Question: I’ve seen that I’ve said and done some terrible things to people in my life. How do I get through this guilt and shame? Is there a right way to make amends to the people I’ve wronged?

Answer: Oh yes, there is. Change yourself. In the long run, there is no other way that we can either be forgiven for who and what we have been, nor is there any other way to truly forgive others. Start by daring to stay awake to these recurring bouts with shame and, instead of identifying with the negative sensation that is merely a rerun of your old nature, drop it like a hot rock. You’ll have to work at this, but real results will follow.

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