Uplifting Memories
 by Donna May

Though nothing can bring back the hour
Of splendour in the grass, of glory in the flower;
We will grieve not, rather find
Strength in what remains behind.

William Wordsworth (1770-1850)
 

One of the blessings of living in a seasonal climate like Michigan is the appearance of the first spring flowers. When I see daffodils blooming, I remember William Wordsworth poem about daffodils.

I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o’er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host of golden daffodils;
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.
Continuous as the stars that shine
And twinkled on the milky way,
They stretched in never ending line
Along the margin of a bay:
Ten thousand saw I at a glance
Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.
The waves beside them danced; but they
Out-did the sparkling waves in glee:
A poet could not be but gay,
In such a jocund company:
I gazed and gazed but little thought
What wealth to me the show had brought.
For oft, when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills
And dances with the daffodils.

I particularly like the last stanza. It reminds us that whatever the season or whatever our mood might be, we have the ability use that “inward eye” to recall memories that fill our hearts with pleasure. We can direct our thoughts to those things that uplift us. Our stored memories become powerful resources that help us get through the difficult times.

Most of our mental focus should be in present time. While we need to live our lives with a focus on the present moment, there are some present moments that are difficult. When we find ourselves feeling a little down, it is then that we can access past memories to lift our spirits and allow us to feel better now.

What are your happiest memories? What were those times when you felt most peaceful? Where were you? When did you feel most confident? As you access those memories, you may want to record them in a journal. Now, step into those experiences just as if they were happening now. Use your five senses to recreate the memory. What did you see? Hear? Feel? Taste? Smell? These memories can now be used to access the emotional state that you would like to be having in the present moment. Whatever you focus on will expand in your life. So, if you want more happiness, peace or confidence, get in touch with those memories.

Too often, it is the stressful memories that we recall. We may be remembering a conversation or event that was painful in the past. As we think about it in this now moment, we may feel bad all over again. We must remember to use that “inward eye” to access the past experiences that allow us to connect with uplifting memories that trigger feelings of well-being.

The present moment is an opportunity to feel good now and to use this experience in the future to recreate the good feelings. So, savor the beauty of spring. Slow down, notice the beauty around you. Life is a moment to moment process, not a goal. And who knows, some cold, dark day, you may recall the splendor and glory of spring and your spirit will again soar.

Donna May MA Ed, is a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, Stress Management, Pain Relief Specialist, practitioner of NLP, Reiki and Yuen Energetics. She utilizes spiritual principles and “A Course in Miracles” teachings. Available for classes, public presentations or private consultations. (248) 626-4859 or DonnaMay27@comcast.net.