Healing the Past

The past likes to take a hold of us and make us relive it, in all its glory, in our minds and hearts. If it's a good memory, then we are golden. We love every minute of it because we can get into a good place while reminiscing, making our hearts burst with happiness and joy.

Then, there are things from the past that we regret, that we wish we could change. We relive those memories with remorse, beating ourselves up time and again.
Why didn't I do what I should have done? 
Why did I say that? 
Why was I so stupid?

There is this constant dialogue, usually on a daily basis, about how we could have done something differently; how we could have not hurt that person. Or, why did we waste so much time on trying to impress someone, make someone happy, when it ended badly? So many regrets of things we cannot change.

What burden have you been carrying for a long time? Has it served you? Has it helped you at all? If you have been hanging onto a past burden, and it has not propelled you forward allowing you to live happily and joyfully, then it is time to let it go. Adversity should only be a small portion of our brilliant lives. We should acknowledge the contrast as an opportunity for more growth, not as an excuse to beat ourselves up for the rest of our lives.

You can't change the past. The events that occurred have already happened. You can wish them undone, but it will always be. However, you can heal the past:

1) Send love to those you feel you've hurt. No need for excuses. Just send love.
2) Send love to the situation.
3) Realize in every moment you are making yourself better and better. The contrasting experience has made you more aware of what you truly want.
4) Send love and forgiveness to yourself. No matter what has happened, you need to forgive and love yourself.
5) Realize that you did what you could with the knowledge and resources you had in that moment. We are born perfectly imperfect. We are here to grow and experience. And we will continue to grow and experience the rest of our lives. Enjoy it!
5) Look forward and take the next step. Don't look back; you aren't going that way.

Remember, what has happened in the past has made you stronger, has given you clarity, and has made you an even better person than you have ever been. Thank the past for coming along and giving you the things you have experienced.

Most importantly, thank yourself for gaining the clarity you needed to help you take the next step to where you want to go.

Just like Bagger Vance said in the Legend of Bagger Vance, "You've been carrying this burden long enough. Time to go on.... lay it down."

Lay down your burdens and keep moving forward, Beautiful Souls!

Namaste.