Forgive Yourself

In Today's Email:

• Learn how to forgive yourself to move forward…

• Our Gift To You: Develop Healthy Habits…

• Yogapedia: Standing Forward Bend…

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TODAY'S LEARNING
Learn how to forgive yourself to move forward

When someone else does something that hurts us, our reasons for holding a grudge are usually clear. We want the pain to be understood. Once they’ve apologized and made amends, we’re usually clear to move on.

However, things become considerably more challenging when it comes to forgiving yourself. Anger can serve as a self-defense mechanism when it comes from someone else. In a way, holding a grudge against them and demanding restitution keeps our self-image intact. We have effectively kept a border.

But when we're angry with ourselves, it's usually a result of a violation of our morals. Our emotions are therefore typically more nuanced than simple rage. Yes, we are angry at ourselves, but we are also ashamed and disappointed in ourselves.

An inner critic: what is it?

The little voice inside of us that continuously tells us that we're failing, that we're doing something incorrectly, or that we ought to be better is known as our inner critic. It’s super mean, to be honest. That judgmental voice is far more cruel than we would ever be to a friend or loved one, which is what makes it so insane. Furthermore, we wouldn't put up with someone saying such things to us or about someone we care about.

However, these ideas sound far more real when they remain inside. We tend not to question the thoughts that run through our minds because we tend to be less aware of them. This uninformed inner critic can cause a great deal of harm. It's a form of internal gaslighting when it's out of control, making us doubt everything we say, do, or dream about. Learning to be compassionate with yourself is the only effective method to stop it.

How to forgive yourself

Here are some strategies to help the process of healing and forgiveness get started:

1. Understand that you’re not perfect

You’re not perfect. Declare it aloud, jot it down, or write it on a coffee cup. You’re not perfect — and you’re not a bad person, either. You are only a person. Give yourself the same grace you give to other people. Are you holding yourself to a standard that you would never place on another person?

2. Get clear on why you’re upset with yourself

Investigate the source of your guilt-ridden emotions. Is it perfectionism? Have you harmed anyone else? Have you done something that you’re embarrassed about? Despite the discomfort it may cause to look upon, confronting it head-on can be instructive.

Chances are, it’s not hard to imagine someone else doing the same thing and being completely unbothered. For instance, when I don't do tasks by the deadline, I am really angry with myself. It's the main thing I criticize myself for. However, I have friends who could care less and submit everything either late or not at all. And what do you know? I don’t think that they’re bad people.

Try to be scientific about what happened and why it’s bothering you so much. Being late makes me feel careless and incapable, personally. Neither of these describe who I am, and I don't want anyone else to think that way either.

3. Repair what you can

After determining what your "wrongdoing" is, you'll be able to determine whether you have to atone for it. You might have an apology (or, as in my case, a completed assignment) owed to someone. You can accept it for yourself so you can move on from the past, even if the ship has sailed and you won't get another chance to make it up. You’re not a bad person, you just didn’t finish/do/get/say something. It’s not fun, but it happens.

DEAL OF THE DAY
The Ultimate Self Forgiveness Journal & Workbook (80% OFF)

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About: Discover the transformative power of forgiveness with this Self Forgiveness Workbook and Journal. This comprehensive guide is designed to support individuals on their path to healing, understanding, and liberation. Whether you're seeking to forgive others or yourself, this workbook provides the tools and exercises needed to navigate the complex emotions and challenges associated with forgiveness.

Inside this workbook, you'll find a range of insightful prompts, thought-provoking exercises, and reflective activities to guide your journey towards embracing forgiveness. Explore the impact of past hurts, learn to release resentment, and cultivate self-compassion. Uncover the beliefs and emotional blocks that hinder forgiveness, and develop strategies to overcome them.

Are you ready to experience the transformative power of forgiveness and let go of the past? The Forgiveness Journey Workbook is here to guide you through this life-changing process.

ZEN STORY
The Thief Who Became a Disciple

One evening as Shichiri Kojun was reciting sutras a thief with a sharp sword entered, demanding either money or his life. Shichiri told him: “Do not disturb me. You can find the money in that drawer.” Then he resumed his recitation. A little while afterwards he stopped and called: “Don’t take it all. I need some to pay taxes with tomorrow.” The intruder gathered up most of the money and started to leave. “Thank a person when you receive a gift,” Shichiri added. The man thanked him and made off. A few days afterwards the fellow was caught and confessed, among others, the offence against Shichiri. When Shichiri was called as a witness he said: “This man is no thief, at least as far as I am concerned. I gave him money and he thanked me for it.” After he had finished his prison term, the man went to Shichiri and became his disciple.

OUR GIFT TO YOU

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Today you get our Develop Healthy Habits Journal. Discover the power of habit transformation with our Develop Healthy Habits Guide. Achieve personal growth and success by adopting positive habits today. With this workbook, you can take control of your habits and transform your life in ways you never thought possible.

To download please click on the button below called “Download”.

CRYSTAL OF THE DAY

YOGAPEDIA
Standing Forward Bend (Uttanasana)

What is Standing Forward Bend?

Standing forward bend, or uttanasana, is essentially an intense stretch to the entire back of the body and entails standing with feet hip distance apart, bending at the hips and palms touching near your feet.

Instructions

• Stand in mountain pose with your feet hip distance apart and your hands on your hips.

• Deeply exhale while you bend forward, hinging at the hips with knees bent slightly.

• Using both hands, reach to the floor touching palms or fingertips near your feet. Or bend your arms at the elbows and take hold of each elbow with the opposite hand.

• Deeply inhale in the pose to lift and lengthen your upper body, then exhale to bend and release further.

• After you hang in the pose for a minute, bring your hands back to your hips, inhale and lift your upper body all the way back up.

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