Musings: Economics of Forgiveness

It may seem an oxymoron to combine economics and forgiveness. But it is not. And I’d like to share with you why.

Coming from an investment banking background (where my major studies were in economics and finance) I entered the humanistic field 17 years ago – in the aftermath of my son’s tragic death. In that time I have learned a tremendous amount from this work, especially about forgiveness. I am now bringing this knowledge back into to the corporate world by teaching how forgiveness can help management teams create unity. No matter the conflict experienced in the workplace, unity is possible. And it is necessary.Economics is about the efficient distribution of resources. What would you consider to be our resources when you speak in humanistic terms? And how would we disseminate these resources in an efficient manner while also improving the condition of humanity and the planet?

Valued resources include: knowledge, compassion, health and living a purpose-driven life. I have learned in the last 17 years that many of us are mired in resentment for the harm that has been afflicted on us or in guilt for the harm we have caused. If you are suffering from resentment or guilt, you are fully aware how these emotions can be debilitating and occupy the vital real estate of your psyche 24/7. They block compassion, good health and the ability to live with a strong sense of purpose. What I have learned in my journey is that if these corrosive emotions of resentment and guilt are not dealt with in a healthy way it stops you from contributing at your best, to a world that needs you. This in turn does not serve you well, or your family well, or your community well, nor the world at large. Besides not contributing to the world in a meaningful and efficient way, often these feelings of severe resentment and guilt manifest into disease and ill health.

So what is the answer?

For me it has been forgiving the people who have harmed me and forgiving myself for the harm that I have caused. I teach a weekend workshop that teaches three milestones on how to forgive people who have harmed you and four milestones on how to forgive yourself. These are highly intensive, immersive and experiential days where you clearly learn and embody my methodology. These workshops are by design kept to a maximum number of 14 people. All who graduate can use the technology to conduct their own workshops. My goal here is to create more forgiving people so we can in turn create a more peaceful world for our children and grandchildren.Over the years I have trained several hundred people, and in every one of the workshops, participants experience major breakthroughs. Many who have attended are those with higher purposes, including those educated with second and third degrees – therapists, counselors, clergy, professionals. In 2013 I am looking at doing several workshops – London, New York, Mumbai and Adelaide, Australia are already in the works.

I can tell you without doubt that teaching forgiveness has helped me get to peace. It can help you do the same. If you are so inclined and want a forgiveness workshop in your city, simply gather 14 committed people. You can contact Jennifer at Jennifer@AzimKhamisa.com , as she has managed my speaking and media for the past eight years. She is a wonderful resource for you and an absolute joy to work with. Details are also available on my website HERE.

I encourage you to connect with Jennifer if you have an interest in hosting a workshop.You will find this work frees you from resentment and guilt so that you may focus 100 percent of your inner resources to better your lives, the planet and humanity. I carry no resentment or guilt, and I do believe the absence of these highly debilitating emotions help me contribute with the work of TKF, CANEI, forgiveness workshops, Passionate Performance seminars, and the like.

In closing, if there were enough forgiving people in the world, we would save billions spent on divorce, probate, civil lawsuits, and channel these savings to create a more evolved society and an Eco-friendly environment. Indeed forgiveness is the most efficient method to disseminate your resources of knowledge, compassion, health and pursue a purpose-driven life. Hopefully you see the economics of forgiveness. Who would have ever thought that these two concepts could merge?

My very best to your individual journeys and I look forward to connecting with many of you in 2013.