Radical Forgiveness- Six Week Study Group Review
by Linda Aragon
As a Certified book study leader of Radical Forgiveness – September 6th –Oct. 11th, 2010 was the first pilot group study I conducted. This six week study brought fifteen of us gathering each week to study the concepts and the book – “Radical Forgiveness” written by Colin Tipping. This study is based upon spiritual principles and requires little other than openness and willingness along with a belief in a higher power, however you may perceive that. This study included portions of DVD’s explaining the foundations of Radical Forgiveness and how Soul Contracts work within our life and this work brings new meaning to “Everything Happens for a Reason”. The blessings of this work are many, but primarily is the release of “victimhood”. Would you not like to adopt a way of living based on true forgiveness – I can show you how. This allows you then to come to a place of unconditional love and peace.
Agreements are first signed before study begins, that includes sacred confidentiality (safety in sharing), commitments and time agreements of participation (missing even one week can detract from fully embracing these learning’s), adhering to rules of discussion, respecting where people are, honoring the opinions of others and an understanding that we are not a therapy group.
The itinerary included ‘Jill’s Story’, an audio CD of a common scenario of infidelity that through Radical Forgiveness, can be seen on a much deeper level. Some concepts discussed within the six week study included Accountability, The Mechanisms of the Ego, Hideouts and Scapegoats, Attraction and Resonance, Cause and Effect, Transforming the Victim Archetype, As Above, So Below, You Spot it-You got it!, etc. I did a number of handouts and outlines to bring concepts to an easier place of understanding. Reading of the book is essential and time was allowed to discuss chapters and concepts.
The eagerness and high energy of this group was evident from the first meeting. The participants were fully engaged and truly desired to raise their spiritual awareness and it felt very enlightening for many to learn how differently many things happening in their life might be looked upon. Realizations came forth that Soul Contracts are often set up by ourselves for our highest good (our higher selves know just what we need) and for our spiritual growth. As this understanding is fully embraced, we realize that forgiveness is not only unnecessary but we can even say ‘Thank You’ – as we begin to see our so called perpetrators might easily be giving us a ‘gift’ – bringing forth basic underlying fears to be healed. Judgments of others are never in order for we cannot know their path and contracts. Common underlying fears many of us experience are around common issues in need of healing such as:
- Abandonment and Separation – we feel alone – expressed as relationships where you are devastated when they fail.
- Self worth – We are not good enough expressed as issues of low self esteem creating relationships that match your expectations of not being good enough.
- Surrender and Trust – We believe this world is not safe expressed as inability to surrender to our experience and relationships that mirror our expectation of this world being unsafe and unworthy of our trust.
An introduction to the study of Universal Laws was brought into this study and many wanted a further deeper study of these laws which I plan to bring forth in the future. A study of vibrational levels was also brought in and how important ‘YOUR’ levels “contributes to” or “detracts from” from our planet’s evolution to the fourth and fifth dimensions.
A worksheet was introduced as a tool to work through any area for which you are holding an inability to forgive resulting in anger and/or resentment being held within your body. This worksheet has somewhat of a ‘magical power’ – releasing long held resentments and suppressed energy. This negative energy can often bring a feeling of ‘tiredness’ and even contribute to physical illness. Lessons of growth
tend to repeat themselves until we get the message. I always say there is no “side stepping” life – it’s up to you how long it takes to bring healing within.
I understand that some of the ideas presented here can be very challenging, especially for those carrying so much pain. Would you not like to find a way to release that pain? This work can be extremely freeing and healing. Radical Forgiveness challenges us to radically shift our perception of the world and of our interpretations of what happens to us in our lives.
Evaluations gathered on the last meeting brought forth very positive experiences and high recommendations for this study. With permission of participants, below is a sampling of testimonials’ received:
- “Very valuable and worthwhile course on Universal spiritual principles – I am able to view situations from a higher prospective” Sharon I.
- “I am now able to forgive more easily, knowing we are all one. You did a great job at every aspect in this study”. Netta Havelin
- “This class gave me everything and more that I was seeking – it really opened my eyes! Thank You! A great way to create rapid change in one’s life, by providing a shift in perception. Marie
- “Linda’s Radical Forgiveness Workshop opened whole new doors for me. It showed me how to choose a new way of seeing life’s challenges as an opportunity to heal myself”. Eva B
- “I have gained much insight into what “Forgiveness” is all about”. Terri M.
- “This class is an excellent tool for forgiveness and awakening of the soul. There were interesting DVDs and discussions. I highly recommend it! Ann Peck
- “The energy exuded by the leader and the students was incredible! The preparations and venue was A-ok – techniques impressive. The leader added a big boost towards the feeling of oneness”. Maury Castro
- “I loved the home environment and you as a leader was the best part. Made me look within myself and I learned tools to use in life”. Dolly Castro
- “Course content was enlightening and very insightful – relevant to spiritual growth and awareness. Course material was presented in an understandable manner and useful for incorporating into daily living”. Steve W.
- “The most positive, valuable aspects are the tools and the teacher. The book- I could not put down or highlight enough passages. The teacher – WOW! You are a natural at this work. Please continue to provide somehow, somewhere. I really feel it is important to get this information out to more people. The Radical Forgiveness class was the most valuable experience for self-growth I’ve ever experienced. The worksheet and tools have helped me with beginning to end the victim role. Thank you! Thank you! I loved your hospitality and your pets roaming about. Loved it!” Kelly Dickson
- “Unique and informative class to change the way you look at people, events, and experiences in your life. I highly recommend that you set aside time to take the class. When you are ready to let go of the past, this class will definitely help you”. Tina
- “I realize why you are so passionate about Radical Forgiveness. We believe we know, but boy, we don’t know as much as we would like to. I have discovered a diamond in Radical Forgiveness. I get it, I actually get it. This beautiful jewel came into my life surrounded by this beautiful sunshine and radiant soul, “YOU LINDA”. A remarkable person, a beautiful blessing full of wisdom and passion, there are no words to describe you. I thank you from the bottom of my heart”. Letty V.
I have to say, I am a little taken back and of course thrilled with the positive experiences and testimonials’. Just reaffirms my path and my goal to help the planet make this shift, and to take this study out to the community. I thank all for your very positive support I have been receiving to bring this endeavor to a reality.
It is interesting to note that among the comments, it was consistently noted that more time should be allowed for this study – recommendations came forth for longer than six weeks, longer than two hour segments, perhaps a part B for support on worksheets and individual cases, and a second class on “Radical Relationships” which I do plan on bringing forth at a later date… 🙂
If you were not a part of this study group, I sincerely hope you will consider participating in the next group in the Spring. You may contact me through my website below or directly to my email below for further information, any questions you may have, and to be added to list for next study group. Dates and times not yet set, let me know your preference – day-evening- or weekend.
Linda Aragon
Holistic Life Coach
RadiantLifeTransformations.com
Aragon77@comcast.net
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