How are we using our memories? How are our memories using us?
Samskara
25 years ago, a boy and I were on our way to a cabin in Minnesota when the driver slammed on the brakes and yelled excitedly for all of us to get out. It was the northern lights. We spent the next 20 minutes laying on the hood of the car watching the sky dance.
I’m sure I felt elated and in awe. But when I think back on that memory now, what comes up is different. Over time, it changed. The excitement and chatter quieted down and it became smaller - more condensed - precious. Now, that memory brings me a little shot of teary-eyed gratitude.
Yoga challenges us to pay attention to the effects of our memories. Each time we think back on a memory, a little path ripples through our mind. That path (yoga calls it samskara) can be like water and wash away quickly. But before it does, it affects our present moment. It might bring a quiet little shot of gratitude like my northern lights memory.
Or if it’s a memory that we think about more often, that samskara path can be like sand and stick around for a bit. It affects our present moment a bit more - maybe impacting a decision or a mood. Because it is impacting our present moments a bit more, we need to be aware of it.
If it’s a memory that we think about frequently (consciously or subconsciously) that samskara can be like cement. That path is always there, intimately intertwined in our present moments. It impacts our choices, how we think about ourselves, our relationships. A cemented samskara isn’t permanent if you don’t want it to be, but it takes a lot of work (meditation, prayer, therapy…) to wear it away.
That same boy and I just experienced the total solar eclipse together. My northern lights memory was like sand, affecting many of my present moments this week. It impacted how I viewed the eclipse, the amount of eclipse info I texted our daughters. Most of all, it impacted my excitement for adding another positive samskara into my reserves. Memories matter.
Until next time,
Laura
Want more?
How routines affect us: What are you sending out into the world? (yogatrailtalks)
The hidden positive wishes behind our negative thoughts (yogatrailtalks)
