Nostalgia

Nostalgia - Greek: “Nostos Algos” - Literal translation: “The pain of wanting to return home". A working definition of nostalgia is a feeling invoked by recollections of particular circumstances (most commonly expressed as relating to a past period of time), giving rise to a longing for a life situation that the feeler does not currently experience. The ‘feeling’ aspect places nostalgia squarely within the subjective experience of the individual and may assist us in understanding its origin, its purposes and its effects. Nostalgia allows an idealised reimagining of the past while filtering out the complexities and imperfections of the reality in which that past was lived. Let’s explore the following thought prompts, each both at an individual and collective/societal level: * What causes nostalgia? Subjective experience or collective zeitgeist? * What purposes does nostalgia serve? * How does nostalgia influence us positively and/or negatively? * Is nostalgia something that we should strive to minimise or eliminate, or relish? * How does nostalgia strengthen us? * How does nostalgia leave us vulnerable? What is your experience of nostalgia in your own life? If you feel comfortable doing so, think about some personal examples to share. Below are a few links to some thought-provoking YouTube videos: * [https://youtu.be/-6FgxxB7jhk?si=MAbqhhADi_xpyYRU](https://youtu.be/-6FgxxB7jhk?si=MAbqhhADi_xpyYRU) (Why Gen Z Misses a time they never knew) * [https://youtu.be/_RZ-w4hU8Dw?si=Cjg6Y0osG9MD6pQP](https://youtu.be/_RZ-w4hU8Dw?si=Cjg6Y0osG9MD6pQP) (The world you grew up in no longer exists) * [https://youtu.be/coGfGmOeLjE?si=QwiA6KD2dy0ET0LS](https://youtu.be/coGfGmOeLjE?si=QwiA6KD2dy0ET0LS) (Why do we feel nostalgia) *** CUSTOMS: You must register and be on the “Attendees - Going” list to attend. Minimum spend of $10 at the cafe on food and/or drink. This enables us to have free use of their private room. We meet UPSTAIRS at the Little Turkish Cafe. Please arrive early to order food and/or drink before you join us. Several people arrive early and eat downstairs before the Meetup. You are welcome to join us. Bring $1 to cover Meetup costs. RSVP POLICY: RSVPs and cancellations will be accepted up until 6 hours before the start of the meetup so that people who feel unwell on the day have time to change their RSVP and allow someone else to attend. Being registered to attend and not attending OR cancelling your attendance after 12:30pm on Tuesday will be considered a 'No Show'. Members with two 'No Shows' will be banned from attending further D&M Meetups. This RSVP policy has become necessary due to the high number of last minute withdrawals and non-attendance. This unfairly causes people on the Waiting List to miss out. Thanks for your cooperation.