Author says forgiveness can bring health benefits


Tibbits

Tibbits

Dick Tibbits, author of the new book “Forgive to Live: How Forgiveness Can Save Your Life,” will lead a two-day seminar on forgiveness at the Thousand Oaks Seventh-day Adventist Church, 480 W. Gainsborough Road.

The workshop will begin at 6:30 p.m. Fri., Oct. 13 and continue from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sat., Oct. 14.

Tibbits will share a message of hope based on his research on forgiveness.

Tibbits is a licensed professional mental health counselor and ordained minister. He holds a doctorate in psychotherapy from Andover-Newton Theological School and a graduate divinity degree from Andrews University.

He has presented his research on forgiveness at the National Institutes of Health, Harvard University, Stanford University, the Mayo Clinic and Loma Linda University.

He has served in hospital administrative positions at Florida Hospital in Orlando and Tampa as well as Loma Linda University Medical Center.

According to event organizers, medical research has determined that anger kills through a host of ailments such as depression, stress, broken relationships, heart disease and other serious illnesses.

Although unresolved anger can lead to decreased life expectancy; research has demonstrated that by practicing forgiveness, the harmful effects of anger can be reversed.

Tibbits will shows how practicing forgiveness can lower blood pressure and improve ones mental, physical and spiritual wellness. He will provide practical advice on anger management, goal-setting and practicing forgiveness daily.

The seminar will include a Forgive to Live workbook, two vegetarian meals and a special worship presentation on forgiveness as it relates to spirituality.

Admission is $25 per person or $30 for couples.

Reservations are required by calling (805) 350-2203.