Forgiveness Meditation Transcript
Forgiveness Meditation Transcript
Introduction
This Forgiveness Meditation practice has three steps. We begin with those whom we
have caused harm, intentionally or unintentionally. Next we turn our attention to those
who have similarly caused us harm, intentionally or unintentionally. And, finally, we turn
our attention to self-forgiveness, for ways we may have harmed ourselves, intentionally
or unintentionally. It may be best to start with someone who may be easiest to forgive or
be forgiven and over time move to working with the more difficult people. You can
repeat this process with the same or different people as often as you wish in the future.
Meditation
Now, we'll begin practicing a guided forgiveness meditation. Remember it’s a practice.
It's best not to force yourself to forgive that which you do not feel ready or safe to forgive
at this time. Simply acknowledge whatever comes up for you with a non-judgmental
attitude, as much as you can. Let whatever emotions arise come and go. You can always
come back to the breath or the feel of the body sitting as an anchor. Go at your own pace.
Begin settling into a comfortable seated posture, on a chair or a cushion. Becoming aware
of the fact that you are breathing. Becoming aware of the movement of the breath, as it
Now, when you are ready, expanding your awareness beyond the breath to include the
entire body. Simply noticing sensation in the body internally or externally. Bringing your
attention now to the thoughts as they come and go. Seeing each thought as it comes up in
the mind as a thought, a passing event. And, when you are ready bringing the awareness
to emotions that arise in the body and mind. Perhaps frustration, restlessness,
peacefulness, sadness, joy, or fear. Now, simply noticing how the body, mind, and heart
Returning to the body breathing. Noticing where you feel the breath moving in and out of
the body. Letting the awareness ride the waves of the breath. Now, beginning to take a
gentle journey of awareness through the body. Inviting the possibility of letting go and
relaxing the body. Allowing a kind attention to sweep through the body. Letting go,
Now, bringing to mind someone whom you have harmed either intentionally or
you. Seeing who comes to mind, taking a few moments to visualize or imagine this
for how you have harmed this person intentionally or unintentionally. Saying, this
persons Name and then, saying forgive me, forgive me… forgive me for any actions I
did, whether intentional or unintentional, that caused you harm… Continue with or
Trusting yourself to ask for forgiveness in a way that feels right for you, without getting
lost in the content of the story of whatever may have happened. Take your time, Repeat a
What's most important are not the words but the 'felt sense', as much as you can, letting it
come from your heart, with the intention for healing; asking for and opening to receiving
forgiveness. (pause)
Taking a few moments to transition, to let go of the images or thoughts. Noticing how
you are feeling now. Bring the awareness to the body, the breath. Taking a few easy, deep
breaths. (pause)
Now, bringing to mind someone who has caused you harm, intentionally or
unintentionally. Noticing the details of the person’s appearance, noticing what feelings
arise for you as you bring the person to mind. When you are ready, begin to offer that
person forgiveness. Saying to the person in your own mind, using that person’s name, I
forgive you. I forgive you for the ways you have harmed me, intentionally or
As before, trusting yourself to forgive in a way that feels right for you, without getting
lost in the content of the story of whatever may have happened. (pause)
Now, letting go of the images or thoughts. Noticing how you are feeling. Bringing the
awareness back to the breath, the body. Taking a few easy deep breaths. (pause)
Now, imagining or visualizing yourself. Noticing the details your appearance. Bringing to
mind anyone or any situation for which you wish to forgive yourself for ways you have
harmed yourself. When you are ready, using your own name, say I forgive you,
I forgive you. May I forgive myself. Again, trusting yourself to forgive in a way that feels
When you are ready, letting go of the images or thoughts. Noticing how you are feeling.
Bringing your awareness back to the body, to the breath. Taking a few easy, deep breaths.
Now, taking a few more moments to offer gratitude to yourself for taking this time for
yourself . For taking care of your own heart, for lightening the burdens, the hurts you
have accumulated in your live. Remembering, that this is a practice of letting go and
moving in the direction of more peace, happiness and freedom. Breathing in stillness for
as long as you wish, and when you are ready, gently open your eyes and slowly returning