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Exploring the Neuroscience of Forgiveness and Its Influence on Health
Exploring the Neuroscience of Forgiveness and Its Influence…
Send us a Text Message. What if the key to lasting contentment and success lies in the intricate workings of the human brain? Does understa…
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Aug. 22, 2023

Exploring the Neuroscience of Forgiveness and Its Influence on Health

Exploring the Neuroscience of Forgiveness and Its Influence on Health

Send us a Text Message.

What if the key to lasting contentment and success lies in the intricate workings of the human brain?

Does understanding the neuroscience of forgiveness hold the power to reduce stress, enhance our emotional and physical health, and lead us towards a life of better understanding and empathy?

Today Julie gives an easy-to-understand insight into the interesting role of our brain regions such as the anterior cingulate cortex and the ventromedial prefrontal cortex in the process of forgiveness.

Ever wondered about the changes that take place in your brain when you forgive someone?

Or how understanding another person's perspective can foster forgiveness and empathy?

Today Julie looks at the effects of forgiveness on our brain’s reward system and emotional health, and the potential of forgiveness interventions to improve cognitive function.

Discover how neuroplasticity - our brain's remarkable ability to rewire itself - responds to the practice of forgiveness.

REFERENCES MADE TODAY

Damage to the prefrontal cortex increases utilitarian moral judgements [Koenigs, et al, 2007]

A social-neuroscience perspective on empathy. Current Directions in Psychological Science

Granting forgiveness or harboring grudges: Implications for emotion, physiology, and health

Growth Mindsets – neuroplasticity

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About DISC-Flow®
DISC is a research-backed and science-based personality profiling tool used to understand our behaviours, communication styles, and work preferences. It’s about understanding what makes you – and the people you work with – tick.

Julie South is a DISC Flow® Certified Trainer, who describes DISC-Flow® profiling as being like having a cheat sheet to better understand yourself and other people. When you know this, it helps you play to your personality strengths, work better in teams, and communicate better.

If you’re keen to find out what your personal DISC type is, what type of leader you are, or what your clinic’s team composition looks like, then get in touch with Julie to find out what's involved.

How to get more bang for your recruitment advertising buck
This is what VetStaff is really good at so if you'd like to stretch your recruitment dollar, please get in touch with Julie because this is something VetStaff can help you with.

How to shine online as a good employer
If you’d like to shine online as a good employer to attract the types of veterinary professionals who're a perfect cultural fit for your clinic please get in touch with Julie because thi...

Chapters

00:05 - Neuroscience of Forgiveness and Its Effects

17:11 - The Power of Forgiveness

25:48 - Promoting Vet Staff Podcast and Vetclinicjobscom

Transcript
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Welcome to the Vet Staff podcast, the place where veterinary professionals can join me, julie South, in discovering how we can all get our heads screwed on straight, get excited about going to work on Monday mornings and lead more fulfilling lives at home and at work.

00:00:23.492 --> 00:00:33.100
Today we have the second and a multi-part series on what I consider one of the foundational building blocks to personal and professional fulfillment.

00:00:33.100 --> 00:00:41.527
We're going to look at how to let go of stuff backed by science that gets in the way of us getting stuff done in our lives.

00:00:41.527 --> 00:00:58.104
What we're talking about today impacts every single aspect of your life and of my life personal and professional relationships, the relationships that we have with ourselves, and even how successful we are.

00:00:58.104 --> 00:01:03.682
However we measure and define success A reality check, though.

00:01:03.682 --> 00:01:16.453
Although I'll share the key on how you can unlock lasting contentment and success, unfortunately it's not a one time set it and forget it, one and done thing.

00:01:16.453 --> 00:01:33.055
It's a perpetual practice, a key that we must consistently turn throughout our lives to keep the doors open on joy, on satisfaction, on good health and on living life the way we want it.

00:01:33.055 --> 00:01:35.926
I wish I could make you a set and forget promise.

