"Beaucoup de gens ne peuvent pas se souvenir des choses parce qu'ils n'étaient pas vraiment là au départ. C'est comme les femmes au foyer qui disent qu'elles ne se souviennent pas de leur premier orgasme. Bien sûr qu'elles ne peuvent pas - elles n'étaient p"

The core idea here is about the importance of being fully present in the moment. It suggests that many people struggle to remember experiences because their mind was elsewhere, not fully engaged or conscious of the event at the time it happened.

Think about it this way: have you ever driven home and realized you don’t remember the drive? That's because your mind was wandering. You were on autopilot. This quote uses a vivid and somewhat cheeky analogy to make the point—housewives not remembering their first orgasm because they weren’t mentally or emotionally present when it happened.

This idea can be traced back to concepts in mindfulness and presence, which have been discussed for centuries in both Eastern and Western philosophies. Mindfulness, essentially, means being fully engaged and aware of the current moment without distraction. When you're not truly present, your brain doesn't register the experience fully, making it hard to recall later.

For a real-life example, imagine you're at a concert of your favorite band. The music is blasting, the crowd’s energy is infectious, but you’re constantly checking your phone—taking videos, texting friends, updating your social media. Later, when you try to recall the concert, your memories are disjointed and incomplete. You were there physically, but your mind was split between the present and the digital world.

To apply this wisdom, start by practicing mindfulness in your daily life. If you're in a conversation, really listen to the other person. If you're eating, savor the flavors and textures of your food without distractions. It’s not about perfection—no one can be 100% present all the time—but making a conscious effort to be more engaged can lead to richer, more memorable experiences.

Now, let me tell you a story that brings this idea home. Picture a young woman named Emily, always rushing through life, juggling her job, social media, and a slew of social commitments. One day, she decides to take a week off and visit a quiet cabin in the woods. No Wi-Fi, no cell service—just her and nature. At first, she's restless, constantly reaching for her phone that isn't there. But as days go by, she starts to notice the chirping of birds, the rustling of leaves, the way the sunlight filters through the trees. She feels a sense of peace she hasn't felt in years. When she returns home, she realizes she remembers every detail of her trip vividly. That week in the cabin stands out clearly in her mind because she was fully present for it.

Think about those times when you were truly engaged in something, where time seemed to fly, and you can recall the experience in great detail. That's the power of being present. So next time, whether you're at a family dinner, a work meeting, or simply watching a sunset, try to be there mentally as well as physically. You'll find your memories are clearer, your experiences richer, and your life more fulfilling.