Nostalgia provides meaning – when we reflect on past experiences and our responses, we also make meaning which can inform how we move forward steadily and softly, with new levels of self-awareness.
Nostalgia improves our sense of identity – having a good sense of identity is a key to good wellbeing, so reflecting on how we have experienced the year can also highlight aspects of our identity we know and maybe were not aware of. With the new perspective, we can look back and discover more about ourselves.
Nostalgia helps forming of new memories – reflective practice helps us choose the memories we wish to keep, embed those in the context of our life story, and integrate them into our entire life development.
Reminiscence activities improve communication – this sounds basic, but it is not: sharing the story of our year with others helps us organise those experiences in a coherent story.
While we do so, we articulate the challenges and maybe even identify and name new strengths we have discovered during the challenges we have faced.
Reminiscence activities support our appreciation of our family history – knowing our roots or connecting with our ancestors, even through spiritual practices, can help us ground our current selves in the story of our tribe. I would only note that if we have experienced trauma, especially in our early years or if we happen to have complex attachment patterns, those practices can feel triggering. If that’s the case, it may be a signal for additional, safe, professional explorations too.
Reflecting on the past can reduce symptoms of depression, especially if we connect with past wins, victories or more subtle feelings like love, kindness, gratitude and awe.
As we approach the end of the year, many of us are reflecting on it and collecting learnings. So this month, we are exploring the benefits of reminiscence and nostalgia for our wellbeing.
Q: What is your resilience, and what would you expect and need from the environment and collective to safely grow, heal, and move through trauma?
Q: Where would you like to move from here? If I have a direction in mind, how can I get there with what I have available and what support do I also need on the journey?
Q: Have you experienced positive growth in your sense of spirituality after traumatic experiences?