The Hyatt Regency in Lisle (1400 Corporetum Dr, Lisle, Illinois 60532)

*conveniently located and easily accessible right off I-88 interstate and Rt. 53.

Suggested donation for the event is $20.

Invite friends on Facebook event page

The gathering will be in the Willow Room to the right of the lobby. Hang after to meet friends or make new ones in the comfortable and spacious lounge, which will be serving food and drinks throughout the night!

Topic: What is Forgiveness

62% of Americans report that they could use more forgiveness in their life. New research is helping our understanding of the link between forgiveness and physical health.

A study published in the journal "Psychology and Health" in 2009 found that random cardiac patients with coronary heart disease who underwent forgiveness training were able to improve blood flow to the heart. They were at less risk of pain and sudden death when compared to a control group, which received the standard medical treatment and only counseling about diet and exercise.

Emotions can be an obstacle to forgiveness. fMRI experiments reveal activation in the emotion centers of the limbic system in the brain when one considers forgiving someone. This likely indicates feelings of anger and hurt, and negative emotions can disrupt rational thinking in the prefrontal cortex. Thus, it can complicate the process.

However, when subjects are guided through fictional scenarios in which they were wronged and then forgave, the anterior cingulate cortex lights up and functions as a bridge between the perception and suppression of moral pain. So, just as we have biochemical mechanisms for reducing physical pain, forgiveness may be a pain reliever for moral distress.

Forgiveness seems to be one of the more misunderstood words in the language of spirituality and healing. This meeting will explore in more depth what it is and what it is not and as always provide an opportunity to meditate as a group.

Forgive: GIVE yourself the gift of moving FORward