06.06.2013 Views

Preparing for Death and Helping the Dying

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ends <strong>and</strong> heal <strong>the</strong> wounds.<br />

The practice of a <strong>for</strong>giveness meditation is a<br />

wonderful way to heal <strong>the</strong> pain of <strong>the</strong> old hurts that<br />

block our heart <strong>and</strong> prevent us from trusting <strong>and</strong><br />

loving ourselves <strong>and</strong> o<strong>the</strong>rs. Forgiveness is <strong>the</strong> key<br />

to opening our hearts, to learning from <strong>the</strong> painful<br />

lessons of <strong>the</strong> past in order to move into <strong>the</strong> future<br />

unhindered.<br />

Begin by sitting quietly, relaxing your body <strong>and</strong><br />

focussing your mind with <strong>the</strong> breath. Allow memories<br />

<strong>and</strong> images <strong>and</strong> emotions to float freely in your<br />

mind—things you have done, said <strong>and</strong> thought that<br />

you have not <strong>for</strong>given yourself <strong>for</strong>, no matter how<br />

painful <strong>the</strong>y are.<br />

From your heart say to yourself, “I <strong>for</strong>give myself<br />

<strong>for</strong> whatever I have done in <strong>the</strong> past, intentionally<br />

or unintentionally, my actions, my words <strong>and</strong> my<br />

thoughts. I have suffered enough! I have learned <strong>and</strong><br />

grown <strong>and</strong> I am ready now to open my heart to<br />

myself. May I be happy, may I be free from confusion,<br />

may I know <strong>the</strong> joy of truly underst<strong>and</strong>ing<br />

myself, o<strong>the</strong>rs <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> world. May I come to know<br />

my own wholeness <strong>and</strong> fullness <strong>and</strong> help o<strong>the</strong>rs to<br />

do <strong>the</strong> same.”<br />

Now, in <strong>the</strong> space in front of you, imagine a<br />

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