Apology I

Seeds IX, 17

Seed: Apology I

Anna Quindlen writes a column in Newsweek every other week. One that struck me recently was called “Contrition as Leadership.” She’s writing about our national leaders and apology. To be clear, she’s writing about the fact that the last real apology the American people heard from a president was from John Fitzgerald Kennedy.

It got me thinking about apology in relationship. As usual, I looked it up in the OED. I was surprised at the etymology of the word apology. It means a speech in defense etymologically. Only in its third definition does it mean what custom dictates:

3. An explanation offered to a person affected by one's action that no offence was intended, coupled with the expression of regret for any that may have been given; or, a frank acknowledgement of the offence with expression of regret for it, by way of reparation.

Here’s the thing though: apology is a valuable tool for genuine relating. We all do things we’d like to take back from time to time. We don’t feel good. We’re crabby for no reason. We’re pressured. No matter what is causing the difficulty, apology clears the air.

So, dear one, do you apologize? Easily? Is it like pulling your own teeth? Why do you apologize? Why don’t you apologize? Have a look at your habits around apology. We’ll explore more of this in the next few Seeds.

Be serene,

Dr. Susan Corso

Seeds are remarkable gifts. Sown in consciousness, they bring you to the most important part of your being—your Divine Spark.

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