The Magic Of Forgiveness

Forgiveness is the refusal to dwell on something, to bless it and let it go so that it no longer pulls you down. I forgive all the old do-gooders that used to preach against the seven deadly sins; greed, gluttony, sloth, wrath, pride, lust and envy. Society focused on avoiding them so much that things got twisted and we didn't know how to go towards the better behaviors connected with natural tendencies. For instance, sloth (laziness) is not a good thing. But Eric Fromm 1900-1980 the great psychoanalyst and humanistic philosopher pointed out that 'laziness is pathology'. In other words, people are not naturally lazy. If they are not putting out effort to get what they want there is some reason for that. It is the same with gluttony. Children without safe places to play and encouraged to comfort themselves with food are now considered to be a problem for the health of our nation. But calling them sinners will not change things. Self-awareness leads us to make choices about things that are good for us. Wanting things just to have things can go too far. But surrounding ourselves with beauty can also encourage a sense of spirituality. So I forgive those who tried to scare us away from considering our behaviors with the freedom to choose what is good for us. Use the energy of the magic that surrounds you to avoid sin (by whatever way you define it) and celebrate life. May the spark be with you.