For many grieving individuals, it’s a loved one’s laugh, the timbre of their voice, or another unique quality that they miss the most. There’s no doubt, the finality of death causes pain and confusion to those in mourning. A significant and meaningful way to process this life change is to recall – and share – memories of the departed, and family vacations often rank as some of the most treasured moments in a person’s life.
A Study in Time
Physics is a branch of science that explicitly studies time, and even experts agree that it’s a highly challenging property to fully understand. Sure, we know how to measure time, but the way we perceive time is entirely subjective.
People tend to feel like they’re moving towards something in life (from the past, to the present, and hurtling into the future). This is all the more reason to slow down, take stock, and enjoy the moment with the people you love the most.
Universally True
George Harrison famously quipped: “It’s being here now that’s important. There’s no past, and there’s no future. Time is a very misleading thing. All there is, ever, is the now. We can gain experience from the past, but we can’t relive it; we can hope for the future, but we don’t know if there is one.”
Time is one thing that is experienced universally, and the collective sense that we don’t have enough of it is a good reason to take annual family vacations. We need time to unplug, unwind, and reconnect with the people who are most important to us.
The Finer Points
Since we never get time back, it’s important to make time to watch your children play, have deep, memorable conversations, cook meals together, and experience all the little joys life has to offer. The future isn’t guaranteed, so it’s vital that we embrace the present and celebrate together.
A New Way
Almost everyone has at least one memory of a family vacation. More often than not, the feelings and sensations we experience while away from home are the most potent. Our routine is broken up, senses are reawakened, and a new way of looking at things is embraced. What’s not to love?
Together Time
Chances are, no one ever remembers if the accomodations were less than ideal or whether the traffic was terrible on the way home. We do, however, easily recall how simple and uncomplicated previous family vacations seemed to feel. As we age and begin to think of the final chapters in our lives, memories begin to take hold, and recollections from past family vacations can be felt deeply decades later.
Embracing Family Vacations
Taking time out of a busy work, school, or camp schedule doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, the simplest experiences are often the most memorable.
We encourage you and your family to make some memories this summer. As Lao Tzu said, “Time is a created thing. To say ‘I don’t have time’ is like saying ‘I don’t want to’.” We know you want to embrace the special moments with your family. Don’t forget to send us a postcard!
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