"How does one know if she has forgiven? You tend to feel sorrow over the circumstance instead of rage, you tend to feel sorry for the person rather than angry with him. You tend to have nothing left to say about it all"
- Clarissa Pinkola Estes
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This quote by Clarissa Pinkola Estes suggests that forgiveness is a process of releasing rage and bitterness. When one has really forgiven, they no more really feel rage or rage in the direction of the individual or circumstance. Instead, they feel grief as well as compassion for the person or situation. This suggests that forgiveness is not about neglecting or condoning the incorrect that was done, but instead about understanding and also approving it. It is a procedure of understanding and approving the wrong that was done, and afterwards letting go of the anger and animosity that comes with it. Mercy is challenging, however it is a fundamental part of healing and also moving forward.
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