00:01:35.926 --> 00:01:37.308
Unfortunately I can't.

00:01:37.308 --> 00:01:52.870
I'm sorry, but first, before we get into today's topic, part two, let's just have a quick word from this show's partner and then we'll get right into the nitty gritty.

00:01:55.359 --> 00:02:02.503
The Vet Staff podcast is proudly powered by vetclinicjobscom, the new and innovative global job board.

00:02:02.503 --> 00:02:09.586
Reimagining veterinary recruitment, connecting veterinary professionals with clinics that shine online.

00:02:09.586 --> 00:02:21.425
Vetclinicjobscom is your go to resource for finding the perfect career opportunities and helping vetclinics power up their employer branding game.

00:02:21.425 --> 00:02:30.603
Visit vetclinicjobscom today to find vet clinics that shine online, so veterinary professionals can find them.

00:02:30.603 --> 00:02:37.990
Vetclinicjobscom.

00:02:41.379 --> 00:02:46.572
Here we are in episode 147 of the Vet Staff podcast.

00:02:46.572 --> 00:02:58.347
Last week we did a 101, 101, 101 on resentment rumination and looked at two different frameworks to let go of resentment and forgive.

00:02:58.347 --> 00:03:08.390
We looked at the physical dangers of carrying around the resentment with us and how that impacts our relationships for the worst, not to mention our lives.

00:03:08.390 --> 00:03:16.306
Today we're going to look at some science from a 101 lens, top level, specifically the neuroscience of forgiveness.

00:03:16.306 --> 00:03:23.826
Just so we're both on the same page, though, let's make sure we both understand neuroscience as being the same study.

00:03:24.460 --> 00:03:35.393
My understanding in neuroscience is that it's the multidisciplinary study, the field of science focusing on understanding of the structure and function of the nervous system.

00:03:35.393 --> 00:03:39.590
This includes the brain, the spinal cord and the peripheral nerves.

00:03:39.590 --> 00:03:53.962
It's about exploring the interrelated and the intricate workings of the nervous system at various levels, for example, from the molecular and cellular levels right through to the systems and behavioral levels.

00:03:53.962 --> 00:04:09.146
It aims to know how, to investigate how our neurons, the nerve cells, communicate with each other and how these interactions give rise to the human cognitive, sensory, motor and emotional processes.

00:04:09.146 --> 00:04:21.810
To understand all of this, neuroscience researchers use a wide range of techniques, including neuroimaging, electrophysiology, molecular biology and behavioral studies.

00:04:21.810 --> 00:04:29.966
From this research, they're able to uncover the mechanisms that underpin nervous system function and dysfunction.

00:04:29.966 --> 00:04:34.630
It's a hugely dynamic and interdisciplinary field.

00:04:34.630 --> 00:04:43.524
We're talking different aspects of biology, psychology, physics, chemistry and sometimes even computer science.

00:04:43.524 --> 00:04:58.634
Neuroscientists want to be able to answer fundamental questions about our brains and the nervous, our nervous systems, as well as their roles in our human behavior, cognition and health.

00:04:58.634 --> 00:05:05.052
I hope that your understanding is that as well, that we're both on the same page.

00:05:05.600 --> 00:05:14.365
When it comes to chemistry, physics and biology, I speak these sciences with a heavy accent, so please forgive me.

00:05:14.365 --> 00:05:27.172
Years ago, when I was studying sports science at AUT, the Auckland University of Technology, I realised that my brain just wasn't wired to speak that sort of scientific language.

00:05:27.172 --> 00:05:30.807
Chemistry and physics just aren't, and they weren't.

00:05:30.807 --> 00:05:32.050
They aren't my thing.

00:05:32.050 --> 00:05:42.709
I passed, but I limped through physiology, basic chemistry and anatomy, psychology and human behaviour, though I absolutely love.

00:05:42.709 --> 00:05:45.889
Right now, let's start with some research.

00:05:45.889 --> 00:05:51.682
I'll put links to everything that I talk about here in the show notes if you want to go back to them.

