5 Psychological Benefits of Forgiveness
Forgiveness, often seen as a moral act, and can bring with it, significant psychological advantages. While it may be challenging to forgive, especially when faced with deep hurt or betrayal, the act of forgiveness can have profound positive effects on our mental and emotional well-being. Let's explore five key psychological benefits of forgiveness
Reduced Stress and Anxiety
Holding onto resentment, anger, and bitterness can lead to chronic stress and anxiety, which changes the way we think and feel. Stress and anxiety can also be a cause of how we react to future situations. When we have ‘stuff’ from past experiences that hold those difficult emotions and feelings – all of which take up residency inside the body, can, when not managed and or when we do not realise all our past experiences continue to live on and play out in different reactive ways unless we arrive at a resolve within ourself. The difficult emotions and feelings can manifest physically and emotionally, affecting our overall quality of life.
The early signs of stress and anxiety can be felt within the body, and vary significantly from one person to another. A couple of examples of the many physical signs of stress and anxiety may show up initially as a weird/funny feeling in the pit of the stomach, fuzziness in the head, it can also affect bowel movements, such as blockages commonly referred to as (IBS) Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or diarrhea.
Emotional conditions which can emerge are feelings of a faster heartbeat, change in body temperature, loos of memory, racing thoughts – to name a few. Unless the emotions and feelings are not cared for and addressed appropriately, they play one. When left unattended to over prolonged periods of time, these effects (and more) continue to play out in the body and mind. Sadly, we can become so used to how our body and mind respond to such, over time we can numb out and not realise the impact this has on our decision making and physical condition.
The day I truly realised, I had not grieved my mother’s death some eighteen years previously, was the day I realised my life and decision making could have been so different (even though I was living a positive life) - or so I thought.
My delayed grief and journey into healing the disease and pain within me, had emerged in a physical sense.
Although I embarked on a journey to heal the physical dis-ease that had manifested as a disease over those eighteen years, my discovery included emotional grief and imbalance too. Part of my grief journey was the need to forgive myself! In doing so, I was taken aback when I faced the low-lying difficult and dark emotions that had been living inside my body and taken on a life of their own without my knowledge.
There is no need to live with the difficult emotions and feelings that relate to living in states of not forgiving.
It is my belief; we have no need to live in shame and or guilt emotions, they can be toxic. These heavy, difficult emotions and feelings, for many people, do not go away no matter how strong we think we are and no matter how much we try to bury them and live above those lines.
In times when we least expect, they rear their head time and time again, and unless we have an understanding of what is ‘happening’ the guilt and shame will continue to play over in both body and mind.
My way to heal was a journey of exploration, a highly detailed and delicate path, cultivated on a strong healing foundation of holistic interventions. I thankfully traveled this journey having the right professionals by my side supporting me through those times. As the dark difficult emotions and feelings were addressed, the healing emerged. Not only did this eventually remove the disease from my body, my mind, and the thoughts that used to live in there changed in incredible ways. It is fair to say, that I rewired my thinking brain, releasing mental anguish along with difficult emotions and feelings that had been getting in my way for so long.
Forgiveness of self and others can help release these toxic emotions, promoting a sense of calm, newfound confidence, self-assurance, renewal of self, and peace.
Forgiveness induces
Decreased cortisol levels: Studies have shown that forgiveness can lower levels of cortisol, a stress hormone that can contribute to various health problems.
Improved sleep: When we're burdened by negative emotions, it can be difficult to sleep soundly. Forgiveness can help alleviate these emotions, leading to better sleep quality.
Reduced anxiety symptoms: Forgiveness can lessen feelings of anxiety and worry, allowing us to live more present and fulfilling lives as we move away from the physical conditioning of no forgiving.
Enhanced Relationships
Forgiveness can repair damaged relationships, strengthening bonds with loved ones. It fosters trust. Creates better understanding, and empathy, creating a more harmonious and supportive environment.
Improved communication: Forgiveness can help us communicate more effectively with others, resolving conflicts and misunderstandings.
Increased trust: When we forgive, we can rebuild trust in our relationships, creating a stronger foundation for connection.
Strengthened bonds: Forgiveness can deepen our bonds with loved ones, and our extended relationships making them more resilient to future challenges.
Improved Self-Esteem
Harbouring resentment and anger can erode self-esteem. Forgiveness allows individuals to let go of negative self-beliefs and embrace a more positive outlook.
Increased self-worth: When we forgive, we can recognize our own strength and resilience, boosting our self-esteem.
Reduced self-blame: Forgiveness can help us let go of feelings of guilt and self-blame, allowing us to move forward with a lighter heart.
Greater self-acceptance: Forgiveness can foster self-acceptance, enabling us to embrace our imperfections and flaws.
Better Physical Health
Research suggests that forgiveness can positively impact physical health. It may reduce the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and other health problems.
Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease: Studies have linked forgiveness to lower blood pressure and a reduced risk of heart disease.
Improved immune function: Forgiveness can strengthen the immune system, making us less susceptible to illness.
Faster recovery from illness: When we can forgive, we may recover from illnesses more quickly.
Increased Happiness and Well-being
Forgiveness can lead to a greater sense of happiness and overall well-being. It frees individuals from the burdens of the past, allowing them to focus on the present and future.
Enhanced emotional well-being: Forgiveness can alleviate feelings of sadness, anger, resentment, and hopelessness promoting emotional well-being.
Increased life satisfaction: When we forgive, we can experience a greater sense of satisfaction with our lives.
Greater sense of peace: Forgiveness can bring a sense of peace and tranquillity, allowing us to live more fully in the present moment.
While forgiveness may be challenging, the benefits are significant. By cultivating forgiveness, we can improve our mental, emotional, and physical health, strengthen our relationships, and enhance our overall well-being.
Remember, forgiveness is a journey, not a destination. Holistic interventions such as Psycho-neuroimmunology, Quantum Physics, and Epigenetics to name a few, bring the process of accessing the sub-conscious mind (the keeper of memories) without having to open up the memories of the past by having to talk through the details that brought the pain in the first instance. Integrating modern interventions as above with ancient holistic practices, not only can change the mind, but the mind-body unification can integrate in balance. I mean, have you ever experienced your cells changing? In ways that leave the difficult and heavy emotions and feelings behind? It may take time, yet for others the changes can occur instantly. The rewards are well worth it.
The power of forgiveness emerges in waves during my work with clients on their healing journeys. It can feel daunting to delve into the depths of past hurts, yet it's incredibly rewarding. Today, with holistic interventions such as Psycho-neuroimmunology, Quantum Physics, and Epigenetics to name a few, gone are the days of opening up the full memory of the past by having to talk through past experiences session after session.
I invite you to book your complimentary clarity consultation here and let’s see how I may best support your wellbeing needs.
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I look forward to our first conversation.
Diane