There is a saying by the Greek phiosopher Heraclitus:
“No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man.”
This is because the river is constantly changing. In the same way, the river of life is constantly changing. The human mind is like a lake that is constantly oscillating with rippling patterns of light and dark. There is no set pattern of behavior exhibited by anyone. Behavior fluctuates depending on various factors like health, environmental influences, and stress levels. One may be sad, angry, kind, gentle or courageous. It is better not to harbor thoughts of the pain caused by anyone. It is better to forgive their injuries and move on. In this way, we free ourselves and flow forward in the river of life, unencumbered by the burden of painful memories.
In the words of the mystic poet Rumi:
It is good to leave each day behind,
like flowing water, free of sadness.
Yesterday is gone and its tale told.
Today, new seeds are growing.”
When we forgive, we allow our hearts to open to receive a greater influx of happiness and harmony. Life flows forward toward more and more achievement, more expansion, more fulfillment. Each day brings forth a refreshing wave of renewal.
In the words of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi:
“When you forgive, all nature enjoys your brilliance and returns joy to you. Forgiveness, tolerance, purity of heart, sincerity, love, kindness are the bases from which to enjoy and make full use of the surroundings.”
barbara ann briggs 