Sitting by the window,
Gazing down the horizon,
Staring at the falling leaves,
I remember…

The smell of moist November rain,
 Looking over my shoulders,
Sniffing the uncertain air,
Tensed and stiff.

Glancing towards my buddy,
Trying hard to avoid eye contact, 
Fearing he might sense,  
My inner most dread.

Fighting back awareness,
Trying hard to blend, 
Amongst the falling leaves,
 In the moist November rain.

Holding unto my breath,
Struggling not to breathe,
Afraid my breath might show,
In the moist November rain.

Squeezing my eyes shut, 
Listening to moaning sounds,
 Holding back my tears,
Camouflaging self-visibility.

Feeling the hot air,
Inhaling crisp burnt smell,
Shower of warm crimson spray,
I feel the returning dread.

Lying next to me,
With a blank stare
 Amongst the falling leaves,
My buddy, my mate, my comrade.

In the cold November rain,
I remember…

Memories of a Fallen Comrade -  Caroline Fernandes © September 26, 2013​

The word ‘Forgiveness’ either makes us nervously hold our breath, or totally ignore it’s importance, meaning we do not want to deal with it at the moment. At times, we do not know what needs forgiving. Do we forgive those who have hurt us? Do we forgive those who did not help us during our hour of need? I had a client once tell me that she cannot forgive because she cannot forget what others have done to her. My reply was, “then you need to forgive yourself for harboring such feelings”. 

 Forgiveness is letting go of what does not serve us right. Forgiveness is to GIVE without asking in return. Experience has taught me that to ‘forgive’ does not mean to ‘forget’, but to ‘forgive’ the feeling that is attached to the event/memory we want to ‘forget’. Does this sound complicated? In fact it is complicated when seen through the eyes of one who is not ready to ‘forgive’.
 
According to Mayo Clinic (2013), the benefits of forgiving are:
 ·  Healthier relationships 
 ·  Greater spiritual and psychological well-being 
 ·  Less anxiety, stress and hostility 
 ·  Lower blood pressure 
 ·  Fewer symptoms of  depression
 ·  Lower risk of alcohol and substance abuse
 
Nature has a beautiful way of reminding us to let go… every Fall/Autumn she reminds us to shed away all that no longer serves our purpose. Let us take a moment and tune in to Nature, listen to her pulse, and follow her rhythm to better improve our Mind, Body, and Spirit. LET  GO…

 Link/Reference
Mayo Clinic (2013). Forgiviness: Letting go of grudges and bitterness.                   
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/forgiveness/MH00131