Another value in life retrospection is that it brings to light old wounds that still need healing before we can freely embrace the aging process with open heartedness and positive anticipation. All sorts of studies indicate that negative thoughts, feelings words and behaviors affect our mental and physical health, our success and our self-worth… Forgiveness is something we do for ourselves.
Here is a forgiveness exercise that have been very beneficial for us in healing long time pain: think of an area where someone has wronged you in some way and you have not totally forgive him or her for it. Be clear about what you are going to forgive them for. Now in the quiet of your mind, say “I forgive (insert name),” and repeat it 70 times. Do this for 7 days in a row.
Then do the something relative to yourself. Think of an area where you feel badly about something you have done. Then 70 times a day, for seven days say, “I forgive myself.”
Another beneficial practice for letting go of our old attitude, beliefs, habits and stories about ourselves and replacing them with something more life affirming also uses the “70 time seven” exercise.
First identify a false/disempowering belief you have held about yourself, such as “lack” or “rejection” and then the backup behavior you fall into when that belief comes up.
Now, affirm a quality of Spirit with which you want to replace it.
Do this 70 times a day for seven day.