It’s strange how, for pretty much all of my life, I have had this kind of innate feeling of pining for a lost time. And the older I get, I suppose it makes more sense. After all, the longer we live this life, the more we seem to accumulate our share of regrets, or of people we can now never meet again.
Borges, in his story 'The immortal' begins by quoting Francis Bacon's Essays, LVIII. "Salomon saith, There is no new thing upon the earth. So that as Plato had an imagination, that all knowledge was but remembrance; so Salomon giveth his sentence, that all novelty is but oblivion."
It is a quote I carry with me more than 25 years. Somehow it resonates with what you write today.
There is no doubt that I hold similar feelings. My practice of writing in a daily journal is a place where I capture current state of affairs. However, many years ago, I felt the need to create a separate place/journal that holds past memories dear to my heart. I choose not to forget them, but instead I give them the honor and the grace I believe they deserve.
That's a really great practice. I like the idea of giving memories their own separate space - it's the ultimate way of honouring the things that have shaped us so much.
I feel this way sometimes, too, and I really loved your poem. I often wonder if things were really better back then or if my memories are clouded by time. I really do miss the simplicity of some things that have become complicated, though. Thank you for the pretty prose and poetry.
I often feel this melancholy you describe. I wonder if I am idealist and I am actually yearning for the time I believed the story I created in my mind. Once we see through our own illusions and those of others and of our society around us, we sort of wish we could go back and that although we can experience joy in our present moment we know that the story of happiness is merely a story. Not sure if I made sense of my thoughts there or not!
That makes a lot of sense April. It's what I've thought at times too - like, maybe the "pining for some unknown past" is actually more of a sense of realising that the world wasn't quite living up to the more romantic ideal I had of it!
But I guess stories shape our life, just as much as life shapes the stories we tell.
Hi George, The following might help to explain some of your feelings. This is just something I’ve come across, it’s not necessarily true. There is a belief that, after we die, our soul goes on and enters others, perhaps in our own family, down the generations. Some believe that it shows in a child who is very intuitive or wise beyond their years. People say, ‘He’s uncannily like Uncle John’ or ‘She’s got an old head on young shoulders.’ There can be a strong feeling that ‘He/she’s been here before.’ An ‘old soul’ can also be defined as someone who has a lot of emotional intelligence and someone who has a deep understanding of the world around them. Such a person is believed to be at the final stage of their re-incarnational journey and has a deep understanding of life and its purpose. An old soul often has a strong connection to their inner self and exhibits a sense of looking back at what has been accomplished.
What is an old soul?
An old soul is someone who has lived many past lives, progressing through various stages of growth and learning.
You Need Alone Time: Old souls tend to be loners. They prefer spending time alone because their interests and maturity levels differ from those of their peers. Building close relationships can be challenging for them.
You’re Not Materialistic: An old soul seeks a simple life and doesn’t find fulfillment in material possessions. They recognize that material things are temporary and instead seek inner peace.
You Listen to Your Intuition: Unlike many, old souls have a strong intuition that guides their judgment. They trust this inner voice and allow it to shape their life decisions.
You’re Extremely Empathic: Empathy is a hallmark of old souls. They can put themselves in others’ shoes and truly understand their feelings. Some old souls are also empaths, absorbing other people’s emotions.
You Were a Strange Child: Growing up, old souls are often categorized as odd. They may not have had many friends and likely had different interests than other kids.
You’re an Overthinker: Old souls tend to contemplate deeply. They ponder life’s mysteries, philosophical questions, and their own existence2.
You’re Tapped Into Your Spiritual Side: Old souls have a natural affinity for spirituality. They seek meaning beyond the material world and explore concepts like karma, reincarnation, and interconnectedness.
You’ve Always Felt Different: Old souls often feel like misfits in their generation. Their perspectives and priorities set them apart from the crowd.
You Appreciate Simplicity: Old souls find beauty in the simplest things—a sunset, a quiet moment, or a genuine conversation. They value depth over superficiality.
You’re Drawn to Nature: Old souls feel a deep connection with nature. They find solace in natural landscapes and seek harmony with the environment.
You’re Wise Beyond Your Years: People often turn to old souls for advice because of their wisdom and insight. They possess a depth of understanding that transcends their age.
You Cherish Timelessness: Old souls appreciate timeless art, music, and literature. They resonate with works that capture universal truths and enduring themes.
Remember, being an old soul is a unique and enriching experience, offering profound insights and a different perspective on life.
