Forgiveness is good for soul and body

At some point in all our lives everyone has been hurt by the words or actions of another: a family member, a student at school, a friend or co-worker.

Now the word comes from multiple medical studies that letting go of grudges and resolving disputes is good for both one's physical and mental health.

The boost to one's health can be great.

"When we truly forgive someone, we are releasing our own burdens," said Jeffrey Gillespie, author of a new book, "The Four Givings: Unlock The Miracles Within."

"Asking for forgiveness is not so much about the other person; it's about you and your healing process," Gillespie said.

Medical researchers at the University of Michigan's Institute for Social Research concluded that people who forgave others experienced reductions in feelings of nervousness, restlessness and hopelessness.

A study conducted at the University of TennesseeKnoxville found that forgiveness also can lower heart rates and blood pressure.

Gillespie is urging people to practice a four-step process to forgiveness and better health. Here are his four "givings," or principles to live by:

•Giving Of Yourself. Be charitable through service, money or material items. Try giving more at home with family, in the community and globally. This is not necessarily about money, but about emotions and service to others.

•Giving Of Mercy. To forgive others and to ask for forgiveness is vital to happiness and healing. To forgive someone is hard. To ask for forgiveness is harder still. Whether one is the transgressor or the victim, both are heavy crosses to bear and can weigh on both body and mind.

•Giving Of The Mind. All attitudes are ego-based. By giving up the ego, one becomes aware of one's connection to others and, for some, to religion. In that moment, negativity from fear, guilt and judgment ceases or lessens, making one feel better.

•Giving Of Gratitude. Be thankful for what you have: the people in your life, health, memories and peace. This means saying "thank you" more often and avoiding greed.

The key to becoming healthier through forgiveness, experts say, is the recognition that any mental or physical distress felt about a situation or grudge comes from hurt feelings one is currently feeling, not from the original offense or hurt experienced in the past. Letting go of these current feelings can help make one healthier.

"When you desire something to come into your life but you are sad, angry or stressed, you are actually focusing on the opposite of your desire," said Gillespie. "By giving thanks, being charitable, being mindful of others and merciful and forgiving, you can become a healthier person."

This story is provided by State Point Media.