Forgiveness can improve blood pressure, lower heart rate and improve immunity.

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Health tips: Forgiveness

Dear Reader,

Unlike all the other organs of the body, our minds have no natural system for getting rid of waste. Hurt piles up as open files and black holes. Gratitude for what is right, compassion for suffering, accepting imperfections and focusing on life’s higher meaning can all soften life’s hurts. But there’s one cure that can dissolve all hurt for good: forgiveness.

Forgiveness is a voluntary choice. It means that you choose to give up anger and resentment despite knowing and accepting that the misconduct happened. Forgiveness is choosing the higher path and leading a more thoughtful life driven by your principles.

Meaning in forgiveness

Anger, holding a grudge and hostility can all lead to anxiety, depression, irritability, disturbed sleep, high blood pressure, irregular heart rhythm and a higher risk of heart attack.

Forgiveness, on the other hand, has many benefits. By forgiving, you enjoy improved health, save energy, have better relationships and set an example for others, particularly children.

Here are just some of the benefits of forgiveness.

Forgiveness can enhance physical health. It can improve blood pressure, lower heart rate and improve immunity.
Forgiveness can improve mental and emotional health by promoting better sleep and lowering anxiety, depression and stress levels.
Forgiveness can improve relationships.
Forgiveness can help save your energy.
Forgiveness can help you focus better.
Forgiveness can help you feel good about yourself.
Forgiveness can make you happier.

Applying Forgiveness

Forgiveness doesn’t come naturally to the human mind. Forgiveness isn’t easy. Forgiveness is as intentional as exercising. Because planning revenge activates the brain’s pleasure centers, you’ll have to make a considerable effort to forgive. To forgive, you must:

Find the person forgivable
Become a more effective forgiver
Find meaning in forgiveness

Forgiveness is the ultimate test of your ability to embody higher principles. The hurt of unforgiveness originates from failure in gratitude, compassion, acceptance and higher meaning. The more effectively you can practice the other four principles, the easier it will be for you to forgive.

Train your brain for greater happiness!

Unravel your brain's secrets and discover how you can improve your well-being.

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