Written by Tom Carpenter
There is an alternative to hate and conflict; to deprivation and suffering! The purpose of the Forgiveness Movement is to provide an opportunity for people everywhere to join in holding this awareness. It is our intention to demonstrate there is a peaceful way to deal with our differences as well as heal what seems to be a wounded and failing environment.
Together, let us move our world toward peace and happiness, through letting go of our grievances, old and new. We carry both the darkness of our fears and the light of peace within our mind. We have the power within us to choose which way we want to go. All of us are part of a single consciousness. Whenever any part of it chooses to walk the path to happiness the way becomes clearer for everyone. Each choice to love, when hate seems called for, will change the course the world has followed.
The Forgiveness Movement is a gathering of those who are ready to do this now and be a support for those still trying to decide. It is a communication network where we can share together where forgiveness leads us, feeling the support of everyone who wants to go there with us.
There is in everyone an inner knowing that there is a different, more loving path to follow. Hate is not our “natural” way to feel; fear has never brought us what we want. Making our world a peaceful place is not an insurmountable task for there are no obstacles to peace that we together have not imposed. And so there are none we cannot remove when it is our earnest desire to heal them together, making no one wrong in the process.
To change our world we must decide if we will live by the laws of love or hate. Forgiveness dissolves the judgments that separate us. It opens us to make loving choices and discover the freedom and happiness they bring. It is a law of perception that we find only what we are looking for. Let it be our goal to see Love in our brothers and sisters, instead of what our mistaken perception has decided about both of us.
You can join The Forgiveness Network on facebook 
Please see Annie's forgiveness workshops on the workshop page...
Linda Carpenter, John Willoner, Tom Carpenter, and Annie at a three day gathering with Tom and Linda at Findhorn, 2006
What is real forgiveness?
'Think for a moment what it would be like to go about your day with your mind filled only with happy and loving thoughts. Everyone you meet has a smile and a glow of happiness about them. There is no sickness, no hunger, no conflict or lack; no striving, no blame, no expectations, no time and no death. Peace has replaced fear everywhere in this world. There is no word to describe hate for all the reasons not to love are gone.
For most of us the world seems quite a different place. And, most significantly, it appears to bear little relevance to what we would like it to be. When we learn that it is with our thoughts we have made everything that seems to be, then we can decide it is also ours to change.'
From: The Miracle Of Real Forgiveness, a book
by Tom Carpenter
Kauai friends in my kitchen