Weekly ideas to stimulate reflection, inspire new possibilities and encourage new ways of doing and being.
1. Test the water
This week’s word is: Nostalgia
Nostalgia is a sentimental longing for the past, typically for a period or place with happy personal associations. It often involves remembering experiences, events, people, or places that evoke feelings of warmth, comfort, or yearning.
The word "nostalgia" comes from the Greek words "nostos" (νόστος), meaning "homecoming" or "return home," and "algos" (ἄλγος), meaning "pain" or "suffering."
What is your definition of nostalgia and how do you relate to it? Discuss the question here.
2. Experience the initial wave
To broaden your perspective, take a few minutes to read the following quotes and ideas and notice what comes up for you.
I.
“Nostalgia is a file that removes the rough edges from the good old days”. Doug Larson
II.
"Nostalgia isn’t what it used to be." Peter De Vries
III.
Nostalgia and melancholia are both emotional states that differ in their focus and the feelings they evoke:
Nostalgia is a feeling of yearning for the past, characterized by reconnecting with happy memories and finding comfort in shared experiences. Nostalgia can be positive, helping people to feel more connected to others, and to realize how they've grown over time.
Melancholia is a feeling of being absorbed in thought, wistful, and pensive, with a tendency to project into the future. Melancholia can be associated with feelings of hopelessness, depression, existential emptiness, or lack of purpose.
3. Dive deep
To gain a deeper understanding and spark new discoveries, this week I invite you to reflect on the following questions:
What memories from your past bring you the most comfort or joy when you think about them?
How do you distinguish between genuine memories and idealized versions of the past?
4. Ride your radiant wave
This week I invite you to transform nostalgia into a mindful journey of self-discovery. This creative activity invites you to explore your nostalgic memories through visualization, journaling, and mindfulness. It’s about connecting with the emotions and stories that make you you.
Map Your Memories: Grab a blank sheet of paper and draw a winding path (like a journey). Along the path, mark 3–5 significant memories - moments tied to strong emotions or senses (smells, music, places).
Create with Your Memory Triggers: Pick one memory from your map and create something inspired by it:
Draw or paint how that memory feels.
Make a quick playlist of songs that capture the mood of that moment.
Write a letter to your younger self about that memory.
Let creativity flow without judgment!
Pause & Reflect: Sit quietly for a moment. Close your eyes. Breathe. Ask yourself:
How does this memory make me feel now?
What can I learn about myself from this feeling?
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