Bhante Wimala

A month has passed since the dawn of 2013. Although the past, the last year, is not here anymore, memories of the past events and experiences affect and influence your present and future. Can you stop for a moment, slow down your wandering mind and pay attention to yourself? How much of your present happiness and joy or unhappiness and suffering is a result of what has already happened?

When you pay close attention to yourself, you will see how happy moments, peaceful and joyful experiences, and positive interactions bring comfort in the moment and will always remain as healthy memories. They will motivate you and add something constructive and meaningful to your future.

How about the past negative, painful experiences, disturbing interactions with people, disappointments and hurtful arguments? Do you know how such experiences are affecting the present and future of your life? Do you know that the memories of painful experiences are some of your worst enemies and they can prevent you from enjoying the present and creating a happy future? I know so many people who live in misery because their minds are stuck in the painful experiences of the past.

The past is dead and gone. But it is clear how real the influence of the memory of the past in your mind is at present. Some people simply say “forget the past.” Is it that simple? It is neither simple nor easy to forget painful experiences of the past. Some painful experiences are burnt into your memory.

There is one thing that you can do to prevent the past painful experiences haunting the present and destroying the future. You can discharge the negative energy of that memory. Self-reflection, meditation, understanding through sharing, using positive affirmations, and forgiveness can help you to effectively discharge the pain producing negativity from your past memories. Then all these painful, so- called “horrible” people or “tragic” experiences will become strong pillars in the foundation of your life.

So challenge yourself. Do not release the past year without releasing the negativity from the painful experiences and unexpected challenges from friends and family. Learn the lessons of life that life itself has presented to you in the past year. Plan, prepare and act diligently to come to peace with the past because you need to free your mind from the pain of negativity in order to appreciate and enjoy all the joy, beauty and wonder of life.

Repeat this affirmation every morning: I CAN, I WILL AND I AM COMMITTED TO FREE MY MIND FROM THE PAIN OF MY NEGATIVE EMOTIONS.

May you be well and happy. Many blessings.