Memory

“There is nothing to practice. To know yourself, be yourself. To be yourself, stop imagining yourself to be this or that. Just be. Let your true nature emerge. Don’t disturb your mind with seeking.”
-Nisargadatta Maharaj
In a well lit room, you see the various shapes and colors of the objects in it. In dim light, however, you only see the outline of the objects in various shades of gray.
So you assume that is due to the absence of light.
But that assumption cannot be made without relying on memory, on how you remember seeing the room in daylight.
Without memory—or, when you are aware—there is no before or next, and therefore no problems.
Of course you couldn’t do anything without memory.
But the key to living peacefully: Don’t become attached to anything you remember into existence.
====
When you know you are aware, every thought will be helpful.