Memories are made of this...
Went to the airport this morning to pick up my friend across from the States. He's in to help me out with some work at the J.O.B. as I'm getting a bit behind. It's a bit of a jolly for him to be here, though he's been here many times before over the 9-10 years I've known him. He essentially does the same J.O.B in the States as I do here, except he's alot closer to the source for all things wonderful so has a bit more knowledge of the tools I use.
I think it's safe to say he's my best friend, which is a funny thing to call him as I see him maybe once a year if I'm lucky. Still, from our first initial meeting where we infamously found out we had the same taste in music, it's all been a blast!
So here I am sat at the arrivals lounge waiting for him when I start thinking of the last time I was here. Seems that even the smallest of memories these days remind me of Her. We we're only here the twice, once when She arrived back home from Her travels and I offered to pick Her up, once when we took a trip together down south. Ghosts, you would say. Samscaras, I believe... grooves in the record that our minds play back to us over and over again at the least little stimulus. Well, there was enough here to trigger a few. It was the stall where for 60 quid you can buy a ticket to win the latest dream from Mr Porsche, fantastic in gleaming black - the guy was actually polishing the roof with what looked like his tie this morning! I remember Her hovering around looking at and all it represents. At the time it meant nothing, yet now, the memory is so much more valuable. Another notch to be more mindful.
I got to thinking if this happens when I practice too. I guess it does.. Positions I used to get into, or a time when a particular pose seemed impossibly difficult that I can now reach. I understand the view at a primitive level that the mind is primarily a self defense mechanism to keep us alive long enough to propogate the species. But it's truly amazing some of the things it can do. How fantastic is it that one small cue can cause the mind to recall a whole series of linked events and feelings at the drop of a hat? The early experiences of starting out on this yoga thing, the first class, the first attempts at postures beyond navasana, Mysore, friends, families, life. All just memories. Groves on the record. Experiences to help me grow, to understand more about myself and about this thing called life.
I read once that yoga doesn't change us it just allows more of who we really are to come out. Bring it on. Got me some more grooves to burn.