00:05:51.682 --> 00:05:57.158
Some of them I gated, but the abstracts are there for you.

00:05:57.911 --> 00:06:02.709
Let's look at brain regions involved in forgiveness Now.

00:06:02.709 --> 00:06:15.021
According to Koenigs and others, in 2007, they determined that damage to the prefrontal cortex increases utilitarian moral judgments.

00:06:15.021 --> 00:06:35.483
It's believed that forgiveness and the release of resentment is located in the prefrontal cortex of our brains, particularly the anterior cingulate cortex, or the ACC, and the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, the VMPFC.

00:06:35.483 --> 00:06:49.798
These regions have been implicated in the decision making processes related to forgiveness and other regions associated with empathy, moral reasoning and emotional regulation.

00:06:49.798 --> 00:06:51.952
What's going on here?

00:06:51.952 --> 00:07:04.423
Well, it's believed that when damage to the prefrontal cortex occurs, it may lead to reduced ability to experience and process emotions like resentment.

00:07:04.423 --> 00:07:11.223
Resentment often arises from perceived injustices or harm caused by others.

00:07:11.223 --> 00:07:22.100
When the prefrontal cortex is compromised, individuals may have difficulty holding onto or processing negative emotions.

00:07:22.100 --> 00:07:28.562
This potentially makes them less likely to hold on to grudges or resentments.

00:07:29.391 --> 00:07:33.000
Now let's look at what happens in our brains with empathy.

00:07:33.000 --> 00:07:38.302
As I mentioned last week, empathy plays a significant role in forgiveness.

00:07:38.302 --> 00:07:54.589
The brain regions associated with empathy, like the mirror neuron system and the tempo poro-poreal junction or the TPJ, kick into action when we empathize with the person we are forgiving.

00:07:54.589 --> 00:08:03.589
This then leads to better understanding of the person's perspective when we've walked a few moons in their moccasins.

00:08:03.589 --> 00:08:08.281
It makes then forgiveness more likely for us to do.

00:08:08.281 --> 00:08:23.589
I'll put the link to the 2006 research entitled A Social Neuroscience Perspective on Empathy Current Directions in Psychological Science for you to read if you're interested.

00:08:23.589 --> 00:08:28.401
Then we also have the effects of forgiveness on the brain.

00:08:28.930 --> 00:08:34.094
Forgiveness has been linked to positive changes in the brain, which has to be a good thing.

00:08:34.094 --> 00:08:35.658
Right, it's positive.

00:08:35.658 --> 00:08:49.238
When we humans actively engage in forgiveness it can reduce stress, decrease the activity in the amygdala, that's the part of the brain associated with negative emotions like anger and fear.

00:08:49.238 --> 00:09:00.760
When we forgive, there's also an increased activity in brain regions associated with positive emotions, such as the ventral striatum.

00:09:00.760 --> 00:09:17.102
I'll put the abstract link to a study that examined the immediate emotional and physiological effects that occurred when 35 females and 36 males rehearsed hurtful memories and nursed grudges.

00:09:17.102 --> 00:09:27.735
In other words, they were unforgiving compared with what happened when they cultivated empathetic perspective, taking and imagined granting forgiveness.

00:09:27.735 --> 00:09:31.570
In other words, they were forgiving towards real life offenders.

00:09:31.570 --> 00:09:45.570
The unforgiving thoughts prompted more averse emotions and significant higher brow EMGs, skin conductance, heart rate and blood pressure changes from the baselines.

00:09:45.570 --> 00:09:54.549
The EMG, skin conductance and heart rate effects persisted after the imagery into the recovery periods.

00:09:54.549 --> 00:10:03.590
On the flip side, forgiving thoughts prompted greater perceived control in comparatively lower physiological stress responses.

00:10:03.590 --> 00:10:22.590
The researchers concluded the results dovetailed in with psychophysiology literature and suggested possible mechanisms through which chronic unforgiving responses may erode health, whereas forgiving responses may enhance it.

