Cultivating Peace this World Forgiveness Day
A few years ago I was struggling with forgiving some people for what I felt were unfair situations which caused me a little of inner discord, anger, and resentment. I was holding onto these feelings and emotions and they were starting to negatively affect my overall mental and physical well being. This is when I knew I had to seek out wisdom from someone inspiring. Through my years of practicing meditation and mindfulness as well as self awareness I knew that attachment causes suffering however I also knew that the concept of letting go of what no longer was serving me was something I was internally struggling with.
I recalled the Sufi poet, Rumi, and how his wise words have always been spiritually significant to me so I sought out this on a Google search 'Rumi on forgiveness'. This search over 3 years ago led me to a series of articles however one stood out to me in the first few results from my search. It was titled 'Dear Rumi . . . Tell Me About Forgiveness' which was on a website called 'Inner Change' written by Founder and Life Coach Hamid Homayouni.
On this World Forgiveness Day I would like to share this article with all of you as I found it so relevant to my quest and like to refer back to it as a reminder of the power of forgiveness.
https://innerchange.com.au/
This article resonated and moved me so much I reached out to Hamid for a consultation and felt an immediate soulful connection with him. Hamid has been my life coach now for over three years and through his wisdom and guidance I have been able to further my mindfulness and meditation practice as well as learn more about myself and tools to help me on my journey.
I also learned from this article about the Mpatapo symbol, an Adinkra symbol from the people of Ghana representing reconciliation, peace, and the healing power of forgiveness. It is aalso known as the Pacification Knot.
Visually resembling a complex knot, Mpatapo conveys the binding together of conflicting parties, signifying the resolution of disputes and the restoration of harmony. The knot is has no beginning or end, a symbol of interconnectedness, unity, and mutual understanding.
Mpatapo teaches that peace is not simply the absence of conflict, but the presence of effort, humility, and intention to mend relationships. It reminds us that in the aftermath of hardship, offense, or disagreement, true strength lies in extending grace, seeking truth, and offering forgiveness. When two enemies come together in peace, Mpatapo is the spiritual and symbolic bond that links their hearts in a renewed commitment to coexistence.
This symbol is a powerful visual reminder that forgiveness is a courageous act, and that through it, we make space for growth, connection, and lasting peace.
This World Forgiveness Day 2025, let the Mpatapo symbol — the Pacification Knot — serve as a gentle yet powerful reminder of the healing power of forgiveness.
Rooted in the rich Adinkra tradition of the Akan people, Mpatapo represents reconciliation, peace, and the sacred bond formed when we choose understanding over resentment. In a world that often clings to conflict and division, this symbol calls us to loosen the knots of anger, pride, and pain — and instead, tie new knots of compassion, empathy, and peace.
As we observe World Forgiveness Day, reflect on Mpatapo’s meaning:
🌿 Who might you need to forgive?
🌿 Where can you release bitterness and welcome peace?
🌿 How might you extend grace — to others and to yourself?
Forgiveness is not about forgetting; it’s about freeing. The Mpatapo knot teaches us that by choosing to make peace, we create space for growth, healing, and connection.
Let today be a turning point — a moment to release, reconcile, and remember that peace begins within.
Namaste,
JPC 
