Being mindful means you must rely on some reference to past

Sometimes people think mindfulness means thinking only about what literally is in front of them. They feel unfairly tied to what is occurring before them with no consideration of the past or future. This is a misunderstanding of what mindfulness is about.

It’s accurate that mindfulness means bringing your awareness into the present moment with relaxed concentration. It’s equally true that many people suffer because they are fraught with regret over the past or consumed with anxiety over the future. Historically, it has been beneficial to spend more time on what is happening in real time and being skillful in your responses. But your wisdom relies on some reference to the past.

Let’s say a conflict is occurring right now in your life. It can be helpful to consider how you’ve responded previously. That information supports you in the present moment. Also, how can you plan a trip, a reunion or even your dinner if you don’t focus on the future? You need to contemplate what may happen for planning purposes. Otherwise, you’d simply be an automaton strictly attached to what is transpiring now.

The question becomes how you are using your mind. How are you utilizing the current moments? Are you caught up in past mistakes or resentments of some sort? On the other hand, are you firmly reminding yourself that your power rests in the present? Self-awareness is key.

Mindfulness beckons you to practice where you find yourself at any moment. Meditation and other mindfulness practices enable a calmer, clearer response to what is happening around you. Senselessly beating yourself up over the past or projecting fear into the future squanders the moment. Can you bring your full attention to this moment and this day? As you condition yourself to being mindful, you’ll find life richer, make more effective decisions and reap better results.