Friday 15 February 2013

Rebirthday & Forgiveness



Three years ago today, in the early hours of the morning, while pinned down under the opening salvos of what I resigned myself to believe would be another long attack of deep depression, I experienced the spiritual Awakening that changed my life, for good.

It took about an hour of spontaneous enlightenment to wash away the associated detritus of more than twenty years of mental suffering; the guilt, anxiety, fear and a whole host of other negative emotions that had ensnared my being were finally gone, leaving me free to start again and live my life with a peaceful mind and open heart.

Literally even just a day before I experienced this shift of consciousness, I wouldn’t have dreamt it was possible that such a dramatic change could come about… especially not to me.

It still feels like a miracle, of sorts. I didn’t pray or hope for it. It just happened, out of the blue, without me setting down an intention or attempting to will myself into being happy, at long last. My mind was clouded with self-loathing and gnawing sadness, and, lost in the fog of ego, the urge to destroy myself would have been much higher on the ‘things to do’ list than seeking salvation from the torture I was going through.

Although I’m still not quite sure what happened, it felt as though some supernatural force had decided that enough was enough and since I couldn’t find my own way to achieving inner peace, they’d give me a boost. That hour of revelation and the waves of energy I felt pulsate from my crown, down to my chest, made me feel as though I was downloading a secret rulebook on being a happy human.

Without the events of that day, it would be impossible that I’d be writing this now. At best, I wouldn’t have been able to enjoy the extraordinary journey I’ve been on over the past three years, and at worst, I may well have ended up killing myself.

Hindsight’s speculation doesn’t matter, now, though. Whatever happened happened, and here I am, firmly planted in the now.

I believe that this same enlightenment is open to just about everyone in the world, and – without meaning to sound like I’m full of myself – I know that, through my writing, I’ve helped an awful lot of people towards discovering their own space of inner-tranquillity.

There have been ups and downs over the past three years, but the downtimes are simply not comparable to the severe plunges I experienced before the Awakening. I have the occasional bad day – like any other, normal human being has – but I don’t let psychological debris collect in my mind. If unpleasant or negative thoughts enters my head, I have the awareness to shoo them away and think of something useful and positive, instead.

The greatest lesson I learnt was the gift of forgiveness; the ability to forgive not just those who we consider have done us harm, but also – and, arguably, more importantly – to forgive ourselves.

Forgiveness of oneself  is an exquisitely liberating process. It allows you to unchain your spirit from egoic, mental suffering and begin afresh.

Forgiving others does not even mean you have to tell them that they’re forgiven. If you consider someone has hurt you deeply, in the past, letting go of that pain is a gift, first and foremost, to you. Once you learn to jettison the thoughts that hurt you – which are only ever negative and needless – you clear extra space for good and positive energy to enter your world.

When you forgive, do it whole-hearted. Don’t just say it or think it; feel it in your being and know it in your soul. Anchor yourself in the present moment and reject the inane and incessant babbling of the egoic mind. It is generally an idiot.

The same peace within me is waiting for you to discover it within yourself. It’s available right now, if you’ll only see it.

Peace.

20 comments:

  1. Less, I know exactly what you're talking about. I had a moment like that a long time ago. The only problem I've always encountered is trying to explain to someone about that moment. They always look at you like you're a little off your rocker. Even the ones that nod politely and say they understand usually don't. I gave up trying to share. But it has made a profound difference in my life too. Forgiveness is a concept that seems simple, but not so easy to put into practice. But it's worth the effort.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Don't be ashamed to share your story with ANYONE. its part of what made you who you are!:) some people just don't want to think spiritually or deeply like that cuz they're so concerned about acting or being "normal" but you never know if they'd think of your story a week, a month or even years later and finally let it sink in and then it could profoundly change they're life! You may not get to see the good results of sharing your story but I promise it will effect the right people at the right time! Just be who you are and who cares what people think and how they look at you. most of them are probably lost or hurting or buried in depression or anger or what ever it may be and they won't usually admit that they need a deep spiritual healing or awakening because they think that would be weird or too deep to them. but like I said, your testimony will sink in at the right time to the right people ;)

      Delete
    2. Yes, don't give up. People who look at you with that "deer in the headlights" stare or a polite nod will be given a glimpse - and it might help them understand. The important things are tough to grasp so it is even more necessary that we continue to speak the truth. That's how you can help others (even those who would 'burn your books') to see a spark in themselves.

      Delete
  2. Beautiful post, Les. I am quite sure your posts have been the inspiration and guidance that helped many over the last few years. Thank you for being here.

