Impulsive Act

"Know that the Divine doesn't judge you.

The Divine is filled with nothing but love."

Panache Desai

A long time member of a circle of women, who was a retired professional, asked to share a secret of guilt and shame.  In her young adulthood, she had stolen twenty dollars from her employer.  She sadly admitted she had not acted out of need, but on impulse.  She never figured out a way to disclose her impulsive act and as the years passed, the shame increased.  The kindred spirits of the collective circle were surprised by their esteemed friend's story, but quickly extended forgiveness, and opened to a variety of ways to reconcile her poor choice of long ago.  

At the next gathering, the women learned of their friend's corrective action.  She had located the  now elderly employer and anonymously mailed the twenty dollars plus years of interest.  By addressing her poor deed, she found a way to restore her self-respect.   The circle supported her with compassion and she learned to forgive her foolish actions.   

We are harsh with ourselves until we remember that the Divine offers love, not judgment.  Judgment acts against our healing and compassion eases the heart of the wounded.  As our guilt or shame is lifted, we are able to creatively restore our balance.

***Shared with permission.