The Web address of this article is
http://sfhelp.org/gwc/future.htm
Updated
02-04-2015
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This brief YouTube
video previews what you'll read in this article:
I encourage you to read the following out loud
in a quiet, comfortable setting. Take at least 30 minutes to experience this. Consider writing about
any thoughts or feelings that this imagery evokes after you finish. Put
other concerns aside for now, and take all the time you need...
Imagine sitting in pleasant, quiet surroundings with an elderly
person you care deeply about. There may be soft sunlight in the room and a
view of a peaceful garden or water outside. The person is close to death,
and it is the time for final goodbyes.
This is the person you are becoming,
a day at a time - your Future Self. This aged person's contentment or regret
about her or his adult years is a direct result of the decisions that you
make now.
If you have children (or you may), imagine each
child as middle aged, sitting with you and your future self. If you have no
child/ren, imagine your oldest and best friends sitting with you. You may
also imagine each of your brothers or sisters sitting in your circle, and
you child/ren's other parent/s.
Take your time to imagine how each person
feels, one by one, knowing that you are about to die. Imagine how everyone
feels to be present in this group at this time. If there is someone who is
unable or unwilling to attend, picture them and notice how you feel about
their absence.
If you believe in one or more spiritual Beings, feel their comforting
presence with you all in this sacred place.
Imagine looking into your Future
Self's eyes and asking respectful questions like...
"How do you feel about your
life, now?"
"Did you accomplish what you
dreamed of doing?"
"What - or who - are you most
proud of?"
"What impact do you feel you
made on other people?"
"What meant the most to you,
across all your years?"
"What do you wish you had known
in middle age?"
"What do you wish you had
risked?"
"What has given you the most
satisfaction about the way you chose to life?"
"What did you like about being a
parent?" "What was hardest about raising the kids?"
"How do you feel about what your
Mother and Father each gave you to prepare you for your adult life?"
"What do you feel were the
greatest turning points in your life?"
"What do you wish you had
known?"
"What do you regret the most
about the key decisions you made?
"What do you feel were the
biggest problems we had, as a family? How do you feel about your part in
each of them"
"What gave you the greatest joy
during your lifetime?"
How do you feel about how you
spent your time?"
"How do you feel about dying
now?"
One at a time, imagine each grown
child and other person reviewing the key things they received from
your future self. Vividly imagine their faces and voices as they say their
core truths. This is a time for honesty, not well-meant "kind" deception.
Hear each one of them offer specific appreciations for what they received,
and what they enjoyed about relating with you over all their years.
Imagine your future self asking each person "Did I do anything that hurt or
hindered you?" Imagine what each person would say, how that feels,
and how your aged self responds. Now imagine your future self telling each
child or other person what they did that hurt you. One at a time,
experience any explanations, apologies, or forgivenesses that would help set
each of you free.
There may be talk about grandchildren - when and how they were born, what
each one added to all your lives, and how you influenced them. This may be the
last time you all will be able to talk together about this. Imagine whether
anyone present is hearing something for the first time...
When you feel finished discussing these and any other important matters well
enough, imagine all of you sitting quietly together with your thoughts and
feelings. Imagine looking into each person's eyes one at a time, and sense
how you and they feel. Imagine whether there would be a prayer or special
readings or music or other sharing.
Hear everyone say together "This is the last time we will all be
together."
One at a time, imagine each special person coming to your future self's
bedside and exchanging full final goodbyes. There is no need to rush. See
them say goodbye to the rest of you, and leaving the room. Soon you are
alone with your future self. You gaze at each other, and say honestly what
you feel now.
Ask "What do you want me to know now? What advice do you have for me?"
Discuss your future self's response as needed. Spend as much time together
as you wish.
When you each feel ready, say your final goodbyes from your heart. Take all
the time you need. Stand up, take your last look, and leave the room.
Imagine the next place you will go, and how you feel. What do you
need now?
+ + +
Sit quietly and meditate on this experience. Some day you will be
your future self, and some version of this experience will occur.
Your current and future decisions will determine the nature of that
experience. Your decisions depend on who controls your life now - your
true Self or ''someone else.''
How do you want this future
experience to feel? Is there someone you want to share this with?
Options...
redo this
experience on each birthday and/or before making a key life decision.
use this with a trusted supporter in clarifying or
resolving some important life situation.
review this collection of
inspirations from wise Guides
across the ages
while this
experience is fresh, review these
core human needs and imagine what you want your future self to say about how well you're
fulfilling them..
Learn something about yourself with this 1-question anonymous
poll:
+ + +
Pause, breathe, and reflect - why did you read this article? Did you get
what you needed? If not, what do you need? Is your
true Self
answering, or
''someone else''?
The Web address of this article is
http://sfhelp.org/gwc/future.htm
Options...