Have you ever wondered why it’s hard to let go of the past? I have one word for you: memories. For you see, memories have emotions linked to them. Meaning: emotions enable the memory to be ingrained on your psyche, and are not always just ‘a memory’. By reliving these memories, we keep them alive. Sometimes, so much so that it becomes difficult to see anything else. Some of us might still be waiting for that phone call, while others might stick to old habits, or life styles. We’ve all experienced those memories that attempt to drag us down and prevent us from moving on in our lives. The trick is knowing how to prevent your mind and heart from wandering back to the past.

Fun fact: Scientists have actually discovered that trauma can be passed down through our dna to future generations. Isn’t that amazing?! If you’re interested, this falls under the theory of Epigenetic Inheritance. Of course, there is still much research to do in this area.

How To Let Go Of The Past

This little meditation will help you release any emotional baggage that is keeping you stuck in the past, while healing the wounds that keep you from moving into the present.  Unplug the tv, no charging your phone, turn off any electronic device you might be attached to, and get comfortable.  Feel free to put on music if you wish. Here we go:

• Close your eyes, and just breathe. As you breathe out, release all the stress of your day, any to-do lists, calm your brain and breathe in that calm and grounding energy.
• It’s time to dig deep. Once you feel you’ve grounded yourself, begin to recall the emotional memories from your past. This can be a specific one, or several. Let your hidden emotions surface – it’s time to face them head on. Focus on those memories that drive you crazy, those you want to reverse, make you cringe, or clench your jaw etc. It is not enjoyable to remember them or experience them again but this is the time to send them packing for good.
• Now, let’s use the word ‘baggage’ and transform it into something good. You know which memories are leaving you, so it’s time to pack them. As you watch, let all these memories take the form of bags. What do they look like? Are they totes, suitcases, briefcases? Maybe a duffel bag? What’s their texture? Scaly, smooth, rough? Slippery? What about style? New vintage, or antique, modern with a colorful flair? What do the straps or handles look like? Broken? Solid? How old are they? Let the memories be creative…you’re job is just to watch them take shape.
• Once your memories have stopped transforming, put them all together ( in a pile, side by side etc.).
• Look at them. I mean honestly, how have you managed to carry all of that with you…for years…by yourself? As you look at the bags, realize that any pain and anger you feel is the result of lingering emotion. You’ve already processed the initial situation. Pat yourself on the back (figuratively or literally). Thank your brain and heart for helping you, but let them know those memories are no longer their concern. Seriously, really thank them.
• Thank each bag for the lessons they have taught you. Let them know they’ve done everything they were meant to do, but that you no longer require their assistance.
• Now comes the fun part! You get to take your bags on a road trip around the universe. Grab a bag, and toss it into the first place that has nothing to do with you (no basements or closets) that comes to mind. Be creative, it’s perfectly fine to toss it into a crater on Mars.  The Mariana Trench is looking pretty good right now. You’ve always wanted to see inside Mount Vesuvius right?  Have fun, leave one bag in each location until you run out of bags. No allowing the bags to talk you into letting them stay!
• You do notice you’re smiling right? You feel much lighter. Remember that feeling. That’s the new, relaxed, and more self-forgiving/loving you.
• Breathe in these changes, and when you’re ready, open your eyes.
• Welcome home!