By: Dr.Manoj Matnani
Source: The Daily Guardian https://epaper.thedailyguardian.com/view/2910/the-daily-guardian/15
Dated: August 30th, 2025

Over lifetimes we have gradually drained our spiritual resources and have not had the strength to do what we know is right. However, these wrong actions and mistakes weigh heavily on the soul, filling us with regret and feelings of guilt. Psychology may hold many answers and help at certain levels, but as the issue is spiritual rather than psychological (although that does play a part), spiritual solutions are the best way to release the regret and guilt that interfere with living a life of happiness and peace.

Regret, as defined by psychologists, is “… the feeling of sadness or disappointment over something that has happened in the past, often because of a decision that led to an undesirable outcome. It is the feeling of wishing one had acted differently in the past, often accompanied by a sense of longing for a different outcome.”

On the other hand, guilt is “…  a feeling of responsibility or remorse (deep grief) for something that was done wrong, or for a failure to act when we should have.”

In the aftermath of the Covid pandemic, many found that they were suffering from feelings of guilt or regret. These feelings were generated by the loss of someone dear, who they were unable to be with, unable to visit, unable to hold a funeral ceremony for. This was an unprecedented situation, but any mistakes we make in our lives result in feelings of regret or guilt.

These damaging, negative emotions bring the soul ‘down’ and can not only affect mental health but also impact our physical well-being. These feelings need to be let go of and the mind filled with higher levels of consciousness. Meditation is the way to remove these burdens we carry. Over time, with the practice of meditation, the soul can be recharged and leave behind the negative effects of past mistakes. What has happened has happened; there is no benefit in living in the present with the pain of regret and guilt – this does not change anything and can also affect our future state of mind. 

The acronym REGRET is used below to illustrate the additional aspects of helping the soul to heal.

Relax – take it easy; you are not the only one regretting a past mistake

Recharge – meditate, journal, contemplate with compassion for the self

Refresh and renew the soul in this way

Ego defence mechanism. Recognise that wallowing in guilt and regret is only feeding the ego in a negative way. Fill the soul with self-respect through meditation and a recognition of the true, pure qualities of the soul.

Growth and God. Let Go and Let God. Let go of the feelings of regret and guilt as many times as necessary because they are not serving any purpose. The past has passed; it cannot be changed. Make the present moment valuable, to guarantee a valuable tomorrow.

Review and revisit how you are feeling as you continue on the journey of healing. Speak to the mind with kindness. Have realisation and turn the mind to the Source of all spiritual power to revitalise and rejuvenate the soul

Equanimity (balance). Develop the state of stability – not overly happy in the good times, nor down in the depths of depression in the bad times. With meditation, we learn to maintain an inner state of happiness, a stable mind.

Time is the best healer. Healing takes time, but if we pass that time looking within with compassion, and connecting in meditation with the Supreme Soul, the ocean of love, there will be deep healing. 

Gratitude – Try to develop an attitude of gratitude towards everything in life.

Understanding – the self and the time/karma cycle to help release the guilt.

Introspection and introversion – in silence, with self-talk to heal oneself.

Let go and love yourself – because you are God’s precious creation.

Transformation – of the negative state of mind to a pure, purposeful, and positive frame.

With the love of the Supreme Soul, we begin to have deep love and appreciation for the self. We develop gratitude for all that we have now and the opportunities for spiritual growth that increase as we heal the past. We experience the soul being filled with strength, and hold on to the awareness that no matter what has happened, through meditation and realisation, healing is guaranteed.

Dr. Manoj Matnani is a consultant paediatric nephrologist by profession, based in Pune, India. He coordinates the activities of VIHASA (Values In Healthcare - A Spiritual Approach) worldwide, and is a longtime practitioner of Rajyoga with the Brahma Kumaris.