One of the gifts of Summer is the opportunity for reflection. Just as a reflector behind a candle throws the light out into our world, a little Summer’s reflection shines a new light on who we are and who we can become.
Several years ago Marlene and I returned to Yellowstone National Park. We made the auto tour around the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and came to Inspiration Point. On a previous trip it had been closed due to a rock slide. I remembered seeing it as a child roughly 50 years ago and so we stopped. Walking the trail brought memories of my Mom, Dad, and Brother. I remembered navigating that narrow trail with sheer drops just a couple of feet away on both sides. I remember looking off the end of the trail, after been teased by my brother the whole way, and seeing the Falls far in the distance.
This time, however, the trail stopped short. Apparently the rocks had shifted in the last half century and the narrowest part of the trail was gone. The Falls could no longer be seen from the end of trail. It was a bit of a disappointment. Fortunately, I had my memories. They allowed me to walk all the way out to the end of the trail that was no longer there.
Every Summer our mind has an opportunity to reflect on familiar as well as unwalked paths. By revisiting places from our past and exploring new places, we are inspired to imagine or re-imagine ourselves. Memories, both made and in-the-making, remind us that there is more to us that the day-to-day paths that consume most of our lives each year. Who we were comes alive and reflects on our present lives. It also shines on to the future that awaits us. Reflections such as these help us we discover and re-discover who we are and who we are meant to be.
Several years ago Marlene and I returned to Yellowstone National Park. We made the auto tour around the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and came to Inspiration Point. On a previous trip it had been closed due to a rock slide. I remembered seeing it as a child roughly 50 years ago and so we stopped. Walking the trail brought memories of my Mom, Dad, and Brother. I remembered navigating that narrow trail with sheer drops just a couple of feet away on both sides. I remember looking off the end of the trail, after been teased by my brother the whole way, and seeing the Falls far in the distance.
This time, however, the trail stopped short. Apparently the rocks had shifted in the last half century and the narrowest part of the trail was gone. The Falls could no longer be seen from the end of trail. It was a bit of a disappointment. Fortunately, I had my memories. They allowed me to walk all the way out to the end of the trail that was no longer there.
Every Summer our mind has an opportunity to reflect on familiar as well as unwalked paths. By revisiting places from our past and exploring new places, we are inspired to imagine or re-imagine ourselves. Memories, both made and in-the-making, remind us that there is more to us that the day-to-day paths that consume most of our lives each year. Who we were comes alive and reflects on our present lives. It also shines on to the future that awaits us. Reflections such as these help us we discover and re-discover who we are and who we are meant to be.
TIP
Let your mind wander, freed from the familiar paths of your daily routine. Travel in body and in mind. Travel old roads long forgotten and discover new roads not yet explored.
Let them lead you to remembering past places, people, and experiences. Nurture those memories as old companions. Invite them in and sit with them for a while. Allow your mind to flesh them out and listen/observe the story they tell.
But do not forget to build new memories. Stretch your mind and surround the possibilities of your present circumstances. Go where your heart and mind leads. Step out and share your explorations with your companions in the journey. Expand and grow into the future that awaits you.
Above all, reflect the light of the Summer into the days ahead that they also may be filled with the joy of remembering.
Let them lead you to remembering past places, people, and experiences. Nurture those memories as old companions. Invite them in and sit with them for a while. Allow your mind to flesh them out and listen/observe the story they tell.
But do not forget to build new memories. Stretch your mind and surround the possibilities of your present circumstances. Go where your heart and mind leads. Step out and share your explorations with your companions in the journey. Expand and grow into the future that awaits you.
Above all, reflect the light of the Summer into the days ahead that they also may be filled with the joy of remembering.
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