Unforgettable Moments

What creates unforgettable moments? The air was thick with moisture and we sensed its coming. Clouds built, the smell of rain enveloped, sunlight dimmed, and flags whipped in the increasing wind. Thunder cracked, lightning flashed as we ran for the nearest escape from the sideways water pelting our skin. The storm descends before we reach shelter and completely drenched us.

A sudden, intense summer storm wreaked havoc on my daughter’s golf tournament last week and its impact was felt the rest of the day. As she golfed and I watched in soaked clothing, the sensory experience is one I’ll never forget. I love the heightened sensations of a summer storm, but prefer to enjoy them from a safe shelter! But the sights, sounds, smells, and feel of that particular storm will always be unforgettable moments in this #SummerToRemember.

Unforgettable Moments

Our five senses of vision, hearing, smell, touch, and taste help us to understand, navigate, and remember the world around us. It’s said when one sense is diminished, the others compensate. That is true, but we can work to increase awareness of our sensory world and assist our memories in the process.

I recently had a memory flash filled with emotion and sensory stimuli. Seeing a similar situation unfold sparked the same emotions and feelings from years ago. Emotions and memories are tightly interwoven. Often what prompts and helps form memories is initiated from our senses.

So let’s pay attention to our senses and help our memories along the way. Here a few tips to be more present within our sensory world to make our moments memorable:

• Notice the details. The smells, sensations in our surroundings, tastes, or visual landmarks and cues–sensory stimuli are endless if only we notice them.
• Connect our sensations to the moment. The sweetness of the birthday cake, the familiar songs, the buzzing bugs at the outdoor concert, or the rumbling thunder of an approaching storm can be forever associated with events. Connect the sensory inputs and you’ll have more triggers for the memory.
• Replay the moment. Whether it’s telling the story, reviewing it in our mind, or writing it down, the repetitive nature of replaying it cements the memory.
• Watch for triggers and notice their impact. Some sad or painful memories are often cued by our senses. When a sensory trigger unexpectedly cues something uncomfortable, notice it for future reference. Pay attention and manage their impact to learn and grow. Additionally, pay attention to joyful sensory triggers and use them to spark joy and happiness when desired.

Noticing the sensory world and connecting moments will assist our memories. While it may not have been fun to be caught in a sudden storm, it certainly created some unforgettable moments. Take time in this #SummerToRemember to slow your pace and smell the roses (or the rain). Pay attention to all your senses to enjoy every moment as it turns into a memory.