Alfred Adler was a psychologist who was instrumental in studying memory, early memories in particular. Of all the number of important incidents that you were a part of, why do one or two 'first' memories cling stubbornly to the web of our remembering? Alfred Adler had a theory: "The first memory will show the individual's fundamental view of life." In other words, people remember things that are consistent with the concept they have of themselves.
We love to recall times shared, and pleasures enjoyed. The word "memory" comes from Old French, memorie, from Latin, memoria. Memory, the word, means-"mindful + remembering." Isn't that a big part of Thanksgiving?
Everyone, including family and friends sit around a table or around the TV watching the Lions and sprinkled within conversation are shared memories of times past: Backyard football where the stakes were low but the fun was high, the music played-the guitar, fiddle, piano, and banjo, the food, the first greeting of the newest member in the family. Recollections of an event, experience, or memory from Thanksgivings past bring about a laugh, a nod of agreement, or just a smile of affirmation--a precious flashbulb photo of nostalgia. Thanksgiving brings to the table a serving of mindful remembering...
If you were to take the word memory and use the final resting place of its evolution to late Middle English, you'd get the word memorial which we understand as a record, a memory, a monument, that serves as a reminder.
I think this is why Thanksgiving is so important. It serves as a living memorial to shared memories that create mindful and powerful ties which bind common remembrances sealing a tradition that celebrates togetherness.
Memories are personal. But the shared experience of them during a holiday like Thanksgiving, reflect not only our past, but also on our beliefs about what is important and how other loved ones have given credence to our place at the table.
Certain moments, memories, are worthy to lock into our sense of wonder and awe; they reflect and reveal an integral part of where we come from and where we belong...that's Thanksgiving.
This Thanksgiving share not only what is securely embedded in your own memory bank, but in your heart. Give thanks for the opportunity to experience memorable moments in the present and be grateful for the capacity of creating even more color to the enduring mindfulness of remembering...then pass the plate...
---**Next post will be 12/3414--taking the week to pause and ponder