We are often advised to live in the present moment and not think about the lapsed past and the yet to come future. At any one moment in time, there are overlapping circles of the past, the present and the anticipated future. The past cannot be changed, but lessons can be learnt and a better present and future could result. Dwelling on regrets and remorse is unproductive. Wishing things went differently is “wishful” thinking.
There is another aspect of recollecting the past that could be of benefit. The past has not only bad memories but many good ones. Reflecting selectively on the pleasant ones will bring a smile to your face, and is free of charge! You can indulge in playback of happy events in visual, auditory forms with associated emotions which give you enjoyment.
Thinking of the future is essential for safe and meaningful living. It often requires good decisions based on past experience and present conditions. What is not productive is to speculate on every possibility leading to paralysis of decision making and bad outcomes.
By all means accept that the present moment is the only one accessible now but it does not follow that reflecting on the past and on the anticipatory future is worthless - it is quite the opposite, it helps to make best use of the current moment.
Hi Mahen, I appreciate your efforts to make us think! I agree with you. One should not dwell on the negative events of the past. Most of all don't carry grudges. Learn to forgive others as well as yourself. Positive past events and memories of people who inspired us enable us to enjoy the present moment. Yes, one has to plan wisely for the future, but accumulating vast amounts of material wealth does not guarantee happiness. Worrying unnecessarily prevents enjoyment of the present moment. Unforeseen events will occur and we have to be able to handle them. All this requires a certain degree of emotional intelligence and balance. Unfortunately, not everyone is blessed with that ability. That is when you you need to reach out to people who can guide and support you! We cannot navigate life alone...
ReplyDeleteThanks for your wisdom Srianee. I posted this to encourage those who keep stressing on living in the present moment and thereby assume that thoughts of the past or future is a waste of time, that this is a misunderstanding of a wise saying that only the present moment is accessible to us
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