The Connection Between Forgiveness and Health
Modern life can be merciless at times. Technology, access to information, and increasingly complex human relationships can bring a steady assault on both our physical and spiritual health. Perhaps this is why over 50 million Americans are fighting depression and other mental illnesses
Modern life can be merciless at times. Technology, access to information, and increasingly complex human relationships can bring a steady assault on both our physical and spiritual health. Perhaps this is why over 50 million Americans are fighting depression and other mental illnesses¹. Many more struggle to scrape enough energy and time together for recovery and self-care.
Our tendency to make life more complex, and sometimes the inability to deccelerate has long outpaced our development of coping strategies. Accumulative stress is a proven pathway to sickness, physical breakdown, spiritual disconnect, and a shortened life expectancy. Without moving "off the grid", how are we to function and survive these times? How do we fight burnout? How do we thrive?
It seems Jewish tradition predicted such a spike in human capability in the era known as the "birth pangs of Messiah". The Rabbis also asked how one might survive these amazing and terrible times. The simplicity of their answer might surprise you.
In a classic work dealing with forgiveness, "Tomer Devorah" (The palm tree of Deborah)¹, we're given many strategies to develop the skill of forgiveness through careful study of the 13 attributes of G_D. In the introduction, we're told
"As G_D is called merciful, we too should be merciful. As G_D is called gracious, we too must be gracious. G_D is called righteous, we too must be righteous.
- Tomer Devorah, Intro.
Paraphrased, we learn that we are to emulate G_D's mercy - and this is how we are spared much of the hardships of the times.
It seems lofty, no? There is some data behind this idea.
Forgiveness is the key
It seems like common sense that there might be health benefits that come along with forgiveness, yet some researchers made this the focus of a 2016 study. Their goal was to understand the optimal sequence to achieve mental wellness.
Was it that;
- Less stress makes one more forgiving, ultimately moving toward mental health?;
or - Forgiveness is the first step in alleviating stress and moving toward mental health?
While both seem logical, it turns out that forgiveness is the crucial first step.
The conclusion of the study;
Conclusions: This study is the first to provide prospective, longitudinal evidence showing that greater forgiveness is associated with less stress and, in turn, better mental health. Strategies for cultivating forgiveness may thus have beneficial effects on stress and health.
It seems our best first step to wellness is to forgive quickly and absolve any lingering grudges or debts. This allows us a release from the cognitive burden of victimhood, and the energy spent keeping track of wrongs against us.
Perhaps today, make a list of those we need to pardon - including ourselves - and begin the process of forgiveness one person at a time. If you are feeling up to it, even pray for that person's wellbeing as you proceed.
Notes:
¹ https://www.mhanational.org/issues/state-mental-health-america
² Tomer Devorah. Intro.
³
Loren L Toussaint
