remember when we were in the second grade?

we were outside on the playground playing kickball and it was my turn – or was it yours? Both of us at the plate, facing off. neither of us wanting to concede that the other might be right.

i remember you calling me a mean name under your breath – or was that me?

the others, frustrated by our angry delay, continued playing the game without us, while we argued on the sidelines. 

i was so mad ... you were so mad.

we saw each other on the bus later that day, on the way home from school.

you wanna play outside today?

yeah, sure!

did you say you were sorry? did I?

would it have mattered?

both of us forgave and were forgiven. i suppose we could’ve stayed in our house, brooding over the day’s earlier events. we could recount the unfairness of it all to our moms and dads. we could’ve stayed angry – not to mention, alone.

but what fun is that?!

and yet, we grew up and abandoned the wisdom of our youth, spending year after year, harboring old hurts. day after day, nurturing our anger and resentment. we’ve been wronged! by perfect strangers and loved ones alike!

some of them even have the audacity to blame US for THEIR transgressions.

at what age, exactly, did being right become more important than being compassionate? and, more importantly, why do we allow yesterday’s bitterness to bleed into the joy of today?

at what point, did we forget how to forgive?

the dalai lama reminds us,

“all major religious traditions carry basically the same message, that is love, compassion and forgiveness . .. the important thing is they should be a part of our daily lives.”

through yoga, we practice non-attachment. in asana, we strive to let go of ego by practicing non-attachment to judgments, outcomes, and even old habits. through meditation, we learn to practice non-attachment to our thoughts – first acknowledging their presence, then releasing.

but anger clings to (even dreams up) outcomes. resentment holds judgment. and an unwillingness to forgive is an old and ugly habit. it is the result of an ego battered and bruised, ready for battle. but, forgiveness is not about admitting wrongs or being right. nor does it mean we must invite or endure further injustices.

anger only serves to harden our hearts, but forgiveness softens and leaves us open to love. for forgiveness to occur, one only has to let go of anger and wish no ill will. easier said than done, i know, but remember, anger is heavy and weighs us down – joy is light and ours for the asking. trade in one and receive the other.

this season, we will bestow wishes of good will and joy.  many will send cards proclaiming peace, love, and good tidings to all.

but there is someone out there who needs it more than most. someone who has committed yesterday’s sins of hurt, betrayal, and injustice. someone who wants and deserves forgiveness.

for who among us, might not also be that someone?