Where I am Led - Part 21 - Forgiveness (by Julala)

I hope you have all forgiven me for the absence last week....if not....tomorrow's discussion may be some help....

Forgiveness :o)

“Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it.” 

― Mark Twain

This is another one close to my heart so I am very much looking forward to hearing everyone's thoughts on forgiveness.

We all have had people in our lives...that have done things that have hurt us, betrayed us, disappointed us or even devastated us. Sometimes forgiveness for these people seems impossible. For some the act of forgiving someone feels like condoning their actions or showing a weakness. What does "forgiving someone" mean to you?

“Forgiveness has nothing to do with absolving a criminal of his crime. It has everything to do with relieving oneself of the burden of being a victim--letting go of the pain and transforming oneself from victim to survivor.”

― C.R. Strahan

In D/s we often talk of honesty and trust as being paramount to the relationship.....so when that trust is broken....when dishonesty is discovered....there is much hurt and anger. "I will NEVER be able to forgive them" is a quote I hear often from people that have experienced much hurt or betrayal after the breakdown in a relationship. Can forgiveness be found? Who benefits from forgiveness....the perpetrator...or the victim?

“To be wronged is nothing, unless you continue to remember it.” 

― Confucius

And what of our own mistakes and hurtful acts?  Do you seek forgiveness?  Why?  In the last discussion we talked about acceptance and how sometimes the hardest person to gain acceptance from is our self.  Is this true of forgiveness also?  

If we have time we may also ponder a "thought for the day".

These Monday discussions are loosely using the service exploration workbook "Where I am Led" by Christina Parker as a point of reference. You do not need to have read or even seen the book to fully participate in the discussion.

Everyone welcome. Please do join us on Monday (25th Feb) at 12pm SLT at the Temple of Discussion on Respect sim. Discussion is voice led but text also very welcome.