Dear Seaturtle:

“I wonder if it is my minds job to release samskaras, or what part the mind plays in that process…?“- it’s the brain’s job. There are thousands of neural connections between the different parts of the brain, this is why it is not simple at all to change core beliefs and habitual patterns of thinking and feelings.

“How do we get more clarity on separating these two categories?”– lots of people worry about situations they personally cannot change, at least not in any way that’s objectively significant (Ex., wars, threats of wars, the price of lettuce). When you find yourself worried and ruminating about a situation, or a person, ask yourself if you can change the situation or the person in any way that’s objectively significant. If you can’t, ask yourself what’s the purpose of your ruminating.

anita