The Power of a Song: A Journey Back to Core Memories

The other day, while cooking and listening to the radio, a classic tune began to play: “Aap Ki Nazaron Ne Samjha” by the legendary Lata Mangeshkar. As a 90s kid, retro songs aren’t always on my go-to playlist, but I enjoy them occasionally. Yet, this time, the song struck me in a way I hadn’t expected—it left me emotional, almost overwhelmed. And for a moment, I couldn’t understand why.

Then it dawned on me: this song was a time machine. It transported me back to my childhood summers—those peaceful nights under a star-filled sky, when life was simpler. My brother and I would play, read, or draw (thankfully free from digital distractions), while my mother played retro songs on our cassette player. Lata Mangeshkar was her absolute favourite, and these songs would bring her so much happiness and peace after her long, tiring days.

As a child, I didn’t fully understand what those songs meant to her. But now, as an adult, I do. Music was her escape, her moment of calm amidst the chaos of daily life. It wasn’t just about the songs; it was about the joy and peace they brought into our home. The memory of those moments, now etched deeply in my mind, resurfaced when this song played on the radio.

The Role of Core Memories

This experience made me reflect on the power of core memories. These are the moments in life that silently shape who we are, even without our conscious awareness. They lie dormant, waiting for a trigger—a song, a smell, a fleeting thought—to bring them back to life. When they do, they connect us to the past, grounding us in the relationships and experiences that define us.

This moment also reminded me of how core memories shape not just our identity but our emotions and responses. They influence how we react to situations, often in ways we don’t even realize.

Key Lessons I Learned

From this single experience, I walked away with three important lessons:

1. Cherish the small, quiet moments. Often, these are the ones we carry with us the longest.
2. My mother’s love for music taught me resilience. She showed me how to find joy and peace even in the busiest, most exhausting days.
3. Lata Mangeshkar’s legacy is timeless. Her voice and music continue to heal and inspire humanity, transcending generations.

As you reflect on your own actions and responses, take a moment to consider how they might be connected to your core memories. You might be surprised to discover how the people, experiences, and moments from your past have shaped who you are today. Understanding these connections can offer powerful insights into how we navigate life and how our past continues to influence our present in ways we may not always realize.

I'm also sharing a link to the beautiful song by Lata Mangeshkar that I mentioned, in case anyone would like to listen and experience the magic of her voice. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wv-VlQMD0VY

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