The psychology of forgiveness is also a form of detachment. It refers to an act of courage by which people set aside the grudge that consumes them to accept what happened and move on. It is also a restructuring of the “I”, a psychological way to repair suffering, negative emotions and gradually find inner peace.
When looking for bibliographies related to the psychology of forgiveness, there are mainly books and documents related to personal development, the study of morality and even the world of religion or spirituality, however, there are scientific studies on what forgiveness is, how is it done and what is necessary for our physical and emotional balance to pass this stage?
“The weak cannot forgive, is forgiveness an attribute of the fort?Mahatma Gandhi?
Yes, there are studies on the psychology of forgiveness. In fact, he? American Psychological Association – various studies and research on what it is to forgive or not. As our ancient and present societies are full of conflict throughout their history, they have not always managed to move in this direction: a dimension that, in turn, is the key to our mental well-being.
Certainly, we all have a thorn, a pending account with a fact of our past that restricts our current happiness, which diminishes our ability to build a much more satisfying present. Does everyone, one way or another, keep our little resentment of something or someone who needs to be healed?
The best way to delve deeper into this area of psychology is to distinguish between what is forgiveness and what is not, to forgive, first of all, does not mean to tell us that what happened at some point was good if it was not. doesn’t that mean either? Accept? Or reconcile with the person who has hurt us; let alone make us live or complain about it.
In fact, the psychology of forgiveness offers us the right strategies so that we can take the following steps:
“To forgive is to learn to let go, to reinvent a new person, me, who takes the past, but has the strength to enjoy the present.
In turn, the psychology of forgiveness tells us that we are not obliged to understand or accept the values or thoughts of the person who has hurt us, forgiving is not offering mercy or seeking justification for what we have suffered, we must never lose dignity . .
On the other hand, there is an important aspect that is often overlooked. Forgiveness is the basis of any relationship, whether as a couple, friendship, etc. Remember that not everyone sees things the same way; in fact, there are various perceptions, approaches and opinions.
Sometimes we assume certain behaviors such as affronts or acts of contempt, while what is behind it is a simple intolerance or misunderstanding, so to stop seeing betrayals where there are not, we must be able to expand our sense of understanding and our ability. for forgiveness.
Dr. Bob Enright of the University of Wisconsin is one of the best-known experts in the study of the psychology of forgiveness. After more than three decades of case analysis, studies and writing of books on the subject, something has concluded that could, perhaps catch our attention. Not everyone succeeds, not everyone is able to take the first step towards forgiveness. The reason is the belief that forgiveness is a form of weakness.
It’s a mistake. One of the best ideas that the psychology of forgiveness gives us is that forgiving, taking the first step, in addition to allowing us to move more freely in our present, gives us the opportunity to learn new values and strategies to face any source of stress and anxiety. Forgiving and recycling resentments frees us; it’s an act of bravery and strength.
Dr. Enright reminds us that there are many reasons to forgive, the best of which is that we will gain health, many studies show the close relationship between forgiveness and reducing anxiety, depression and other disorders that reduce our quality of life.
The person who remains trapped in the cycle of memories day after day, under the influence of resentment and persistent hatred for a fact of the past or by a particular person, develops chronic stress beyond misfortune, no one deserves to live like this. Is there no emotion more toxic than anger combined with hatred?
Therefore, let us implement some of the following strategies to facilitate the path of forgiveness:
In conclusion, the field of forgiveness psychology is very broad and, in turn, has a very close relationship with the field of health and well-being, it is a discipline that offers us fabulous strategies to apply in all areas of our lives, our work and our daily relationships, so forgiveness is one of the best skills and virtues that we can develop as human beings.