    ReplyDelete
  3. This is a god-send. I follow you on Twitter, which is how I came across the article. I've been battling with forgiveness for such a long time, but it wasn't until this past week that I realized that that was in fact what it was. I carry a lot of rage inside - rage that has never been addressed. I feel like it's attached to certain people and events from the past, but I'm just not sure how to let it go? I feel like I need to rectify it somehow - by telling those people how much they've hurt me. It continues to hurt. How do you forgive so easily? I deal with Depression, and I think that all of these feelings are the main driver of it all.

    How do you let go of the past? How do you unconditional, and unlearn?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I too need to let go, I can't forgive and It feeds my depression. Just don't know how to let things go that have shaped my life. To unlearn what I have grown up with is seamingly impossible.

      Delete
  4. My friend was talkin to me about enlightenment,to me it sounded very hard. Like can i do this? Can i do that. And i am a biggest fan to depression couple with my parents always telling me what to do. If there is a way i can awaken from this nitemare please Les do tell me.nice piece by the way...

    ReplyDelete
  5. My moment of clarity came about 12 years ago. Ever since then life has been bliss.My coping mechanisms have changed completely and nothing seems to phase me now.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hi Les,

    A lovely read the first time around and a pleasant reminder of 'not taking life seriously'. Easier said than done some days. Especially when the babbling monkey of the mind gets a hold.

    Best wishes
    Mandy

    ReplyDelete
  7. I'm so heartened to see others bravely sharing their experiences as you have done here. Your honesty and positivity will inspire others to understand and work with their own lows. We are all much more the same than we often appreciate. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  8. moments of clarity when least we expect and when we most need it...great post!

    ☯ "I Forgive Everyone, Including Myself" ~Wayne Dyer

    keep on rockin!

    ReplyDelete
  9. A very inspiring post, Les - reminds me a little of the 'awakening' that I experienced myself, many years ago (though in my case it happened over a longer period of time, after just a few years of depression... kind-of the reverse of your situation). I agree completely with your take on forgiveness - self, first, thus allowing forgiveness of others to flow in, subsequently. Like Lynne says, it's lovely to find so many people willing to share their spirituality with others, these days - I've been inspired by this sort of changing mood in society to start setting up a Facebook community where people can share their journey through life. Once it's up-and-running I'd love to see you (and perhaps some of your readers) there. Meanwhile, you can reach me at malcolmcdragon@gmail.com, or find me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/malcolm.dragon. Keep up the great work you are doing. Bless you.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Great! Life is a lot more beautiful for those that do not cling so much or get too emotionally attatched to things.
    Ones ability to let go of anything is proportional to the ability to keep progressing.
    It takes walking away from the past to step into the future.
    Beautiful post. Forgiveness is an awesome virtue!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Very inspiring & empowering words!

    Peace & blessings,
    Clara

    ReplyDelete
  12. You have received one of the greatest gifts. Your mind and heart has been enlightened and you have chosen to share that gift with others. This is a beautiful and inspiring post...

    ReplyDelete
  13. I love this, I felt like you were sitting with me talking to me as I read it, so pure and real. I have been in this place of suffering, I called it the "black hole" when it happened to me. I am thankful every day to have awakened from the nightmare. How you have explained it here is similar to what I went through, and how I have kept it away. Thank you so much for sharing... belated "rebirthday" and blessings to you.
    Always,
    Kerri

    ReplyDelete
  14. You words, and those of the replies, are a comfort and gift unexpectedly received this day. I aspire forgiveness and thank you for the hope this brings, as a ray to enlighten the darkness that depression has had. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  15. I love reading your blogs, Les. When I read your work, I feel something. I want my readers to experience your genuineness, so today I blogged about your blogs. Hopefully, you will go take a look - and even more hopefully, you will be pleased at what you see. Thanks for inspiring so many of us. You can catch up with me at http://about.me/spotmeinredding . Thank you for the way you share who you are - and who we all are.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Your testimony to letting go of the hurt from someone close... whose walked away and shuns....helped me not hold onto the 'why' and really helped me unpry the grip in my soul and do just what you said... forgive myself and move on. Thanks, Les.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Congratulations on the 3rd Anniversary of your Awakening, Les. I'm really enjoying your posts. My own Awakening happened over 30 years ago, yet I remember every detail of it, as if it happened only yesterday. The positive effects of that day continue to be felt, and hopefully evidenced in my life,even now and I shall be forever grateful for that. Thank you for all that you do to inspire and teach others about the beautiful experience of Awakening. Namaste.

    ReplyDelete