“The Pleasures of Reminiscing, Here and Now” Comments, Page 1
You are currently browsing page 1 of comments on the article The Pleasures of Reminiscing, Here and Now.
You are currently browsing comments. If you would like to return to the full story, you can read the full entry here: “The Pleasures of Reminiscing, Here and Now”.
11 Responses to “The Pleasures of Reminiscing, Here and Now”
-
Diane
1Hi Evan,
Perfect timing… I just went to a family reunion! I love hearing my aunts and uncles share stories from their childhood. We stay current too. And always the ever new memories of laughs and a good time spent.
I know what you mean about living way too much in the past though…there’s just a different feeling and quality to a person who is like that. They want to be back in a day and wish they weren’t in the present.
My kids recently shared some old movies and pictures with their girlfriends… Talk about some laughter !!! And saying were’s more this is too fun.
-
Linda
2Your post, Evan, had me ruminating over reminising and what it means in the present. In my ponderance, I realized that when we reminisce it is most always, if not always, over enjoyable events; It is our way of recapturing past emotions and feelings.
While reminiscing is not a bad thing, it can yeild a double-edged sword. On one side, it can enlighten and recharge present day emotions and feelings causing one to be joyful and hopeful. On the other side, it can darken present day emotions and feelings causing one to long for what has past, thereby envoking feelings of sadness and hopelessness.
So, what of reminiscing? It’s a wonderful gift to be able to reexperience feelings of joy and gladness, and, if used properly, it is also a gift of healing, a way of working through grief. But if used improperly, it binds one to the past never allowing to experience the joys or pains of the present.
-
3
Hi Diane,
Thanks for your comment.
Like you, I think there is a different quality between living in the past and enjoying reminiscing.
Glad it was good timing too.
-
4
Hi Linda,
Thanks for your thoughtful comment.
I do think reminiscing can be a way of binding ourselves to the past. As Diane said, wishing to be back in the past instead of enjoying it remembering in the present.
Being in the here and now I find enlivening and satisfying, even when difficult.
Which I guess is a long way of saying that I agree with you that reminiscing can be good or bad depending on how you use it.
Thanks for taking the time to comment.
-
5
My experience is like this – we carry everything around with us in our body anyway, and reminiscing can bring to life what is already there in a helpful way. Agree with Linda that in grief it is really important.
I think the “getting stuck” way of reminiscing is about being stuck mentally in a rut.
-
6
Hi Sarah,
I entirely agree. We carry our past with us. And that it is very important in grief. Also that getting stuck is about a rut.
Thanks for your comment.
-
Raul Hossain
7I have just entered teenage-hood a short while ago but I like to go to old hang outs with my friends and talk about all the silly and stupid things we did and all the fun times we had but we usually all end up at talking about the same things, even over and ver and then that eerie silence comes in so I suggest we get snacks to eat and then we go back to the same old things. I usually use reminiscing as a way to contact the younger me, remember the few good times I had and just stay away from my troubling present although the past wasn’t that great itself. I know there is a problem here but whta exactly is it and how can it be prevented?
I’d like to thank you Mr. Evan for helping me clear up on the understanding of reminiscing and the difference between the past and future.
-
8
Hi Raul,
Thanks for your personal and insightful comment.
In my opinion the problem is in the present somewhere. What is it you go back to avoid in the present? Can you do something about this present? Hope this helps.
-
Raul Hossain9
Hmm… Well I’ve made only two friends in the my last year of middle school and since we did not meet a lot while in school we hung out at a park almost every Friday and it created a bond and location for us to look forward to going to. Now everyday I pass by there on my way to high school and I end up standing and looking at that very same park, reminiscing about the dull, boring, good and fun times we had there just about half a year or so back as we don’t see each other much nowadays. While standing there I end up late for classes sometimes or miss the lights while walking and thinking about the park and end up late. I did not enjoy my middle school which explains why I had two friends other than the fact that I am cynical and an introvert myself and don’t like being in social areas. My high school is much worse than my middle school however and it is very hard to adjust to this entirely new area as well as parents who don’t want to let go of me even though I am not trying to leave or go out and explore like the other teenagers around me. There is also the fact that I may have OCD, Major Depressive Disorder (I have those episodes) or dissocial personality disorder but I’m not sure and have no hard core evidence to support this and my family thinks I’m more stupid than “crazy” so they give little to no support. I only watch the skies or the park to pass the time as there’s not much I can do to deal with the present. It does help to know I’m going in the right direction trying to figure out a way to do something about the present to thank you kindly for the feedback!
-
10
Hi Raul,
I hated school too.
I hope you can find some friends (through stuff you like to do maybe – unless like me the thing you like to do most is read) or at least get some support. One theought I had: is there any kind of counsellor or chaplain in your school or could be a kind of low-level friend or provide a little support?
I’m glad you are heading in the right direction. Thankyou for such honest comments.
The comment form is currently closed.
Newer Comments »