Forgiveness

In this meetup we will talk about forgiveness. Forgiveness is a central part of religions and spiritual practices all across the world. It is not only considered an act of love and benevolence towards others, but mostly also - and maybe even primarily - to oneself. But forgiving is often much easier said then done. If forgiveness really is an act of love and benevolence to ourselves, then why do we struggle so much with it? Is it really always best to forgive others? Or are there any limits? Is there any point beyond which it is better to not forgive or to engage in revenge instead? Or can the very act of forgiveness even become an act of revenge? Is there a space in between, and, if so, what would it look like? Is forgiveness the result of a rational choice, or is it an emotional state? How can we cultivate forgiveness while still standing in for ourselves?

Let's dive into this topic together and share our thoughts and experiences! It doesn't matter where you stand with and how much knowledge or experience you have with regard to this topic. Everyone is welcome and fresh perspectives are always appreciated.

If you've never participated before, here's what to expect:

• 2 hours of deep, interesting conversations in a respectful environment that will elevate your spirit and give you new ideas for life, work or relationships.
• a supportive group of people sharing their own unique experiences and viewpoints, and encouraging you to do the same.
• a rich mix of newcomers and regulars from different countries and cultures for a broad diversity of opinions and experiences.

In order to cover the room expenses we will collect a small donation per participant.

Below are a few quotes on the topic that you can use for inspiration.

• "To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you." - Lewis B. Smedes
• "When a deep injury is done us, we never recover until we forgive." - Alan Paton
• "Forgiveness is the key to action and freedom." - Hannah Arendt
• "Forgiveness is a funny thing. It warms the heart and cools the sting." - William Arthur Ward
• "Forgiveness is not always easy. At times, it feels more painful than the wound we suffered, to forgive the one that inflicted it. And yet, there is no peace without forgiveness." - Marianne Williamson
• "Never does the human soul appear so strong as when it foregoes revenge and dares to forgive an injury." - Edwin Hubbel Chapin
• "It's one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself, to forgive. Forgive everybody." - Maya Angelou
• "Inner peace can be reached only when we practice forgiveness. Forgiveness is letting go of the past, and is therefore the means for correcting our misperceptions." - Gerald Jampolsky
• "It is in pardoning that we are pardoned." - Francis of Assisi
• "He that cannot forgive others breaks the bridge over which he must pass himself; for every man has need to be forgiven." - Thomas Fuller
• "When you forgive, you in no way change the past - but you sure do change the future." - Bernard Meltzer
• "The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong." - Mahatma Gandhi
• "Forgiveness is a virtue of the brave." - Indira Gandhi
• "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." - Martin Luther King, Jr.
• "The stupid neither forgive nor forget; the naive forgive and forget; the wise forgive but do not forget." - Thomas Szasz
• "Forgive your enemies, but never forget their names." - John F. Kennedy
• "I can forgive, but I cannot forget, is only another way of saying, I will not forgive. Forgiveness ought to be like a cancelled note - torn in two, and burned up, so that it never can be shown against one." - Henry Ward Beecher
• "If there is something to pardon in everything, there is also something to condemn." - Friedrich Nietzsche
• "There is no revenge so complete as forgiveness." - Josh Billings
• "One forgives to the degree that one loves." - Francois de La Rochefoucauld
• "Nothing inspires forgiveness quite like revenge." - Scott Adams
• "It is often easier to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission." - Grace Hopper
• "Forgiveness is not a feeling - it's a decision we make because we want to do what's right before God. It's a quality decision that won't be easy and it may take time to get through the process, depending on the severity of the offense." - Joyce Meyer
• "Forgiveness is an act of the will, and the will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart." - Corrie Ten Boom
• "Life is an adventure in forgiveness." - Norman Cousins