Last Sunday at the Spirituality in Recovery group, we felt a sweet atmosphere of serenity. The group was small, relaxation music was playing softly in the background, with dim lights, the group began to talk about various pressing issues affecting them at the moment. We listened and offered empathic feedback, but the theme that was recurring was that of previous mistakes and their present effect.
We practiced a brief relaxation exercise but we did not have much time left. The positive affirmation to be repeated in this session surfaced naturally from the shared experiences: “My past will not prevent me from moving forward". We repeated this phrase in unison a few times. With the sounds of the singing bowls the phrase became our mantra. Tears were flowing, I believe chains were chattered.
One of the most liberating experiences a person can have is self forgiveness of one’s own mistakes. 12 step groups address the concepts of personal inventory and making amends. In church there is the concept of confession of sins and repentance. Various approaches in therapy seek to help the individual to deal with the burdens of shame and guilt resulting from traumatic experiences and or from errors in judgment. The purging of these forces that held the soul in a choke hold resulted in a great act of liberation.
Free of guilt, free of shame, at peace with ourselves we are ready to enjoy every moment of life to the fullest. Do not let your past prevent you from moving forward.
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