Reflecting Our Past Can Be a Good Thing!
by Jean Aaron aka The Conscious creator
We are told to reflect on the past and not dwell on the past. We are also reminded that those who fail to remember their past is prone to repeat it! Repeating the past is not such a bad thing unless that past was horrendous and wasn’t something we’d like to see or do again! Reflecting on your past is a good and necessary thing! However, replaying the video of past transgressions that happened or that were committed in the past over and over in your head is a
waste of good time and energy! Wishing that you could do it over again andover-thinking how you should have or would have done it, only if… well, the sad truth is that you don’t have a time machine and no matter amount of time or wishes will bring back the past!
Although reflecting on your past can be a bad thing, when overthinking it with the
could haves, should haves, would haves and wishful over thinking, there are
also good things that can come as a result. First, let us get a clear understanding
of what reflection is and what reflection is not! When we reflect on our past
experiences, we are simply thoughtfully looking at the experience once again.
We recall the experience, reminiscing or indulging once again in the memory to
relive or revisit the joy of the memory or to gain understanding and clarity of the
lesson learned from the pain or sadness the memory caused. Be very careful,
for this can be very tricky. The word indulge carries both good vibes as well as
bad vibes. It is all in how or your motives for approaching this indulgence!
Reflecting means to think back to past experiences, think deeply about those
experiences which could result in a plethora of emotions—positive or negative.
But reflection is not just letting memories run through our minds. It is a careful
process of unpacking, learning the healing, of sifting through a time that has
passed while acknowledging lessons and feelings that once were to help move
us forward in the present moment. Reflection is a tool for learning and healing.
While on the other hand or side of the coin is reminiscing, which means indulging
in past memories that are deemed enjoyable. But, if we reminisce without
thought or care, we begin to see only part of a picture, the part that brought
pleasure, excitement, and fun. We also run the risk of distorting past memories to
make them more palatable which, in turn, does the opposite of healing. If we are
looking back to find the good, especially in some precarious situations, we run
the risk of romanticizing our past experiences, even the ones that put us in
rehab, the hospital, and worse. It also means we are not focused on finding joy in
the present moment which is a big red flag. Reminiscing can lead to a false
sense of understanding.
When we think back to our past, we need to realize the power in that act. We
have the power learn and heal or the power to harm. It’s almost as if we are gods
harnessing the power of time in just one moment of life. But, if we use that power
to find happiness in another time, we are once again avoiding our feelings and
reality.
Here are a few steps to follow and keep in mind as you reflect vs reminiscing!
Be Present! Remind yourself over and over again - that was then and this is
Now.
Be Positive! We have a choice in how we reflect on our past – and we can
choose to be positive no matter how negative, painful, or sad the experience
was,
Be Perceptive.
Be Purposeful. Know why you are reflecting and what you hope to gain from the reflections.
Be Perfected. Remain open and willing to see as deeply as necessary to gain
clarity and receive your healing.
Be Proactive. Take care of your emotional self as you reflect. Remind yourself
that you are gaining understanding of lessons learned from the experience so
that you can respond rather than react in similar and future experiences
Be Passionate. Be determined and committed to your clarity and healing.
Again, reflecting on your past is a good and necessary thing! The most useful
reflection is one that involves mindful consideration rather than replaying that
shoulda, coulda, woulda video over and over in your head. Reflection affords
you the opportunity to analyze your past thoughts and actions. Reflection gives
our brain an opportunity to pause amidst the chaos, to really sort through and
think about our observations and experiences; and interpret our past to give new
meaning for the future.
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