The Sound of Memory

Why do I often feel like writing when I can barely keep my eyes open?  When my rational, organized, motivated mind gets sleepy, my creative mind has a few moments where it can sneak in and take control before the entire system shuts down.

Today I was thinking about how music is so tied to memory, and then I thought about how it is more than just music, it is sound.  The sound of your mother's voice, the sound of your baby's cry, the tornado siren, the school bell, the sound of caulk on the board, the vibration of the diving board, the phone ringing - all bring a vivid picture to mind, an instant reaction, an automatic time travel, mental teleportation to another time and place.  If you indulge your imagination, you can drag it out for a few more moments and experience again times gone by.  The unpleasant ones are a  shock, a startling emotional jar that you can't slam the door shut on fast enough.

I listen to a lot of audio books.  It's funny how the sound of the stories become attached to the location where I heard them, or the activity I was doing.  For example, I was listening to this book I didn't really like, but was persevering to at least finish it while I was helping my husband do a final clean on a wood floor job of his.  I was on the floor, scraping bits of dried glue while I listened to that lame story.  Every time I drive by that house, I think of that stupid book!  It's stuck.  That memory is all tied up in the sound of that story.  Too bad it wasn't a great book that I would love to remember.  When I mop a certain hallway I think of this fantasy novel about fairies.  It's kind of nice to be reminded of a pleasant little story while doing such a boring household chore. 

I can't tell you how many times I have been in a store and snapped to attention when I heard a child call out , "MOM".  It's not my child, but the sound of a distressed child calling my "name" gets my attention.  It's an automatic reaction.  A baby crying will do similar things to me.  It's a deep response, at my core, the need to respond to that sound.

There is the song one of my yoga teachers used to play during the final relaxation phase.  Five notes in and I'm relaxed.  It's awesome.  I should keep that song cued up and ready to play when the day gets too tense and I'm ready to scream.  Instant relaxation.

Kashmir, that takes me back to one of the most enjoyable times of my life.  Band practice, in the basement of our house in Utah.  I hear that song and I am happy.  It's pretty awesome that song is as long as it is.  Keep the good vibes rollin' ...

There is nothing like the sound of a good rain storm to put me to sleep.  It can be 2pm, and I am in the middle of a project, if the rain starts, I want to go to sleep.  It's auto pilot, rainy day, sleep mode for me.  Riding in a car has that effect on me too.  If I am a passenger I will likely fall asleep.  I think that might have less to do with sound, and more to do with all the Dramamine induced sleepy car rides of my childhood.

When I fly I often fall asleep to the sound of the flight attendant's voice  telling us about seat cushion floatation devises and wake up to the sound of the wheels dropping.  More sound induced conditioning.  Just like that dog of Pavlov ....

Often as I work I listen to music.  It keeps me company.  The memories the songs evoke bring old friends along to hang out while I sit here at my desk.  Without them, the silence is deafening, the solitude suffocating. 

Gifts

A few posts ago I wrote about accepting presents from an enemy, and how that is not really such a good idea. Those presents are offered with BIG strings attached. They are not gifts, as they are not freely given. They are a trade. When we accept them we trade our future and even our freedom for immediate gratification of our desires.

A true gift is given without strings, without requirements, asking nothing in return. You don't have to do anything to qualify for a gift. Gifts are given and they are received. They can be rejected, returned or even re-gifted.

A mother's love is one of the first and most precious gifts we receive in this life. From even before the moment of birth our mother's love us. They love us completely when we are unable to give anything in return. We benefit greatly from this love throughout our life, but in the beginning, it is essential for our survival. Because of her love we have our very existence. It is many sleepless nights and years of selfless giving before a child is able to begin returning that love. As we grow, that love provides us with so many other necessary things in life, and even as an adult, a mother's love can make all the difference. A mother's love is truly a gift.

The ability to learn is a glorious gift. From the moment of birth our minds begin to learn. This process of exploring and learning need never stop. Our minds are capable of expanding and changing on a continual basis. A formal education may come at some expense, but learning is free. The world around us offers continual lessons, if we take the time to notice.

The gifts of sight, sound, smell, taste and touch are magnificent and together they fill our lives with rich experiences. Most people born on this earth have had the use of their 5 senses. Each morning when I walk I start out in the dark. The air is a little cool with the faintest hint of the sea mist in the breeze. The feel of it on my skin is invigorating. Watching as the night sky of moon and stars gives way to the sunrise never fails to impress me. The ocean sounds alive and the sight of it's vastness is humbling. Comfort to the soul arrives in the sweet scent of the plumeria trees.

Just remembering the taste of home made Christmas divinity candy transforms me into my 10 year old self and transports me to my Grandmother's kitchen. It has been decades since I have had that candy in my mouth, but my mind can recall it to perfection. Taste is a powerful gift. Imagine the joy that would be lost if our food had no flavor. Where would be the celebration in a Thanksgiving feast, or the excitement of a birthday cake without the gift of taste?

Our memories are a wonderful gift. All of the joys in life can be experienced over and over again in our memory. The lessons learned need not be forgotten. We can replay the voice of a loved one who is gone, or the giggle of a baby who is all grown up. Loved ones can live on in our memories, long after they are gone. Treasured memories make the past ever present and those joys continually experienced.

All of these gifts come from God, our Creator, our Heavenly Father. Life is wonderful and rich because of these, and many other gifts from Him. The greatest gift is that of His Son. The world celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ for a reason. Many people in the world today may not have a deep understanding of why Christmas is so important, yet they do celebrate. Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world. The ancient people understood the significance of His arrival and the traditions of celebrating this magnificent event have endured to this day. We give gifts because He gave us the greatest gift - Eternal Life.

The gift of Eternal Life is freely give to all. We will receive this gift even if we are unaware of it in this life. No qualification is necessary, it is a true Gift. Life is a gift and the lessons and experiences we have here prepare us to live eternally. We do not end, we are eternal. Our minds, our hearts, our bodies and our relationships are eternal. Because of the sacrifice of our Savior, we are able to experience this life complete with all the mistakes required for true learning, yet return and live with Him.