Embracing Freedom Through Forgiveness: A Path to Emotional Liberation
Forgiveness is a powerful and transformative act that has the potential to liberate us from the chains of past pain and resentment. My guest, Lois Wagner, shared her deeply personal journey of discovering the profound impact of forgiveness when she made a conscious decision to free herself from the negative bonds that had been tying her to a hurtful memory.
Lois suffered a horrific and traumatic sexual assault that nearly killed her. This life-altering event set Lois on a new path, driven by a determination to raise awareness about violence against women. The assailant was eventually arrested and jailed for this vicious crime. Many years later, Lois had the opportunity to attend his parole hearing and confront him face to face.
She shares her inspiring story on Episode 9, That Was The Moment... Forgiving My Attacker Set Me Free.
The Moment of Release
In a pivotal moment at the parole hearing, Lois looked at the person who had caused her pain and said, "I'm taking the responsibility from my higher self and I'm handing it over to your higher self. I forgive you, and I take back my freedom." To her amazement, as I spoke these words, a weight lifted off her shoulders. She didn't anticipate the immediate sense of liberation, but it was as if she had broken free from an invisible prison.
Understanding Forgiveness
Forgiveness is often misunderstood. Many people resist forgiving others, believing that forgiveness somehow condones the wrongdoer's actions. However, forgiveness is not about excusing behavior; it’s about freeing ourselves from the burden of anger and resentment. By forgiving, we reclaim our emotional freedom and break the triggers and negative associations that hold us back.
The Power of Emotional Separation
While the memory of the event may remain, it's crucial to separate the event from the emotion. The event itself is unchangeable, but our emotional response to it can be transformed. This separation is key to healing. By examining the emotions linked to the event and understanding their impact on our bodies, we can begin to change our emotional responses.
Creating a Vision for Emotional Well-being
Lois suggests a practical approach to this transformation is to create a vision board for your emotions. Just as people create vision boards for material goals, you can design one for the emotions you wish to cultivate. Detail the emotions you want to experience, such as happiness, peace, and freedom. Visualize these emotions and immerse yourself in that future state.
Affirmations for Healing
Incorporate affirmations into your daily routine to reinforce your desired emotional state. Lois uses affirmations like "I am happy," "I am full of sunshine," "I am calm," and "I am guilt-free" and found they significantly contributed to her emotional healing journey. These positive declarations help reprogram your mind and guide you towards a healthier emotional state.
Forgiveness is a gift you give yourself. It’s a step towards emotional freedom and a healthier, happier life.
By consciously deciding to forgive, separating events from emotions, and actively working towards your desired emotional state, you can break free from the past and embrace a future filled with positivity and peace.
You can learn more about Lois http://walkingwithoutskin.com/
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