Memory mem·o·ry - the faculty by which the mind stores and remembers information.

Please take a moment to close your eyes. Effortlessly your mind wants to instantly wander; it craves movement and nostalgia. Distractions inevitably creep into your mind fogging up clarity, but let your focus take the lead. As you close your eyes again, think of one positive memory in which you share with another person. Lots of crazy adventures come to mind I’m sure. It doesn’t have to be an over amplified dramatic scene. I want you to revive a memory that is joyful or funny, sweet or passionate, crazy or unbelievable; simply put a very memorable moment you shared with another person. So many stories probably come to mind, but settle in on one. Visualize mentally all the details that surround that memory. As you melt back into the scene, wrap yourself completely around this moment. Attempt to recall the vivid colors, laughter and sounds. Observe the acceptance of feelings connected with the other person and your fondness or just pure glee and appreciation that is attached to this memory.

"Your mind wants to relive what it already knows."

This experience is an example of Episodic Memory. The ability to essentially perform mental time travel to retrieve information stored in the hippocampus; located in the brain’s temporal lobe. The temporal lobe sits at the bottom middle portion of the brain just behind the temples. This consists of a person’s unique memory of a specific event. Life happenings and long term memories connecting us to important specific life occurrences happen here. Our Episodic Memory takes us on a human journey. It not only allows us to voyage through time, blessing us with the ability to relive our unique experiences, but it also provides us with the understanding that no matter what - someone is always by your side. Their memorable connection is available at any moment when you need them.

"Your mind's favorite way of solving loneliness is by connecting you to a memory."

---

SHARED MEMORIES

I believe so strongly in the power of shared memories. It is the ability for 2 people to have 1 shared memory AND the ability for each to share their own versions of that shared memory with one another. It’s incredibly moving when 2 people together can extract a single shared experience from 1 moment in time. There is something so powerful and lovely about possessing your own memory that feels so personal, while connected with another in exquisite synchronicity. Knowing this other person is the only other person who will ever understand that memory is extremely profound. Both seeing the same story, the same moving pictures, but narrated together. Each rediscovering the moment all over again, breaking down every little element and recognizing together the happiness rooted within that moment. The other person’s unexpected details surprise you while you generate new memories associated with the encounter. A back and forth dialogue of dance in which a perfect balance of harmony is choreographed in peaceful rhythm. Our planet remains within this vast existence with an underlining knowledge that the majority of our surroundings we will never truly understand. Shared memories take us from feeling small in such an overcrowded uncertain world to feeling biologically connected to human spirit while fiercely connected to this limitless universe.

YOUR CHALLENGE...

Make an effort to create mindful memories with people. Of course, some of the best memories we will stumble upon accidentally. Purposeful ones can absolutely be created by your own effort! This is how we form bonds and deep emotions with people.

---

SUGGESTIONS...

• Set out on a campaign to meet 1 new person a week to begin building connections.

• Each week attempt to make a new memory with anyone close to you.

• Participate in an event that is out of the ordinary with a family member or friend.

• Spontaneously give a funny/silly gift to a friend, coworker or family member.

---

"Your distant memories will part ways preferentially relative to your recent memories."

Studies show Episodic memory decreases as we age. I am so very passionate about encouraging people to stay connected to their emotions and preserving new and past connections. It has been proven that emotionally charged experiences are more likely to be encoded into long-term memory as compared to standard events. Possibly older adults lose their Episodic memory, because they allow that spark, that passion, that drive, their happy emotions both professionally and physically to slip away. It's ok to be a goofball, to be silly and to feel your inner child! Beautiful memories piece together the scrapbook of your life. They extracts us from our current state through a moving passage of time and energetically hurtle us into a magical new existence. We are physically fixed in the here and now, but our minds remind us of our worthy life journey on a deeply nostalgic level. Memories can connect us to those who have passed traveling unspeakable distances, comforting our reality and physically altering our awareness of self recognition. Share a past connection with someone special. You will realize it is one the most prized possessions you'll ever own.

I RECALL

My memories are yours & your memories are mine

Forever suspended in space and time

I close my eyes

I know the place

I’ll meet you there

At twilight’s gate

My sea is yours & your sea is mine

Always changing with the tide

I close my eyes

I see your face

I’ll meet you there

At the floodgate

Waves of memories wash over me

Effortlessly retrieved

Delicately placed

Guarded sitting so quietly

My memories breathe

Your energy

Gracefully you sat so motherly

I recall the time you said to me

If I am gone and you need love

Touch your heart & look above

My past is yours & your past is mine

Vividly available at anytime

I close my eyes

I must await

I’ll meet you there

At Heaven’s gate Copyrighted © Poem - Sarah Ihrig

I am sincerely grateful for your company. Thank you.... Sarah.