I love the sense of joy this photo captured. Our family was vacationing in Mexico. We lounged in the pool and watched the ocean waves. It was enchanting. Our son, Andrew, just learned how to dive and was ecstatic. This photo brings back not only memories but also an intense feeling of nostalgia.
An article in the Wall Street Journal states that nostalgia is "happy and comforting but also tinged with a sense of loss or sadness about a time that can never be captured again. That longing does more than evoke a warm, fuzzy feeling. Psychologists say that it can inspire us to live fuller lives by bringing into focus the people and experiences that have mattered most to us in the past."
Nostalgia is a real sentiment that we long for and cherish. I frequently see posts on Facebook showing photos of friends' childhood, departed loved ones, old vacations, or the quaint town where they used to live. There is even a popular internet trend called "Throwback Thursday" where people post nostalgic photos on social media sites.
Scientific research shows that this hearkening back to cozy, warm memories helps people to "value relationships more and to be both more resilient and psychologically healthier. When we're sad, cherished memories make us happier. When we're lonely, they can bring a sense of belonging," says the Wall Street Journal.
What will become of the childlike nature adults call upon when they need reminding of the delight found in simple things
In the realm of early childhood development, expert Rae Pica believes that beneficial childhood experiences are being pushed aside in favor of academic-oriented curriculums. We have come to believe in our society that if we don't push academics in the early years that our children will somehow fall behind the competition. The result is that children are often stressed and miserable but—perhaps even more importantly—they are missing out on simple and natural childhood experiences that they could otherwise draw upon in later years. Ms. Pica says, "What will become of the childlike nature adults call upon when they need reminding of the delight found in simple things—when they need to bring out the playfulness that makes life worth living." This sounds a lot like losing nostalgia.
As parents, we can do much to create future nostalgia by cultivating authentic experiences today. We don't have to go to the beach in Mexico. It can be as simple as baking cookies together or going to the park. Most importantly, it is the feeling that is generated that will be remembered and not necessarily the event. Of course, a photo or a journal entry might be needed to bring back some of the details.
At Marbles Farm our mission is to cultivate experiences. Some of these will be inside rolling pie dough, and others will be outside feeding chickens. Some will involve learning letters and others will involve learning observation skills. All will be about delighting in simple things and creating nostalgia to draw upon as an adult.
Click here for link to the Wall Street Journal article.
Quotes from Rae Pica are from the book "What if Everybody Understood Child Development?"