Day 2: Letting Go of the Past
“Some memories from the past serve us and others do not. Let’s learn to release negative emotions we may have been holding onto and remember the positive ones that made us feel strong and valued. The mentors and experiences that taught us that life is good and so are we, create the memories that feed our soul. Let us remember today that within us lies a vast reserve of untapped strength, courage and fearlessness. As we go into our meditation today, let us recall those personal heroes who taught us the greatest lessons, and emulate their courage and fearlessness in our lives today and in the future.
Leigh Taylor-Young
Most of us can recall times when as small children, we felt fearful. Some of us were afraid of the dark, others of the monster under the bed, and still others of thunder and lightening. All of these were mostly fantasies our minds told us were real. Fortunately, we grew out of them. Some children grew up having lived through a reality wrought with fear. Whether fictional or real, to the mind, it all feels real. Researchers have said there is little difference between thinking about a situation or being in that situation. Our pulse quickens, breaths become shorter and muscles tense. The question is, do we allow our past fears to control our lives, interfere with the joy and peace of the present, or can we come to a place of healing where we live, in faith, reminding ourselves that the universe is a safe place. Let us emulate the heroes in our lives who showed us how to be fearless – parents, teachers, even fictional heroes. Let us leave the past behind. Come into the light of the present and, from this day forward, honor our mentors by living fully, joyously and fearlessly. Here is Ariana with Day 2, Letting Go of the Past.”
Arianna Huffington
“There have been many, many moments of fear in my life but some of them have been critical. Times when the fear was powerful, almost overwhelming but which also taught me that it was possible to break through to the other side to fearlessness.
The first experience of fear that I remember was a particularly strange one. Iw as nine years old. Over dinner one night, my mother started telling my younger sister and me about the time during the Greek ciivil war in the 1940’s when she fled to the mountains with two Jewish girls. As part of the Greek Red Cross, she was taking care of wounded soldiers and hiding the girls. She described the night when German soldiers arrived at the cabin and started to shoot, threatening to kill everyone.
If the group did not surrender the Jews who the Germans suspected, rightly, they were hiding. My mother, who spoke German fluently stood up and told them categorically to put down their guns, that there were no Jews in their midst. I remember her telling me how she watched the German soldiers lower their guns and walk away and, just hearing it, I remember the fear rising inside me. Not just fear for my mother and the danger she faced, but fear for myself. How could I ever live up to this standard of fearlessness? In 2003, when I ran for governor in California, I found myself, during the campaign, faced with the fear of being caricatured and misunderstood. Of course, it’s in the nature of political campaigns to turn your opponent into a political caricature. But I saw first hand how different, and how much harder it is if you’re a woman. How much more exposed and vulnerable you feel.
My mother, who lived with me most of my life – through my marriage, childbirth and divorce, died in 2000. Her death forced me to confront my deepest fear – living my life without the person who had been it’s foundation. But the way she lived her life and faced her death have taught me so much about overcoming fear.”
Meditation
We all have mentors in our lives – teachers, parents, friends, colleagues, each of whom have something wonderful to teach us. Let us accept whatever lessons they offer and use them to make our lives better and to make the world a better place.
Find a comfortable position, either sitting or lying down and allow your eyes to softly close. Let your breathing become regular and easy. Feel the words and concepts you have listened to settle for a moment as we move into the silence. A steady rhythm of the breath calls us into peace and calm. Here, in the quiet lies the answer to every questions. Inhale deeply. As you slowly release the breath, let go of tension in the body and sense the gratitude that comes from letting go. Breathe in and out a few more times and allow your mind to be still and open. Allow any outside thoughts to come and go like clouds, crossing a sun-kissed landscape. Let us begin by inwardly repeating this phrase. As I let go of the past, I move forward to a state of freedom, trust and happiness. Continue meditating for about 10 minutes.
Begin to bring your awareness back to the physical space you are in. Slowly move your feet, then your hands, and when you are ready, open your eyes.
As I let go of the past, I move forward to a state of freedom, trust and happiness.
As we get more in touch with our real self that lies deep within, our self-trust, self-confidence and self-worth grows.Let us recommit to living from the inside out today. Step into our power, fearlessly yet lovingly walking our path, reminding ourselves of today’s thought, As I let go of the past, I move forward to a state of freedom, trust and happiness.
Reflect on Today’s Meditation
1. Which negative memories are you holding onto from the past that do not serve you?
2. Are you willing to release the negativity and focus on those people in your past that supported and encouraged you?