Heart of the Matter eLetters

 

4 Steps to Free Yourself of Guilt

Guilt distorts our experience of life and prevents us from living in the moment. We free ourselves from guilt by changing it to “remorse.” Remorse liberates us through forgiveness and self-acceptance.

 

1. About guilt: Guilt is full of self-judgment. Guilt says: "I'm screwed up or I’m bad for what I have done.” Guilt feels dense and dark. With guilt, your spirit/energy is contracting. You feel tight and separate.

 

2. About remorse: Remorse is full of self-acceptance and forgiveness. Remorse says: "I wish I had been able to do it differently or handle it better.” With remorse, you accept that you did the best you could at the time. Remorse is compassionate and feels steady and quiet. With remorse, your spirit/energy can expand. You feel easier and more connected.

 

3. Replace your guilt with remorse: Bring to mind, and feel in your body, one guilt-ridden experience from your past. Read numbers 1 and 2 above and replace your guilt with remorse. Do this with other guilt-ridden experiences from your past and when guilt comes up in the present.

 

4. Playfully practice: SHIFT from GUILT to REMORSE throughout your day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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