Guilt and shame are emotions that ideally can help us take stock, take responsibility, and do better going forward. Beating ourselves up mercilessly, however, only perpetuates feelings of guilt and shame and gets in the way of growing. In this episode, psychologist Traci Stein discusses the reasons why so many people feel stuck under the weight of extreme guilt and self-blame, and how embracing forgiveness can help us free ourselves to move forward with greater compassion for ourselves and others.

Resources for Easing Guilt and Shame and Fostering Self-Compassion:

Traci Stein, PhD: Self-Compassion Meditations to Release Self-Criticism and Foster Self-Kindness

https://www.hayhouse.com/self-compassion-meditations-to-release-self-criticism-and-foster-self-kindness-audio-download

Traci Stein, PhD: Self-Compassion During Sleep to Release Self-Criticism and Foster Self-Kindess:

https://www.hayhouse.com/self-compassion-during-sleep-to-release-self-criticism-and-foster-self-kindness-audio-download

Lauren Rainbow: Forgiveness Meditation

https://insighttimer.com/laurenrainbow/guided-meditations/forgiveness-meditation-34

Self-Compassion Meditations by Dr. Kristin Neff

https://self-compassion.org/self-compassion-practices/

Hemi-Sync - Journey to Light: Meditations for Surrender and Forgiveness

https://hemi-sync.com/product/journey-to-light-meditations-for-surrender-and-forgiveness/

00:00 Introduction to Guilt, Shame, and Forgiveness

01:39 Understanding Shame: What, Why, and Where it Comes From

04:33 Understanding Guilt: What, Why, and Where it Comes From

08:56 The Impact of Guilt and Shame on Mental Health

25:35 The Role of Forgiveness in Healing

34:51 Practical Steps for Self-Forgiveness

52:32 Final Thoughts