Learning to Forgive Yourself and the Past

One of the most significant challenges I’ve encountered on my journey with yoga is learning to forgive myself for past mistakes. Forgiveness is a practice so pure and cleansing that it can feel like a rebirth—but it is not a form of escapism. True self-forgiveness requires meeting yourself at the deepest levels, confronting the full spectrum of who you’ve been: the good, the bad, and the parts you’d rather not see.

Yoga teaches us that this meeting, this awareness, is essential. By acknowledging our actions, we begin to dissolve the weight of the past into the unfolding consciousness of the present moment. This process is reflected in the art of exhalation in our practice—a symbolic act of release. Every exhale carries an opportunity to let go of the tension, regret, and burdens we no longer need to hold, making space for renewal.

I’ve acted in ways I am not proud of. I’ve hurt the people I love most. I’ve caused pain to strangers without even realizing it at the time. Walking the path of yoga has illuminated these truths in stark clarity, and it has been difficult to face the feelings of guilt and self-resentment that arise. Yet, just as I have needed to forgive myself, I’ve had to grapple with forgiving those who have hurt me. Both forms of forgiveness are intertwined, stemming from the same source. But where does that source lie?

The Deeper Essence of the Self

The teachings of yoga remind us that beneath our actions, our stories, and even our regrets lies a deeper, unchanging essence: our true Self. This Self is not tarnished by the unconscious actions of the past; it is always whole, always pure. Our journey in yoga is, at its heart, a journey toward knowing this Self.

If you feel guilt now, it is because you have grown in awareness. You are conscious in ways you were not before. You can see the dysfunction of your past actions, recognize them as hurtful, and take responsibility. But ask yourself: who is this “I” that takes responsibility?

Is it the same “I” who acted unconsciously in the past? Yoga teaches us that it is not. The “I” who sees clearly now is not the same as the one entangled in unconscious patterns. The true “I” is the essence of your being, untouched by the fluctuations of the mind or the past actions of the ego.

Dissolving the Illusion

True forgiveness begins with recognizing this illusion. The past actions were not committed by the essence of who you are but by the unconsciousness of a former state of being. When you realize this, the ego’s grip loosens. You begin to see that the guilt is not yours to carry because it never truly belonged to the deeper Self.

And this realization extends outward. If you can see the unconsciousness in yourself, you can see it in others. Those who hurt you did so out of their own unawareness, not from the core of their being. Understanding this allows forgiveness to flow naturally—not as an effort, but as a recognition of truth.

As yoga teaches, forgiveness ultimately reveals that there is nothing to forgive. In the light of awareness, the actions of the past dissolve into the spaciousness of the present. The true Self emerges, unburdened and free.

So, begin here. Sit with your breath, feel its rhythm, and meet yourself without judgment. Let the exhalation guide you in releasing what no longer serves you. Look at your past, not as a punishment, but as a teacher. In this meeting lies the seed of forgiveness—a seed that, when nurtured, blossoms into peace.

Class update: 

Intermediate to Advance Level (Online) Group Classes:

12-Day Yoga Immersion

• Duration: January 4 to January 30

• Schedule: Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, 7:00 AM to 8:30 AM (IST)

• Level: Intermediate (Must be able to perform an independent headstand with or without the wall)

• Recordings: Available for all sessions

• Price: INR 10,000

This 12-day immersion is designed to take your yoga practice to the next level. Each class focuses on a specific theme, allowing us to explore and refine key areas of practice. From unlocking hip mobility to advancing backbends, mastering arm balances, holding inversions with confidence and developing a deeper pranayama practice this journey covers it all.

To ensure you get the personalized attention and guidance you need, I’m keeping this group small.

One spot left!!

If you’re interested, please confirm your spot at the earliest. Hope to see you on the mat!

If you have any questions or interested in online classes, please feel free to email me at ✨[email protected]✨

Until next time 🙏