Everything! Make it Great!

Change your attitude, change your lifeIn my experiences, I've found... Read More

Lose Your Hope And You Can Bring Down The Curtain!

The others in the raft didn't seem to share Eddie's... Read More

Five Ways to Stay Positive in a Negative World

In view of the increasing negative events happening around the... Read More

Attitude = Altitude, Its Really Up To You!

Quote of the week:"Of all the attitudes we can acquire,... Read More

Banish Shallow Breathing And Boost Self Esteem!

You know, very often, the manner in which a person... Read More

Improve Your Relationships Instantly

Discover how easy it is to improve your relationships. The... Read More

The Art of Thankfulness

With Thanksgiving approaching, I thought it would be especially appropriate... Read More

Creating an Emotional Retreat

Emotions have the tendency to take over our actions and... Read More

Positive Things To Do For Yourself

Being a mom can take a toll on your body,... Read More

Looking For Answers In All The Wrong Places?

Looking around at our circumstances we may see only mountains... Read More

Creating Success Through Self-Affirming Thought Patterns

Everyone of us has the potential to successfully more through... Read More

Oh for a Really Good Day!

What's wrong with me? When I'm sick I get grumpy... Read More

Time To Give Up Resentment

Resentment isn't a spectacular emotion, but it is long-lasting and... Read More

Surrounding Yourself With Positive Energy

Our lives are busy. We rush here only to remember... Read More

Enlarge Your Vision

Millions struggle through life barely earning enough to survive. Many... Read More

Your Choice of Music can Shape Your Beliefs

Music is very powerful. The kind of music you listen... Read More

Management of the Almighty Anger

Apart form the Emotions and the attitude, Anger is a... Read More

Turning Fear Into Power

How would your life shift if you moved into what... Read More

A Solution For Trouble? Try This Breath Of Fresh Air!

I just heard the story of a man who hired... Read More

Are You A Prisoner of Your Own Making?

There is a wonderful story about the famous escape artist,... Read More

Attitude Adjustment 101: Nine Ways to Transform You From Mediocre to Magnificent

"Work on your career and you'll make a living. Work... Read More

Taking Yourself Too Seriously? - Suggestions for Reclaiming Your Perspective

"We can change our circumstances by a mere change of... Read More

Ditch Lack of Confidence and Unlock Full Potential

Being the next Carmen Electra or Paris Hilton might or... Read More

Mind Power - Fact or Fiction? Prove It For Yourself In The Next 7 Minutes - Truly Awesome!

Who are you?We all know that we are composed of... Read More

Discover The 8 Steps To A Mountain Moving Faith

" If you have faith as a grain of musterd... Read More