Why do we keep “fixing” our past in imagination?

Sometimes I catch myself doing something strange.

Whenever I feel like I took an imperfect step in the past said something wrong, acted in a hurry, or didn’t do my best. I start replaying that moment in my mind. And in my imagination, I try to “fix” it. I try to make it perfect, even though it’s already over. It’s like my mind wants to go back in time and rewrite the scene. Maybe it does not want to be dull. But smart, but living in the past, is this smart? But recently I understood something important. Every imperfect step I took was actually a part of my growth. Even the mistakes were helping me grow. That “imperfection” was just the next step in my journey.

So now, when something from the past comes up in my mind and it takes me on my own ride, whether I am meditating or doing anything else, I check if it is required, useful, or if it is the right time to do it. This conscious checking helps me to get out of the compulsiveness of my mind or body. I try to stay stable, balanced, and clear. I look at it from a place of awareness, not guilt. And from that clarity, I choose what the right action is now not what I “should have” done then. Because sometimes an imperfect step is actually the perfect step for growth.

Sadhguru says it beautifully.

“There are no wrong steps in life. Every step, even if it looks wrong to you now, was the only possible step you could have taken then.” – Sadhguru