Objects in the rear view mirror appear closer than they are

We've all been there. Driving along, a sudden pang of regret for a missed opportunity, a harsh word spoken, a path not taken, jolts us.

- SUPREET GILL

The past, like a persistent shadow, intrudes upon the present. Our minds, much like the rearview mirrors of our cars, often fixate on what's behind us, clinging to memories, regrets, and past experiences, sometimes to the detriment of fully inhabiting the present moment. This seemingly universal human experience begs the question: why do we keep looking back, and how can we learn to stay in the present?

The allure of the past is multifaceted. Our brains, exquisitely designed for efficiency, prefer the familiar. Recalling past experiences often feels like mental autopilot—a comforting revisitation of known territory rather than navigating the uncertainty of the present. Evolutionarily, this focus on the familiar served a crucial purpose: it helped us avoid repeating mistakes, recognize potential dangers, and learn from our experiences. However, in the modern world, this inherent bias can become a trap, anchoring us to familiar thoughts and stories, often ones laced with regret or longing.