What Are You Ready to Forgive?
A couple weeks ago, I released August’s angel card practice, which is about sitting with complexity. The cards ask us to take responsibility for old patterns that keep us from having the life we want.
Why would we hold ourselves back like this? It seems counterintuitive, doesn't it?
But that’s the funny thing about the human condition.
Our deeply ingrained beliefs aren’t always productive. Sometimes, they’re rooted in fear that keeps us attached to what we know, even when the familiar path won’t allow us to grow.
Changing this requires a willingness to dig deep inside yourself. And most people would rather do just about anything else!
That’s why today, I want to share one of my all-time favorite practices: a meditation for self-compassion and self-forgiveness.
It’s called the Mirror Meditation.
It can help you release fear and forgive yourself for past hurts, dreams not yet fulfilled, and the imperfect nature of being human.
Forgiveness is a process of unburdening yourself. It starts from within, which is why this meditation is all about self-forgiveness.
Mirror Meditation
Begin by slowing your breath and relaxing your body from the top of your head to the tips of your toes. Imagine yourself falling asleep on a very comfortable bed. As you do, you begin dreaming.
In front of you, you see a large, beautiful mirror. As you look closer, you see yourself surrounded by words.
These are the words you want to release, the words you use when you’re afraid. They might be distrust, anger, or anxiety.
Allow the mirror to fill up with them.
These words no longer belong to you. Imagine them drifting away in the mirror, getting smaller and smaller until they fully disappear. As they do, imagine yourself releasing the emotions and beliefs attached to them.
Now, replace those fearful words with new ones that represent forgiveness, love, and kindness.
Maybe your words are freedom, wholeness, compassion, openness, or joy.
Again, fill the mirror with these words. Allow them to become part of your own reflection.
Experience yourself as the embodiment of these words. Notice the sense of renewal that comes with this practice.
Listen to the meditation below.
For a different take on this exercise, print out the above graphic and write down the words you’d like to embody inside the line. Put it somewhere you’ll see it every day.
As you see those words over and over again, you’ll begin to integrate them.
Remember, forgiving yourself is the practice of releasing what you cannot change, and what’s no longer yours to hold.
That release makes room for opportunities and experiences you once didn’t know were possible.
What are you making room for?