Thoughts of the past: "I shouldn’t have…" “If only I had thought to say…” versus thoughts of the future: “Next time I’m going to…” “When that happens again, I’ll…” This ping-pong match is one I’ve experienced many times. And it’s probably the biggest complaint of my clients and meditation students: How do I stop my thoughts? The more precise question might be: How do I stop my mind fighting the past and the future?

Photo by Flickr user danlamouette

The beauty of getting in a quiet place and closing our eyes, or having the intention to meditate, is we become aware of the struggle going on chronically in our heads. I’ve found that when I feel the most agitated it’s because I’m trying to fix something that’s already happened or trying to figure out how to keep it from happening again. Yes, it’s important to study the past and plan for the future but we need moderation.

OK, but what if the present is lousy? You didn’t get the job you wanted, you just got a call from your kid’s teacher saying he’s acting out in school. I’m sure you get the idea. What then? Watch your mind and make sure you’re not adding to the present difficulty by dumping the past and the future on it. Take a moment to breathe and tell yourself to do what you can right now.

When we’re focusing on either the past or the future there’s usually tension. When focused in the present, our minds relax and that’s where we find peace.

As a mental health professional, an owner of a fitness studio, a writer and a wife, mother and grandmother, I have found meditation to be helpful in every aspect of my life. To find out about my meditation classes this fall, contact me at susanmmorales@yahoo.com or check out my websites: susanscottmorales.com and bodiesinbalancefitness.com