MY WEEKY READS: PAOLO COELHO'S BLOG

Who couldn't possibly recognize Paolo Coelho? If you're a bookworm like me, you probably know who this amazing guy is. I love the way he writes because I'm a sucker for prose and poetry. I'm loving his Veronika Decides To Die, The Alchemist, By The River Piedra I Sat Down And Wept, and Eleven Minutes. Sometimes, I find myself wanting to read them again and again (too bad, I don't have a lot of time in my hands).

I always visit his blog for my daily soul food. :)

In one of his recent entries, he posted this beautiful letter from a woman who discussed how she struggled with the art of letting go, and the joy it brought her when she has finally decided to forgive her offender and herself.

In one of my recent pragmatic classes, we have discussed Forgiveness. Our mentor made a point when he said that indeed, Forgiving is the hardest thing to do, but is the most joyful experience when it is finally done.

I have told myself many times that I have forgiven my detractors. But whenever I come across their pages or when I see them in person, I can't help but ignore them or think of negative stuff about them.

This just goes to show that I haven't forgiven them completely.

In my opinion, whenever we are offended by someone, it is not the heart or the being that gets offended, but the ego. That's why we never look at our detractors as means of development or self- improvement.

Most of the time, we are too attached to our worldly entity. The ego is always at the forefront whenever we are hurt, and we hate our detractors by default.

And we have totally forgotten about the other "us"- our higher self.

The higher self knows no mistake. It only seeks the good for itself and of others. It knows no flaws because it understands the essence of individuality. The higher self forgives, because it is too noble for regret, anger, pity, hatred, and fear.

I now see the importance of forgiving, as I have been trying to reconnect with my higher self for these past few months. I have to admit, some of its concepts are tough to swallow because I am dealing with a whole new set of beliefs here. But I'm glad I have done this because I now see things in a totally different light, not to mention I've never felt this good and enlightened for the last 23 years of my life.

As the old adage goes, "Forgive and be forgiven."

I'm glad that I have removed a lot of blocks in my heart. I will say with conviction that I can now look in the eyes of my offenders and detractors and say to them "Have a blessed day." :)

Have you connected with your higher self lately?