Forgiveness

In recent months, it seems like almost all my human Reiki sessions have included a visit from someone on the other side with a very important message for the person receiving the treatment.  Each time, the theme of the messages has been been around forgiveness . . . people in spirit asking for forgiveness for their transgressions while on earth, offering apologies for the things they did, etc.  I sense deeply that they know what is needed to move us into a better, happier place and time after time, my clients tearfully tell me the message they received was exactly what they needed to hear in order to heal.  I am so grateful that I am able to deliver these messages.

I have had the growing sense that forgiveness is what is needed right now to assist humanity in moving through the turmoil that we are currently slogging through on earth. When we forgive, we free ourselves to vibrate at a higher rate and attract more peace and more levity into our lives.  Forgiveness also enables us to feel more compassion for ourselves and for the journey we have been on.  It is truly one of the most wonderful things we can do for ourselves.  I suspect, it is also one of the greatest things we can do to shift things on a global scale as well.

When I saw that Louise Hay's newsletter this week focused on the subject of forgiveness, I wasn't surprised.  It seems that it is an important message for all of us right now.  I am sharing what Louise wrote on forgiveness below for those of you who are not on her mailing list.

Wishing everyone the happiest of holidays and hoping you will give yourself the gift of forgiveness this holiday season.

Dear Friend,

Not only does forgiveness open us up to self-love, it rids our minds of past pain and judgements of others. When we blame others, we are giving them power over our thoughts. If you give yourself permission to forgive, you are released of your sorrows. It’s a great step toward pure happiness. When we’re stuck in a state of always having to be right, we are never truly happy. You put yourself in a prison of self-righteous resentment. Remember, forgiveness is not acceptance. We are not accepting their behavior as OK, we are just releasing ourselves from the negative energy they exude. People act out based on their experiences and knowledge. Don’t let their pain control your thoughts too. The act of forgiveness comes from within your own mind.

Let’s let our ill-will toward people go as we close out this year. You always have a choice. You can stay in a world of bitterness or you can let go and live a fulfilling, blissful life. Other people’s behavior may have you feeling irritated or uncomfortable, but they are not making you hold on to those negative feelings. You have the freedom to let go by taking responsibility of your own feelings. Free yourself from pain. Let go of those judgements and release yourself from the burdens and limitations these judgements set for you. Letting go can not only help you, but create love within the other person as well. Forgiveness is a gift to yourself and the Universe.

All of our thoughts and feelings are created within our minds. When we learn to forgive ourselves and others, we set ourselves free. We find inner peace and ultimate happiness. When you refuse to forgive, you hold on to the past; you’re not able to live in the endearing present moments. Remember, your future is created when you are in the present. You do not deserve to feel pain and suffering. Once you are willing to forgive, the Universe will take care of the rest. The energy you put out there is what’s returned. Forgive yourself, love yourself, and forgive others. Move forward from bitterness. Put yourself in a space of love and joy. Put yourself around people who fill your heart with love and joy. You are free my dear ones.

Let’s affirm together: “I move beyond forgiveness to understanding, and I have compassion for all.”

All is well.

Treat Yourself As Well

Over the years, I have been asked to relay a heartwarming message from my animal clients to their guardians and each time I pass the message along, I am touched by it's beauty.  That message is:  Please take as good of care of yourself as you have always taken care of me.

Often this message is relayed close to the animals transition, as one of their parting words of wisdom but I don't think we have to wait until our animals are ready to leave us to start embracing these wise words.

Most people don't even realize they are taking better care of their animals than they are of themselves.  We can be driven by love to focus on their needs and yet not look at ourselves through those same loving eyes.  We prioritize their needs above ours because "they need us" yet the truth is, we need us just as much.

I remember one client years ago who was searching for help for her dog's anxiety.  She was seeking all sorts of alternative treatment options, determined to bring her dog some peace when in reality, she had anxiety issues herself that may have even been worse than her dog's anxiety.  Once we had brought some peace to her dog, I asked her gently if she thought some of the same things she was doing for her dog might help her as well.  She stared at me for a few minutes as she tried to process what I was saying . . . then as she picked up her dog to hug him, she slowly nodded her head and said, "I guess I could give it a try."

I had another client who mentioned that she was having dizzy spells and mental confusion because she often forgot to eat.  I asked her if she ever forgot to feed her dogs and she looked almost offended and said, "No, of course not!"  I smiled and said, "Aren't you just as important?" She laughed and said maybe she'd make herself something to eat each time she prepared food for her dogs.

Time and again, I have seen clients go out of their way to meet the emotional and physical needs of their animals, while ignoring those same needs in themselves, so it doesn't surprise me when animals ask me to pass along this important message to their guardians.

Is there anything you are doing for your animal that you could be doing for yourself?  Are you making sure they get exercise every day but neglecting your own exercise needs?  Are you setting boundaries for them, i.e. not letting them be around other dogs that may play too rough, yet allowing people in your life that don't treat you very well?   There's a chance your life could be even sweeter if you gave yourself the same level of care that you give your pet.  Something to think about . . .