13 Oct Living in the past isn’t all or always bad
If you’re a student of self-help and self-improvement, of happiness and positive psychology, then you’ve probably heard the recommendations to “live in the present moment”.
Don’t focus on the past, it’s often said, because that’s gone and can’t be changed.
Don’t focus on the future, it’s just as often said, because that’s not known.
Happiness, “they” say, is here and now, in the present moment. Happiness, many believe, can only be found right now.
To be clear, I don’t entirely disagree with these suggestions. Because of the strong body of research to support their efficacy, I’m a big supporter of mindfulness and the range of related practices that in one way or other do encourage us to be present.
But that being said, that doesn’t mean that focusing on the past, in a healthy and helpful way, can’t also produce happiness, even if a different form of happiness.
I recently stumbled upon this article (HERE) which reminded me of one of my favourite positive psychology interventions, one that’s been shown to produce increased levels of happiness and wellbeing, as well as providing multiple other benefits.
I’m referring to POSITIVE REMINISCING, which in simple terms can be defined as “a way of engaging with fulfilling memories, and times in our lives in which we may have felt satisfied, acknowledged, proud, untroubled, pleased, contented and happy.” Once again, doing so, a form of living in the past, can be good for us and can provide more positive emotions which as I’m sure you know bring other positives.
So, be present when you can and when it’s helpful. But don’t be afraid to reflect on the past, to reminisce in a positive and healthy way, and to make the most of all those happy memories from days gone by.
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