You may not like this,
but the me
of five minutes from now
may appreciate it very much.
Though
I’m writing in the now,
what I’m also mindfully doing
is leaving souvenirs of the past.
This past may be
five minutes ago,
five years ago,
five lifetimes ago,
depending upon
when I revisit this.
I do this
to remind myself
that I do not always
think the same,
want the same,
appreciate the same
as I do when I am younger.
My reality is
so completely different
than the reality of
five minutes ago,
five years ago,
five lifetimes ago.
My mind is in a
completely different place.
This is a reminder.
Trail Wood,
2/3
The Fluidity of Self and the Art of Creating Souvenirs of the Past
In this reflection, we explore the concept of self as a fluid, ever-changing entity, and the practice of creating ‘souvenirs’ of past selves. This thoughtful process highlights the dynamic nature of our existence and the value of capturing moments as reminders of our evolving perspectives and realities.
Writing as a Time Capsule
The act of writing, described as leaving souvenirs of the past, serves as a time capsule. It’s a way to capture a snapshot of our current thoughts, feelings, and perspectives, which may differ significantly from our future selves. The recognition that the ‘me’ of five minutes, years, or lifetimes from now may have a vastly different appreciation of the present moment underscores the impermanent and evolving nature of our consciousness.
The Changing Nature of Our Desires and Perspectives
Acknowledging that we do not always think, want, or appreciate the same things as we age is a testament to the dynamic nature of our existence. Our desires and perspectives are not static; they transform as we encounter new experiences, gain wisdom, and evolve in our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
The Different Realities of Our Past, Present, and Future Selves
The concept of different realities for the ‘me’ of five minutes ago, five years ago, and five lifetimes ago speaks to the profound shifts that occur over time. Each moment in our life creates a unique reality, shaped by our current level of consciousness, knowledge, and emotional state. As we progress through life, these realities layer upon one another, forming the complex tapestry of our existence.
The Purpose of Reminders in Our Journey
Creating these souvenirs of the past serves as a reminder of our journey’s fluidity and richness. It’s a way to connect with our past selves, understand our present, and anticipate the continuous evolution of our future selves. These reminders help us appreciate the depth and breadth of our experiences, providing insights into our changing selves and the world’s changing nature.
Summary
We delve into the concept of writing as a method of creating souvenirs of the past, capturing our ever-changing thoughts, desires, and realities. This practice underscores the fluidity of our existence and serves as a reminder of our journey’s dynamic nature. It highlights the transformation of our perspectives and realities over time and the value of connecting with our past, present, and future selves.
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