What is Forgiveness?

forgiveness is a state of mind
a way of being in the world—to be forgiving
especially with ourselves

forgiveness is a paradox
we don’t forgive the unforgivable
yet the only sane response is to forgive

forgiveness means we learn the lesson however difficult
and let the past go
to give ourselves grace

forgiveness helps us to be
without adding or taking anything away
to accept what is

forgiveness lets nothing disturb our peace
or rob us of joy
the true warrior is fiercely forgiving

forgiveness overlooks what doesn’t matter
and knows what does
it is the way past suffering

see the world 
with forgiving eyes 
and stop the madness

forgiveness is the freedom 
to love ourselves and others, 
without embarrassment or guilt 

forgiveness holds lightly things of this world
to seek and find love right where we are
Love is for giving

Tom Garcia
Sep 19, 2023
Bayfield, Colorado