Sojourning in my memory mansion

I use a lot of colorful sticky notes to remind me of things I need to do. Or to present someone’s brilliant quote. Or to display a key word or number. It seems almost like an affliction for me, relying on these little missives to spark action within me.

On second thought, maybe I should not relegate these little memory cues to an unfortunate condition. I find them encouraging, motivating and inspiring. Not in the same affecting way that photographs, scents, comforts and experiences move me, but in a manner of prompting knowledge and will into service.

Yes, accessing my “memory bank” occurs constantly, routinely and surreptitiously. And I realize it is “there” in that place where creativity blooms like stunning blue forget-me-nots in a secret garden.

​Augustine wrote of “mansions of memory” and images in our minds that we may magnify, diminish or alter based on the information our senses report. He wrote of “sojourning there” to his memory and commanding certain “things” to emerge from remote crannies – sometimes easily and sometimes not. He marveled at the faculty of memory, its infinite complexity and awesome mystery – a gift from God.

​In remembering, I think we ascend to God, recounting our journey, our missteps and progress, transforming these mind-messages into the present moment. Surely memories of our life and experiences conjure our senses for a reason?

Whether obtrusive little squares of paper adhering to my monitor, photos from last year’s vacation, or special family mementos, all these memories infuse me, once again, with what I saw, heard, tasted, smelled or touched.

If for no other reason, sojourning in my memory mansion sparks awareness, reflection, creativity and love.