The present is always "Now." Now is always a good time to put the mistakes, regrets and problems of the past behind us. Now is the time to evaluate the disparities between our present and past and choose what is best for both. Now is the time to take care of any conflicts between our thoughts and feelings. Now is the time to put an end to the powers of hate and to replace it with the power of love. Now is the time to unite our logic and emotions and decide what is best for both. Now is the time to accept reality and the uncertainty of the future. Now is the time to give birth to new and better ideas for ourselves and for all. Now is the time for the solutions of Pure Love.

The ever-present now is continually offering new opportunities to heal and grow. As we verbalize and visualize during our prayer meditation sessions, the now is always turning the present into the past. Scientists have recently determined that the human brain takes an average of three seconds to process and transfer information from reality to memory, in other words, to change the present to the past. Each new moment gives us another chance to reevaluate our present and past, giving us an opportunity to make new choices and decisions as to what we want to do with our lives. With each beat of our heart and every breath we take we have the ability to choose how we want to direct our physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual energies. Every new moment offers a possibility to open a crack in the door that brings forth the power of the universe.

Cleaning our perceptions of the past is an important step as we reassess the quality of our personal relationships. By far, the most powerful memories revolve around our relationships with other people, particularly our parents, spouses and other family members. With this partner we work on understanding and developing these relationships. We should assess all of our relationships, not only the relatives we inherited but also any other long-standing personal and professional relationships. All relationships should be seen in the light of each person's personal growth. Because our lives are so heavily influenced by these relationships, we need to evaluate periodically how they are helping or hindering. We need to learn how to cleanse ourselves and grow past the painful relationships and augment the beneficial ones so that we can continue to develop our potential.

The memories of the past can have a profound effect on our decision-making. Most events are remembered for a reason. These lessons can be both helpful and harmful. Happy memories can be the treasures of a lifetime. But if one dwells in the past, this may mean that they are more comfortable with what their life was as opposed to what it is now. However, many of us also have traumatic memories filled with negative emotions. Often these memories are buried deep within the mind. They become the "wounded child" that most of us carry around to a greater or lesser degree. These memories can be difficult to verbalize or even remember clearly which hinders our ability to release their negativity. Problems may arise when these internal wounds cause negative reactions to similar situations in the present, trapping us in rigid behavior that repeats past responses inappropriately. All memories shape our lives and influence our choices, experiences and goals. If we do not make peace with past traumas, they will continue to affect us and hinder our personal growth.

This second stage of personal growth is where we liberate the "happy child" within us. Almost everyone has some fond memories from their childhood when they were happy, playful, loving and trusting. This was before the inevitable wounding that occurs during adolescence and adulthood. It was a time before we became hardened by life. It was a time that was filled with innocence, wonder, generosity and discovery. Our creative, artistic and spiritual abilities still come from reclaiming these passions of our youth. It still exists inside us and can be set free with the practice of the Partner Within meditations.

Taken from "The Partners Within -- Using Prayer And Meditation For Personal Growth" by Robert C. Felix. Please visit Partners Within where you'll find more information and an audio presentation.

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