Lack of forgiveness on a national level is as devastating as it is on an individual level. The lessons are everywhere to be seen: bitter battles are being fought around the world as one nation lashes out against another and another lashes back. The violence is perpetuated through endless decades of holding on to anger and rage. Walls are built up and habits of thinking become so deeply entrenched that forgiveness becomes an unthinkable concept.

And yet forgiveness is the only path that will clear away the revenge and rage that feed the escalating violence. We can keep our hearts open to compassion and forgiveness, and direct our thoughts outward with a positive intention. Even when we’re not able to do anything else, we can hold individuals or situations in a place of compassion. This simple, short meditation helps us to keep the energy we project into the world positive. Perhaps the way to world peace is practicing forgiveness and compassion, one person at a time. Learn how:

Imagine a golden light radiating down from above; a light of healing and compassion and wisdom. I breathe the light in with my breath. The golden light circulates throughout my body, focusing especially on any area that needs attention or healing. As my body fills with light it overflows through my heart chakra. I reach out with this heart energy and touch the hearts of my loved ones and friends–especially anyone or anything I’m feeling critical of. As the light expands I imagine reaching out as a group and touching the hearts of all those in the world who feel hopelessness or despair or whose hearts are burdened or cold. We further expand this light, reaching out into the hearts of all individuals and groups in the world whose power and influence impacts us all. Finally I visualize lifting the earth up into the Divine’s hands with my prayer that humanity, individually and collectively, come into harmony with our highest good and the good of the whole.

With our hearts clear and our thoughts compassionate, we can act as a powerful force in the world. We are all needed in the important work of forgiveness and healing.