Do You Dwell On The Past?
Do you dwell on the past? If you do, are you remembering loving and joyful experiences or are you caught in the cycle of ongoing regret, embarrassment, or fear that others will find out?
If you remember joyful, happy memories and those memories elicit joy and happiness in the present moment, good! If you remember happy, joyful memories and those memories cause you to compare them to your current situation, what experience are you creating in the now? If you bring forward experiences that are painful and then judge yourself or your behavior, what experience are you creating in the now?
Do you consciously realize that you have a choice every moment to create your own experience? I learned at an early age to bring the past into the present and it wasn't always in order to experience the blessings of my life. My past mistakes were brought up to me in an accusatory manner or to make me the brunt of humor. The goal was to embarrass me. It worked.
I was fortunate to learn, though already in my 30's, that dwelling on past mistakes is a form of self-harm. A decade later, I was being certified in Integrative Yoga Therapy and we studied the bodymind connection. We also studied the fundamental yogic principal of "Do No Harm." This principal includes no harm to the self because, if I am harming myself, I will eventually harm others. Here is the most powerful truth I learned in that particular session:
My brain perceives all experience in the now.
Mentally, there is no past or present; there is only now.
Therefore,
when I bring painful memories into the present,
my bodymind perceives a current experience.
I have now traumatized myself all over again.
Please read the inset lines over several times until you begin to integrate the truth of those words mentally, emotionally, and physically. Yes, it is possible for others to do me harm. What I do with that experience is my choice...in the moment and in the future, long after the particular incident is over. Staying in the present moment helps clarify my choices. My choices determine the quality of my life.
I wonder where you are in your walk of spiritual discovery? Are you open to learning more, growing more, healing more? Are you seeking a teacher who will respect you? A teacher who can meet you where you are and allow you to unfold from there? If so, you may have just found her. I would love to hear from you.
Contact me with questions, appointment requests, or whatever is on your mind and heart: [email protected]
Love and Peace All Ways.💫💖
