Both these pictures were taken at the Oslo Sculpture Park in Norway.  They remind me of how we feel when we have to embrace all parts of ourselves, or when we have to let go of something that no longer works...

Our day-to-day life might seem like a complex concoction of emotions, feelings, behaviors, actions, and environments. However, in simple terms, it’s often just a repetition of a few events ingrained in us over time. These repeated events, whether they involve waking up at a certain time, taking the same route to work, or scrolling through social media late at night, represent the residue of our past experiences—what’s "left behind" from our earlier actions.

We often engage in these habitual actions without realizing our involvement. This unawareness stems from the fact that we don’t consciously deliberate on every little action, especially when it has become second nature. But these patterns, formed over time, can deeply influence our present and future, often in ways we don’t fully understand.

The Residue of Past Choices

Habits, both good and bad, are the remnants of past choices. These patterns of behavior, etched into our brains through repetition, shape our lives in profound ways. Even though we may recognize certain habits as detrimental, such as smoking, overeating, or procrastinating, they persist because they are what’s "left behind" from past decisions and experiences. 

Our brains, wired to seek comfort and familiarity, often cling to these remnants, even when they no longer serve us. For example, someone who started smoking to cope with stress may find it difficult to quit, not because they lack willpower, but because the habit has become a deeply ingrained part of their mental landscape—a remnant of past attempts to find comfort.

Why We Cling to What’s Left Behind

The human brain is designed to seek out comfort and avoid discomfort. This instinct, while useful for survival, can make it difficult to break free from old habits, even when they no longer serve us. These habits, though potentially harmful, provide a sense of security because they are familiar—they are the remnants of past behaviors that once brought us comfort or relief.

For instance, the habit of reaching for a sugary snack when stressed is a leftover from times when food was scarce, and our ancestors needed to consume high-calorie foods to survive. Today, while food is abundant, our brains still cling to this habit because it feels safe, familiar, and comforting—a way of dealing with what’s left behind from our evolutionary past.

Breaking Free from the Past

To move forward and create a healthier future, it’s essential to confront and deal with what’s left behind—the remnants of our past habits. This involves becoming aware of these patterns, understanding their origins, and consciously deciding to change them.

Breaking free from these past habits requires a shift in focus—from automatic, unconscious behavior to intentional, mindful action. By understanding the triggers that initiate these habits and the rewards they provide, we can begin to reprogram our brains and form new, healthier patterns of behavior.

Hypnosis: A Tool for Letting Go

Hypnosis is a powerful tool that can help us release the remnants of past habits and reprogram our minds for a healthier future. By accessing the subconscious mind, where these habits reside, hypnosis can guide us to confront and change these behaviors, allowing us to move beyond what’s left behind.

Through guided visualization and positive reinforcement, hypnosis helps us replace old, harmful habits with new, beneficial ones. It enables us to deal with the remnants of the past—those ingrained patterns of behavior—and create new, healthier habits that better serve our current needs.

Moving Forward

Dealing with what’s left behind—the remnants of our past habits—is essential for creating a healthier, more fulfilling life. By becoming aware of these patterns and consciously choosing to change them, we can break free from the past and move forward with greater self-awareness and control.

Next time you find yourself engaging in habitual behavior, pause and ask yourself: Is this a remnant of the past? If so, consider how hypnosis might help you reprogram your brain and create new habits that support a healthier, happier future. After all, in the grand novel of your life, you are both the author and the protagonist. Choose wisely,and write a story you’re proud of.

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Sainoor Premji  B.Sc, M.Sc (Holistic Nutrition), RNCP, MHt, Master Hypnotist, Akashic Reader, Holistic Nutritionist, Montessori School Teacher.  An expert in mind-body-spirit connection, Sainoor has traveled widely on her journey through life- the feedback she received most often from her clients is how wonderful it feels to be free of fear, doubts, and yo-yo dieting; how they now live their lives with hope and lightness.