A New Daily Practice: Happy Heart Memories

God gave us memories that we might have roses in December. ~J.M. Barrie, Courage, 1922

A friend of mine suggested I try something new.  She said, "Try today to focus on one happy memory.  Re-live it in detail.  Feel the goodness in it.  Let it fill up your heart with joy and delight."

I thought that would be an easy task for me.  It wasn't.  In fact, I learned a tremendous amount about my next area of growth by attempting this exercise.

I grew up in a serious household.  My dad was German to the core.  He embraced philosophies such as:  "Children should be seen and not heard," and "None of that foolishness or messing around. . . stop laughing . . . get to work. . . life is serious not fun."  Thus, as a young girl, I was taught to suppress myself, especially when it came to laughter and silliness. 




I have spent much time and energy healing childhood challenges, putting the pieces inside me back together.


Fast forward thirty years.  I've been focused on my personal growth for many years now.  And, I have come a long way in clearing my mind of fears, wiping out self-doubt and getting past limiting beliefs.  In fact, I have found a way to experience peace most of the time, even in extremely difficult circumstances.

But, what I realized from doing this exercise is that I am ready now to cultivate a joyful heart! 

As I attempted the Happy Heart Memory exercise, I found myself struggling to think of fond memories.  It wasn't because I don't have any to think of, it was because I rarely bring these wonderful delights into my mind.

My heart feels warm and open, deeply satisfied and nourished when I reflect on special times.

I'm getting the hang of it now.  And, I can't believe how many smiles and laughs have been stimulated by thinking of the silly, wonderful, uplifting things that happen. 

Many of these remembrances are of simple moments--rolling on the floor laughing with my children after my husband had jumped out of the closet and scared us all to death!  Thinking of my daughter Maggie as a one year old sitting on the bed with Dad pretending she was reading a newspaper.  Or, when my daughter Skye would pretend to be Hannah Montana and perform songs for me in the living room.

You see, now that I have gotten started with these Happy Memories, something has shifted inside of me.  It is as if there was an unlit candle inside of me waiting to be sparked.  I can tell you that the more I review these fond times, the larger the flame grows within me. 

Why not give this a try with me?  I have decided that every day for the next 30 days, I am going to do this daily practice.  Yesterday I did it after my kids were asleep and in bed. I sat on the couch with some old photos and reminisced.  Today I did it while at the park walking in nature. 

I have also realized that the more I engage my senses throughout the day, I am more likely to create new Happy Memories that I can recall down the road.

Let the flame of joy ignite within you.  It will melt away more of your discomfort and pain.  It will burn away old energy and open the door to all that you desire to move closer to you.

By engaging your heart, you might just grow new wings and fly to higher heights!  That's my plan, how about you?

With great love for you,

Patricia Omoqui, The Thought Dr.