Words I read just today by Hollie Holden, A Course in Miracles teacher: I have shared before that it sometimes takes me a really, really long time to forgive. This is because I do not believe in rushing this process. I believe in honouring my system and its pace so that I can be in the forgiveness process with authenticity and with respect for the parts of me that are hurt.

But I do hand over, again and again, the whole process. I had it over to Love. I ask to see the situation – and the other person - differently. I extend love in my meditations, even when it’s the last thing I want to do. I connect my diamond light to that same light in the other, while I am feeling whatever it is I am feeling.

Because I know forgiveness is a mysterious process and that the shift in perception I am praying for isn’t going to come from my own willing, pushing or striving. I have to allow it to unfold and to shine through. I have to wait to become aware of the light streaming between me and this other who seems to have hurt me.

And the thing that really helps with this process is the understanding that, by letting the other off the hook, I also let myself off the hook. Which also means I let those close to me off the hook. Which also means a wide web of people get let off the hook.