Graphic For Presenting Steps Of Self Forgiveness

Purpose

When I present the six parts of self forgiveness from Robin Casarjian's work, I like to use a graphic that represents a person as a building or temple.

Materials

Procedure

1. I draw the two rectangles for the base, and explain that connecting to the core self and compassion for our humanness are the foundations that give us the strength and courage to do the rest of the work.
2. I draw 4 columns and label them as the other 4 parts of self forgiveness, explaining how they are essential to living with dignity and self-respect.
3. I put a roof on the temple, and label it with self-forgiveness, integrity, and self-respect, dignity, etc.
4. I talk about how we can live with dignity - coming from a strong belief in our own goodness, and compassion for our humanness and making a commitment to being honest with ourselves, taking responsibility for our behavior, learning from experience and healing old wounds.
5. I like to make the point that we never reach a stage where we don't get triggered or make mistakes. But the important thing is that when we do, we are committed to being honest, taking resonsibility, learning from the past and healing. Then we are living with dignity.