A song from the 1930’s states that “Memory Lane is a one way street.” The term is now over a hundred years old, originating at the turn of the previous century. In walking down Memory Lane, we think we know where we are going, after all, we have been there, right? We all know that we don’t know, as Memory is a great shape-shifter.
I am currently visiting Memory Lane quite often as I am down-sizing and putting my house on the market this summer. (No worries, I will continue to live in Cleveland Heights as well as continue my practice.) In the effort to down-size, I am minimizing. My visits to the Lane are unavoidable.
My first challenge is to set my mind in a non-judgmental, non-regret mode. The Japanese phrase of my last blog becomes my Memory Lane Mantra:
Shikata ga nai: It cannot be helped. The past cannot be helped is kind of a no-brainer, yes? Why would I give more than passing focus to the past when it cannot be changed? Well, if I can see errors in my judgment and now make different choices, Memory Lane is quite useful. If I can see the past from a new perspective and make amends, another positive outcome occurs. If I can feel the spontaneous and sometimes difficult feelings and let them go, the experience can be enriching.
There are golden nuggets of joy, love, and pride scattered about the Lane. I see it can be a route of surprise riches and emotional wealth as long as I can see, remember, experience, and let go. I can let go vs. mulling over with would’ves, could’ves, and should’ves, that treacherous trinity.
The key is always to let go, isn’t it? I remind myself to come back to the present, knowing I can and will return to Memory Lane. I always have chances to travel that one way street now that I know the way back to the present, where Life truly occurs.