William James, an American psychologist and philosopher, said in the late 1800s, “When you have to make a choice and don’t make it, that is in itself a choice.” Even if you don’t consciously focus on a choice, you make a choice regardless. So, it’s essential to focus on your present consciousness and make choices in the now. It will transition you from this moment to the next to tomorrow and the rest of your life.

If you have unresolved issues from the past, it will be challenging to live your life in the present fully; however, it’s imperative to try if you want to start making conscious choices and change your life for a better future. Remember, the past is simply a memory; it’s created by the five senses – accompanied by feeling – and those feelings will elicit a physiological response.

There is a direct connection between memory and your physical body. Every time you relive the past through memory recollection, you automatically activate the physiology of that experience in your body. Even a feeling can trigger the same response in your body because it’s automatic – it happens entirely without your conscious awareness!

Picture this: you’re watching a movie that, unbeknownst to you, triggers an unconscious memory or feeling. Your heart starts to pound, your palms begin to feel clammy, and your breathing changes. Without your knowledge or control, you just triggered a physiological response in your body due to a previous memory or feeling.

So, to truly move on, you must become continuously aware of your thoughts, feelings, and bodily functions. Start noticing when your shoulders are uptight, or your neck is tense. Are you clenching your jaw? Or are your legs tight? Take a moment to relax, breathe, and consciously relax your face, shoulders, or anything else that feels tense.

Try to focus your thoughts and feelings on your present needs. When you tense up again, take back control, relax, breathe deeply, and focus your thoughts on something positive. Remember the old adage, “be where you are.”

Performing the Morter Forgiveness Process and the Morter March can help you realign and balance as you begin to focus on the present and make more conscious choices. Help yourself to become healthier, happier, and more balanced. Choose now to forgive the past for a brighter future.

It’s never too late to start!