Change

Why Is it so difficult to let go of old patterns - even though they are almost literally killing you?

A friend asked me that yesterday. I sent her my thots - lengthy as always.

I would love to hear yours!

Well the answer I usually go with, tho it doesn't always satisfy me, is that we spent years developing the neural pathways that are those patterns - so we should expect it might take as long to create new ones. Like how long it takes a river to create a new river bed or something.
Or we could go with karmic tendencies which we must overcome. That once was thot to take innumerable kalpas. Our buddhism teaches simultaneous cause and effect, so we have a better shot at change I guess.

And the other thing is that all of time is now - and from a different viewpoint what seems to be taking eons to change is a blink of an eye.

What do YOU find to be a satisfying answer?

sarah