Nostalgia can be a slippery slope. It leads us away from the present and into the past. The felt sense of nostalgia may be a kind of ache in our belly or shortness of breath. When we feel these sensations we may act impulsively as a way to escape the uncomfortable.
How does it feel to just pause and notice what’s alive in us? Full stop.
For those with a history of depression or anxiety, nostalgia may be a trigger. Its presence may be a sign that we’re sliding in the direction of suffering. When we feel this happening we can shift our awareness to the present moment — our environment, sounds, breath.
As we begin to notice the always-changing nature of our mind, we also become more attuned to our thoughts. Recognizing that our thoughts and emotions are intertwined, we aim to notice what is arising in us. We then use discernment to decide what we take and what we leave.