Workings of the Mind
Human minds have two parts. Like the visible tip of an iceberg, the conscious mind is the smaller part. And like an ominous mountain of ice cloaked beneath the sea, the unconscious mind is the larger part. Everything said or done or witnessed is placed into a storage vault within the unconscious mind, including feelings of anger, fear, and resentment. As it happens, these unhealthy feelings resurface in situations which trigger painful, subconscious memories. Negative feelings can be tied to events going all the way back to childhood.
Forgiveness will cleanse and heal the mind of past grievances and the mental anguish attached to them. Unfortunately, many people avoid their pain and deny it at all costs. When this happens, their anger and fear are repressed. People try to bury their pain, but it remains alive. People try to elude their pain, but it can’t be outrun. Eventually, something will happen and – in an instant – the anger and fear return. The tears and torment are reborn.
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Dreams are expressions of the unconscious mind, and they often include symbols of repressed fear and guilt. Psychotherapists will sometimes explore the messages and meanings hidden in a client’s dreams, especially recurring dreams or nightmares. This helps identify the underlying cause of the client’s problem.
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You visit someone. And before long, you are upset by something they say or do. Quite often, your annoyance has nothing to do with the person you are visiting. You may, in fact, be upset because the other person has reminded you, subconsciously, of something you don’t like about yourself. In part, that’s what Jesus meant when he said, “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?”
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What is forgiveness? Forgiveness is letting go of the past. It’s releasing a burden. It’s having a clean slate and a fresh start. It’s looking at someone who has hurt you and seeing the face of Christ. Forgiveness is regaining your freedom. Therefore, it is a gift given to oneself.
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How long will you wait to let go of your anger? Do thoughts of forgiveness frighten you? Will you lose your identity by forgiving the past? If you let go of your anger, how will your life be better?
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When something disturbing happens, simply bless it; release it; and be free.
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Barriers and limits are products of the mind. As such, they are nothing more than persistent illusions.
