Forgiveness is one of the most powerful and transformative practices we can engage in. It is a process that allows us to let go of anger, resentment, and pain, and move towards healing and inner peace. But forgiveness can also be one of the most challenging practices to cultivate, especially when we feel deeply hurt or betrayed by someone.

That’s where radical forgiveness comes in. Radical forgiveness is a spiritual approach to forgiveness that goes beyond the traditional notions of forgiveness. It is a process of releasing anger, resentment, and pain, not just towards the person who hurt us, but towards the situation or circumstance that caused the hurt.

Radical forgiveness is based on the idea that everything that happens in our lives, no matter how painful or difficult, is part of our soul’s journey and serves a higher purpose. It invites us to see the bigger picture and to view the people and situations that cause us pain as opportunities for growth and learning.

The process of radical forgiveness involves several steps:

Acknowledge the pain and hurt: The first step in radical forgiveness is to acknowledge the pain and hurt that we feel. We need to allow ourselves to feel the emotions and express them in a healthy way, whether it be through journaling, talking to a friend or therapist, or engaging in a physical activity.

Shift the perspective: The next step is to shift our perspective and view the situation from a higher perspective. We need to ask ourselves, “What is the lesson or opportunity for growth in this situation?” This helps us to see the situation as part of our soul’s journey and to detach from the pain and hurt.

Release the anger and resentment: The third step is to release the anger and resentment towards the person or situation that caused the pain. We can do this through a forgiveness ceremony, where we write a letter to the person or situation, expressing our forgiveness and releasing the pain.

Practice self-compassion: The final step is to practice self-compassion and self-forgiveness. We need to recognize that we are human and that we make mistakes. We also need to acknowledge the pain that we have caused others and forgive ourselves for it.

Radical forgiveness is a process that requires time, patience, and commitment. It is not a one-time event but a continuous practice that we need to cultivate in our lives. But the rewards of radical forgiveness are immense. It allows us to let go of the past and move towards a future filled with freedom, inner peace, and love.

In conclusion, if you are struggling with forgiveness, consider practicing radical forgiveness. It can help you to see the bigger picture, release the pain and hurt, and move towards healing and inner peace. Remember, forgiveness is not just for the other person, but for yourself as well. It is a gift that you give yourself, and it is never too late to start the journey towards forgiveness.

~ Victoria Lynn Sanchez