We cannot instantaneously force ourselves to forgive—and forgiveness happens at a different pace for everyone and is dependent on the particulars of any given situation.

Telling the story, acknowledging what has happened and how you feel, is often a necessary part of forgiveness.

Forgiveness is a process, an admittedly difficult one that often can feel like a rigorous spiritual practice.

We’re in charge of our own forgiveness, and the process takes time, patience, and intention.

There are an incalculable—even infinite—number of situations in which we can practice forgiveness.

Expecting it to be a singular action—motivated by the sheer imperative to move on and forget—can be more damaging than the original feelings of anger.

Accepting forgiveness as pluralistic and as an ongoing, individualized process opens us up to realize the role that our own needs play in conflict resolution.

What happens in our hearts is our field of freedom. As long as we carry old wounds and anger in our hearts, we continue to suffer. Forgiveness allows us to move on.