Nostalgia
Sentimental longing for that time in the past.
We may learn from the past, but it is now when we realise what was learnt. This means letting go of the past. If we stay in that longing for a past culture, this will obscure the experience now. The past may have been alluring, fascinating and enriching, and may remind us of a quality of life, but it is in the now that we have to live, warts and all. Today’s disturbances may not be appealing or attractive, but it is what we have to deal with: any attempt to smooth over and make comfortable covers up letting go. We are not fettered by appearances and desire … we are fettered by clinging to appearances and desires.