"I think actually solving some of the problems weighing on your mind should absolutely be part of your toolbox." Yes, after meditation. I love your analogy of

"I think actually solving some of the problems weighing on your mind should absolutely be part of your toolbox." Yes, after meditation. I love your analogy of "garbage collection". For me, it's like flipping over playing cards, becoming interested in each card, and then remembering that I don't need to get fixated, and then discarding that card and returning to focus on my breathing, only to forget and flip over another card. Eventually, I spend less time flipping over cards and more time just sitting without judgement. I am a lapsed meditator, and I will resolve to get back into it. Meditation helps me to remember who I am and what I really want.