For-Giving (insert your own feeling) Back

It’s not often I find myself speechless.

For better or for worse, I typically have a response.

A few weeks ago when I was recording a podcast episode with my darling love Alicia (ACE) Easter she shared a concept around forgiveness that stopped me in my chatty-cathy tracks.

LISTEN HERE. Right around minute 26:30 you’ll hear the download.

If you can’t listen right now, here’s the basic transcript:

ACE: “…I realized I am not ready to forgive this person. I am not forgiving them at all right now. And there’s the way in which I was indoctrined - you know, “God forgives so we should forgive” sort of rhetoric which has its place. I was just like, I'm not ready for that. I'm not God. I'm not ready for them to get that from me yet.

However, I still am in the practice of forgiveness because as my teacher Maryam Hasnaa says, forgiveness is for giving someone else, for giving people their energy back. Forgiveness is for - giving someone else their energy back that you've been holding on to. You've been carrying around with you. You've been you know, ruminating on, you've been making space. They have been living rent free in your head all this time. So it's a practice, though. Also I learned over these last few weeks, something about forgiveness and anger. I used to be really afraid of being angry. Because it was not a sacred space. It wasn't useful. Because it was displaced. I was still very much grieving the death of my mother. No one was having eloquent conversations with me about grief, you know, death, mourning, all of these sorts of things. Anger, it was just my first line of defence always when I was growing up, versus now being in this space. I was so angry at this person. I was even angrier at myself to where it was debilitating to me and it was stopping me from really operating in my own authenticity, operating in my own energy. So I had to get back and double down in my pursuit of FORGIVENESS for giving someone else their energy back. I don't need that energy anymore.”

Nearly everyone can relate. You’ve likely been so overcome with anger toward a person or situation that you’ve let it grossly monopolize your thoughts and feelings so much so that you become unrecognizable to yourself…

Wait, no?

Just me?

It’s irrefutable, anger is a necessary human emotion. Yet have you contemplated for HOW LONG you’ve been angry and have you considered what the cost has been?

Anger is not free.

Living as ACE said “rent free” in your mind and in your heart and in your tissues…

Compiling over time like tiny paper cuts, until before you know it you’re tending to a gaping wound.

Mmmm. I get emotional writing this because you, my dear, can relinquish much of its power and there’s a real chance the situation won’t change.

You might however.

You might change.

You may find yourself lighter, happier, more peaceful and at ease within your own skin.

Within your own breath.

If you’ve been with me for 5 minutes or 5 years you know I KNOW there is plenty to be furious about and if you keep looking for it, you’ll always have your supply. It’s essentially main lined into your every day field of consciousness thanks to global connectivity. What a gift - amiriiiiight?

Anger, the gift that keeps on giving.

And taking and taking and taking …

Perhaps, just for today, you try on forgiveness. Could you give back the intensity, resentment, frustration, betrayal…with no expectation of an apology in return.

You just lay it down…

Just for today.

Maybe it’s time for giving yourself peace.

OKAYILOVEYOUBYEEE,

xx

Nic.

ps. Classes this week:

* Tuesday QUICKIE YOGA (today) 12-12:30pm pst. $10. This is a well rounded, accessible yoga flow paired with music that includes mobility work and a 5 minute savasana. It’s meant to be a community offering at $10 a class and if you need financial assistance, just reach out. Hope to see you soon. Sign up here.

* Saturday FULL BODY STRENGTH 7:15-8am pst. $20. This is part of our APRIL FIT program but open to anyone. We begin with CARS, strength train lower and upper body, enjoy 2 dance breaks, and then end with a 5 minute guided meditation. Come for the dancing, stay for the booty pump. LOL. It’s all levels and the weekend energy is always a delight.  Sign up here.

* Saturday AVIATOR NATION YOGA FLOW 9-10am, 10:15-11:15am. In person, in Santa Monica. Come on out. Sign up here.

* Sunday AVIATOR NATION YOGA FLOW. 10:45-11:45am. In person, in Santa Monica. Come on out. Sign up here.

pps. EPISODE 16 OF SHOCK AND YALL IS OUT NOW. As you know by now, I’m speaking with the joy-FILLED ALICIA EASTER. She is a yoga teacher, coach, entrepreneur, consultant, and kids yoga teacher…She is also an Auburn University Alum (sorry Roll Tider(s)). When we talk about people being a breath of fresh air - we are talking about ACE. In this conversation we dive into forgiveness, anger, joy and how important it is to STAY READY! So excited for you to hear our conversation. Here’s a sneak peek. OH AND PLEASE PRETTY PLEASE, REVIEW THE SHOW HERE.

I’d be so grateful!!