Sacred Space

The process of forgiveness starts in your own heart.  It has very little to do with others.
                                                                     –Paul Ferrini

This month I am focusing on the healing act of forgiveness and you are invited to join me.  I wasn’t too sure about my decision when I made it.  My family and I went out to breakfast this morning.  I picked up the Faith and Values section of the local newspaper and there it was in large, bold print:  The Power of Forgiveness.  As a read about acts of forgiveness, I smiled.  Confirmation. Aren’t you amazed how the Universe supports us when we’re ready?  Well, I am.  It’s no longer about unkind words and unkind gestures.  It is time to release and let go and start healing.  Now what?  Where do I begin?

Now that I’ve entered this space of forgiveness exactly what is it that I am supposed to be doing?  I have spent so many moments full of anger and resentment it’s a challenge to find that sweet, peaceful center, the place called love. 

I remember.  The Buddhists have a wonderful practice I can do each day to end the suffering of unforgiveness in my mind, heart, body, and the Universe.  It’s called Metta Practice.  Now, I’m not an expert in Buddhism.  What I’m sharing with you is what I understand about the practice in its most simple terms.  For me, the intent of forgiveness and love is what is important.  For those who know more about this practice, feel free to enlighten us.

Metta means loving-kindness.  To engage in Metta meditation, I read somewhere on the Internet, is like planting seeds of love in your heart and soul, and the Universe.  Won’t you join me in this sacred place?

Metta Practice
 

You’ll find simple set of instructions below to help you get started.  I am suggesting you join me each day this month in Metta Practice.  Sit quietly in a place where you won’t be disturbed.

With your eyes opened or closed, begin focusing on loving-kindness for yourself.  I like to affirm aloud.  You may do this silently, if you wish.  For example, I currently have the following affirmation posted on my computer that I plan to use:

May I feel protected and safe/May I feel content and pleased/May my physical body provide me with strength/May my life unfold smoothly with ease
 

The words that you say can be as general or specific as you like.  They may change each day.  Choose words that honor your own spirit and situation.

Next, you move onto focusing on loving-kindness for your family and friends.  For example:

May (person’s name) enjoy peace and good health/May (person’s name) find a wonderful place to live
 

As the sacred space you’re creating grows clearer and stronger you now focus on bringing to mind more challenging people, those who you may have some conflict with, offering the very same wishes of happiness for them.  The lovingkindess you wished for yourself and your loved ones is the same loving-kindness you wish for the challenging people and situations in your life.

May [person’s name] find loving-kindness/May [person] receive this love I am sending him/her/May I forgive [person’s name] for lying to me/May I forgive [person’s name] for never repaying the loan I gave him/her
 

You end the practice by sending love and kindness to everyone in the Universe. You may use this is a universal wish:

May all beings everywhere, known and unknown, near and far, be happy, peaceful and at ease.

The end
  When you think about forgiveness, where are you on the path toward peace and healing this month?  I found this wonderful self-test at the Spirituality & Health web site: http://www.spiritualityhealth.com/newsh/items/selftest/item_232.html.  I thought some of you may be interested in taking the test.
 

You are invited to love others and forgive yourself this month.  Thank you for sharing this sacred space with me.