Very recently, I had the pleasure of seeing Taproot Theater's production of the musical Jane Eyre.
Lo and behold, there it was again, I'm out in the world, noticing and getting a message. One that I know is very important. I keep getting it again and again. And yet, I've been so resistant to.
I must recommend you to see this musical, if you are looking for a play to see.
Jane Eyre is a musical version of the story and unlike some film versions, it includes Jane as a young girl. The young Jane has been sent to live in a school for girls where she becomes friends with Helen. When Jane complains about being treated badly, Helen sings a song to her with a very important message:
"Forgiveness is the greatest sword."
(BTW, I've added access to the song at the end of this post so you can listen to it!)
There is it again: Forgiveness and how important it is to engage in it.
Someone once said, "Not forgiving another is like eating poison and expecting them to get sick and die." If I find the exact quote and who wrote it, I will update this post and give the author credit for it.
It's really hard to forgive though when those who have hurt you so much have done so for so long and in so many ways. Ways that they seem to not have the slightest clue about and perhaps don't even care. Even if they apologize it seems insincere and empty and meaningless. Oh-so petty and small in comparison to the pain and largeness of their past and continual injury to you.
There's another way to see it. it's been pointed out to me that how a person treats others is more a reflection on them and their character than on who they have mistreated.
It's important to know when one partakes in forgiving, it doesn't mean it's okay what the other person did. It just means not continuing to hold onto the anger, hurt, bitterness, resentment, thoughts of revenge, etc. towards the party who caused the hurt or injury. It also doesn't mean forgetting. It does also mean stopping the practice of replaying what happened in your mind.
Forgiveness is important to continue to practice. Every day. Not just once a day. Numerous times in the day. Not just with those we know like the lover who broke your heart or the friend who disappointed you or the parent who neglected or abandoned you. But also with strangers. From the person who cut you off in traffic to the neighbor who played their music a little too loud. To the person who cut in front of you in a lineup. To the cop who gave you a ticket. To whoever else did something that annoyed you, inconvenienced you or cost you time, effort or money.
You must forgive! To do any less will only cause you harm. It's a habit that will foster better health, on so many levels: mental, emotional, spiritual and physical.
I really love Louise Hay! She's like a spiritual mother to me because she's really done the work herself and supports others in doing it too! I will add some links and info related t her.
In fact, not forgiving as been linked to many illnesses. I will add some links on this.
So next time you raise your glass (whether it's filled with an alcoholic beverage or not!),
make this toast:
"To Forgiveness!"
Note: This post is still a work-in-progress. Please come back to see what I've added or changed soon!
Okay I must include the actual song from Jane Eyre:
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