Forgive – and set yourself free
CLINICAL psychologist and “journey practitioner” Prema Balakistnen spoke to more than 50 women at the Gelvandale Famhealth Medipark Centre on the healing power of forgiveness using the body, mind and spirit to reach some form of emotional resolution.
Balakistnen was a guest speaker at a Mother’s Day breakfast hosted by general practitioner Dr Jeff Govender earlier this month.
The Mercantile Hospital psychologist said the journey was a “body-mind therapeutic process”.
“It is recognised world-wide as a potent tool for liberating human potential and it has helped thousands of people free themselves from fear, anxiety, stress, depression among other problems,” Balakistnen said.
Dr Govender said the breakfast event, titled The Healing Power of Forgiveness, was aimed at honouring motherhood and also thanking women of all races for all the sacrifices they make in order to make everyone else’s lives better.
Govender said the event was “all about healing the mind and learning to let things go. Today I wanted to acknowledge the role of mothers in the sustenance of life, but not taking anything away from the role men play. Men also play a microscopic role in creating life,” he said, to a room filled with laughter.
Balakistnen, who praised Govender’s efforts in uplifting the Gelvandale community, said women had multifaceted roles and often burnt themselves out.
“True forgiveness is one of the most healing, releasing gifts women can give themselves. We often forgive others but forget to forgive ourselves.”
Balakistnen said often people sat with feelings of guilt but when they let things go “they live in a life of light and grace” and everyone had the potential to feel that beautiful feeling inside.
“The power of forgiveness can heal lives and entire nations. A prime example would be the Truth and Reconciliation Commission where thousands of families confronted the ones who hurt them, laid their souls bare and opened their hearts to forgive their oppressors,” she said.