Forgiveness is not forgiveness without protection
Plato believed that individuals should strive for harmony within the soul, which can only be achieved through wisdom, courage, and self-discipline.
This harmony leads to a just and virtuous life, where forgiveness becomes a natural consequence of understanding human nature and recognizing the imperfections within ourselves and others.
In this week’s letter, you’ll learn why forced output rarely compliments creativity.
Three aspects of forgiveness and why forgiveness is not forgiveness without protection.
Let’s dig in, shall we 🤓
On Monday, I wanted to write this letter on how Choice has a more robust, healthy relationship with Action over Words.
But it wasn’t coming out right…
I spent more time staring at the screen vs. writing; my eyeballs were as dry as a solo sock in a dryer on high heat.
Every time I would begin, five minutes into it, I would scratch and restart.
I ended up using a framework for writing and wrote the entire letter for the sake of getting it done…then scrapped it the next day.
I tried again on Tuesday, but I was blank…
I couldn’t figure out what was causing this writer’s block.
Until…
I was face down ass up Wednesday night during Hot Yin Yoga.
It came to me as I was sweatin’ face.
“Forgiveness is not forgiveness without protection.”
I was forcing the topic that I wanted to discuss.
Not that it isn’t a great topic to address, and I likely still will, but an assertive masculine energy was driving it.
I realize my muse only comes through when I am not out to prove a point.
#cardinalvirtuehumility
Where I was coming from was not a place of care and compassion.
#carefirstleadsecond
But rather a lack thereof.
A muse, originating from ancient Greek mythology, is a source of inspiration that guides and influences artists and creative individuals in their work. Traditionally represented as one of the nine goddesses presiding over the arts and sciences, each Muse was associated with a specific domain, such as literature, music, or dance.
Care first, Lead second
Question for ya…
What do Christ, Buddha, Plato, Nelson Mandela, MLK (and many more) all have in common as great leaders?
They put forgiveness above all else.
Buddha taught loving-kindness or “Metta: a way to cultivate compassion and goodwill towards all others than self, including those who have caused harm or suffering, which to do so, by nature, would require one to forgive.
Nelson Mandela advocated for forgiveness after being imprisoned for 27 years due to his anti-apartheid activism.
MLK preached forgiveness and understanding in the face of racial prejudice and discrimination.
Christ, however, is seen as the embodiment of forgiveness.
I mean, come on…
“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
Luke 24:34
That shit goes hard…think about it.
He was nailed to a cross and was able to ask for forgiveness from those that condemned him 🤯
That’s pretty intense.
Forgiveness is not forgiveness without protection
To truly forgive, one must provide an element of protection.
True forgiveness is a shield of compassion woven with threads of wisdom and understanding.
Forgiving someone does not only involve letting go of negative emotions but also requires an element of protection for both the forgiver and the forgiven.
To explain my rationale behind this, let’s look at three aspects:
Self-protection
Protection of the forgiven
Protection of the relationship
Self-protection
Forgiveness is a protective measure for the forgiver.
Holding onto resentment, anger, and negative feelings harms our emotional and mental well-being.
By forgiving, we protect ourselves from the toxic effects of these emotions.
In this context, protection means shielding ourselves from further emotional harm by releasing the negativity tied to past grievances.
We create a safe space within ourselves, permitting a more profound sense of healing.
Protection of the forgiven
Forgiving someone involves understanding their perspective and accepting their imperfections.
When we forgive, we choose to protect the forgiven from our own negative reactions and judgments.
This protective aspect of forgiveness helps create a safe environment for others to grow and learn from their mistakes.
It allows them to move forward without the constant burden of guilt, shame, or fear of retribution.
You must give the person the space they deserve to come to their resolutions independently.
Protection of the relationship
Forgiveness is the bridge in protecting and maintaining the relationship between the forgiver and the forgiven.
Without forgiveness, thoughts and emotions fester, and relationships become strained, bitter, and stagnant.
When we forgive, we protect the connection from further damage and provide growth, healing, and reconciliation opportunities.
This protection aspect results from maintaining trust, respect, and love within the relationship.
Final Thoughts
Forgive but don’t forget.
Lessons are learned for the giver and receiver.
To forgive does not mean to accept.
You can forgive yet still choose not to accept those that hurt you.
It’s always a choice.
Big Love, Nadeem