00:10:23.494 --> 00:10:34.952
Also, we have the brain's ability to rewire itself neuroplasticity Our brains have the ability to rewire themselves in response to new experiences and learning.

00:10:34.952 --> 00:10:43.327
Practicing forgiveness and consciously changing our emotional responses can lead to neural changes over time.

00:10:43.327 --> 00:10:48.590
And we also have the neurochemical changes that take place when we forgive.

00:10:48.590 --> 00:10:59.181
Oxytocin, often referred to as the love hormone or the bonding hormone, is the hormone associated with social bonding and trust.

00:10:59.181 --> 00:11:10.570
It's believed this plays a role when we forgive, by prompting positive social interactions and reducing feelings of resentment.

00:11:10.570 --> 00:11:18.687
All of those things take place deep inside our brains without us even ‎justustomizing it) consciously knowing.

00:11:22.773 --> 00:11:33.379
Let's look at the stress response and how it's impacted by forgiveness, because forgiveness, as it turns out, isn't just good for repairing relationships.

00:11:33.379 --> 00:11:37.609
It's also good for our physical and our mental health.

00:11:37.609 --> 00:11:44.606
One key aspect of this is the impact on our body's stress responses.

00:11:44.606 --> 00:11:53.192
To appreciate the connection between forgiveness and stress, you need to understand how the response to negative stress works.

00:11:53.192 --> 00:12:05.509
Just to clarify, stress can be good, for example, when hit by a car is carried into your clinic and it's all hands on deck and you successfully save the life.

00:12:05.509 --> 00:12:07.433
That's a good type of stress.

00:12:07.433 --> 00:12:10.442
It has a positive outcome and you feel good.

00:12:10.884 --> 00:12:19.130
But for the purpose of today, when I refer to stress, I'm referring to negative stress, the kind of stress that we don't want in our lives.

00:12:19.130 --> 00:12:30.376
For example, whether it's due to perceived threat, maybe we think someone at work is undermining us and there's a lingering grudge and or resentment.

00:12:30.376 --> 00:12:39.188
It's at these times that our bodies release stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline the fight or the flight response.

00:12:39.188 --> 00:12:41.596
I'm sure you know what that feels like.

00:12:41.596 --> 00:12:47.393
When it happens, our heart rates go up and we can physically feel that we're more alert.

00:12:47.393 --> 00:12:56.080
What we probably won't feel is the increase in the blood pressure that's also happening, unless, of course, you're already hypertensive.

00:12:56.080 --> 00:13:06.469
So we've got these physiological things going on and more inside our bodies when we're stressed because of resentment and when we won't forgive.

00:13:07.009 --> 00:13:14.389
Forgiveness, though, can act as a powerful antidote, account to balance to this stress response.

00:13:14.389 --> 00:13:22.690
When you're holding on to resentment and anger, your body remains in that heightened state of chronic stress.

00:13:22.690 --> 00:13:32.298
This can lead to health situations and health issues like hypertension, anxiety and sometimes even a weakened immune system.

00:13:32.298 --> 00:13:34.544
If you're thinking or wondering so.

00:13:34.544 --> 00:13:37.370
Okay, julie, let's pretend this is so.

00:13:37.370 --> 00:13:45.010
How on earth can me forgiving someone mitigate this Great question, and I am so pleased you asked that.

00:13:45.532 --> 00:13:54.517
Here's how Research has shown that practicing forgiveness can lower cortisol levels in the body, and that's got to be a good thing, right?

00:13:54.517 --> 00:14:05.677
It means that when you reduce stress or decrease the physiological stress response, your body is better able to relax, which we all know is a good thing.

00:14:05.677 --> 00:14:24.625
We don't want to always be needing to be amped up, cortisol up and adrenaline up, with the ready to be to fight the saber tooth tiger or the person who's done you wrong, because that's not good for us, whereas relaxing is good for us.

