Forgiveness it’s what make your life sweeter than you can ever imagine.
When you’re angry or stressed, traumatised, frustrated, repressing your emotions and bottling things up…. your body goes into fight-or-flight mode. This state, while useful in short bursts, is a silent killer when it becomes chronic. Constant stress creates something called oxidative stress in your body, which acts like rust on a car. It damages your cells at a foundational level. Really angry people are often holding years and years of repressed emotions inside, and they are reactive to everyday stresses like driving in traffic, children making mistakes, not getting what they want and more. Really angry people invariably suffer from a multitude of health problems including weight issues, heart problems, eating disorders, cholesterol, diabetes, autoimmune… stress deeply affects there cells of our body.
Think of your cells’ power plants, the mitochondria. They produce the energy your body needs to thrive. But when you’re under prolonged stress, these power plants get overwhelmed. They start producing harmful molecules called reactive oxygen species (ROS) and can even begin to break down. This isn’t just a minor issue; it’s a major one. When your body can’t efficiently repair and remove these damaged cells, it contributes to a systemic breakdown, laying the groundwork for chronic disease.
This is where forgiveness comes in. It’s not a magical cure, but it is a powerful tool to remove a significant source of that stress.
A Simple Practice for Profound Change
You might think you have no one to forgive, but everyone does. The people we need to forgive aren’t always those who committed a great injustice. They can be childhood bullies, a parent who didn’t understand you, a teacher who made a thoughtless comment, or even yourself. These small hurts get stuck in our memory and muddy our present, shaping our beliefs and daily lives without us even realizing it.
Here’s a simple, five-minute practice you can try:
Find a quiet space and sit comfortably.
Close your eyes and begin to repeat the words, “I forgive you.” Don’t force anything. Simply say the words and observe what comes up.
Notice the faces, memories, or situations that pop into your mind. These are the things you need to address. Acknowledge them, and as you do, bless them with your forgiveness.
At the end of five minutes, say, “I forgive everyone for everything for all of time: past, present, and future.”
This simple ritual can be a foundational practice for a healthier body and a more peaceful soul. Trust that what surfaces in your mind is there for a reason. It’s your body and mind telling you what needs to be released.
Forgiveness isn’t about condoning someone’s actions; it’s about reclaiming your health and peace of mind. It’s the elixir of freedom that can make your life sweeter than you can ever imagine.
Have you ever noticed how your body feels after a difficult conversation or a frustrating day? It’s a powerful reminder of the connection between your emotions and your physical well-being.