Untangle Why Forgiveness is an Act of Self Compassion. With Diana Winston
Apr 21, 2026
Diana Winston, mindfulness teacher and Director of UCLA Mindful, shares why forgiveness is an act of self-compassion. She outlines three types of forgiveness and the willingness to begin. She teaches mindful ways to hold difficult emotions, practices for self-forgiveness, and tools to reframe triggers and build compassion over time.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Resentment Is A Self Harmful Burden
- Holding resentment is like carrying a hot coal that injures the holder more than the target.
- Dropping the coal via forgiveness creates freedom, openness, and joy without condoning the harm, says Diana Winston.
Begin By Choosing To Try Forgiveness
- Start by making a conscious decision and willingness to work on forgiveness even if progress is slow.
- Recognize that deciding to begin is the first practical step toward releasing long-held blame and pain.
Alternate Between Pain And A Safe Anchor
- Use mindfulness to notice difficult emotions in the body and alternate attention with a neutral, safe sensation like the breath or feet.
- Moving back and forth metabolizes intense feelings so they attenuate and become manageable.
