Today we'll explore forgiveness,
Not as a destination,
But as a gentle step toward freedom.
Before we begin,
Take a moment to get still.
Find a comfortable seat or lie down if that feels better.
Let your eyes soften or close.
We'll take three audible breaths together,
In through the nose,
Out through the mouth.
Let the exhale be full and open.
This kind of breathing helps calm the nervous system and signals to the body you're safe,
You're here,
You can let go.
Inhale through the nose.
Exhale through the mouth.
Again inhale,
And exhale.
One more breath in,
And let it go.
From this quiet place,
I offer you these words.
Dear higher power,
There are things I've done that I still carry.
Words I wish I could take back.
Moments I replay in my mind,
Hoping for a different outcome.
Today I ask for the grace of forgiveness,
Not to forget,
But to free myself,
To release the weight that keeps me stuck in shame.
Help me forgive myself for the things I did in survival,
For the mistakes I made when I didn't yet know how to stay,
Or feel,
Or love well.
Let forgiveness be a soft place to land,
Not a pass,
But a path.
A way forward rooted in honesty,
Healing,
And hope.
And if I can't offer full forgiveness yet,
Let me offer the willingness to try.
May I learn to hold my past with gentleness,
And my future with compassion.
I leave this in your hands.
