How Do I Forgive? 

Less than a year ago, it came to mind to create and present what I’ve entitled: Emotional Healing Through Forgiveness workshops. Since then, I’ve facilitated six of those workshops and am gearing up for a seventh one on March 15th. 

These workshops, for me and for the participants, are an adventurous discovery because none of us know exactly what we’ll discover about ourselves, who we will meet, or what we’ll recognize as our next step. 

And though we find ourselves sitting among a small group of strangers, in less than 30 minutes of the 180 minute workshop, we sense a connection, a sense of camaraderie. Our common connection is that we’ve all been emotionally hurt by someone and we are wondering, How do I forgive them? 

  Consequently, I cap attendance to ten people only because the topic of forgiveness lends itself to feeling and being vulnerable. 

Admiration

At the beginning of each of these workshops, my heart fills with high regard for every individual who decides to come. It is not an easy decision to attend one of these workshops, yet the people who come somehow know that they need to. They know that now is the time for them to take that step of faith into what they do not yet know, into what they hope they will come to understand.

Differences

I know from experience that everyone who attends one of these workshops sits in a different place, literally and figuratively. Some already know they need to think differently about what has happened to them, others have already been doing some personal work and are ready to take the next step. Still others are just beginning their journey of personal healing. 

Consequently, everyone has a story to tell and every story that is told is different. Though there are some common threads within each story; the divorce, the estrangement, the misconceived actions or words, the physical or the emotional harm that was done, everyone’s pain is unique. No two people feel the same way even when their circumstances are similar. 

The workshop starts with stories, but we move on with other components that have to do with forgiveness. By the time we finish the workshop, everyone has come to a different place with themselves. Everyone has an idea of what is next for them. 

Why Bother?

Why bother thinking about how to forgive someone? As the facilitator of Emotional Healing Through Forgiveness, I have the privilege of encouraging others who have found their own courage to think about how to forgive someone. I have the honor in helping others discover for themselves what their next step will be. It is an adventurous discovery for all who are involved. 

If your interest is piqued, here is the link to registering for the next workshop

Emotional Healing Through Forgiveness