July 12: Day 12

STEP TWO CONTINUED: Come to believe that The Divine has no religion, is greater than religion, and can heal us from our hurts.

Instruction: Release the past.

When wounds are fresh, it is difficult to forgive and let go of the pain we suffered, but this is the goal we eventually hope to achieve. Some will not be ready to release the past at this point in their recovery, but we introduce it now to let us know that this is our eventual destination and the course we are setting.

If we were to accidentally cut ourselves, we would think only of stopping the bleeding and alleviating any pain we might be experiencing. We would not blame the sharp object for inflicting pain and injury, and we would be able to perceive a time when our pain would end and our healing would be complete. We might be left with a scar, but that would serve to remind us to avoid the situation that created the injury. We would learn a lesson and put it behind us.

It is this detached frame of mind that will help us to overcome religious injuries. We can view those who hurt us as sharp instruments that can cause injury if we are not careful, and we can learn to recognize their characteristics so we can avoid future injuries. Eventually, we could even perceive them in a neutral light—as someone who tried to help but who didn’t know the harm they were creating or as someone who simply couldn’t help themselves. This is the beginning of release, forgiveness, and the path to healing.
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For today, consider the possibility of releasing the past. If you feel you are not able to do that just yet, then perhaps begin by asking your Higher Power to bring you to a place where you want to release the past and move forward. Changing your desire is often a huge step in the right direction.