Back to Basics

I lived in Europe  as a small child and I can still remember the sights, sounds and smells and tastes of the towns I lived in. Is there a smell in your memory that is just so wonderful and when you smell it now you just have to stop for a second so that you can smile at the memory of what it meant for you in the past?  Do you remember when we didn't have cell phones, computers, or even portable phones?  When you had to be attached to the end of a phone that was plugged into the wall?  If you wanted to have a conversation with someone, you would actually have to sit where the phone was and talk there.  Do you remember having to physically write a letter, go to the post office get a stamp and then mail it?  There is something to be said for these traditions and rituals.  I love technology, and I use it every day, but sometimes just sometimes, I miss the way things were in simpler times.  One of the things I love best is to make a meal for my family and friends.  I make everything from scratch.  Partly because I like to know what is going into my food, but also, I have discovered, it's about being in the moment, the moment that allows me to create something for my loved ones with my own two hands, to take the time to put loving energy into what I am making.  Food is love too.  Is there a childhood food that you love and look forward to having again and again? Is there a special holiday treat that you look forward to every year?
What about the sounds around you? When you were younger were there sounds of music, laughter, and joy around you?  What about a nice walk in the country?   I am lucky enough to live near the ocean these days, and walk by the water frequently, but when you live in the city, with all of it's concrete, sometimes it's hard to take yourself out into the country breathe fresh air and just be in the beauty that surrounds you.  I think it's so important to be able to get out of your environment and just go somewhere that makes you be still and take a breath.  We live in a fast paced society, everything is instantly at our fingertips and we are constantly bombarded with the bad news of the world.  Lets get back to basics, find someplace and find some time that makes your heart sing just for a bit. 

So remind yourself of the things you loved when you were a child.  Even if your childhood was not a good one, there is probably something that you remember with great fondness.  Lets get back to the basics, treat yourself to something lovely from your childhood.  It will put a smile on your face.