Why is forgiveness so important for our emotional well being?

Nick Seneca Jankel writes, “A research study asked people to recall someone who they thought had offended or upset them. Instantly their stress response was aroused. As they were asked to forgive the person, their stress response dipped back to resting levels. When we forgive people, we give up being a victim. Being a victim is a very stressful role. As the saying goes, only the condemned, condemn. So when we forgive, we release ourselves from our victim stories, and free ourselves from stress. Victim stories always disempower us. They have us be weak, put-upon, wronged; and the transgressor be powerful and dominating. Stress – biological as much as psychological – is triggered whenever we feel weak or in danger.

As we forgive, we take back the power we gave them when we decided they had ‘made’ us unhappy or angry or whatever. Then we can stop feeling “put upon” by others. As soon as we forgive, we stop being victims and start owning our own experience of life. This is a key step to full and permanent well-being and happiness.”

FULL STORY by NICK SENECA JANKEL, via SWITCH ON