Get Advice from Your Future or Past Self: A Simple Meditation and Journal Exercise
As humans, we all have questions about life. Why are we here? What is our purpose? Why did the past unfold the way it did? Where do we go from here? The list is endless.
Wouldn’t it be amazing if you could receive a letter from your future or past self offering you some pearls of wisdom?
Meditation and Journal Exercise to Get Advice from Your Future or Past Self
Here is an exercise to help you gain some collective wisdom from your future and past self, using your inner guidance.
- Find a quiet space and sit in a comfortable position on a chair or pillow.
- Begin to notice the breath as the wind enters through the nose and exits through the nose.
- Place one hand on the belly and feel it rise and fall. Then relax your hands on your laps face up with the thumb and index finger joined together in Gyan mudra (which is the mudra of knowledge).
- Bring your attention to the center of your brow point (the mind’s eye) to fire up the relaxation response.
- Slow the breath down to 4 breaths per minute, with an equal inhale, hold the breath, and exhale.
- Keep your focus on the mind’s eye and control your breath, and ask a question to your future or past self.
- Sit for a moment and be still. If thoughts arise, add no judgment and no action to them. Just notice.
- Reflect on your thoughts and continue to control your breath.
- When you are ready, begin to breathe normal and open your eyes.
- Grab your journal and write down the first thoughts that come to mind.
Final thoughts
If you are having a hard time getting an answer to your question, open a book and read the first sentence you see. Then journal about that. If nothing, happens continue this meditation every day for 7 days. Write in your journal each time. At the end of the week, go back and review your journal for answers.
Sample Journal Entry
Dear Me From the Past,
I have some words of wisdom for you. Spend less time worrying about the future and live in the present moment. Enjoy your family and friends because those moments won’t last forever. Let go of the fear, because regret feels so much worse. Forgive and move on sooner than later. Be grateful for every healthy breath. Say, “thank you”, “I love you”, and “I am sorry” in the moment when it matters. Be kind to yourself and celebrate “you” because “you” are important. Most importantly, stay positive, optimistic, and mindful. You can control the day. Take care of your mind, energy, body, and spirit with a loving heart. Wake up every morning, hug yourself and say “I’m glad to be alive, so I can meet my future self!”
p.s. Thank you for not giving up!
Sincerely,
“Your Future Self”
Here is a cool website that allows you to send letters to your future self: https://www.futureme.org/
Want to Start Journaling?
Click here to order a copy of “Just Breathe: A 90-Day Meditation Journal and Coloring Book
