Hidden in plain view

Thinking more about forgiveness today, as a result of Gerald Ford's death and the ensuing review of his presidency.

Steve Chandler jokes about the time in his life when he enlisted in the army because he thought they could teach him about Self-Discipline—and how he overlooked the essential component of the words!

As I set out today, I set the intention to open myself to the quality of forgiveness. And as I let go of some current frustrations I am experiencing in my relationship with my mother, I experienced the expansion that comes from truly letting go of judgment. I have been familiar with the concept of Self-Forgiveness for quite some time (it is a foundational element of the Master's Degree Program in Spiritual Psychology I took at the University of Santa Monica).

I thought of how, in forgiving Nixon, Gerald Ford offered the nation of the United States the opportunity to free itself of the deep doubt, anguish, anger, and embarrassment that Watergate had set in motion. It wasn't really about Nixon—it was about everyone else having the opportunity to move forward with what they DID want to create, rather than becoming mired in what they didn't.

And there, hidden in plain view, was the answer. In the very word itself. For-give-ness is for the giver. When I forgive, truly forgive, it is I who am freed, even more so than the person I am seeking to forgive. This does not mean I have to condone what has happened. It does mean I can get on with my life.