BELIEF THREE: I AM NOT DETERMINED BY MY PAST

Of course your past influences you. But it does not determine you. Our social logic is one of cause and effect saying that your past determines your behavior and who you are. But if your spirit existed before your past and independently influences your present behavior then it is incorrect to belief that you are determined by your past. Furthermore, logically the past cannot touch your present except in your mind/ body memories and memories can be profoundly influenced by the present. So not only is it wrong to belief that you are determined by your past but it is also results in a reduction of optimism, hope, self-control, and taking personal responsibility for present personal behavior.

The past can influence the present but so can a lot of other freeing elements. For example present perceptions can also be influenced by music, drugs, information; training, support groups, feelings of love, new teachings, and yes that free and everlasting inner spirit or soul.

Thus by knowing or having the belief that the past does not control you or by considering the big picture of causality it is just too simplistic to say our past determines who we are and what we choose to do. It is perceptions at the very moment or action that determines our behavior. This belief was strongly voiced by many behavioral scientists in the mid twentieth century but was brushed or buried under move voluminous writings focusing on determinism.

But another way of expressing this same belief is to say we are really, at the core, free spirits. Our bodies and brains may have a powerful influence on us but unless weakened, ignored, or in other ways diminished the free human spirit is more powerful than the past. This means that you are free to choose and become what you are.

So when seeking change or self growth this is good news.




   SELF-INSIGHT QUESTIONS FOR PRACTICAL             APPLICATIONS

                            LESSON THREE

1. How strongly do I feel that I am free of my past even to the extent that I can control what I do, say, and think?

2.  When I think or talk to myself is it my brain or my spirit that speaks and who listens?

3. Do I feel better or worse when I feel my past determines who and what I am?

4. Am I a more responsible and better person by believing that the past does not determine my behavior?

5. When I have present perceptions that are negative or false can I change them and their influence on my actions?




6.  Why is it better to live in the present?


7. What is the most important belief I am taking away from this lesson?