Forgiveness; a touching subject, and yet the most sentimental one. Ever feel like you are a bad person just because you are not quick to forgive, according to society’s expectations? It’s normal to encounter this feeling, as we are driven to forgive based on religious practices or even cultural moments/traditions that are passed down through generations. Still, forgiveness allows us to tap into self-compassion, which is being kind to ourselves - by allowing ourselves to be open to human nature - to learn, to revise and to love again.

If we keep ourselves closed up due to past pains, we won’t allow ourselves to be free as we will be trapped in all the ‘possible’ pains that might happen in the future.

Forgiveness also allows us to see the common humanity that we share - the reality that even though we may be trapped in the endless sufferings, we still have the capacity to see what allows us to live authentically. With that, let us ask ourselves, what is this forgiveness for?

May we find ourselves free of suffering and pain. To live well, freely and happy.