Sangha of Auspicious Companions

How Forgiveness Changes You and Your Brain

A long-term study on forgiveness shows that “forgiving activates structures and pathways in the brain that improve resilience and social connection more broadly, and empower you to step beyond painful experiences in an energized, motivated, and connected way.” Forgiving is not condoning or endorsing, nor is it necessarily reconciling or meaningfully connecting with a person who wronged you. It involves: empathy and perspective in considering emotions, thoughts, and feelings of the other; coping by reevaluating your understanding of the situation; making social decisions that redirect energy to your own well-being instead of anger or hostility. “By strengthening these capacities, practicing forgiveness can help us improve well-being in the vast and diverse array of social and emotional moments that make up our lives, and in a lasting way.”

Be The Change

Choose one of the suggested ways to practice forgiveness for someone – perhaps even for yourself.