PAST IS PRESENT

 

It has been said often that we need to look to the future and not linger on the past knowledge of our life.  But, then it depends upon what we consider as lasting.   Considering the past, opens up much information that is continually available to us in printed matter such as books, newspapers, periodicals or oral conversations.  All the information that has accumulated through the centuries even before written history has given us insight about life.  Archaeologists and historians have provided us with knowledge of past civilizations such as the Persian, Greek and Roman empires.  They have long gone and passed; but, we have learned from their past existence.

 Then again, there is a different kind of past that we often resort to that is more personal and found through reminiscence or nostalgia.  At first, one might think they are alike because they take us into the past.  Although they allow us to experience past feelings and thoughts they are slightly different from one another.   Reminiscing allows us to remember or recall certain instances.  For example, when having dinner in a restaurant and looking at the couple at the next table, we are reminded or we trigger a reminiscence of our trip to the islands just by seeing blouses each is wearing that shows a Polynesian pattern.  We find ourselves looking back to the beautiful sunsets we saw in Hawaii.  

Nostalgia is similar to reminiscing but has a slightly different meaning. Nostalgia has usually been associated with a longing for a past setting.  It has been likened to feelings of homesickness. It is sentimentality for the past.  The term itself is derived from the formation of a Greek compound, (nostos), meaning homecoming and a Homeric word (algos), meaning ache or pain.  It was coined by a 17^th century medical student to describe the anxieties shown by Swiss mercenaries who were fighting away from home. It was described as a medical condition of melancholy.  Early studies of nostalgia showed that sensations of smell and touch could sometimes evoke nostalgia by the processing of these stimuli first passing through the amygdala, the emotional seat of the brain.

 Some people experience a normal form of nostalgia as a wonderful feeling that is a combination of joy of what once was and, at the same time, a pang of regret that it is no longer.  However, there is a form of nostalgia that is psychologically negative and basically arouses a feeling of longing that limits one’s ability to understand how to let go of the past and accept the moment that was lost.   Such a negative nostalgia can promote defensive and depressed feelings. 

 Overall, it appears that indulging in enjoyable recollections of past events offers a peace of mind.  Casting one’s mind back to good times can maintain good mental health.

“Oh, for the good old days!”.