• Vasanas are subtle impressions, we do not know our vasanas explicitly- we only see their effects in our behavior
• The only things you can give up are those things that belong to you. You come from the earth and therefore you will go back to the earth (as well as all that you own)
• The idea that you possess anything is just an illusion
• There are 2 types of letting go:
  • Letting go without understanding– which leads to suppression and/or resentment. There is no clear understanding of why or any strong conviction behind the reasoning of letting go.
    • Without a clear reason, maintaining discipline around letting go is difficult. Sumanji challenged us to randomly give up something without a clear reason for a day and observe what happens to the mind.
  • Letting go with understanding– the intellect can guide the wandering mind that runs around everywhere. The mind listens when there’s a reason not to wander. 
    • When there is a sense of independence, we naturally let go of lower tendencies (habits that don’t facilitate that purpose). We let go of desire/short term happiness for a long term goal.

Class Activity: Think of a negative quality you possess and think of a plan you can execute daily to begin letting go of this quality.

Some thoughts: maintain a schedule, ground yourself in a routine, invoking gratitude for anything and everything you have

RAW: Listen actively and allow others to speak freely.