Meditation Summer
The F Word: Stories of Forgiveness is an internationally-renowned exhibition, displayed in over 550 venues. It uses real stories to encourage discussion and a possibility of healing. “The depth of your love is shown by the extent of your anger”, says Archbishop Desmond Tutu, founding patron of The Forgiveness Project. When you are angry the issue is always something you deeply care about.
Serious meditation practice helps us see how "negative" emotions are rooted in deep care and unconditional love.
In his story, which is part of the exhibit, Tutu continues to say: “If you can find it in yourself to forgive then you are no longer chained to the perpetrator. You can move on, and you can even help the perpetrator to become a better person too”.
Such an inspiration and definitly a gift, we are proud to be sharing this exhibit with visitors to Governors Island this year.
“To forgive is not just to be altruistic, it is the best form of self-interest.”
“Vulnerable feelings when expressed to each other have the potential to establish lasting bonds.” Photo by Louise Gubb
“I have come to believe passionately in restorative justice.”
“All people are capable of being perpetrators or victims - and sometimes both.”
“When I watched Zacarias at the trial my heart was broken because I could not look at him as a stranger. He is the son of my friend.”
“I reached the conclusion that there were victims at both ends of the gun”
“Those people crying loudest for retribution so often seem to be the least affected.”
“I believe in the concept that where the wounds are, the gift lies.”
“I couldn't let him die in a room full of strangers”
“I had to do something different, because what I was doing wasn't working”
“Part of being human is rolling up our sleeves and taking an active part in repairing harm”
“I'm beginning to realise that no matter which side of the conflict you're on, had we all lived each others lives, we could all have done what the other did.”
“I don't think I have a right to ask for forgiveness. It only adds insult to injury and places yet another burden upon relatives and family members.”
“If Ghazi and I can talk and stand together after paying the highest price possible, then anyone can.”
“The first words that came out of my mouth were 'do not take revenge in the name of my son'”
“Forgiveness is not a value strong enough to stand on. You have to win some sort of victory over the people who have hurt you.”
“The most dangerous thing in life is to let people become convinced that truth has just one face.”
“Genocide is beyond forgiveness?”