The essence of S.P.A.C.E.S
Do they take you back in time?
“Spaces are the silent storytellers of our lives, each corner holding whispers of laughter, tears, and the beautifully woven web of our memories.”
I recently went to the Lalbagh park to have a look at an exhibition of lantana elephants. Now, these were no ordinary elephants. They were made of a recycled weed (lantana) that grows in forests, which tends to destroy vegetation. This was a way of bringing in a regenerative culture to the landscape and helping the forests flourish by doing away with the dangerous weed.
The last time I had been to Lalbagh was around 7 years ago. I was living with my brother in Bangalore then and the park was close to our home. I used to walk down to the park now and then for a stroll when I was bored. I admired the flora and fauna and used to love the meandering pathways and greenery. There was even a mini water fall there! And during some seasons there were massive flower exhibits. Although, whenever I used to go then, I came back home in fits of sneezes as the pollen really got to me.
I even remember the dates I went on there. I remember the picnic lunch my date had packed for me-a green salad with spinach, grapes, pomogranate, beetroot, special halumi cheese and chocolate pudding for dessert.
Today, I was back again, and I felt a sense of reminiscence. Unfortunately, the park was not that green anymore and the flowers had gotten a bit droopy. Nevertheless, I went around the park and spent some time there. I even sat on a bench and did some nature sketching. And even as I sat there alone, I felt this sense of great comfort. Like the place knew me and it had welcomed me to be a part of its essence, yet again. Like it remembered me.
Have you ever walked into a place and felt an instant rush of memories and emotions? It’s like stepping into a time machine that takes you back to moments that have become imprinted in your mind. Spaces, whether it’s the corner coffee shop, your childhood home, or a cozy reading nook, have this incredible ability to leave a mark on us.
Think about the coffee shop where you used to spend lazy Sunday afternoons. The aroma of freshly ground coffee, the familiar hum of chatter, the soft creaking of the door — these sensory experiences become like puzzle pieces in your memory. When you walk back in, it’s not just a physical space; it’s a flood of sensations that transport you to a different time.
Spaces are emotional archives. They store the laughter, the tears, the heart-to-heart conversations. That old bench in the park or the kitchen table where family dinners happened — they hold the echoes of joy, love, and sometimes, heartache. Revisiting these spaces is like opening a book of emotions, each chapter a different experience etched in the walls.
Our brains are storytellers, and spaces are the stages where our stories unfold. Going back to a place where you celebrated a milestone or weathered a storm can trigger a reel of memories. It’s like hitting play on a movie of your life, with each scene carefully stored in the nooks and crannies of that familiar environment.
Spaces aren’t just physical; they’re woven into the fabric of our identity. Your favorite bookstore or that street corner where you met your best friend — they contribute to who you are. Returning to these spaces feels like coming home, a reminder of the roots that ground you and the people who shaped your journey.
Familiar spaces are like a warm hug. The predictability of a well-loved spot brings a sense of comfort and security. It’s like finding refuge in the midst of life’s uncertainties, a safe haven where you can let your guard down and just be.
Spaces have this magical ability to transcend time. Stepping into a place after years can be a bittersweet revelation. Things may have changed, yet the essence remains. It’s a dance between past and present, a rendezvous with nostalgia that makes you appreciate the beauty of the ever-evolving journey.
In the end, spaces are more than bricks and mortar; they are living stories waiting to be revisited. So, the next time you find yourself wandering back to a familiar place, embrace the memories, savor the emotions, and relish the timeless journey through the magic of spaces.
