Letting Go... The Franciscan Challenge

Becoming Free of a Grudge

One way of becoming free of a grudge seems so simple, but is actually not that easy:

* Reflect on who is actually getting hurt from the grudge? Not the person against whom you are holding a grudge, but you are! The feeling and scene plays and replays in your mind and you suffer! Why are you doing this to yourself? What benefit are you receiving?

* If you can go deeper, try to figure out why this feeling has attached itself to you. The nature of the grudge and understanding its dynamics are very important to be free of such unhealthy feeling. Was your self-image hurt? If so, do you really value that person's opinion that much? If it was a betrayal, seek your true friends and value them. Don't waste your time nor your energy with people who don't understand what it means to be a friend.

* Practice compassion with all persons. Before you know it, it will become a good "habit" which will make you happier, the people who you touch and the whole world a little better!