“In a general sense, restlessness is a sign of lack of contentment. Let’s take remorse first as it’s a special kind of restlessness. Remorse is about feeling bad about something we’ve done. When that kind of feeling comes up, apply the ‘AFL’ formula: 1) Acknowledge what you’ve done, 2) Forgive yourself and 3) Learn from your mistake.
Remember, everyone makes mistakes—big and small. Try to adopt the attitude that there is nothing you have done, absolutely nothing, that cannot be forgiven. It will soften your heart, and a soft and accepting heart makes for good meditation. Strive to cultivate an unconditional acceptance of yourself. Say to yourself, “No matter what I may have done, the ‘door to my heart’ is always open to me.”
