Forgiveness

I often think about an evening in 2005. I was sharing an apartment with my sister and her husband in London, Ontario. I had decided to change careers and learn how to drive a tractor-trailer. I was staying in a new city and living with my much younger cousin, sleeping on her couch when I was there. One evening, we went out to a local bar. After drinking many glasses of beer, I broke down. I was crying, and all I kept repeating was forgive them. They don’t know what they are doing. I couldn’t stop crying, and my cousin and I ended up heading home. I continued to cry and repeat this phrase even after we got home. It would be 7 years before I had another awakening as intense as this one.

I did not comprehend what had happened that night or the depth that I would see in that incident for years after. I still contemplate what I was saying to see deeper meanings to this day. I don’t think it will ever really go away. It seems to be a core realization for myself as well as humanity in these times.

I recently revisited the Ho’oponopono teachings again. I learned some things I did not know about the origins and some expanded teachings from practitioners of Ho’oponopono.

Although the wording is different, a similar sentiment remains. I have been contemplating the various reasons for the use of forgiveness.

Then Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.’ (Luke 23:34).

‘So excuse them, and plead for forgiveness for them, and consult them in the affairs, and once you are resolved, put your trust in Allah.’ (Quran 3:159)

I’m sorry, please forgive me, I love you, thank you. (Ho’oponopono)

On the surface, you will see the meaning. Of the 3 statements.

Jesus says, “Forgive them,” Mohammed says, “plead for forgiveness for them,” and Ho’oponopono says, “Forgive me.”

3 statements and 3 different levels of forgiveness. Each is taking forgiveness in a different direction. As I see it. Each has a different energy, a different way to work with forgiveness when healing with people, situations, and yourself.

I came across a great prayer/clearing statement in the Ho’oponopono book.

I really love this Buddhist forgiveness prayer. I was very happy to have found it and use it for many things that came into my awareness at the time.

When I work with forgiveness these days, I have worked out my own personal process when situations come into my awareness needing some attention. This is something that you do that works for you along your journey. Be flexible and allow new information to shift and change your healing methods. That is the best thing you can do is allow change, do not stay rigid, that’s fighting the flow. Definitely not going with the flow or even being the flow.

Jenn

© 2014 & beyond Jenn Moreau