Perreault Magazine - 84 -
A CONVERSATION WITH JOAN GATTUSO
SK: In your recently published book, you wrote the most personal story of forgiveness. To most the idea sounds impossible. What was the process for you?
JG: I wanted to be free from the pain of the past. I wanted to be happy, therefore I began a journey to practice the techniques taught in The Power of Forgiveness. I practiced one writing technique three times a week for five years! Then I felt free from the past and the pain associated with it.
SK: What action can we take toward our forgiveness?
JG: First, recognize you are not the victim. Second, begin to set a course to spend 30 minutes a day working with various techniques. In order to truly forgive we must regularly do exercises that delve into our psyche. These shift our consciousness, our healing deepens and we are set free.
SK: What is forgiveness meditation?
JG: Sit quietly immediately following a forgiveness exercise and breathe deeply. Breathe in light, breathe out pain. Visualize the life you want to live.
SK: What is seventy times seven?
JG: It is one of my favorite techniques. It is based on the New Testament when Peter asked Jesus if we should forgive a brother seven times. Jesus replied that it is seventy times seven. In other words, it is forgiving as long as it takes to heal. We write an affirmation such as, “I now forgive myself for all known and unknown grievances I have placed on myself or others.” Write this 70 times a day for one week. You should begin to notice a shift in how you feel as you start to experience greater freedom. You may need to repeat this several times.
SK: What sorts of things make you happy?
JG: I live with my soulmate husband and our Yorkie in the paradise called Hawaii. I have true friends. I really enjoy writing and giving interviews. Great satisfaction comes from my deep meditations. I love cooking gourmet meals. And happiness comes from knowing my teachings are transforming lives.
SK: WIs there a final message for PERREAULT readers?
JG: Yes! It takes a tremendous amount of work to become free, and it is so worth it. It is more than possible to heal your past, and to be a happy person. This and so much more is what you deserve.
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