Forgiveness can be good for health

Forgiveness is the mental, and or spiritual process of ceasing to feel resentment, indignation or anger against another person for a perceived offense, difference or mistake, or ceasing to demand punishment or restitution. This definition, however, is subject to much philosophical critique. Forgiveness may be considered simply in terms of the person who forgives, in terms of the person forgiven and or in terms of the relationship between the forgiver and the person forgiven. In some contexts, it may be granted without any expectation of compensation, and without any response on the part of the offender (for example, one may forgive a person who is dead). In practical terms, it may be necessary for the offender to offer some form of acknowledgment, apology, and or restitution, or even just ask for forgiveness, in order for the wronged person to believe they are able to forgive.

WASHINGTON: If you are holding a grudge against someone, waste no time in pardoning him or her, for a study in the January issue of Mayo Clinic Women's Health Source has suggested that forgiveness might be good for your health.

Forgiveness means acknowledging hurt and then letting it go, along with the burden of anger and resentment. According to the journal, having bitterness for someone might affect your cardiovascular and nervous systems. In one study, it was found that who focused on a personal grudge had elevated blood pressure and heart rates, as well as increased muscle tension and feelings of being less in control.

When they were asked to imagine forgiving the person who had hurt them, the participants said that they felt more positive and relaxed, and thus the changes dissipated.

When it comes to learning how to forgive - talking with a friend, therapist or adviser might be helpful during the process, to sort through feelings and stay on track. The journal has covered four steps that will help you learn forgiveness. The first step is to acknowledge the pain and anger felt as a result of someone else's actions. For forgiveness to occur, the situation needs to be looked at honestly. In the second step, you should recognize that healing requires change, followed by the finding a new way to think about the person who caused the pain. Finally in the last step, you will begin to experience the emotional relief that comes with forgiveness. It might include increased compassion for others who have experienced similar hurt


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