Exploring the possible source of remorse, recognizing failures, learning from the past and even making peace with our own being, are part of some of the strategies and attitudes that we must practice to eliminate remorse of conscience.
Although guilt is a human sensation that we can experience at some point, if we do not learn to manage it assertively, it can be a counterproductive feeling. In any case, guilt may be legitimate for some act committed or may even be unjustified, depending on each person. In this Psychology-Online article, we explain how to eliminate remorse so that you can recover your emotional stability and inner peace.
What does it mean to have pangs of conscience?
Having pangs of conscience means experience feelings of guilt, regret or regret for a past action or series of actions. In other words, it is the feeling of recognizing that you have done something wrong, inappropriate or harmful, and feeling deep emotional discomfort as a result of this feeling.
This feeling often arises when you think that you have acted against your values, ethical principles or moral norms. They can manifest as intrusive thoughts, feelings of sadness, anguish, anxiety or shame. Additionally, they can generate a desire to repair the damage caused or correct the situation in some way.
In other cases, it may be a sign that you recognize your mistakes and that you have an active moral conscience. When this is the case, they can prompt you to reflect on your actions, learn from them, and take steps to right any harm caused. However, it is also important to balance these feelings with the ability to forgive yourself and pursue personal growth.
Identify the reason that causes it
The first step to make remorse disappear from your conscience is identify what is causing it. For example, sometimes we feel guilty for not spending as much time with family or for not paying more attention to a friendship that has been fading.
In any case, it is important to recognize if we really made a mistake or if we acted that way due to the circumstances of the moment. That is, you must learn to stop blaming yourself for things you couldn’t control.
Likewise, you should also deal if you feel that you have not met someone’s expectations, because in that case it is no longer about you, but about the lack of empathy that other people have. The most important thing in this first step is to try to put your thoughts in order so that you know what is causing your inner destabilization.
Evaluate and assume your faults
It is part of human nature to make mistakes at some point in our lives. In fact, that’s what makes us human. Once you accept this, the time has come to evaluate if the failure is very serious and what can you do to remedy it.
Within this process, you must also analyze whether the action committed is proportional to what you feel to put everything in perspective. Focus on what is important and try to do good from now on, as little by little everything takes its course. In short, assume the responsibility that falls to you and move forward.
Practice forgiveness
Learning to forgive situations, actions or words of others (or ourselves) can be an act of courage and maturity. Although it does not always work, in some cases a sincere apology It can help repair the damage caused by some bad action.
If you have to apologize, do it from the heart so that the other person knows that they are valued and that you intend to make amends for your mistakes. Likewise, forgive yourself and remember that no one is perfect and at some point we can also make mistakes. Here we explain.
Open yourself to self-compassion
Another step to eliminate remorse of conscience is. That is, learn to treat yourself with kindness, since your body listens to what you say and think about itself.
A good strategy for this is to recognize that you are suffering from your guilty conscience. This, in turn, leads you to accept that you need help to heal and that you must love and accept yourself as you are. Address your own need for love and treat yourself as if you were your best friend.
Turn guilt into gratitude
Transforming guilt into gratitude is a visualization technique that can be very helpful. Try to see your regret or guilt as an experience that you had to go through to generate learning and thank the universe for it.
Remember there is nothing wrong with needing help and that it is necessary to be grateful when people reach out to us.
Don’t hide your feelings
One of the main recommendations to eliminate pangs of conscience is not to try to hide what you feel to prevent these thoughts in your subconscious from doing you a lot of harm in the long run. Instead, try to talk to people the ones you trust the most so you can express everything you need to let go.
In this way, your interior will feel more relieved and you will see the situation from another point of view.
Seek professional help
One of the most important things to focus on on a psychological level is attend to our emotional state and mental health. Therefore, if you experience persistent pangs of conscience and find it difficult to manage, it may be helpful to seek support from a therapist or counselor.
They can help you explore your emotions, understand the reasons behind your actions, and find constructive ways to deal with regrets and move forward. In this article, we explain to you.
This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
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Bibliography
- Worthington Jr., E.L. (2003). Forgiving and Reconciling: Bridges to Wholeness and Hope. InterVarsity Press.
- Tangney, J.P., Stuewig, J., & Mashek, D.J. (2007). Moral emotions and moral behavior. Annual Review of Psychology, 58, 345-372. doi: 10.1146/annurev.psych.56.091103.070145