00:14:24.625 --> 00:14:33.629
And talking of relaxation, when you forgive, you let go of the grip of the negative emotions which leads to relaxation.

00:14:33.629 --> 00:14:34.692
But wait, there's more.

00:14:34.692 --> 00:14:44.355
Relaxation in turn triggers the body's relaxation response, which starts lowering our heart rate and our blood pressure.

00:14:44.956 --> 00:15:09.118
Let's face it, we've all probably got enough other negative stresses in our lives going on right now, things that that are maybe probably out of our control Too much work or not enough work, too much time, not enough time, not enough money, and maybe for some, too much money, although I'd like to know what that kind of stress felt like, just to see whether the fit is right, but seriously when it comes to resentment.

00:15:09.118 --> 00:15:27.571
This is a stress we can control because it's a thought process and we can control our thoughts, even if we've been brought up maybe to think that we can't Letting go of grudges and resentment is linked to emotional improved emotional well-being.

00:15:27.571 --> 00:15:33.346
Imagine having fewer feelings of anger, anxiety and depression.

00:15:33.346 --> 00:15:34.890
Imagine what that would be like.

00:15:34.890 --> 00:15:43.298
These negative stresses all heighten our stress levels and thus the release of more cortisol and adrenaline.

00:15:43.298 --> 00:15:49.932
Who wants to be hyped up all the time on adrenaline or having cortisol eat away at your insides?

00:15:49.932 --> 00:15:51.275
No, thank you.

00:15:51.275 --> 00:15:54.166
And what about being able to sleep better?

00:15:54.166 --> 00:15:54.947
Yes, please.

00:15:55.428 --> 00:15:59.135
Being in a state of chronic stress disrupt your sleep.

00:15:59.135 --> 00:16:09.609
If you've ever been seriously betrayed, then maybe you can relate to waking up in the middle of the night devising ways on how you can get even.

00:16:09.609 --> 00:16:12.535
There are even websites that have ways to do this.

00:16:12.535 --> 00:16:17.389
For crying out loud, we want to make the other person hurt as much as you're hurting.

00:16:17.389 --> 00:16:19.111
That's not good for anyone.

00:16:19.111 --> 00:16:21.192
Lack of sleep isn't healthy.

00:16:22.157 --> 00:16:25.729
The neuroscience behind forgiveness supports that.

00:16:25.729 --> 00:16:30.261
Reducing stress through forgiveness isn't just a short-term win.

00:16:30.261 --> 00:16:32.775
There are long-term health benefits as well.

00:16:32.775 --> 00:16:42.914
I've just talked about the body's stress response and how it's important to reduce chronic stress, lowering excess cortisol and adrenaline levels.

00:16:42.914 --> 00:16:51.182
Forgiveness helps reduce stress by promoting emotional relaxation and reducing the production of stress hormones.

00:16:51.182 --> 00:17:03.429
On the neuroscientific basis, forgiveness is associated with decreased activity in the amygdala, that part of the brain region involved in processing fear and stress.

00:17:03.429 --> 00:17:10.471
This reduced amygdala activity is correlated with decreased stress responses.

00:17:11.192 --> 00:17:14.481
Forgiveness is linked to improved emotional regulation.

00:17:14.481 --> 00:17:23.698
When we forgive, we often experience a shift from negative emotions like anger and resentment, to more positive emotions.

00:17:23.698 --> 00:17:29.939
This shift in emotional state is associated with changes in brain activity.

00:17:29.939 --> 00:17:39.792
Forgiveness can also lead to increased activity in brain regions associated with positive emotions, such as the ventral striatum.

00:17:39.792 --> 00:17:45.385
It's been suggested that these changes lead to improved emotional regulation.

00:17:45.385 --> 00:17:48.666
Imagine not flying off the handle for no apparent reason.

00:17:48.666 --> 00:17:54.827
Imagine how that would be such a relief for those people living and working with you.

