“The past is past; nothing can change it. But the future depends on the present; we still have the opportunity to shape it. This is not a matter of employing technology or spending more money, it’s a question of developing a sense of concern for others’ well-being.”
When I read this quote by the Dalai Lama, I thought about how I sometimes recall a past decision I’ve made or action I’ve done and about how, if I had the chance to do it over, I would do it differently. And of course there are many times when realizing I made a mistake is only clear in hindsight. No matter what the circumstances, the reality is that I cannot change what has been done, as the Dalai Lama says. Instead, I must let it be, hopefully learn from my mistake but don’t dwell on it, forgive myself, and focus on the present.
The Dalai Lama emphasizes the importance of having concern for others’ well-being; that in having the opportunity to shape the future by what we do in the present, we think about others rather than only about ourselves. Some ways that we show concern are by giving our full attention to someone who is talking to us, by being nonjudgmental, by having empathy, and by being willing to assist people when it’s clear they would welcome that assistance. This is true regarding our interactions with loved ones and other people we know, and it is also true regarding each person with whom we come into contact.
It is in the present that we can endeavor to make right decisions and do right actions. The more we are able to discern direction from our inner voice, to truly believe there is that source of wisdom within each of us, the better we will be able to make those choices and do those actions. And when we do, they will help to shape the future in a positive way.