Mahatma Gandhi once said, “ The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.”

When people hurt us, our initial response is always to retaliate. Hurt and anger are powerful emotions that cloud our minds and rob us of sound judgment.

Gradually, the anger subsides and the feeling of hurt takes over. If these hurtful feelings are not healed or left unattended, they can transform into a wound.

We may ignore this wound, but it’s ever-present in our subconscious minds. It affects our mental health significantly. We revisit those feelings of hatred, hostility, and low self-esteem associated with the event and feel emotionally disturbed constantly.

To overcome these triggers that affect our mental health, we must tap into the healing power of forgiveness.

One of the ways of practicing forgiveness is to adopt the R.E.A.C.H. method.

• R- Recall

This step involves recalling the situation by thinking about it objectively. Analyze what went wrong. What caused this person to react this way, and how their reaction affected you? Draw mental pictures about the incident and the feelings you experienced every step of the way. If you start feeling angry and hurt again, do not push those feelings aside.

• E- Empathize

Try to look at the situation from the other person’s perspective. People who lash out on other people are often afraid, worried, or feeling hurt by something or someone.

• A- Altruistic gift

Remember that you are also a human being with shortcomings. This step involves self-reflection and being honest about our weaknesses. Try to remember if you had hurt someone in the past. It helps you look at the other person as someone with flaws and makes you give them your forgiveness easily.

• C-Commit

Commit yourself to practicing forgiveness. Write down your thoughts about the specific event and release anger and grudges about that person. It helps you make the conscious decision to forgive people.

• H- Hold

Whenever the memories of the event replay in your mind, hold on to the decision of forgiveness. It gives us control over our reactions to those memories.

Talking to someone and sharing our experiences can also free our minds and help manage negative emotions. We at Unreveald provide you with space and freedom to express yourself anonymously by engaging in honest and meaningful conversations. Log on to www.unreveald.com and share your experience without judgment and inhibitions.

Sign in or sign up on www.unreveald.com and #justsayit