Do the following journaling exercise which is designed to lead you down the Forgiveness path. Feel free to use this process for any and all persons, institutions, circumstances and, yes, even God, for whom you hold unforgiving attachments. It is recommended that you begin at the beginning, with your parents or childhood caregivers.
Use the prompts beneath each level of feeling to help you express them in depth…even if you think you are over all of those things by now. Also do not be surprised about not being able to reach a feeling of Love or Forgiveness (number 5) the first go ‘round. In addition, pay particular attention to the FEAR section for insights as to “why” you have held on to being un-forgiving. Remember this is a vehicle to off-load all the unexpressed and repressed feelings that while they may not be rational or make sense are nevertheless prohibiting you from fully living in the now. Take your time and let the feelings flow.
A FORGIVENESS LETTER
Date
Dear___________________________________
I am writing you to share my feelings.
1. ANGER
I am angry that…………
I feel frustrated…………
I don’t like it……………
I feel really annoyed……
I want…………………..
2. SADNESS
I feel disappointed……..
I am sad that……………
I feel so hurt……………
I wanted………………...
I want…………………..
3. FEAR
I feel worried……………
I am afraid………………
I feel so scared………….
I do not want……………
I need……………………
I want…………………..
4. REGRET
I feel embarrassed……….
I am so sorry…………….
I feel ashamed…………..
I didn’t want…………….
I want……………………
5. FORGIVENESS & LOVE
I forgive you for………..
I love……………………
I appreciate……………..
I am grateful for………..
I understand…………….
I know…………………..
Love,
And now read the letter aloud to yourself. Pay attention to what has been said, and allow yourself to feel all of the feelings expressed…and the ones between the lines.
Once you have completed this part and have felt that you have plumbed the depths of your inner most feelings - and were able to reach a feeling of Forgiveness and Love -complete the exercise. In this second part, you will write a letter back to yourself from the person to whom you have written, imagining that they have just read your letter to them. Include in the response letter to you all those things you have ever wanted to hear from that person. Be sure to stay out of your head with this, and come from your heart (and theirs!). Be willing to be surprised at what comes back to you in this letter.
FORGIVENESS RESPONSE LETTER
Date
Dear (Your Name)
I am writing to share my response to your letter……
I am so grateful to you for sharing your feelings….
I understand…………………..
I am so sorry……………….
I was afraid…………………
I didn’t know……………….
I want you to know…………
I appreciate…………………
I love………………………
Love,
At the point that you feel free and grateful for the person(s) you are forgiving, consider mailing them the Love/Forgiveness portion of your letter to them as a point of closure.
Labels: Forgiveness Letter
posted by Diane Harmony @ 1:38 PM 
email post
: 8/4/08 4:44 PM