00:17:54.827 --> 00:18:00.526
Forgiveness is also associated with improved mental health.

00:18:00.526 --> 00:18:12.726
Now, if you feel like anxiety and depression have a grip on you right now, imagine what life would be like without that, because by forgiving it's possible.

00:18:12.726 --> 00:18:19.145
These improvements have been identified in brain scans and neurochemical changes.

00:18:19.145 --> 00:18:30.895
Studies have shown that when people forgive, they often exhibit changes in brain activity patterns associated with improved mood and emotional well-being.

00:18:31.164 --> 00:18:36.128
Forgiveness can strengthen social bonds and improve relationships.

00:18:36.128 --> 00:18:39.914
These have their own positive effects on the brain.

00:18:39.914 --> 00:18:48.223
I'm sure we all agree that social support and human connection are important for our overall mental health.

00:18:48.223 --> 00:18:58.401
Engaging in forgiveness can activate the brain regions associated with social connection and bonding, such as the release of oxytocin.

00:18:58.401 --> 00:19:06.682
Having more of the love hormone surely has to be a good thing, one of those wants to haves in our lives.

00:19:06.682 --> 00:19:20.901
Forgiveness also reduces the tendency to go over and over with negative thoughts and feelings related to the wrongdoing by the other person.

00:19:20.901 --> 00:19:28.990
When we're able to quit remunining, we end up with much calmer minds and then wait for it Improved mental health.

00:19:29.712 --> 00:19:42.124
Forgiveness has been associated with changes in neuro activity patterns, particularly in regions of the brain associated with rumination and obsessive thinking.

00:19:42.124 --> 00:19:44.200
There's science to back this up.

00:19:44.200 --> 00:19:46.027
Forgiving is good for us.

00:19:46.027 --> 00:19:49.400
How about being able to make better decisions?

00:19:49.400 --> 00:19:53.517
Because forgiveness has been linked to improve cognitive function.

00:19:53.517 --> 00:20:03.109
Imagine that when we let go of grudges and resentment, we're able to make better decisions, to think more clearly.

00:20:03.109 --> 00:20:04.977
That's got to be good for us, right?

00:20:04.977 --> 00:20:16.669
Forgiveness influences the prefrontal cortex, that part of the brain associated with cognitive functions like decision-making, empathy and moral reasoning.

00:20:17.935 --> 00:20:25.201
Of course, it's important to note here that the neuroscience of forgiveness is a rapidly evolving field of study.

00:20:25.201 --> 00:20:31.606
More research, like with most things, is needed to fully understand the neural mechanisms at play.

00:20:31.606 --> 00:20:45.308
Nonetheless, there's enough research out there to suggest that forgiveness has significant neurological and psychological benefits, which in turn contribute to improved overall well-being.

00:20:45.308 --> 00:21:05.506
But just in case you're still sitting on the fence and are still maybe a bit skeptical and that data in your head is shouting really loud, saying something like I'm not sure this is true, I'm not sure that forgiving is a good thing, if you're thinking what if it doesn't work?

00:21:05.506 --> 00:21:11.084
What if you forgive someone and you're still stuck in this mental muck of resentment?

00:21:11.084 --> 00:21:15.625
My response to that is what if you forgive and you're not?

00:21:15.625 --> 00:21:17.137
What if you've forgiven?

00:21:17.137 --> 00:21:18.041
All of this is true.

00:21:18.041 --> 00:21:20.121
What if you forgive and this works?

00:21:20.121 --> 00:21:22.361
But that's a fair question.

00:21:22.361 --> 00:21:30.642
So let's see whether I can support you in at least considering the power of forgiveness from a neuroscientific stand.

00:21:31.255 --> 00:21:47.807
Unfortunately, there's not an abundance of specific case studies that directly examine the transformative neuroscience of forgiveness, but there is a growing body of research that explores the neurological and the psychological effects of forgiveness.

