Showing results for "Forgive" in Mental Health

We have all been hurt. You may still be feeling the pain of childhood abuse or neglect, the sting of rejection or abandonment, the shame of prejudice or ridicule. You may have already come far in healing your wounds. But until you can let go of anger, grudges, resentment, and the desire to punish your offender, those wounds will continue to hold you back from loving, giving and living fully.

Feeling pressured to forgive their offenders is a common reason trauma survivors avoid mental health services and support. Those who force, pressure, or encourage trauma survivors to forgive can unknowingly cause harm and sabotage their recovery. And such harm is entirely unnecessary—especially when research shows there is no consensus among psychologists, psychiatrists, and other professionals about whether forgiveness is necessary for recovery at all.

This guided imagery meditation, with soft ocean waves and gentle narration, takes you on a morning walk along a secluded beach. Soon you meet a dear old friend, loved one, or significant figure in your life who's come to assist you. Their unconditional love toward you helps you open your own heart, explore anything you've held against yourself, and release it. As you sit watching the waves, your own inner child appears on your lap, ready now to receive the kind of healing and reassurance only you can provide.