“But there is a deeper need yet, I think, and that is the need—not all the time, surely, but from time to time—to enter that still room within us all where the past lives on as a part of the present, where the dead are alive again, where we are most alive ourselves to turnings and to where our journeys have brought us.”–Frederick Buechner

Memorial Day, the unofficial/official start of summer, is a time of gathering with friends and family at the beach or having picnics.  Just like so many other aspects of life, we tend to lose sight of the deeper meaning.  Memorial Day is a time to remember those who fought for the freedom and betterness of our country.  It is a time to remember those we have loved and lost.

The word smriti is sanskrit for that which is remembered.  We practice smriti to remember the past to see the evolution and growth of the world. The past is the foundation for the future.  If it were not for the patriotism of our grandparents, parents, brothers, sisters, friends, we would not be where we are today, able to live in a world of technologic and medical advancement, and freedom to choose and pursue our own dreams.  The word remember comes from the old latin re-memori which translates as to be mindful of.  Not only do we remember the past to see what we have become, but also through mindfulness we are more aware of the present, of our self and others. 

Practice smriti to look deep inside your heart and come back to what it is in life that really counts.  As a result, you will find more joy in your heart and therefore, in all that you do.