00:21:47.807 --> 00:21:59.007
Although they're not traditional case studies in the clinical sense, they do provide some valuable insights into how forgiveness impacts the brain and emotional well-being.

00:21:59.007 --> 00:22:02.584
Let's quickly look at a couple of notable examples.

00:22:02.584 --> 00:22:07.405
There's the Stanford Forgiveness Project, led by Dr Frederick Luskin.

00:22:07.405 --> 00:22:18.285
This ongoing research project has examined the effects of forgiveness interventions on individuals who have experienced significant life stressors.

00:22:18.285 --> 00:22:31.028
This project's findings have shown that participants who engaged in forgiveness interventions reported reduced stress, improved emotional well-being and better physical health over time.

00:22:31.028 --> 00:22:34.401
There's also the University of Pavia Study.

00:22:34.401 --> 00:22:52.199
Dr Giuseppe Della Pellegarino and his team conducted a study where they used neuroimaging techniques to observe the brain activity of participants while they made decisions about forgiving or retaliating against those who had wronged them.

00:22:52.199 --> 00:23:02.462
The study found that regions associated with empathy and decision-making were activated when participants contemplated forgiveness.

00:23:02.462 --> 00:23:05.884
I mentioned Dr Everett Worthington last week.

00:23:05.884 --> 00:23:18.744
The Emory University Forgiveness Study led by Dr Everett Worthington involved a study that explored the effects of forgiveness on the brain's reward system.

00:23:18.744 --> 00:23:30.084
Participants who engaged in forgiveness exercise showed increased activity in the ventral striatum, the brain region associated with rewards and positive emotions.

00:23:30.084 --> 00:23:37.913
This research suggests that forgiveness may activate brain pathways linked to well-being.

00:23:39.096 --> 00:23:41.988
Today I've talked about neuroplasticity.

00:23:41.988 --> 00:23:47.525
I've also talked about neuroplasticity in other podcast episodes.

00:23:47.525 --> 00:23:51.154
I'll put the links to those and the notes for today.

00:23:51.154 --> 00:24:02.156
And while not a specific case study, research into neuroplasticity has shown that the brain structure and function can change because of forgiveness practices.

00:24:02.156 --> 00:24:18.790
Studies by neuroscientists like Richard Davidson have demonstrated how mindfulness and meditation, which are often components of forgiveness practices, can reshape neural connections and promote emotional well-being.

00:24:18.790 --> 00:24:30.569
These studies provide evidence that forgiveness interventions and practices can have a positive impact on the brain's functioning and emotional health.

00:24:30.569 --> 00:24:46.221
While they may not be traditional case studies with individual stories, like I used last week, they do contribute to understanding of the neurological basis of forgiveness and its transformative potential.

00:24:46.481 --> 00:24:49.769
So I hope that helps you get off the fence.

00:24:49.769 --> 00:24:58.865
Maybe to jump on that, let's give it a go side Again.

00:24:58.865 --> 00:25:01.411
This week we've barely scratched the surface.

00:25:01.411 --> 00:25:05.964
Another layer of the forgiveness onion has been peeled back.

00:25:05.964 --> 00:25:28.159
As I said last week, think of forgiveness as being a bit like a tapestry cloak that's been woven from diverse threads of psychology, philosophy and human experience, a cloak that, when you wrap it around, you has the power to heal wounds, to mend relationships and to set you on a path towards growth.

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Please join me next week and we'll look at some of the cultural and relational aspects of forgiveness.

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Until then, until next week, remember that forgiveness is a journey, one that begins within and radiates, fortunately outward, touching lives and transforming hearts.

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Please, if you like this podcast, help us get the word out there by leaving a comment and sharing it with your friends.

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If you're not following us yet, then please do that as well.

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It's free and it doesn't hurt, I promise.

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It just means that you won't have to go looking for next week's episode, because it'll show up in your podcast's feed as soon as it's released.

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Thank you for that.

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This is Julie South signing off and inviting you to go out there and be the most fantabulous, forgiving version of you that you can be.

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