It was on this day in 1948 that someone shot the messenger and silenced a voice dedicated to the idea that every human being deserves to live a life of peace, love, harmony and balance. On this day, 63 years ago, Gandhi breathed his last breath on this human plane, but right before he died he looked at the man who shot him square in the eye and he forgave him. To the end of his life this simple, yet powerful man demonstrated to us all what a world living in peace could be like, including the critical component of forgiveness.

On this day, think about someone who weighs heavily on your heart, someone you wish to forgive. Write the name of that person on a small white piece of paper with a red pen. Fold the paper and put it inside any small jar or glass container. Cover the paper with honey and close the jar.

Each day for nine days straight, light a small white tea candle and place it on the closed lid and silently send forgiveness to whoever you have named. Open your heart up and let the love in. Forgive and heal with sweetness and light.

At the end of the nine days bury the piece of paper in your yard, or in a pot of soil. Release the person completely and know the work is done. Buy some flower seeds or plant something fresh in that spot. Any time that person comes into your mind, bless them with love and light and let the thought go. Enjoy watching the new growth of what you’ve planted and know you have changed and grown, released and moved on as well!