Forgiveness
In Taoism, forgiveness is not framed as a moral obligation but as a natural process of harmonizing with the Tao. Holding onto resentment disrupts the flow of chi, the vital energy that sustains life. The Taoist approach encourages individuals to let go of grudges, not only as an act of benevolence toward another, but as a means of returning to a state of internal balance and harmony.
When we forgive, we release attachment to an event and allow our energy to return to a state of equilibrium, rather than being trapped in cycles of anger and blame. Rather than forcing ourselves to forgive, we cultivate an attitude of spaciousness, understanding that all things, including conflicts, arise and dissolve in their own time. This allows us to avoid internal stagnation and remain aligned with the natural flow of life.
From the perspective of Classical Chinese Medicine (CCM), emotions are intimately connected to the organ systems and the flow of energy. Unresolved anger and resentment are associated with stagnation in the Liver system, which governs the smooth flow of chi and emotions. When forgiveness is blocked, it often manifests physically as:
-Liver chi stagnation: feelings of frustration, headaches, and tightness in the chest.
-Heat rising from the Liver: symptoms such as high blood pressure, irritability, and insomnia.
-Digestive disturbances (linked to the Spleen and Liver disharmony), reflecting an inability to “digest” past grievances.
Forgiveness, in this system, is not just a psychological act but a physiological necessity to restore balance. Traditional healing practices such as:
-Chi Kung or Tao Yin exercises help release stagnant Qi.
-Acupuncture and herbal medicine regulate the Liver and Heart, calming emotional turmoil.
-Breathwork and meditation—particularly Taoist methods like Iron Shirt Chi Kung or Inner Smile Meditation—help dissolve emotional blockages.
In CCM, forgiveness is a process of “transformation” rather than suppression. Instead of forcing oneself to forgive, practitioners work on transmuting emotions, allowing them to move through the body rather than becoming trapped.