Forgiving the World

Can you forgive and accept the whole world?

Several months ago, I began a daily practice of using affirmations from a Course in Miracles workbook. One of the affirmations was,

“I forgive the world.”

When I read this, tears came to my eyes and I felt deep relief. I realized I had mistakenly assumed the responsibility of saving the entire world. I unconsciously believed that if I could just join the right organization, write the right article, find the most powerful words, reach the right people, I could fix all the hatred, miscommunication, and cruelty in the world. As one small human, this was clearly beyond my power!

The Tool of Forgiveness

For quite a while now, forgiveness has been a powerful tool for myself and my clients and students to move through misunderstandings and find a peaceful heart. I have been doing a daily meditation in which I forgive myself, people I love, even people I actively dislike, a process I’ve taught to clients as well. A few years ago, I added political parties, bureaucracies, and institutions that I have resentments toward. But it had never before occurred to me to follow the same practice for the planet.

Blessing and Embracing the World

And so, I started sending love, blessings, and forgiveness to the whole world, just as I taught and practiced with individuals.

As I did this daily, I began to envision the world as a beautiful small globe that I could pick up, hug lovingly, and hand off to a Divine Presence, one much more capable than I to heal the world.

Then, as I heard horrible news stories about events in parts of the US and the rest of the world—teenagers murdered, beaches poisoned, earthquakes causing devastation, governments failing to take action to prevent atrocities or protect human rights, I began giving kisses to places on the globe that seemed to need extra love and attention that day.

Healing and repairing your small corner of the World

There is a Hebrew expression, Tikkun Olam, which means the healing or repair of the world. In the Jewish tradition, we each have a responsibility to do our part. For me, gently giving the planet to its Sacred Guardian, releases me from overwhelm and defensive despair. I am freed to do what healing I can in my own small corner of the world – within myself, with people I love, and with anyone who crosses my path.

And, I can bring this same spirit to my teaching and coaching work around communication and conflict resolution in workplaces. As I do this, I am connected to all those on the planet who, with loving kindness and compassion, are working to heal conflict, hatred, and separation.

Lorraine Segal has helped over 2000 leaders and others in organizations and corporations communicate more clearly, transform conflicts, and let go of resentments. The goal: to create a more harmonious and productive workplace. ?Through her business, Conflict Remedy, Lorraine creates customized training and coaching programs for non-profit organizations, corporations, and government agencies and Sonoma State University. She was recently named one of the top 15 coaches in Santa Rosa by Influence Digest. She is a contributing author to the book, Stand Up, Speak Out Against Workplace Bullying. Her latest project, a memoir called: Angels and Earthworms, an unexpected journey to love, joy, and miracles, is about her transformation from miserable self-doubt to self-acceptance, true love, spiritual awareness, and right livelihood. Find out more about the memoir here.Contact Lorraine through ConflictRemedy to request a free consultation for you and your organization or to sign up for her conflict remedy newsletter and blog.