The inability or rather unwillingness of the human mind to let go of the past is beautifully illustrated in the story of two Zen Monks, Tanzan and Ekido, who were walking along a country road that had become extremely muddy after heavy rains. Near a village, they came upon a young woman who would have ruined the silk kimono she was wearing. Tanzan at once picked her up and carried her to the other side.

The monks walked on in silence. Five hours later, as they were approaching the lodging temple, Ekido couldn't restrain himself any longer. "Why did you carry that girl across the road?" he asked. "We monks are not suppose to do things like that."

"I put the girl down hours ago," said Tanzan. "Are you still carrying her?"

If you are holding onto memories that make you unhappy or any unnecessary grief - drop them or at least try to. Why carry them around? - that gets awful heavy