CONNECTIONS
recorded significantly lower
incline estimations than the
other groups. Therefore, in
this study, forgiveness was
thought to be linked to a
more optimistic life outlook.
The second experiment
focused on the physical
effects of forgiveness. This
time, 160 students were
separated into three groups
and were also asked to write
about forgiveness, unforgiveness and a random encounter. Each person then
had to jump five times. The
“
Unforgiveness
and holding
a grudge can
physically
and mentally
burden a
person, even
after the
conflict has
ended.
”
forgiveness and control
groups jumped at relatively
similar heights; however,
the unforgiveness group
jumped significantly lower. Therefore, the results
of this study demonstrate
that unforgiveness acts as a
physical barrier.
This is only one study and
cannot pass as 100 percent, undisputed fact, but still, it provides
valuable insight from which we
can learn. If forgiveness leads
to optimism—to put it in general
terms—and unforgiveness leads
to heaviness, then what are we
waiting for?
Imagine a world in which forgiveness wasn’t an option. All of
those who have forgiven you and
all of those whom you’ve forgiven: bridges burned. A grudge may
start small, but without a form
of redemption will only grow and
intensify, ending in catastrophe.
To let go and forgive is a gift in
which we are all capable. We have
the ability to literally lighten our
load, and it can start with one
simple word. Sorry.