Dr Eileen Borris (Audio); Transforming Lives with Political Forgiveness

Guest: Dr. Eileen Borris, Clinical and Political Psychologist

Host(s): David Jones and Dr Naomi Murphy

Episode Summary: In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Eileen Borris, a clinical and political psychologist who has pioneered the concept of political forgiveness at individual, community, and national levels. Dr. Borris has addressed the United Nations and has worked for over 30 years to build peace in conflict areas around the world, including Rwanda, South Africa, Liberia, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and the Middle East.

https://www.drborris.com/books/finding-forgiveness-a-7-step-program-for-letting-go-of-anger-and-bitterness/

Key Topics Discussed:

1. Introduction to Political Forgiveness:

• Dr. Borris explains the concept of political forgiveness, which involves truth, forbearance, empathy, and a commitment to repair fractured relationships. She shares how her personal background and family history influenced her interest in this subject

1. Importance of Forgiveness:

• The discussion highlights the significance of forgiveness in healing communities and moving forward without ignoring past evils or reducing justice to revenge

1. South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission:

• Dr. Borris discusses the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission as a model for political forgiveness and the lessons learned from it

1. Forgiveness in Rwanda:

• The conversation touches on the role of forgiveness in Rwanda's healing process after the genocide and the challenges of addressing deep-seated emotions and historical grievances

1. Forgiveness as a Skill:

• Dr. Borris emphasizes that forgiveness is a skill that can be learned and practiced by anyone. She shares practical steps for letting go of grievances and changing one's emotional state

1. Forgiveness in the Criminal Justice System:

• The episode explores the implications of forgiveness for the justice system and the importance of self-forgiveness for individuals who have committed serious offenses

1. Stories of Forgiveness:

• Dr. Borris shares powerful stories of forgiveness, including the unlikely friendship between a Black pastor and a former Ku Klux Klan member in South Carolina

1. Cultural Differences in Forgiveness:

• The discussion highlights how forgiveness is built into the cultures of certain countries and the communal nature of forgiveness practices in places like Sierra Leone

1. Dr. Borris's Book and Podcast:

• Dr. Borris talks about her book "Finding Forgiveness," which provides a self-help guide to learning forgiveness, and her podcast "Political Forgiveness Voices of Peace," which aims to inspire people to bridge divides and build a culture of political forgiveness

1. Maintaining Well-being:

• Dr. Borris shares her personal practices for maintaining well-being while working in difficult situations, including meditation, gratitude, and staying connected with loved ones

Key Takeaways:

• Forgiveness is a powerful tool for healing and reconciliation at both individual and community levels.
• It is important to address underlying emotions and historical grievances to achieve true forgiveness.
• Forgiveness is a skill that can be learned and practiced by anyone, regardless of their background or experiences.
• Building a culture of political forgiveness can lead to better societies and nations.