Mindfulness weekly idea August 30 - September 5

Dear lovely 35plus community

Happy Friday! How are you all doing?

As you may have noticed in my last check-in, I have been thinking a lot about what forgiving and letting go of things mean. I have been reading a lot on the subject in the past few days, and today I want to share with you a mindfulness activity that could help you to forgive and let go of a past hurtful experience.

It is important to remember that forgiving and letting go do not mean that we approve of what we are letting go of. We are not absolving anyone of their responsibility either. Rather, we are simply accepting what happened. We accept that things went the way they did, and we let them go. We do this not for the other person, but for us.

Start by finding a comfortable seat. Place your feet on the ground, relax your shoulders, and place your hands on your lap or someplace comfortable.

Close your eyes. Take some deep breaths. Notice the places where your body touches the chair. Notice your breath as the air flows in and out of your lungs.

Then, very slowly, bring to mind the situation that you havent been able to let go. Think of the circumstances surrounding the situation. What exactly happened? What person or people were involved? Notice how you feel when you think about it. What automatically pops in your head? Maybe thoughts like, that wasnt ok, or, you dont get to threat me like that. What is preventing you from letting go? Just observe these thoughts without changing them. Let them be here without trying to push them away.

Think about how much strength and effort you have put into maintaining this anger. How does it feel to fight all the time? How would it feel if you would end your feelings of anger? If you didnt have to convince anyone of anything anymore? If you didnt have to defend your point of view anymore? If you didnt have to understand the decisions of others anymore? Imagine just letting things be like they are. Imagine just being ready to forgive and let go. To forgive and let go doesnt mean to reconcile. You dont have to come to a solution with anyone.

Say, I am ready to let this go. I am ready to forgive. I am angry that this happened. I am disappointed, but I am ready to forgive and let go.

Take a moment to reflect. How do you feel? Do you have any lingering doubts or fears? Just perceive all feelings without changing anything about them. Allow them to be here. Whatever feelings are here, whether you are relieved or still angry, this is all part of the process of forgiving and letting go. Try saying to yourself, I can still forgive and let go. I accept it as it is in this moment. I dont have to like the way it is, but I accept that it is like that right now. I am not fighting any longer. I let go and forgive.

Slowly get ready to finish this exercise. Check again to see what your body feels like right now. What thoughts and feelings are here?

When you feel ready, open your eyes. Look around you and perceive your surroundings, the space you are in. Listen to the noises and come back to the here and now.

As always, I would love to hear your feedback on this activity.

What did you feel during the activity?

What felt more challenging or difficult during the activity?

Were you able to let go and forgive?

Love from France,

Valeria

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