Moving towards forgiveness

"We should be always moving towards forgiveness"

These are words I heard some time ago by David Whyte, one of my favourite poets and philosophers. Beautiful words, not because of any directive inherent in them, but as a movement of heart. 

While forgiveness can be a beautiful, natural stage of healing, it can be harmful when promoted prematurely by someone other than the person in the process of healing. One example is when those harmed by the abuses within churches are encouraged to forgive by the very churches who have perpetrated and/or covered up these very same abuses over the years. 

There are many other less public situations where the burden of the harm and healing is placed on the one who has been most harmed. This emphasis on forgiveness rather than accountability can set up an implicit support for the abuser. 

Imagine a society that protected the vulnerable and demanded accountability over harmful behaviour.  What might that look like? Would we be in the situation we are in now, with heart-breaking child abuse numbers, ecological destruction, youth suicide numbers, inequity and political corruption? 

Pink Rose 

When I started the healing one of my ancestral lineages, I was astounded to meet with powerful, wise and fiercely protective beings.  I realised in shock that I’d never experienced that kind of response to life from humans – neither personally and particularly not at a collective level.  Over an incredible few days and nights, I journeyed in wonder at this new/old energy and the possibilities it showed me for us as individuals, communities and planetary beings. 

So I invite you, if someone close to you is suffering from any of the many possible sources of such wounding, please be with them in kindness and love if you can, and let them find their way. Your presence and compassion will likely mean the world to them. And if you have the opportunity to stand up for someone or something in need of this, please do. 

I’d love to hear from you if you’d like to respond. You can comment below or email me.