Why Do Old Souls Suffer?
There are several reasons why old souls suffer. As I mentioned earlier, old souls don’t usually connect with people their age, and they fail to fit into society. Many have a strong sense that this world was just not meant for them.
There is also the problem with people clinging to or attacking old souls’ energy. These people often drain old souls with all their problems and expect them to have the solution. Generally, the more the old souls give to people, the more they tend to suffer.
Another problem that old souls often experience is the struggle to find true love. A reason for that is old souls usually attract people who need healing or have problems finding a real connection with someone.
Life as an old soul may bring many struggles, but the benefits may be just as many. The wisdom and maturity old souls carry serve them well throughout life. They approach the world with a curious and open mind while following their strong intuitions as a guide through the journey of life.
Ref: What Is An Old Soul? 12 Signs You're One - Spiritvibez
Such a beautiful and melancholic story and philosophy. Sometimes I wonder if we are living in the present or reliving the past in an alternative way but in the present. Almost creating a butterfly effect in the present day as we look back at our past and memories.
Thanks Victoria. Yes, it's interesting to wonder whether our present is being shaped by the past and memories etc . . . or if it may be possible that somehow the events in our future are already affecting how we live now. (I think the technical term for that idea is "retro-causality")
Oh wow! There's a term for it! So cool! I love it! Thank you for sharing George! Please continue to inspire and write great and meaningful things. Whatever shape or form our present memories may turn into our future, the key is to cherish the time we have on this earth and in this life time. I'm curious if we could meet someone who remembers their previous life. Maybe that's how it feels like. Trying to reshape their life in a different way from their previous life.
I too hold this remembrance, of the ways things are meant to be and the way things once were. For me, memories usually come as feelings. So it’s quite interesting to make sense of them that way. But our hearts no doubt hold these truths. I loved this piece so much, thank you George.
It means a lot to know I'm not the only one who feels like this. And you're so right about how our hearts hold the truth of these things.
Memory and feeling are so deeply connected - I suppose that's why they both have a habit of lasting so very long! (Even when there are time we may rather forget)
I always appreciate you for being here Kaitlyn. Thanks for reading.
Borges, in his story 'The immortal' begins by quoting Francis Bacon's Essays, LVIII. "Salomon saith, There is no new thing upon the earth. So that as Plato had an imagination, that all knowledge was but remembrance; so Salomon giveth his sentence, that all novelty is but oblivion."
It is a quote I carry with me more than 25 years. Somehow it resonates with what you write today.
Your poem is absolutely beautiful.
That's a very powerful quote. Thank you for sharing.
I'm really glad to know the poem resonated with you today too.
There is no doubt that I hold similar feelings. My practice of writing in a daily journal is a place where I capture current state of affairs. However, many years ago, I felt the need to create a separate place/journal that holds past memories dear to my heart. I choose not to forget them, but instead I give them the honor and the grace I believe they deserve.
That's a really great practice. I like the idea of giving memories their own separate space - it's the ultimate way of honouring the things that have shaped us so much.
I feel this way sometimes, too, and I really loved your poem. I often wonder if things were really better back then or if my memories are clouded by time. I really do miss the simplicity of some things that have become complicated, though. Thank you for the pretty prose and poetry.
Glad to know I'm not the only one who feels these things. Thanks for reading Jenn.
I often feel this melancholy you describe. I wonder if I am idealist and I am actually yearning for the time I believed the story I created in my mind. Once we see through our own illusions and those of others and of our society around us, we sort of wish we could go back and that although we can experience joy in our present moment we know that the story of happiness is merely a story. Not sure if I made sense of my thoughts there or not!
That makes a lot of sense April. It's what I've thought at times too - like, maybe the "pining for some unknown past" is actually more of a sense of realising that the world wasn't quite living up to the more romantic ideal I had of it!
But I guess stories shape our life, just as much as life shapes the stories we tell.
Hi George, The following might help to explain some of your feelings. This is just something I’ve come across, it’s not necessarily true. There is a belief that, after we die, our soul goes on and enters others, perhaps in our own family, down the generations. Some believe that it shows in a child who is very intuitive or wise beyond their years. People say, ‘He’s uncannily like Uncle John’ or ‘She’s got an old head on young shoulders.’ There can be a strong feeling that ‘He/she’s been here before.’ An ‘old soul’ can also be defined as someone who has a lot of emotional intelligence and someone who has a deep understanding of the world around them. Such a person is believed to be at the final stage of their re-incarnational journey and has a deep understanding of life and its purpose. An old soul often has a strong connection to their inner self and exhibits a sense of looking back at what has been accomplished.
