How Does Forgiveness Affect Your Health

Do you notice a difference in your body when you are struggling with resentment, sadness or
anger?

How does it feel when you are happy and feel connected?

Makes a difference doesn’t it?

It’s been proven that forgiveness or unforgiveness really plays a critical role in our health.

So how does forgiveness affect your health?

Here is an excerpt from a blog written by Colin Tipping, author of the Radical Forgiveness book,
entitled,  “Unforgiveness is classified in medical books as a disease.” And when you read
to the end you receive a 4 step forgiveness tool to aid you in the forgiveness process.

“According to Dr. Steven Standiford, chief of surgery at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America,
refusing to forgive makes people sick and keeps them that way. With that in mind, forgiveness
therapy is now being used to help treat diseases, such as cancer.

“It’s important to treat emotional wounds or disorders because they really can hinder
someone’s reactions to the treatments, even someone’s willingness to pursue
treatment,”

Standiford explained.

Of all cancer patients, 61 percent have forgiveness issues. Of those, more than half are severe,
according to research by Dr. Michael Barry, a pastor and the author of the book, The Forgiveness
Project. “Harboring these negative emotions, this anger and hatred, creates a state of
chronic anxiety,” he said.

“Chronic anxiety very predictably produces excess adrenaline and cortisol, which deplete
the production of natural killer cells, which is your body’s foot soldier in the fight against
cancer,” Dr. Barry explained. The fact is, of course, this applies to everyone, not just cancer
patients.”

There’s a tool in Radical Forgiveness called, The Emerge-N-See 4-Step Process, that can be
used any time you feel stressed or some irritation comes up. Writing these down or memorizing
them is really helpful.

1. Look what I created!
2. I notice my feelings and my judgments but love myself anyway.
3. I am willing to see the perfection in the situation.
4. I choose peace.

It’s amazing how this can transform the situation immediately. Just by being willing to be willing
can make a change.

about

Brenda Reiss

The author of “Forgive Yourself”, Brenda Reiss truly walks her talk. She discovered the power of self-forgiveness when a series of life events put her in a very dark place. Failed marriages, abuse, and severe health issues were just a few of the challenges she faced.

Determined to rewrite her story, Brenda sought answers – and found them in the concept of “radical forgiveness”.

What she learned changed her life forever.

Brenda is highly skilled at helping people find peace in their personal and professional lives. Coupling teachable techniques with forgiveness theory, this certified Radical Forgiveness© Master coach creates an environment which allows clients to release anger, shame, and guilt. The result? An opportunity to live with joy in the present and the future.