“An eye for an eye, makes the whole world blind.” -Mahatma Gandhi
Above is a powerful quote that urges us to break the destructive cycle of revenge and resentment and to embrace forgiveness. But why is this such an imperative idea in today’s world?
As time runs its course, the tall trees shed their leaves, the glacier ice flows into streams, and the younglings leave their nests to learn what it’s like to be free. Eventually, we all must let go of something so that we can grow and be rejuvenated once more.
This is the essence of World Forgiveness Day. On July 7th, the world gathers to not only learn to let go of the past but also to celebrate the becoming of a better, more peaceful world.
The Quaint Beginning
Global Forgiveness Day, also known as World Forgiveness Day, is observed annually on July 7. Its roots trace back to 1994, when the Christian Embassy of Christ’s Ambassadors (CECA) in Victoria, British Columbia, launched what was then called “National Forgiveness Day.” As the concept resonated with people worldwide, it evolved into the Global Forgiveness Day.
The origins of the day intertwine centuries-old spiritual teachings with modern scientific insights. Forgiveness has long been a fundamental tenet of faiths everywhere, from Christianity and Islam to Buddhism, Hinduism, and Judaism, urging individuals to pardon others for the greater good. However, it wasn’t until the late 20th century that psychologists and health researchers began rigorously studying forgiveness and its benefits.
This day thus merges deep spiritual traditions, landmark personal reconciliations, and a growing body of scientific evidence, into a global celebration of letting go and moving forward.
What Makes This Day Special
Scientific research showcases that forgiveness is more than a moral gesture as it promotes genuine psychological and physical well-being. Forgiveness has been linked to lower stress, reduced blood pressure, stronger cardiovascular health, diminished anxiety and depression, and reduced negative health effects by fueling chronic stress and tension. Global Forgiveness Day encourages individuals to release grudges that might inhibit empathy and understanding.
The day serves as an annual reminder that peace often begins with small personal acts of forgiveness. Forgiveness isn’t a weakness, it’s a proactive choice to reclaim one’s emotional needs. Global Forgiveness Day invites everyone to look inward, forgive others, and importantly, forgive themselves, acknowledging that self-forgiveness is often the most transformative.
UNESCO BMW: REWIND
At UNESCO Body, Mind, and Wellness Club, we foster a strong, supportive environment for people from all walks of life to gather and join us to help them rediscover themselves. Our mission is to encourage sustainable practices via embracing our unique traditions, cultures through a plethora of creative expressions such as art, music, and dance. We also delve into the betterment of your physical and mental well-being through yoga, meditation, and other forms of fitness, such as hiking, trekking, etc., that help you grow sustainably.
However, one of our best initiatives so far is undoubtedly the REWIND program.
REWIND is designed to help all people reconnect with their past, cherish their memories, and share experiences with others so that they can learn to develop deeper bonds with themselves and those around them. Learning forgiveness is a huge part of our aim to establish inner world peace, because you may not realise it yet, but the tightness in your chest, the queasiness in your stomach, and that horrible ache in your heart is caused by your anger, hate, and sadness.
It’s crucial to seek help when you need it, and there’s no better place to come and heal than at UNESCO BMW’s REWIND program. All you need to do is take a step back, pause, and reflect. Though simple, the benefits reaped are profound and everlasting.
Through creative expressions, open discussions, and collective action, we look forward to making forgiveness a transformative and contagious experience that uplifts hearts and unites the world. Together, we can nurture a future rooted in empathy, peace, and understanding.
By: Ruheena Roushanara Choudhury and Ayesha Khalid
Sources:
- https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/forgiveness-day/
- https://unescobmw.org/
- https://conscious.is/blogs/let-it-burn-the-four-stages-of-true-forgiveness
- https://unescobmw.org/2023/07/01/global-forgiveness-day/
- https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/forgiveness-day/
- https://nationaltoday.com/global-forgiveness-day/
- https://www.indiatoday.in/information/story/global-forgiveness-day-history-and-significance-2563436-2024-07-07