NOSTALGIA

Nostalgia can be described as a warm, fuzzy feeling related to past events, usually of a pleasurable nature.
Perhaps one typical example is an elderly person hearing some music from his or her era arousing a feeling of rapture to partially block out all present fears and concerns.
Even children can be sticklers to adhering to tradition with comments like “but we always do it that way” which can be imprinted on the brain into adulthood.

The word Nostalgia was invented in the 17th century to describe the attitude of Swiss mercenaries who longed for home, frequently wept, refused food – being so traumatized, resulting in suicides.

“Home sick” later became a typical phrase, no doubt significant in view of the thousands of human migrations in these times, with perceptions of a better life which will go hand in hand with a sensation of loss too.

To analyze emotions, were we really happier then, the summers longer, the fun more enjoyable and eating out no mundane action but a rewarding and pleasurable event?

Essentially the capturing of memories from previous times can be important to our identities and perhaps create a framework for future decisions.
Do the earlier pleasures enhance a present lifestyle and perhaps the memories of frugal times arouse gratitude for present greater affluence?

Of course there is no objective in longing for “lost innocence”. It is no doubt more advantageous to contemplate on the actions that caused this and allow present decisions to be fulfilling.

There are a number of triggers that arouse nostalgia like old photographs, the aroma of perfume or food, music and perhaps a return to what was a romantic and fulfilling experience on a tropical island. Sadly, often expectations are irrational and might result in a feeling of “paradise lost” !

Nostalgia is the enemy of those who have ambitions to “lead forward”. Progressives see traditionalists as stuck in the mud, whereas the conservatives see progressives as naïve and reckless!

Many spiritual books are written today emphasising the importance of living in the present, the philosophy being that the past in irretrievable and the future unpredictable.
There is much wisdom in this but our minds are over cluttered with past events and frantic planning for the future.
An old saying states that one “should take time to smell the daisies’. Something to contemplate on due to our present exhaustive lifestyles.

By enjoying Matsimela’s range of products in the privacy of your home or at a salon or spa – perhaps there is a sense of nostalgia in 1 of the elements contained in our products.