THE ART OF FORGIVENESS

A unique guide to mastering the ability to forgive.

Jones’ third book presents her unique method for practicing what she calls the “art of forgiveness.” The author, a retired nurse who became a self-healing educator and life coach, has developed a six-stage process for attaining and practicing forgiveness called “YIPPEE,” an acronym for “yearn,” “investigate,” “process,” “practice,” “evolve,” and “empower.” Each stage explores (and often debunks) destructive beliefs and highlights unhelpful behaviors before proceeding to the next stage. Jones describes her method as a “two-steps-forward-one-step-back” dance, which she choreographs to help readers advance beyond obstacles and setbacks. Later chapters address healing, resulting in a concise yet complete 105 pages of smooth reading. The author weaves her own struggles with sobriety throughout the book, providing context and a personal element. To learn how to put YIPPEE into action, readers should spend at least half their time on Chapter 5 and another good bit on Chapter 6, as these sections go into detail about her methodology and show why reading this book is time well spent. The author demonstrates how to achieve a more peaceful life by exploring somewhat offbeat subjects for the genre: specifically, curiosity and a commitment to peace and freedom. The takeaway message is that learning to forgive is the key to happiness in life. Jones quotes extensively from 10 other authors, including, most often, Fred Luskin, a psychologist and researcher at Stanford University who wrote the book’s foreword. The quotations are refreshing, such as psychotherapist Jim Dincalci’s “Forgiveness washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” The author also shares an observation from writer Jeff Rose, who found that when one uses one’s nondominant hand, it activates both hemispheres of the brain instead of just one. This may result in one becoming more creative, posits Jones, which could result in revealing insights.

A recommended read for those seeking a new route to inner peace.