When we are angry or resentful at someone, including ourselves, it compromises our health and ability to make clear decisions. We feel resentful and as a result our bodies yield to a state of stress. Hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline begin to flow through our bloodstream, diluting endorphins and other feel-good chemicals. Prolonged stress, in this case “resentment”, has detrimental effects on our health because our body is not designed to function with those stress hormones at such high levels for long periods of time. Without dealing with our feelings of resentment, they grow and fester at an alarming rate. This is in part because the hormones that ramp up our system also increase our heart rates, slow down digestion, and weaken the immune function. Making a conscious effort to get to the bottom of our resentment and shift our subconscious beliefs is a radical and necessary practice for the health of our hearts, minds, bodies, and communities.

Forgiveness is about taking healthy responsibility. Oftentimes, when we do the work of unpacking our resentments, we can flip the direction and be incredibly hard on ourselves. We become vulnerable and willing to take on way too much responsibility for ourselves and others. The Forgiveness Breath is a healing technique that tunes us into our own vulnerability, holding a witness space for ourselves, and allowing ourselves to be perfectly imperfect. When we start to practice the Forgiveness Breath, it helps us focus on our own actions with an open heart.

The Practice

Below is a nourishing self-care practice to do at the end of the day, especially on those days where you feel like you made more mistakes than you care to admit. It’s also a healing practice to do when you find yourself focusing on the actions of others rather than your own actions.

When using this practice to forgive others, say what you forgive them for on the exhale. I’ve found it most effective to focus on one person at a time. This keeps your energy clear and directional during practice, allowing for deeper insight into the root of the specific resentment.

1. Find a comfortable position lying down.
2. Set your intention.
3. Breathe in and out through the nose for a minute to settle in.
4. When ready, take a long, gentle breath in through the nose.
5. On your exhale, say one thing out loud that you forgive yourself for.
6. Repeat this practice for several minutes until you feel finished.
7. Rest for a minute.
8. Close your practice.
9. Journal.