[Procyona]

We are learning to be here and now, and work for the future. What do you think, does past have a role in this equation for self-growth? How do you use it?

For me, past is both a way to learn, and to define myself. I am the road I have walked, and the things I have learned on the way change what I am. But only when I now where I want to go, the road I have already walked becomes meaningful.   

[Haveunique]

We are what we do, and things we have done mean only as much as we've enjoyed or learned from them. I like the way you put it, Milla - the past becomes meaningful only when you know what you're doing in present and where you are aimed in the future.   

[Gra-ach]

Nicely put

I think past is important in any case, but we shouldn't dwell on it, but learn form it. It's our experience, basing on which we decided what to do or not to do in the similar situations in future depending on whether we want to get similar or opposite results.   

[Procyona]

[Haveunique]

There is a saying: the best cure is being busy.
The only way to act is to act and not wallow in past =)
Dreaming, btw, I see as determined work of building all my next "now and here."   

[Procyona]

But also while dreaming you would be aware of the precent, right? I think there is a line where you still are in the precent while dreaming, and when you have no touch to where you are and what you are doing. It's more suitable for efficient working to not cross that line too often, if at all.   

[Haveunique]

[Procyona]

By being in present I mean that I am aware of the surroundings and my body, if I am moving I may feel air in my skin or if inside I knowledge the colour of the walls and so on. And also I am aware what I am doing, and why.   

[Gra-ach]

Talking about past and its effect on present I came across the statement:

“Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow, but only saps today of its strength.”
― A.J. Cronin   

[Procyona]

Nice one Irene   

[Haveunique]

Another approach is - things are never as good and never as bad as they seem. Learned this from a great piano colleague of mine years ago   

[Procyona]

If you have emotions on a situation, they do shift the approach to better or worse. And humans are emotional beings   

[Валентина Слободянюк]

Looking back, may I be filled with gratitude;
Looking forward, may I be filled with vision;
Looking upward, may I find strength;
Looking inward, may I find peace.

Apache Indians Prayer.

If you will forgive yourself and fill gratitude for your past - it will mean a lot for your personal growth, I think.   

[Procyona]

We have discussed looking upward, to the sky, with Tetyana When I look at the sky, I can relax and seek answer to what I want to do at that moment. For me, being in nature works the same way. Looking more upward shapes the view of the person, and making him or her braver, as looking down has the opposite effect.   

[Валентина Слободянюк]

It's untresting point of view! looking up = getting stronger.
looking down = hunching = getting bad mood.