Hello dear @kemmyb,
Thank you very much for reading and for that responsive, thoughtful comment.
This idea came to me while I was driving and thinking about nothing in particular. Often, ideas pop up when I'm not focused. It's as though the mind has to be empty, to be open. Of course, the mind is never empty :))
how can we exist without reference to the past
Indeed. We know who we are partly by who we have been.
If you reflect, I hope the reflection does not take you down a sinister path. I can go into the shadows, as this story indicates, but consciously try to stay in the sun.
Have a most wonderful day, @kemmyb