Worry. We all do it. But let's break it down for a minute. Can we change our habitual patterns to bring more peace, power, and joy?
We think we can't change the past. But actually, we can.
Ever notice how when we are worrying it's often about an imagined future or rehashing an unchangeable past.
We can spend hours and even days imagining an event differently. It could be a relationship, a job, a conversation, or an accident.
I am now healing, but a healthcare practitioner recently injured me. I can't tell you how many thoughts I've had where I imagined that day differently- not going into his office, leaving early, paying attention to the signs differently, all in ways that would have prevented this injury.
None of this changes the injury though! And it doesn't help the healing.
Notice how without intending it to, our mind can spend hours beating ourselves up for what could have been. It's almost like we have a crystal ball, and we spend time staring into it, mulling over all we could've done differently.
This is all very common behavior if you have a human brain. But instead of just allowing the tape to continue we can change it.
When we catch the past stories starting we can try sending a love letter to our past selves.
So instead of wishing the past to be different, regretting it, bemoaning it, I think:
Susanna, you are doing best you can with what you've got.
Don't worry- It all works out ok. And even more than ok. We are great now!
In fact that stuff you are going through you put that to use helping others and you are going to be able be changing lives.
My dear friend and amazing post-partum doula, taught me this. She says she started this practice in high school. (I know amazing right!)
And she shared this incredible effect with me: Now when she is going through something rough she is so in the habit of doing this practice that she can feel her future self sending good energy to her in the current moment!
Imagine! When we are going through something hard- we feel a boost of energy and support coming from our future self. Super comforting right?
So why not try it! The next time you find yourself worrying or rehashing the past- try sending a love letter to your past self.
When negative talk or regrets start think something like:
- You are doing a great job.
- You are doing the best with what you've got.
- This is going to turn into a powerful lesson, don't worry.
After some time of practicing this Love letter to your past self so often see if you own it so much that you can feel the good energy in the now!
I hope this brings you some joy and uplift, now, in the past and future!
Sending love,
Susanna
Inspired to deepen your practice? I'd love to talk.
I work with individuals 1 on 1 in online-learning custom coaching programs to support you in experiencing more harmony, peace and balance in your life with yoga, Ayurveda, mindfulness and other healing tools.