If you follow astrology, you will know that Mercury is in retrograde, and Mercury is the planet of communication so we can place the problems we had on Sunday with the livestream on Mercury. I am so sorry that we didn’t have it as I was honored by Betti Lu Lewis and Jenn Greaves. They had traveled to New Zealand recently and had the opportunity to spend time with two grandmothers of the Maori people. The grandmothers are often seen as having the role of the wisdom keepers, cultural revitalizers and spiritual insights, often serving as guides and mentors for the younger generation. They see me as the grandmother of Unity Center for Spiritual Growth of which I am honored to hold that place. There is a tradition that the one who is seen in this way is given a necklace. It is a Maori tribal style hand carved bone Pikorua (twists) Eternity style necklace. The twist bone carving represents the many paths of life and love and as such is regarded as the original Eternity symbol. They gave me a beautiful necklace. See it to the right.
The message on Sunday was “The Journey of Forgiveness.” Forgiveness is one of the topics that we can never say enough about. As my mentor and teacher Rev Edwene Gaines said 30 years ago to me ,as long as we are in a physical body, we will have forgiveness work to do. Both toward ourselves and toward others.
Let’s start with self. My friend and colleague Rev. Robert Brumet in his book Living Originally writes: “When I explore my judgment of another, I see there is a component of self-judgment present as well. When I explore guilt, I see anger at someone else is usually present as well. Forgiveness needs to be applied in both directions: inward toward myself and outward toward others.”
When approached from a place of consciousness, forgiveness is an intentional act of releasing resentment, judgment, or hurt — not for others, but for our own spiritual liberation. It is not something “given” to us but rather a natural expression of our inner awareness and alignment with higher truth.
When we carry unforgiveness in our hearts, it creates barriers to peace and self-awareness.
Forgiveness is an act of empowerment that allows us to reclaim our energy and reconnect with the flow of love and understanding. Forgiveness, then, is not something we seek to receive, nor something we bestow upon others from a place of superiority.
Forgiveness is an inherent quality of our awakened consciousness. It begins and ends with a decision to see ourselves and others through the lens of our shared humanity and wholeness.
Here are some practices that will support you in doing the forgiveness work:
This is a Loving-Kindness (Metta) Meditation. Sit quietly and bring to mind someone who challenges you (an “enemy” or difficult relationship). Repeat these affirmations:
“May you be happy.”
“May you be free from suffering.”
“May you be at peace.”
This practice helps shift your consciousness from anger or resentment to compassion.
Awareness Journaling: Reflect on moments when you’ve felt wronged and journal:
• What part of me feels threatened or hurt in this situation?”
• What would acting from love and higher consciousness look like here?
Use the journal to uncover patterns of reaction and guide yourself toward more mindful responses.
Reframing Exercise: When faced with negativity (e.g., criticism, anger), pause and ask:
• What might this person be experiencing or struggling with?
• How can I respond in a way that reflects my truest self, rather than reacting from ego?
Practicing empathy in the moment helps align actions with a consciousness of love.
The last practice is Ho’oponopono, which is an ancient Hawaiian practice of reconciliation and forgiveness that operates deeply from the level of consciousness. I would suggest you go and find a Ho’oponopono YouTube that resonates with you.
The practice uses four simple yet profound phrases:
I’m sorry
Please forgive me.
Thank you. I love you.
Again, a reminder that forgiveness is not about others; it’s about freeing ourselves from the burden of anger or resentment. As we forgive, we come closer to our true nature: a state of love, compassion, and unity.
Next Sunday join me on this Lenten journey, when the topic will be “The Gift of Simplicity.”
Something you might not be aware of when you receive Heart Thoughts on Wednesday. Please be sure and click at the bottom of the email where it says: [Message clipped] View entire message You may be missing important information.
I’m deeply grateful for each of you taking the time to read this. You truly are special!
You are a blessing in my life,
Rev. Patricia Bessey
