Question

 

You often talk about living in the ‘now’. You teach how living Mindfully means letting go of the baggage of the past and worries of the future.

 

However, now in the Jewish month of Elul we discuss the importance of ‘stocktaking’ – reflecting on the year gone by, identifying our strengths and weaknesses, and strategizing for a better year ahead. How do these two ideas work with each other?

 

Answer

 

The relationship between the present and the past is a critical concept in Jewish teaching. The past is extremely important as it is our best teacher.

 

Firstly, reflecting on, and being conscious of the past allows us to learn from our mistakes, upgrading the present to a much more meaningful experience. In addition, you cannot let go of anything, if you don’t know what it is. By thinking of the past, we can identify and acknowledge those things that we need to let go of such as resentment, family squabbles, unnecessary guilt, and other baggage.

 

However, the focus on the past is only of value if it strengthens the present.

 

This means that while we learn from the past, we don’t let it define the ‘now’. Each moment is a new, fresh opportunity and a Divine gift that can be enhanced by learning from the past but not being defined by it.

 

In addition, while we think about the past, we should never dwell in it. Consistently obsessing and replaying past events and challenges is destructive and holds us back from any growth. The past year’s events cannot control our minds. We need to consciously choose designated times such as Elul to reflect, learn and then move on.

 

The formula in brief is simple:

 

-    Learn from the past but don’t let it define you

 

-    Think about the past but don’t dwell on it

 

-    You control the past but don’t let it control you

 

-    Live in the present taught by the past but don’t live in the past damaging the present.

 

Wishing you a good Shabbos!

 

Rabbi Michoel Gourarie

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