A Run Through Memory Lane

If someone performed a functional MRI of my brain during my morning run, they would have noticed my hippocampus lighting up like a Christmas tree. I ran in my old neighborhood, and the familiar sights triggered the recollection of many happy memories, which in turn spurred more positive internal thoughts. So, by the time I made it to the office this morning, I was all loved up!

In short sparks of what I can only describe as emotions and "mental sensations," I briefly relived trivial and important moments in my life. Like commuting to work in the early, dark, and cold mornings of winter and the hot days of summer. Taking the bus to daycare with Allegra in the carrier, and little Lorenzo tapping the Oyster card and waving to the bus driver. The runs with Lorenzo & Allegra, both in prams, and Lidia and I pushing hard up that infamous hill of the Kamai Parkrun. My early morning and late-night runs through the beautiful national park to the golf course, noticing whales jumping in the ocean.

What fascinated me is how all of these memories eventually melded together. As a sort of mental time travel, expressed in emotions, sensory details (I swear I could smell Allegra's baby powder at one stage), and a strange feeling of being connected to that time like it was today. And indeed, the same person. Even if it was over 5 years in the past.

Next week, I will travel to Italy to visit my dad, and I will spend some time in my hometown, which I left 21 years ago.
​I am looking forward to running through that memory lane, and I am curious to see what will come up.