I love myself by fully appreciating and accepting myself for the woman I am today. I practice letting go of guilt, shame, and useless drama. I forgive myself for the mistakes I’ve made. I affirm that I am perfect, just as I am. And you are too. You are perfect just as you are. I invite you to liberate your heart and let love in.
If you are beating yourself up for choices made during your unconscious youth or if you are still angry with someone who’s done you harm, it’s time to let it go. You deserve to receive the healing gift of forgiveness. When you learn to let go and forgive, you can move forward in light and love.
How would you feel if you could forgive yourself and others for every boundary crossed, every harmful word, every irreverent action? I can tell from experience, you’ll feel AMAZING.
What is the upside of holding on to your anger, pain, and suffering? If you are holding a grudge, YOU are suffering. If you are hanging on to shame and guilt for choices you made in the past, YOU are committing violent acts against yourself. Be honest: Are you ready to begin healing your wounded heart? If your answer is yes, then it’s time to dig deep.
Dance with your shadow. Face her. Accept Her. Embrace her. With deep introspection, you can learn to accept your precious self and receive all the love you deserve.
-Shann
3 Sacred Forgiveness Practices
Forgiveness Journaling Practice
Identify what is haunting you. Write your story. Let your tears fall upon the page. Squeeze every detail of how you feel about the ghosts of your past. What are you angry about? What do you wish you could change? Are you holding a grudge? How is this story serving you today? When you’re finished, you may wish to bless and burn your story in a safe place.
Sacred Love Letter
Now that you’ve written your story, write a love letter to yourself from the woman you are today. Write your letter to the little girl, teenager or woman who needs to know she is loved. Accepted. Perfect. No matter what choices she’s made in her past. Post it and mail it to yourself or ask a friend to mail it for you.
Sacred Forgiveness Ritual
Create a sacred ceremony and honor the woman you are today. Your storied past. Your highs and lows. Begin your ceremony by finding a quiet place where you can be undisturbed for a while. Light a candle, take a deep cleansing breath and recite (out loud) ten things that you love about yourself. For example, I love myself because I am kind. I love myself because I’m a supportive friend. I love the way I can light up a room with my laugh etc. Next recite the following phrase: “I am enough. I matter. I love myself just as I am. I forgive myself and others. I will no longer carry the weight of the anger, shame, and suffering of my past. I am willing to let go of the past and love myself now. And so it is.” Now blow out the candle and give yourself a hug.
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Beautiful blog. Thank you for sharing your wisdom.
Appreciating all the many ways you suggest forgiveness practices! Also the succinctness of your invitations to: “Dance with your shadow. Face her. Accept Her. Embrace her. With deep introspection, you can learn to accept your precious self and receive all the love you deserve.
-Shann”
It’s perfect timing as I’m writing a heart chakra meditation for my first solo book which calls for loving and forgiving ourselves and others.s
I love the suggestion of a Sacred Forgiveness Ritual, Shann. I include candles and earthern diyas in my prayers and am definitely going to try it.
I’ve used the letter writing practice a few times and have found it very helpful and healing.
Life gets tough and life gets heavy at times. This year has been about a lot of releasing, letting go, forgiving and healing. I’ve journaled and written a letter to myself. I’m inspired to do it again, it’s been awhile. I’m also inspired by your ritual. I’ve done many rituals for the world and for others but not specifically just for myself. Thank you for your beautiful post.
This is a lovely article, Shann. So gentle and supportive are your words that it’s as if I can feel you holding my hand as you walk me through the process of transformation.
Much love and blessings to you…
I love your three sacred practices. I practice writing in my gratitude journal….but yes I have been meaning to write a love letter to my younger self. Thank you for the nudge.
Yes, please✨Happy Birthday✨
Yes.