27 Sep Forgiveness

All the major religions of the world teach that forgiveness is important for us spiritually, physically and psychologically.
When one holds onto anger, bitterness, or hatred, it sets into motion an internal stress reaction affecting the hormones, tissues, organs, psychological wellbeing and behavior.
Recently, my daughter’s father-in-law related a story which epitomized forgiveness. His grandfather, living in China, was forced to sell two of his daughters into servitude so that they and the family would not starve. Years later, one of the daughters was released by the master and married. She and her husband became wealthy. She returned to her father, forgave him, and encouraged him to move to the New World, Canada. She provided him with the resources to make the move possible. When he had saved enough money, he sent for one of his sons, who later sent for his son, who at that time was sixteen years of age. This gentle, wise man is the father-in-law to my daughter. He honors the past by remembering the forgiveness of one person who changed the course of history for this wonderful Canadian family.
Does forgiveness mean that we will continue the relationship or re-establish a relationship with the perpetrator? Not necessarily. Although related, there is a vast difference between forgiveness and reconciliation.
If you require assistance in dealing with the ill effects of anger or stress, Biofeedback and Psychosomatic Energetics may be of great benefit to you.