What is an old soul?
An old soul is someone who has lived many past lives, progressing through various stages of growth and learning.
You Need Alone Time: Old souls tend to be loners. They prefer spending time alone because their interests and maturity levels differ from those of their peers. Building close relationships can be challenging for them.
You’re Not Materialistic: An old soul seeks a simple life and doesn’t find fulfillment in material possessions. They recognize that material things are temporary and instead seek inner peace.
You Listen to Your Intuition: Unlike many, old souls have a strong intuition that guides their judgment. They trust this inner voice and allow it to shape their life decisions.
You’re Extremely Empathic: Empathy is a hallmark of old souls. They can put themselves in others’ shoes and truly understand their feelings. Some old souls are also empaths, absorbing other people’s emotions.
You Were a Strange Child: Growing up, old souls are often categorized as odd. They may not have had many friends and likely had different interests than other kids.
You’re an Overthinker: Old souls tend to contemplate deeply. They ponder life’s mysteries, philosophical questions, and their own existence2.
You’re Tapped Into Your Spiritual Side: Old souls have a natural affinity for spirituality. They seek meaning beyond the material world and explore concepts like karma, reincarnation, and interconnectedness.
You’ve Always Felt Different: Old souls often feel like misfits in their generation. Their perspectives and priorities set them apart from the crowd.
You Appreciate Simplicity: Old souls find beauty in the simplest things—a sunset, a quiet moment, or a genuine conversation. They value depth over superficiality.
You’re Drawn to Nature: Old souls feel a deep connection with nature. They find solace in natural landscapes and seek harmony with the environment.
You’re Wise Beyond Your Years: People often turn to old souls for advice because of their wisdom and insight. They possess a depth of understanding that transcends their age.
You Cherish Timelessness: Old souls appreciate timeless art, music, and literature. They resonate with works that capture universal truths and enduring themes.
Remember, being an old soul is a unique and enriching experience, offering profound insights and a different perspective on life.
Why Do Old Souls Suffer?
There are several reasons why old souls suffer. As I mentioned earlier, old souls don’t usually connect with people their age, and they fail to fit into society. Many have a strong sense that this world was just not meant for them.
There is also the problem with people clinging to or attacking old souls’ energy. These people often drain old souls with all their problems and expect them to have the solution. Generally, the more the old souls give to people, the more they tend to suffer.
Another problem that old souls often experience is the struggle to find true love. A reason for that is old souls usually attract people who need healing or have problems finding a real connection with someone.
Life as an old soul may bring many struggles, but the benefits may be just as many. The wisdom and maturity old souls carry serve them well throughout life. They approach the world with a curious and open mind while following their strong intuitions as a guide through the journey of life.
Ref: What Is An Old Soul? 12 Signs You're One - Spiritvibez
Wow, thank you for sharing this Martha.
That is so very interesting.
Such a beautiful and melancholic story and philosophy. Sometimes I wonder if we are living in the present or reliving the past in an alternative way but in the present. Almost creating a butterfly effect in the present day as we look back at our past and memories.
Thanks Victoria. Yes, it's interesting to wonder whether our present is being shaped by the past and memories etc . . . or if it may be possible that somehow the events in our future are already affecting how we live now. (I think the technical term for that idea is "retro-causality")
Oh wow! There's a term for it! So cool! I love it! Thank you for sharing George! Please continue to inspire and write great and meaningful things. Whatever shape or form our present memories may turn into our future, the key is to cherish the time we have on this earth and in this life time. I'm curious if we could meet someone who remembers their previous life. Maybe that's how it feels like. Trying to reshape their life in a different way from their previous life.
If one can actually recall better days, then one can take solace in the fact that those better days were had, and not missed.
I too hold this remembrance, of the ways things are meant to be and the way things once were. For me, memories usually come as feelings. So it’s quite interesting to make sense of them that way. But our hearts no doubt hold these truths. I loved this piece so much, thank you George.
It means a lot to know I'm not the only one who feels like this. And you're so right about how our hearts hold the truth of these things.
Memory and feeling are so deeply connected - I suppose that's why they both have a habit of lasting so very long! (Even when there are time we may rather forget)
I always appreciate you for being here Kaitlyn. Thanks for reading.