Reflect on how much time you spend dwelling on the past and future. Think about the time you spend planning, daydreaming, or worrying about something that might occur or blaming and regretting what has occurred. Does thinking about the past alter what has been? How can reflecting upon the past can be helpful? What value is there in worrying about the future? Is worrying a necessary part of planning? How does personalizing time (my past and future) limit your possibilities? During your meditation periods and throughout your day, label your thoughts “planning, worrying, daydreaming, regretting, blaming” or whatever label fits easily. When you catch your mind engaged in future or past events, reconnect with the actual moment you are living. Ground yourself in the sounds and physical sensations of life as it is happening now. See what happens to those anticipated events and the past regrets as you stay in the present moment.
