The question is,"What is forgiveness?" 

Well as the saying goes," To Err is Human and to Forgive is Divine" is probably what most of us strive to do, which isn't easy..

We humans certainly do err and err big! Being mere mortals means we will step on toes, hurt others,and sometimes do permanent damage. Our feeling run deep and our emotions can get the best of us. I think what is all boils down to is poor communication.That's probably why we have bad neighbors,bad relationships,border disputes, wars...etc,etc.

We humans ,with our advanced technology and infinite pool of knowledge,still make alot of mistakes. And mistakes do cause hurt,anger and distrust. That's where forgiveness come in.

It's not very likely that one will forgive a person that physically hurts us or emotionally betrays us,when we are young. As time goes on and we have endured so many misunderstandings and problems with other people,it comes down to learning to forgive,or let those ill feelings fester . The only one you will punish is yourself,by harboring ill will towards others.

I know this sounds so easy,but it takes practice and a confidence in yourself. If you truly like and love yourself,no one can hurt you for very long.

I'm not saing that there isn't any hurt or anger when one does an injustice ,it will probably sting and hurt for a short time. The trick to healing is to forgive the other party and move on.

Some people practice meditation, to get in touch with themselves and to eliminate bad feelings.

Others may take to the gym to work out their emotions and get the endorphins going..

Still others seek out treatment for addictions or psychotherapy to work out childhood issues that have plagued them through adulthood.

Forgiveness really is about 'letting go',that is,stopping the hurt or angry feelings that guides their actions,and thoughts most of the time. We all have heard of,or know of those who are always angry. They seem to be angry at the world,often complaining about what others have done to them or how they are always wronged.

This is pointless. If you need to forgive,then forgive yourself first and move on. You are not perfect. Don't beat yourself up and then others, because you are unhappy.

Seek help in one form or another. Forgive yourself..

Here are some sources for quotes on forgiveness.I hope they help answer the question,"What is forgivenss?" 

Doc Childre and Howard Martin, The HeartMath Solution

Take it slowly. "The deepest resentments are wrapped up in a lot of hurt and pain. We think we're protecting ourselves by not forgiving. Acknowledge that and go easy on yourself. Forgiveness means that you've decided not to let it keep festering inside even if it only comes up once in awhile. Forgiveness is a powerful yet challenging tool that will support and honor you, even in the most extreme circumstances."

http://www.heartquotes.net/Forgiveness.html

"always forgive your enemies-nothing annoys them so much"-Oscar Wilde

"To forgive is the highest ,most beautiful formoflove.in return,you will receive untold peace and happiness" Robert Muller

"When you hold resentment toward another,you are bound to that person orcondition by an emotional link that is stronger than steel. Forgiveness is the only way to dissolve that link and get free" Caherine Ponder

http://thinkexist.com/quotations/forgiveness/