Memories are the threads that weave our lives together, shaping our identities, evoking emotions and helping us to navigate our way through the present into the future.

Every moment is destined to become a memory, so how do we keep our wonderful memories alive? How do we carry the moments of meaning with us, to be part of our story? 

There is a profound connection between memories and our sense of sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch, as our brain absorbs information best when it is a multi-sensory experience. Our five senses provide the key to making memories last.

When we are fully present and utilising all our senses to perceive and experience a precious moment, we create a mental anchor that strengthens our ability to reminisce about significant moments in a more vivid and detailed manner. 

Being mindful during moments of meaning also promotes a sense of gratitude and contentment. When we express gratitude for the happiness a moment brings, the positive emotions associated with gratitude are deeply imprinted in our minds.

The act of consciously acknowledging the value of a special moment makes it easier to retrieve these memories in the future. 

When I was 12 years old I made a promise to my future self that I would ALWAYS remember a particular moment in my life. I was eating lunch at a restaurant with my parents when I tried this memory experiment. I deliberately took a mental note of the table colour (red), where I was sitting (opposite Mum and Dad), the light in the room (bright and sunny), what I was wearing (jeans and T-shirt), the smell (chicken-y), temperature (warm), and also how I felt (happy and calm).

This experiment was motivated by curiosity, rather than any magic or awe experienced at the time, and it absolutely worked! I had mapped my five-senses with intention and, years later, I can still close my eyes and return to this very moment. 

It was a moment that, at the time, felt unremarkable, but I now thank my 12-year-old self for this memory – a sweet reminder of my childhood spent with my lovely parents.

Feeling gratitude in a moment of joy and happiness can also sharpen our senses. Gratitude enhances our ability to recall those memories later on, as the positive emotions associated with them are deeply imprinted in our minds.

By understanding the connection between mindfulness, gratitude, and the five senses, we can cultivate a deeper appreciation for the present moment and preserve the memories that warm our hearts.

When you make your happy memories, what are your eyes seeing, ears hearing, tongue tasting, nose smelling, and skin feeling?

Is it when you…

• Listen to the laughter of loved ones, the sweet melodies of birdsong, or the soothing sounds of nature’s symphony?
• Feel the warmth of the sun on your skin, the gentle touch of a loved one’s hand, or the softness of fresh grass beneath your feet?
• Savour the exquisite taste of your favourite food, the aroma of blooming flowers, or the familiar flavours of a home-cooked meal?
• Observe the vibrant colours of a breathtaking sunset, the intricate details of a delicate flower, or the mesmerising dance of light and shadow?
• Breathe in the crisp, invigorating scent of the ocean breeze, the comforting fragrance of freshly brewed coffee, or the nostalgic aroma of rain-kissed earth?

By mindfully engaging with all our senses in our special moments, we create a powerful connection. 

Pause when you find yourself immersed in a moment of bliss. 

Close your eyes and take a deep breath, embracing all your senses, for they can guide you back to this feeling of happiness when this moment has become a memory.