New Year Thoughts
. . . Forget the past, for it is gone from your domain! Forget the future, for it is beyond your reach! Control the present! Live supremely well now! This is the way of the wise…”
―Paramhansa Yogananda
Living in the present moment has always been a key part of the great spiritual traditions. We are counselled to forget the past and live fully in the present, here and now. We are told, that the past is irretrievable, and the future is yet to come. The present is where we are, right now, give it all of your attention, your energy and your love.
The problem is that it’s all too easy for us to remember past hardships and failures, and to dwell on past mistakes and disappointments. We find it difficult to let go of regret, sorrow or guilt. In the beautiful quote above, we are encouraged to look forward not back. We cannot change the past, but we can learn from it. With compassion and forgiveness, for our own and others’ shortcomings we can choose to embrace the present and begin to move forward toward a new dawn. One day at a time, one moment at a time.
Focus on your strengths, make a list if you wish, to remind yourself. It’s important for us to know the parts of ourselves that can help us to move forward with confidence. Then work on the things that may be pulling you down or holding you back. Ask yourself how you can change, how you can work with yourself, what is the next appropriate step for you.
John Milton said, “The mind is its own place, and in itself can make a heaven of hell, or a hell of heaven.” In every moment the choice is ours, to live today fully in the present, free to move forward with renewed hope and faith for the future.
Recently a friend sent me a quote, I don’t know who said it but it is inspiring and encouraging, “There are only two days in the year when nothing can be done, yesterday and tomorrow. So today is the only day you have to love, to believe, to do, and mostly to live.”
These quotes are reminders for all of us to try hard to let go of the pasta the painful and uncomfortable parts.
Never doubt that God loves you, now in this moment, whatever is happening, whatever you are feeling. God’s love is unconditional, and always there for you. Call to him, pray, ask for help, and guidance. You will know his presence in your heart, feel there for his response.
Here are some ways to perhaps begin making choices that can bring freedom from past struggles, and with God’s help move forward and succeed in creating the life you want:
- Meditate, it will always help to bring you into the here and now.
- Pray, asking for spiritual help and guidance always brings peace and reassurance, and if you feel to, ask others to pray for you too.
- Create an affirmation and when your thoughts become negatively caught in the past, repeat your affirmation to bring you back to the present. Feel positive and believe in your words.
- Focus on your strengths and remind yourself often that you are a child of God. You are not your mistakes.
- Exercise, as vigorously as you are able. Do it often. Movement, even if it’s a slow walk always helps to release pent up energy and tension, allowing our energy and mood to lift. Smile as you go!
- Share with a family member or a friend you trust, support is always helpful during difficult times.
- If necessary, talk to a professional. When we find ourselves stuck, therapy can help. This is especially important if you have serious trauma in your past. Get the help you need as soon as possible.
“Live quietly in the moment and see the beauty of all before you. The future will take care of itself.”
―Paramhansa Yogananda
