Learning to Forgive Ourselves Richard said that the techniques are available to overcome the subconscious causes of personality disturbances. The most important step is to learn to be forgiving of ourselves. When Christ said that someone was forgiven, He meant that no one would condemn that individual for what he had done—that the individual should not think himself forever barred from advancement because of his wrong actions. Not feeling condemned, the individual could then feel free to undertake retribution and make the effort to again move forward. Many persons, unfortunately, continually condemn themselves for things done at a time when they had less understanding and thus made foolish mistakes. What has been done cannot be undone. Since everyone has committed undesirable deeds at sometime in his past, either in this or a prior life, people eventually have to learn to be more humble and tolerant of themselves and face up to their total self. Otherwise personal progress is delayed. When an individual reaches the point where he can be forgiving of himself, then it is possible to dredge up the contents of the subconscious for examination without encountering the mental barrier that would otherwise be present. Psychologists can help uncover these memories so that they can be dealt with on a conscious level. Another way is through conducting a personal retrospection project during which one searches back through his memory to uncover the suppressed painful situations that have caused present problems. Often it is found that a situation which was totally embarrassing at the age of ten can now be recalled, faced and recognized as not being worthy of further concern. Persons who have managed to eliminate the subconscious barrier are characterized by their wisdom and kindness, for they have few “hang ups” or misconceptions about themselves. Richard admitted that the task is not easy for anyone, but having full use of the faculties of the mind is essential for truly free and happy living. (03-1969)
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