Memories from our past—a painful breakup, the loss of a loved one, a failure at work, or a childhood trauma—can often stand in our way. These difficulties not only overshadow the joy of the present moment, but can also limit the direction we take in our lives.
An unresolved past affects your present life and your future. If you haven't processed past traumas, losses, or hurts, you may experience stress, anxiety, apathy, or depression more often. This not only takes away from your everyday joys, but it also prevents you from building uplifting relationships, fulfilling your career, or noticing new opportunities. So an unresolved past is a hindrance.
However, when you dedicate energy to processing the past, you can release these burdens. Emotional healing increases self-confidence, clarity, and allows you to enjoy life on a wider spectrum. Letting go not only allows you to no longer be limited by your past, but also allows you to notice the opportunities that bring you true happiness.
Is now the time to let go of the past and create a better future?
3 steps to help you process the past
1. Letting go of judgments
An important step in processing the past is to let go of judgments – towards yourself and others. Judgment It lowers self-confidence, reinforces negative beliefs, inhibits change, and increases stress and anxiety. When you recall a painful memory, ask yourself, " What perspective am I holding on to that no longer serves me?"
When you judge, first: notice that you are judging. Only then can you change it, because you can only change what you are aware of. Allow the judgment to happen completely without judging the judgment. Then you can ask the question, "Would I let go of judging this?"
"If so, when?"
This is a simple and effective way to let go of something that's bothering you. It's called the Sedona Method. (You can read more about it here.)
Practice letting go and you will experience change surprisingly quickly.
2. Mantra
If you have ever gone through a painful period, you know how important self-development is; not to react to events and our environment in a toxic way, but to choose a different approach. A mantra helps you break out of entrenched patterns that keep you stuck in the cycle of the past. Choose a mantra that you like (preferably a Sanskrit mantra) and use it. I used the following mantra during a difficult period. Without it, I would not be who I am today:
Om Shreem Mahalakshmiyei Namaha (one of the mantras of abundance and prosperity)
Recommended daily repetition: 108x (aloud or silently)
Recommended musical accompaniment for the mantra by Deva Premal
Challenge: Do this exercise for 108 days - and watch the effect.
3. Write down on a piece of paper what you really want
Reliving the past can be so distracting that we lose sight of what we really want. Writing can help us clarify our true goals and needs. If you feel like you have too many thoughts or feelings in your head, find a quiet place, bring a pen and paper, and write this question at the top of the page:
"If I could choose anything, what would I choose? What would I spend my time on?"
When writing, don't limit yourself to "reality" or past experiences. Instead, ask yourself, " If anything were possible, what would I choose?"
This practice will not only help you see your true desires clearly, but also help you realize them. Keep your focus on this, and opportunities will find you. :)
Overall
It's not your past that determines what your future will be like, it's your choices. Whatever you've been through, know this:
You have the opportunity to open a new chapter. And the story is yours to write.
Your past is not a barrier, but a springboard.