Forgiveness. How to pray.

Today’s post will have a “notes” format. Please excuse all the grammar violations...

A wonderful video by Marie Forleo on how to forgive when you can’t forget: https://youtu.be/XvUC9852WYs

Learnings include: we forgive for ourselves, forgiveness and trust are distinct, some people don’t have to be in our lives. How to carry out the process of forgiveness: forgive yourself and then the other person. “Forgiveness isn’t a weakness. It’s the ultimate sign of courage and strength.”

In relation to my previous post, Jocko Willink also mentions that some wrongdoers may be arrogant enough not to admit that they’ve done anything wrong and so to harbor any kind of emotion within us isn’t going to make the wrongdoer change. Essentially, letting go and forgiveness are going to ultimately help us to move up and become better.

Last Sunday’s Gospel was about a disciple asking Jesus how to pray—in which Jesus taught the “Our Father”. Just like forgiveness, the willingness to engage in intimate conversation with God through prayer isn’t for God—it isn’t about changing God’s mind (about maybe giving us that thing that we’ve been praying for); rather, it is to bring about change within us.

Whatever spirituality or philosophy you subscribe to, what will make your life worthwhile are those moments in which you take care of your conscious self. Let’s continue to pray &/or think (whichever you prefer) for each other.

Pax.

Good. Noted. ~Jocko Willink

YouTube suggested some videos by former Navy Seal and motivational podcaster, @jockowillink.
A short yet powerful video I watched was entitled “Good” https://youtu.be/IdTMDpizis8 and the gist is that when things go bad—good. Short of saying that there is always something good when things go bad. And that the mere fact that one can utter “good” means that one is still alive and have the opportunity to get up, dust off, and recalibrate.

Related to this, I briefly scrolled down and the cover photo of an episode 3 weeks ago had the word “Betrayal” https://youtu.be/kGCGEWKGTOs and what I learned is that regardless of the nature of the wrongdoing, one can state “noted” to oneself.  Jocko does mention that if the betrayal is something that involves liability then it should be elevated to authorities. But if it’s something that you can let go of then you can say “noted.” That’s my take on betrayal.

A few posts ago, on hindsight—I should have started a formal process—there really should have been repercussions. That was probably the correct way and would be akin to respecting the integrity of science. But it’s not an isolated case and unfortunately, many people do similar acts and get away with it repeatedly. Again, if careers and lives are at stake and I can swallow the little pride I have that’s been trampled on (despite the other person’s absolute and complete disregard for my career and intellectual property), what I can say is “noted.” Your devious character: noted. Will trust be regained: slim to no chance. Will I remain professional: always have and always will. Noted. I stand up, dust myself, and recalibrate. Good.

We are lucky

There are so many people suffering oppression, natural disasters, armed conflict, disease, and poverty that I am filled with guilt. Guilt for not doing enough? Helplessness?  Sometimes pretending that these sufferers do not exist?
I think doing concrete little acts are worthwhile. Grassroots level things. Things and changes within ourselves.
Many of us are lucky. We should constantly remind ourselves that.