Acharya Prashant addresses the issue of the mind constantly rehearsing the past. He explains that the mind harkens back to the past because the 'I' is looking for satisfaction, strength, and security. If looking back offers even a small amount of these, the 'I' will choose that option. He likens this to a very thirsty person who, when offered a little bit of impure water, will take it because it is better than nothing. You cannot blame the thirsty person, as they are indeed thirsty. Similarly, one should not blame the mind for going to the past, but instead question why there is no 'pure water' available in the present. The past is described as a shallow and dirty reservoir. It cannot offer much, and what it does offer is not factual but a partial, corrupted, and distorted memory. The mind returns to the past because the present does not hold an attraction strong enough to match it. Even hurtful memories of loss or tragedy can offer a certain security to the ego, allowing it to define itself as a survivor of a great tragedy. The ego relishes this and obtains a backhanded satisfaction even from memories of tragedies. The solution, therefore, is not to fight the memories but to find 'pure water' in the present. This pure water cannot come from memory or aspirations; it is a fountain that springs from one's determination, work, and immersion in life. One must make life very intense and deep, to be immersed in it. You cannot get immersed in a pothole. The answer is to take up an all-consuming 'mega project' in life. This project must first be destructive, clearing away all that is small, petty, and toxic within. Only after this removal can one be truly creative. When you are in the throes of such a tremendous challenge, you will have no time or inclination left to time-travel to the past.